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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

Are human breast milk microbiomes 'neutral'?

Recent research reveals that breast milk microbiomes are maintained by niche differentiation and dominant species, contradicting the traditional neutral theory. This finding has significant clinical implications for understanding mastitis and other diseases associated with breast milk.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 2, 2014

Future solar panels

The research team has found that larger surface areas of cells lead to reduced performance, but can be overcome by building modules with smaller cells connected in series or parallel. They have also developed a new automatic structuring technique to connect cells without damaging the substrate.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateSep 2, 2014

Any diet works, if you stick to it

A recent study published in JAMA found that branded diets, such as Atkins and Weight Watchers, are effective for weight loss when adhered to. Behavioural support and exercise also play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Many nurses unprepared to meet dying patients

A study of over 200 nursing students found that many feel unprepared to care for dying patients, with anxiety and fear being major concerns. The students' idealized concept of a competent nurse differs from the actual situation, emphasizing the need for education and support to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing·DateSep 2, 2014

LA BioMed researcher to be honored

Dr. Richard Casaburi will receive the Distinguished Scientist Honor Lecturer award from CHEST, recognizing his pioneering work in developing rehabilitative treatments for COPD. He leads LA BioMed's pulmonary rehabilitation research and has received numerous awards for his contributions.

Risk of diabetes in children and adolescents exposed to antipsychotics

A nationwide Danish register study found that psychiatrically ill youth exposed to antipsychotic medications had a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes compared to those not exposed. Regular cardiometabolic monitoring should be integral part of antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2014

Increase seen in use of double mastectomy

A study found a substantial increase in double mastectomy use among California women with early-stage breast cancer between 1998 and 2011. Despite the procedure's lack of association with lower mortality rates compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, its higher risk of death was noted.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Exceptionally well preserved insect fossils from the Rhône Valley

Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 2, 2014

Extinctions during human era worse than thought

A new study estimates the pre-human extinction rate to be 0.1 extinctions per million species per year, 10 times lower than previously thought. This means the current rate is 100 times worse, with extinctions occurring 1,000 times more frequently than in the past.

SourceBrown University·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2014

Burnt out birds suggest hard work could be bad for your health

A recent study on a cooperative bird species found that dominant birds, who work harder and take on more responsibilities, experience weakened antioxidant protection after a breeding season. This suggests that unequal sharing of workloads in societies may leave the hardest-working individuals at risk of poor health and accelerated ageing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 2, 2014