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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 5


Page 5 of 34

What psychosocial factors can help IVF patients?

A systematic review of 23 studies found that social support, mindfulness, and positive emotional outcomes are linked to better emotional adjustment in IVF patients. The study highlights the importance of coping strategies, personality traits, and social circumstances in predicting emotional outcomes during and after IVF treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·DateMar 27, 2014

Record quantum entanglement of multiple dimensions

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have achieved a groundbreaking quantum entanglement with a minimum of 103 dimensions using only two particles. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly complex states that can facilitate experimental development of quantum computers and enhance cryptography security.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2014

Cancer researchers find key protein link

Researchers found a previously unknown binding interface between Bcl-2 and NAF-1 proteins, which could be addressed by medication. The study's findings have implications for treating cancer and age-related diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2014

Students on field course bag new spider species

A team of biology students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Naturalis Biodiversity Center discovered a new spider species during their Tropical Biodiversity field course in Malaysian Borneo. The students created a makeshift taxonomy lab, wrote a joint publication, and sent it to a major taxonomic journal for review.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Democratizing data visualization

Researchers found that 69% of Exhibit sites use the JSON format for storing data, and users often exploit complex relationships among data beyond spreadsheet capabilities. The study suggests that spreadsheet designers should offer tools to make it easier for novice developers to organize their data in more sophisticated ways.

Big brown bat males call 'dibs' on food

Researchers discovered that male big brown bats use uniquely distinctive calls to signal they want a meal, while females primarily forage near family members. These social calls were previously unknown and have been found in over 96% of recorded instances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

Instituting a culture of professionalism

Researchers analyzed data from a center for professionalism and peer support at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and found that employees continued to turn to the center for help, citing concerns about physician/scientist behavior. The interventions used were successful in creating substantive changes in behavior.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 27, 2014

One gene, many tissues

The FANTOM project has published an exhaustive map of specificities in gene expression, revealing the first nucleotides of messenger RNA to identify where genes start synthesizing proteins. This study provides insights into how genes are regulated in different tissues, with implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's

Corporate layoff strategies are increasing workplace gender and racial inequality

Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that current downsizing policies are reducing managerial diversity and increasing racial and gender inequalities. The study found that companies using tenure or position as core criteria for downsizing minimized the share of white women in management positions by 25 percent.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 27, 2014

Stool samples provide marker for bowel disease

Researchers have developed a novel method to distinguish between different types of bowel disease using stool samples, with an overall accuracy of 76%. The technique uses volatile organic compounds emitted from the samples to provide a unique profile for each condition, offering a cheaper and quicker alternative to current methods.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateMar 27, 2014

Antidepressants during pregnancy linked to preterm birth

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on antidepressants in pregnancy found a strong association between their use and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that antidepressant medications may be contributing to the rising trend of preterm births, which can lead to significant health problems and costs.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2014

Despatch from the field

A new collaboration enables immediate access to taxonomic research and underlying data, reducing 'shelf life' from 21 years to weeks. The system facilitates data sharing and preservation, addressing 80% of scientific data loss within 10 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Cause for exaggerated insulin response in subset of bariatric surgery patients identified

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that gastric bypass surgery leads to excessive post-meal insulin response in a subset of patients, characterized by altered islet cell function and reduced insulin clearance. This study sheds light on mechanisms of glucose metabolism alterations following gastric bypass surgery.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 27, 2014

Sugary drinks weigh heavily on teenage obesity

A recent study found that sugary drinks significantly contribute to obesity among teenagers in British Columbia schools. Students consuming these drinks regularly were more likely to be obese, highlighting the importance of school food environments promoting healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMar 26, 2014