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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 65


Page 65 of 402

Treetop leaves of tall trees store extra water

Researchers found that treetop leaves in tall trees like coast redwood and Japanese cedar act as a water supply tank, storing water to help maintain physiological functions. This discovery helps predict future changes in forest function and CO2 absorption in the face of climate change.

Substantial differences in obstetric care for First Nations women in Canada: BC study

A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2015

Tissue cartography

Two postdoctoral scholars from UC Santa Barbara's Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics developed a method called ImSAnE, which constructs an atlas of two-dimensional maps for dynamic tissue surfaces. This allows scientists to analyze layered tissues with relative ease and reduces data size and processing time.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 2, 2015

The battle for informational self-determination

ETH Zurich researchers Prof. Dirk Helbing and Dr. Evangelos Pournaras propose a citizen-led platform called Nervousnet to enable self-determination and sustainability. The platform allows users to measure, analyze, and share data in real-time, promoting participatory governance and environmental awareness.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2015

Predicting cancer's growth from few clues

Mathematicians at Duke University develop a method to compare common tumor growth models using only two time-point measurements of tumor size. The results suggest breast and liver tumors grow exponentially, while neurological tumors follow the two-thirds power law.

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

UCLA researchers find a wide variation in costs to treat low-risk prostate cancer

A new study by UCLA researchers reveals a wide range of costs for treating low-risk prostate cancer, with active surveillance being the most cost-effective option. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to analyze costs across an entire care process, finding significant variation in prices for different treatments.

What ever happened to West Nile?

A study analyzing 16 years of mark-recapture data found large-scale declines in roughly half of the species studied, including Swainson's thrush and tufted titmouse. Roughly half of the afflicted species managed to rebound within a year or two, including corvids like crows.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Study: Small urban corner stores offer increased healthy food options

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal policy changes led to an increase in healthy food availability at smaller urban corner stores in Baltimore. The researchers found that stores in neighborhoods with a majority of black residents showed the greatest improvement, suggesting that boosting hea...

Anti-smoking messages can backfire, research suggests

Research highlights the potential backfire of stigmatizing smoking in public health campaigns, which can lead to increased stress and resistance to quitting. Vulnerable groups may benefit from anti-smoking programs focusing on giving up benefits rather than negative stereotypes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Obese people need more vitamin E, but actually get less

A recent study suggests that obese individuals with metabolic syndrome may be chronically deficient in vitamin E, which is crucial for combating oxidative stress and associated diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's. Experts recommend a balanced diet with daily multivitamins and healthy fats to mitigate this deficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2015

Restaurants listing calorie counts on the menu offer more lower-calorie items

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US chain restaurants with voluntary calorie labels have an average of 140 fewer calories per item than those without labels. This trend suggests that menu labeling can encourage restaurants to offer healthier options and reduce population-level obesity.

Body odor sets female rhesus monkeys apart

Rhesus monkeys can distinguish between female group members and those from different social groups using their sense of smell. This ability helps them understand their social environment, with males and older monkeys showing greater interest in distinguishing odors.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 2, 2015

Cancer cells use secret tunnels to communicate and smuggle cancer signals to their neighbors

Researchers discovered that cancer cells utilize tunneling nanotubes to exchange molecules with neighboring cells, including healthy cells, and a key regulator protein is involved in this process. The findings suggest potential new strategies for cancer treatment by targeting these secret channels.

Ultrasensitive sensors made from boron-doped graphene

Researchers have developed ultrasensitive gas sensors using boron-doped graphene, detecting noxious gas molecules at extremely low concentrations. The sensors outperform current state-of-the-art sensors by six orders of magnitude, opening a path to high-performance detection of toxic gases and other molecules.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Plants keep one foot on the brakes

Researchers discovered the 'off' switch for starch production in plants, which rapidly shuts down production at night to prevent energy waste. The discovery suggests that the seemingly wasteful approach holds a clever adaptation strategy to adjust metabolism in response to fluctuating light intensity.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Fireworks are fun but can reduce visibility

A study published in Weather found that fireworks on Guy Fawkes' night can reduce visibility by an average of 25% due to the release of hygroscopic particulate matter. This effect is exacerbated when relative humidity is high, posing significant safety risks for motorist and pedestrian safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWeather·DateNov 2, 2015

Griffith University reveals world-first 3-D image of a protein involved in cancer spread

Researchers at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics have determined the first three-dimensional image of a protein involved in cancer spread using X-ray crystallography. The study reveals the enzyme heparanase, which degrades a sugar molecule and is associated with angiogenesis, inflammation, and increased metastatic potential.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

IU Kelley School of Business research uncovers recipe for producing and managing star performers

Research by Herman Aguinis and Kyle Bradley suggests that performance follows a power law distribution, leading to more common star performers. The study recommends transparency, fairness in policies, structuring work, training development interventions, employment decisions, and compensation to effectively manage and produce star perf...

SourceIndiana University·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateNov 2, 2015