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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 18


Page 18 of 31

Study recommends closing the high seas to fishing

A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Better catalysts, made-to-order

University of Utah scientists develop computational model to predict catalyst performance, allowing for the design of more efficient and selective catalysts. The model uses big data analysis to identify structural features that correlate with reaction selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Penn Medicine: Brain activity can predict increased fat intake following sleep deprivation

A new study found that sleep-deprived individuals consume more fat and less carbohydrates, while displaying increased connectivity in the salience network, which is linked to emotional responses and bodily sensations. This unique approach examines changes in brain activity's impact on eating behavior following sleep deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Oyster disease thrives in nightly dead zones

A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2015

Better how-to videos

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed a new system called Crowdy that recruits viewers to create subgoal labels for educational videos. The system improves video annotations by leveraging crowdsourcing, reducing costs to $1 per minute, and enhancing learner retention and satisfaction.

New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow to the brain after adding stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy. The new treatment restores blood flow to 89% of patients, with 71% returning to independent living.

SourceMelbourne Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Wikipedia use -- nothing to be ashamed about

A study by Monash University found that while seven in eight students use Wikipedia, it's not considered the most useful education resource. Academics and universities should integrate Wikipedia into teaching and learning to support students' scholarship.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Higher Education Policy and Management·DateFeb 11, 2015

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells

Researchers at McGill University developed a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells in real time during surgery. The Raman spectroscopy probe has a greater than 92% accuracy in identifying invasive brain cancers, and its use may improve patient outcomes by reducing cancer recurrence and extending survival times.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Researchers find new therapy benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that endovascular treatment can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke, increasing positive outcomes from 30% to 55%. The treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in deaths and restored blood flow to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Plant extract fights brain tumor

A novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease has been discovered using silibinin from milk thistle seeds. The active compound binds to heat shock protein 90, allowing glucocorticoid receptor molecules to dissolve and restore normal ACTH production.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Novel high-power microwave generator

A new study by scientists from Bangladesh explores the viability of a novel structure for generating high-power microwaves, offering an alternative to traditional approaches. The proposed semi-circular slow wave structure is capable of producing high-power microwaves via ultra-high-frequency radio waves.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 11, 2015