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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 35

A canary for climate change

Researchers found a strong correlation between Northern Hemisphere seabird diversity and environmental stressors, with puffins and auks serving as indicator species. The study suggests that climate change has shaped the geographic distribution and population size of existing species over the past 5 million years.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateOct 14, 2014

What goes up must come down

Biologists at UC Riverside found that geckos reverse hind foot position to use the adhesive system as a brake and stabilizer when moving downhill. The study, published in Biology Letters, sheds light on gecko locomotion on non-level terrain and has applications in robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 14, 2014

Seniors run for the suburbs in their golden years

A Concordia University study found that seniors over 65 are more likely to move to suburbs than urban cores. This trend is driven by factors such as access to medical services and public transit infrastructure. As a result, researchers warn that this shift may have negative implications for seniors' quality of life.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateOct 14, 2014

Immune cells in the liver drive fatty liver disease and liver cancer

A team of scientists led by Prof. Mathias Heikenwälder found that immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and NK T cells, play a crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. The study suggests that an existing metabolic imbalance triggers the activation and migration of...

New clues behind the resilience of a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, Chlamydia

Researchers have uncovered how chlamydia, a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, has evolved to evade its hosts through genomic shuffling and adaptation. The study found extensive genetic variation between chlamydia families, highlighting the importance of understanding this diversity for developing new therapeutics.

Frontline diagnosis and treatment of infant infections

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that frontline health workers can accurately diagnose bacterial infections in young infants, but access to antibiotics is limited. The study suggests that improving diagnosis and antibiotic access can help reduce neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

The Costco effect: Do consumers buy less variety at bigger stores?

A new study found that consumers purchase a greater variety of products when they are packaged individually rather than bundled together. Consumers tend to seek more options when choosing from single products, regardless of their preference. The study offers insight for retailers on how to influence consumer behavior and increase sales.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 14, 2014

Are there enough fish to go around?

A study by researchers at the University of York found that domestic fish supplies have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years, with only one fifth of recommended consumption levels met. The report also highlights the environmental costs of aquaculture and calls for sustainable production methods.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 14, 2014

Autophagy helps fast track stem cell activation

Researchers found that autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism, helps activate muscle stem cells by inducing metabolic shifts and coping with increased biosynthesis demands. Inhibited autophagy delayed stem cell activation, highlighting SIRT1's regulatory role in this process.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 14, 2014

CWRU studies how women in recovery manage personal networks with family and friend users

A study by Case Western Reserve University's social work school found that many women in poverty struggle to drop users in their lives, making it difficult to establish new networks of non-using friends and supporters. The researchers identified relationships in the network as a key factor in whether women used drugs or not.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateOct 14, 2014