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Science News for December 11, 2015


Scientists in Barcelona discover a potential treatment for cirrhosis

A study published in Gastroenterology reveals that the inhibition of CPEB4 protein can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels associated with cirrhosis. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of this disease, which is responsible for a high rate of hospital admissions and use of health resources.

Postpartum family planning services should be a top reproductive health priority

A new study finds that counseling before discharge from maternity units can impact subsequent contraceptive use, while integrating family planning into immunization services is justified. Relaxing strict LAM conditions may also be an effective postpartum contraceptive method, highlighting the need for a continuum of reproductive health...

SourcePopulation Council Journals·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateDec 11, 2015

Preventing diabetes at the office

A workplace intervention program significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and led to greater weight loss compared to a control group. Participants who attended more group discussion sessions and monitored their food and physical activity lost more weight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 11, 2015

Study finds there is less knowledge about global species diversity than previously assumed

Researchers conducted a long-term study on biodiversity in subtropical forests of China, finding that there might be an under- or overestimation of global biodiversity by up to 50% when only a few taxa are sampled. The study used traditional methods combined with DNA analysis to determine species numbers, revealing that larger areas an...

Diagnostics with birefringence

A new rapid test using polarized light can detect a wide range of pathogens, including malaria parasites, HIV, Ebola, diverse bacteria, glucose and cholesterol. The test is extremely fast, inexpensive, and flexible, making it suitable for use in areas with limited laboratory equipment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 11, 2015

Higher workloads can make freelance workers happier

A new study found that freelance workers are calmer and more enthusiastic when their hours are higher than normal, but this is at the expense of their work-life balance and wellbeing. The researchers suggest that 'enchantment-based work-family/non-work interference' occurs when long hours generate enthusiasm.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateDec 11, 2015

The days are getting longer

Researchers at the University of Alberta investigated past changes in Earth's core rotation to understand global sea-level rise. They found a correlation between the slowing down of Earth's rotation and the increase in sea levels over the past century.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2015

Targeted assistance needed to fight poverty in developing coastal communities

A study published in Royal Society's journal found that marine conservation projects can have unequal impacts on different community groups, such as men vs women or the elderly. The researchers suggest tailoring projects to address these disparities and promote more effective poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 11, 2015

Healthy or sick? Tiny cell bubbles may hold the answer

Researchers have identified 335 genes that regulate the formation and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny bubbles released by cells. EVs can promote tissue repair or carry disease signals for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Understanding EV biology could lead to new therapeutic treatments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 11, 2015

Cooperative catalysts offer unique route to alkenes

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a novel two-component catalyst system that performs the dehydrogenation reaction at room temperature. This method produces hydrogen gas and an alkene molecule without requiring high temperatures or precious metals, opening up new possibilities for chemical transformations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2015