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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Exercise-induced hormone irisin is not a 'myth'

Researchers have found that human irisin circulates in the blood at nanogram levels and increases during exercise. The discovery resolves a long-standing controversy over irisin's existence, with alternative start codons explaining its production in skeletal muscle cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2015

UK death rate of pre-school kids almost double that of Sweden

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found the UK's child mortality rate is nearly double that of Sweden, with premature birth, congenital abnormalities, and infections being major causes. The study calls for a stronger focus on prevention to improve the UK's position on the European child mortality league table.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateAug 13, 2015

NIH study finds cutting dietary fat reduces body fat more than cutting carbs

A recent NIH study found that restricting dietary fat led to a 68% higher rate of body fat loss compared to cutting the same number of carbohydrate calories. The researchers discovered that fat restriction resulted in a greater imbalance between consumed and burned fat, leading to more significant weight loss.

Can science predict gang killings?

A Michigan State University study found that gang-related homicides spread in a systematic pattern, clustering in vulnerable areas like Newark, New Jersey. The researchers' analysis could help predict future hotspots of violent crime, informing prevention efforts and targeting resources to communities at risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 2015

COPD patients with psychological conditions have higher rate of early hospital readmission

A study published in CHEST found that COPD patients with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis are more likely to be readmitted early due to complications. These patients had a longer hospital stay and lower outpatient follow-up visits, indicating the need for additional guidance to reduce readmission rates.

When a 'UFO' flies by, does it bother bears?

Researchers found that bears' heart rates increase significantly when exposed to unmanned aerial vehicles, a sign of acute stress. Despite the calm behavior observed in encounters with UAVs, the physiological response is notable, with one bear's heart rate increasing by up to 400 percent.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2015

Progress toward the perfect pea

A research team at the John Innes Centre has identified and studied peas with mutations in genes coding for seed protease inhibitors, which can reduce protein availability by up to 10%. The study provides proof of principle for genetic approaches to improve crop traits, including the removal of allergenic proteins.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015

Greenland ice sheet's winds driving tundra soil erosion, Dartmouth study finds

A Dartmouth study reveals that strong winds blowing off the Greenland Ice Sheet are eroding soil and vegetation in the surrounding tundra, making it less productive for grazing animals. The study found that wind-driven soil erosion is more widespread near the ice sheet but restricted to steep south-facing slopes farther away.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateAug 12, 2015

Study links cardiorespiratory fitness, thinner gray matter and better math skills in kids

A new study reveals that 9- and 10-year-old children who are aerobically fit tend to have significantly thinner gray matter than their peers, associated with better mathematics performance. The study suggests cardiorespiratory fitness contributes to gray matter thinning, a normal process of child brain development.

McMaster hematologist identifies different limb loss syndromes

A McMaster University hematologist has identified various limb loss syndromes, including symmetric peripheral gangrene and venous limb gangrene, which can be caused by septic shock, cancer, and blood clotting disorders. The treatment for these conditions involves the use of blood thinners and replacement of protective factors.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 12, 2015

Fetal ECG during labor offers no advantage over conventional fetal heart rate monitoring

A recent US study found that fetal electrocardiogram ST segment analysis does not improve outcomes during labor and delivery or decrease cesarean deliveries compared to conventional fetal heart rate monitoring. The research involved 11,108 randomized patients and found no significant differences in negative outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 12, 2015