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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 31

Bumblebees make false memories too

Researchers found that bumblebees can create false memories by combining features of previously seen stimuli. This phenomenon is similar to human memory conjunction errors and may be an adaptive mechanism to help animals respond in new situations. The study suggests that false memories may be widespread in the animal kingdom.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 26, 2015

Can coffee reduce your risk of MS?

A new study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers analyzed data from two studies involving over 3,700 people with MS and found that those who consumed high amounts of coffee had a lower risk of developing the disease. The study supports the idea that caffeine may have prote...

Hospitals face growing active shooter threat

Active shooter incidents at hospitals have risen, with 14 such incidents reported in the year leading up to a Boston surgeon's murder, resulting in 15 fatalities. Hospitals must take proactive measures to mitigate the threat, including deploying security cameras, limiting entrances and exits, and stationing armed police.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2015

Africa, from a CATS point of view

The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has provided a detailed profile of the atmosphere above Africa, revealing particles in the air at different heights. The data will help scientists model dust plumes and interactions with clouds and aerosols, improving our understanding of climate change.

Strong connection between violence and mental illness during Guatemala Civil War

Research suggests that those who experienced violence during the Guatemala Civil War are four times more likely to suffer from PTSD and alcohol-related disorders. The study, led by Victor D. Puac-Polanco and Charles C. Branas, found significant mental health problems among Guatemalans who witnessed or experienced violent events.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 26, 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