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Science News for February 25, 2015


Understanding faith, teaching evolution not mutually exclusive

A study by Penn State researchers found that students from Catholic colleges were more reflective when discussing issues of faith and science, suggesting they may be better prepared to address evolution questions. The study suggests that incorporating faith into discussions about evolution can help build confidence in biology teachers,...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateFeb 25, 2015

Competition among physicians and retail clinics drive up antibiotic prescribing rate

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that competition among healthcare providers, including physicians and retail clinics, leads to higher antibiotic prescribing rates in affluent areas. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the number of clinics and increased antibiotic prescriptions in wealthy regions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 25, 2015

Using snus doubles the risk of alcohol dependency

A Swedish study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that using snus increases the risk of developing alcohol dependency, with a doubled risk compared to non-users. The more snus used, the higher the risk, and this association holds true even after accounting for socio-economic factors.

SourceUmea University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 25, 2015

How the 'mute' cicada sings

Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015

Quick antibiotics reduce PICU needs and mortality of pediatric cancer patients

Pediatric cancer patients who receive antibiotics within 60 minutes of reporting fever and neutropenia have decreased intensive care consultation rates and lower mortality. The study shows that timely antibiotic delivery can lead to significant reductions in hospitalization and fatalities among pediatric cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 25, 2015

Sewage provides insight into human microbiome

Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.

Scientists grow leg muscle from cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated mature, functional skeletal muscles in mice by growing cells in a dish and implanting the graft near a normal muscle. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for various muscle disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

What does the future hold for treating patients with locally advanced breast cancer?

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer recently published an article discussing the management of locally advanced inoperable breast cancer. The review, led by Dr. Konstantinos Tryfonidis, examines current treatment options and future directions for improving outcomes.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Mountain birds beat the odds

Researchers found that mountain chickadees living at harsher high elevations exhibit superior spatial memory and problem-solving abilities. However, these birds tend to avoid novel objects, contradicting the expectation that enhanced problem-solving skills would come with increased innovation.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 25, 2015

Should smoking be banned in UK parks?

Extending UK anti-smoking legislation to parks and squares aims to support healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. The proposal is based on evidence from successful smoking bans worldwide, which have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 25, 2015

Researchers enable solar cells to use more sunlight

A team of researchers from the University of Luxembourg and TDK has improved a conductive oxide film to increase transparency in the infrared region, enabling solar cells to harness more sunlight. The breakthrough allows for stable films that retain conductivity after exposure to air for over a year.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateFeb 25, 2015

Warning on use of drug for children's sleep

Researchers at the University of Adelaide warn against giving melatonin to children to treat sleep problems, citing lack of rigorous safety studies and potential interactions with other medications. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms in adults but its use for children's sleep is unregulated in the US.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateFeb 25, 2015

Multicenter study finds respiratory viruses most common cause of pneumonia in children

A multicenter study found that respiratory viruses, particularly RSV and human rhinovirus, are the leading causes of pneumonia in children. The study, which included over 2,300 hospitalizations, revealed that viral infections accounted for 81% of cases, while bacterial infections were responsible for only 8%. The findings suggest that ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2015

New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new method to combine different types of nanowires into a single array, improving absorption efficiency. The dual-type nanowire arrays show better light coupling and reduced reflection, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells and LEDs.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015

Breakfast habits affect teens' metabolic responses to protein-packed morning meals

Researchers found that habitual breakfast skippers had poorer glucose control after consuming a high-protein breakfast, while those who typically ate breakfast experienced improved glucose control. The study suggests that young women should gradually increase protein intake in the morning to improve glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2015

Sharp rise in experimental animal research in US

The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 25, 2015

The body's 'Transformers'

A study by UCSB scientists examined the unique properties of tau, a critical protein in neurons that can form clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that exposing tau to certain chemicals, such as urea, could prevent aggregation, while another compound, TMAO, accelerated it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2015

Systemic sclerosis patients with unhealed digital ulcers benefit from fat cell transplant

Researchers have found that local implants of autologous adipose tissue-derived cells resulted in significant pain reduction and healing within two to seven weeks for all patients with long-lasting, non-healing digital ulcers. The treatment showed promise as an alternative to traditional therapies.

The future is looking less cloudy

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a practical solution to fog detection using cellular communication networks. The study utilizes higher cellular frequencies to detect even light fog, providing high-resolution spatial measurements and potentially reducing accidents. Current fog monitoring tools are insufficient, but the n...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 25, 2015

Predicting consumer preferences? Do NOT walk a mile in their shoes

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that marketing managers' attempts to imagine themselves as consumers lead to biased predictions, with their own preferences taking over. The researchers conducted four studies and discovered that by acknowledging this bias, managers can overcome it and make more customer-centric de...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 25, 2015

Navigators help patients overcome health-care inequities

A Northwestern University study found that community navigators can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for low-income, uninsured Spanish-speaking women. Despite facing numerous barriers, patients in the navigation program had shorter follow-up times and did not experience delayed diagnoses compared to English-speaking counterparts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 25, 2015

Public perceptions of monkeys affected by the media

A new study reveals that media portrayals of monkeys in human settings increase their desirability as pets and alter public perception. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that such images change the way people perceive these species from wild animals needing conservation help to those suitable as household pets.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 25, 2015