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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 32

Evergreens at risk

Research predicts 72% of Northwest Evergreen Trees will die by 2050, with nearly 100% mortality by 2100 under projected global warming scenarios. Climate models suggest a negative feedback loop could accelerate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 21, 2015

Timing of end-of-life discussions for patients with blood cancers

A majority of hematologic oncologists report that end-of-life discussions happen too late, with most discussions occurring when death was clearly imminent. The delay may be attributed to the curative potential of many advanced hematologic cancers, leading to a lack of clear distinction between curative and palliative care phases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2015

Pitt team finds circadian rhythm of genes in brain changes with aging

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that the circadian rhythm of gene activity changes with aging, leading to altered sleep and cognitive patterns. The team identified core genes that make up the molecular clock in the prefrontal cortex, which may explain some age-related alterations in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

Battling obesity epidemic: New look at 'fat tax'

A new study analyzing six years of sales data from over 1,700 supermarkets across the U.S. found that small price differences can significantly shift consumer demand towards healthier low-calorie alternatives, particularly among low-income consumers. The study's results suggest that a 'fat tax' of just 5-10% can be effective in reducin...

A multitool for cells

Researchers have discovered that yeast cells use a complex protein structure, called the polarity site, to detect scent gradients. This site moves along the membrane towards the strongest signal before creating a bulge in the cell to grow towards its source.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 21, 2015

Normal weather drives salt marsh erosion

Researchers found that waves driven by moderate storms cause the most loss in salt marshes, not severe events like hurricanes. This knowledge brings new tools for managing and restoring wetlands, enabling predictions of erosion based on wind and wave climates.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Empathy with strangers can be learned

Researchers at the University of Zurich found that a handful of positive experiences with strangers can increase empathy by triggering a learning effect in the brain. This leads to stronger empathic brain responses towards out-group members, driving more compassionate behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Sudden cardiac arrest may not be so sudden

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received medical attention shortly after exhibiting warning signs had a significantly higher chance of survival compared to those who ignored their symptoms. Researchers collected data from survivors, family members, and medical r...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2015

Ending chronic pain with new drug therapy

Scientists have developed a new treatment strategy that restores a brain region controlling emotions and reduces chronic pain behavior in animal models. The combined drugs target brain circuits and eliminate chronic pain when administered together shortly after an injury.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2015

Surface physics: How water learns to dance

Water molecules on the surface of perovskites exhibit unusual behavior, where they split into two parts but continue to interact through weak hydrogen bonds. This interaction causes the OH group to circle the hydrogen atom like a dancer spinning on a pole, a phenomenon predicted by theory and confirmed through experiments.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 21, 2015

Parent touch, play and support in childhood vital to well-being as an adult

Research by University of Notre Dame professors Darcia Narvaez and colleagues found that childhood experiences meeting evolved needs lead to better outcomes in adulthood. Adults who received more physical affection, playful interactions, and supportive care had lower depression and anxiety, greater empathy, and improved moral capacities.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalApplied Developmental Science·DateDec 21, 2015