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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 59


Page 59 of 402

Adults' happiness on the decline

Researchers found that adults over age 30 are not happier than they used to be, but teens and young adults are experiencing higher levels of happiness. The study, led by San Diego State University professor Jean M. Twenge, analyzed data from four nationally representative samples of Americans ages 13 to 96.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 5, 2015

Guides within electronic medical records during visits help doctors provide better care

Researchers found that embedded clinical practice guidelines in patient electronic medical records during outpatient visits improved the use of severity measurement tools, referrals to rehabilitation programs, inhaler education, and vaccinations among stable COPD patients. The intervention also led to better quality of care measures.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateNov 5, 2015

Teaching the blind to draw -- and do STEM

E.A.S.Y. LLC has received a $1 million NIH grant to develop an interactive graphics printer that translates conventional graphics to raised-line versions for the blind, enabling them to take math and science courses like sighted students. The printer will be used in schools nationwide to create accessible worksheets.

Better sleep and tai chi reduce inflammation and promote health

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 5, 2015

Towards elimination of HIV reservoirs

Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 5, 2015

Three urgent steps for better protected areas

A new study suggests that protected areas are failing to meet biodiversity goals due to inadequate science and management. The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a three-point plan to improve the effectiveness of protected areas, including establishing ecologically sensible targets and identifying performance metrics.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 5, 2015

UMD discovery could enable portable particle accelerators

Physicists at the University of Maryland have accelerated electron beams to nearly the speed of light using millijoules of laser pulse energy, a significant improvement over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-compact machines useful for materials science and medical imaging, overcoming barriers in cost, complexity,...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2015

Researchers show how positive stimuli provide benefits to the distracted brain

Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that positive stimuli, such as cute puppies, increase brain activity in areas involved in emotion control and working memory. Positive distractions do not interfere with task completion, unlike negative distractions like barking dogs, which decrease activity in these regions.

The astounding genome of the dinoflagellate

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of dinoflagellate S. kawagutii, revealing surprising findings about its genetic makeup and adaptability. The study suggests that this species has evolved to cope with stress imposed by climate change and pollution, potentially holding key to understanding other dinoflagellates.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2015