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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 32

Liver problems will likely increase in adults

A new study reveals liver fibrosis affects 5.6% of adults aged ?45, primarily those with diabetes or steatosis. The rising prevalence highlights the growing concern of liver health issues due to an aging population and increasing rates of diabetes and obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 18, 2015

Gut microbes linked to major autoimmune eye disease

Research finds gut microbes produce a molecule mimicking retinal protein, activating T cells responsible for autoimmune uveitis. The study offers a novel mechanism explaining how tissue-specific autoimmune diseases can arise from responses to gut microbes at a distal site in the body.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 18, 2015

Patients with immediate medical needs tend to perceive doctors as emotionless, study finds

A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science finds that patients who require immediate medical attention tend to view their doctors as 'empty vessels,' lacking emotions. These patients expect their physicians to empathize with them and contain their emotions, which can lead to better care if acknowledged.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 18, 2015

Hydrogen sulfide loses its electrical resistance under high pressure at minus 70° Celsius

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz set a new record for superconductivity by observing conventional superconductivity in hydrogen sulfide at -70 degrees Celsius under high pressure. The discovery highlights a potential way to transport current at room temperature with no loss.

Pitt leads sepsis care guidance in preparation for nationwide hospital requirements

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a research-based guidance to improve compliance when treating septic patients. The guidance, which incorporates high-profile clinical trials, aims to aid hospitals in implementing the National Quality Forum's Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle.

UCI, NASA researchers find link between Amazon fire risk, devastating hurricanes

A new study reveals a strong connection between Amazon fires and North Atlantic hurricanes, with warmer ocean temperatures contributing to both phenomena. The research found that reduced atmospheric moisture flow from the North Atlantic leads to drier conditions in the Amazon, creating an environment conducive to wildfires.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 18, 2015

Cell phones help track of flu on campus

Researchers developed a model that predicts personalized daily forecasts for each student, enabling early identification of at-risk individuals and encouraging them to stay home. The study used wearable devices and smartphone apps to collect data on students' interactions and health habits.

The Tree of Life may be a bush

A new study by Uppsala University researchers has found that evolution is more complex than the traditional Tree of Life model suggests. Incomplete lineage sorting, a phenomenon where genetic variation passes from one species to another, has been documented and quantified for the first time in evolutionary research.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 18, 2015

Five reasons why sugar is added to food

A study by University of Minnesota authors reveals five key roles sugar plays in food: improving flavor, enhancing color, adding bulk and texture, aiding fermentation, and preserving foods. The research discusses the challenges of labeling added sugar and replacing it in foods.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateAug 18, 2015

Drug helps patients with diabetes lose weight

A study found that daily liraglutide injections, combined with diet and exercise, resulted in greater weight loss over 56 weeks compared to placebo. Average weight loss was 6.0% with liraglutide (3.0-mg dose), significantly better than the 2.0% with placebo.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 18, 2015

The dynamics of mercury toxins in the oceans' food web

A new study reveals higher concentrations of methylmercury in Arctic species compared to lower trophic levels, suggesting increased toxicity and potential protective effects of selenium. The research confirms previous suggestions that biomagnification may be more pronounced in Arctic systems.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 18, 2015

Is nature mostly a tinkerer or an inventor?

The University of Miami study reveals that the KLF/SP gene family expanded and diversified during animal evolution through domain shuffling, gene duplication, and de novo domain evolution. This 'tinkering' process led to an increase in repressor domains, which may have contributed to the development of complex cell types and tissues.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateAug 18, 2015