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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Unlikely element turns up in enzyme; commercial renewable fuels might ultimately result

A team of scientists has identified a novel tungsten-containing enzyme in the bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, which shows potential for converting plant biomass into useful chemicals and fuels. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of commercial renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse emissions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 14, 2015

Vitamin D in teens: Don't overdo it, bad things might happen

A Mayo Clinic study published in Pediatric Obesity found that excessive vitamin D supplementation in obese teenagers showed no benefits for their heart health or diabetes risk. The study, led by Dr. Seema Kumar, also found increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the teens during supplementation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateAug 14, 2015

On Wikipedia, politically controversial science topics vulnerable to information sabotage

Researchers found that Wikipedia entries on acid rain, evolution, and climate change receive near-daily edits, resulting in egregious errors and distortion of consensus science. In contrast, non-controversial topics received fewer edits. The study suggests that users should critically evaluate Wikipedia source material and identify ent...

Common group identity may motivate Americans to help integrate immigrants

A new study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that white American citizens who believe in a common group identity are less racist toward immigrants and more likely to donate their time and money to help them integrate. This research suggests that acceptance of immigrants as equal members of society hi...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 14, 2015

Recipe book for colloids

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich create a comprehensive phase diagram that describes the material properties of colloids based on their structure and concentration. The study finds that the interaction length, which determines the solubility of the colloid solution, can be tuned to achieve specific macroscopic properties.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNanoscale·DateAug 14, 2015

Tdap booster vaccine rates triple at family care clinics using automated reminders

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that electronic prompts and reminders resulted in significant increases in Tdap vaccine uptake among patients aged 11-64. The system improved vaccine rates by 76% for adults and 85% for adolescents, compared to 59% in similar-aged groups without automated prompts.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 14, 2015

Study shows how climate change threatens health

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights the public health implications of climate change on the US Gulf Coast, Northeast, and West Coast. The research emphasizes the need for simultaneous mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the growing threats.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 14, 2015

Rural Medicare beneficiaries receive less follow-up care

A study published in Medical Care found that rural Medicare beneficiaries have lower rates of follow-up care after leaving the hospital, which may lead to higher risks of emergency department visits and repeat hospitalizations. The research also highlights the need for policies to improve access to care for patients in rural areas.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateAug 14, 2015

What's lurking in your lungs? Surprising findings emerge from U-M microbiome research

Researchers at U-M have identified a key link between stress signals and bacterial growth in the lungs, which may lead to better prevention and treatment of pneumonia. The study found that certain bacteria thrive in response to catecholamines, a type of distress signal produced by the body's immune cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 14, 2015

No link found between PTSD and cancer risk

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine find no evidence of association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer incidence. The large population sample analyzed various cancer diagnoses among people with PTSD compared to the general population, showing no strong associations even among select groups.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 14, 2015

The potential in your pond

Researchers at the John Innes Centre found that Euglena gracilis has over 32,000 active protein-encoding genes, significantly more than humans. The single cell algae can produce various natural compounds, including vitamins, essential amino acids, and a sugar polymer with anti-HIV effects.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateAug 14, 2015

Programming and prejudice

A team of computer scientists from University of Utah discovered a way to find bias in algorithms used for hiring decisions and loan approvals. They developed a technique to determine if such software programs discriminate unintentionally, revealing potential issues with disparate impact. The researchers also found a method to fix thes...

Study suggests Ontario nearing UN targets to help end AIDS epidemic

A new study suggests Ontario is close to meeting United Nations targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020. The study found that 87.3% of people in Ontario with HIV were receiving care, and 76% had a suppressed viral load. However, there are still gaps in healthcare access for younger adults, especially gay men and those with substance u...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateAug 13, 2015