Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 23


Page 23 of 28

Malassezia yeasts -- everywhere and sometimes dangerous

Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 8, 2015

Rihanna eases kids' pain after surgery

A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPediatric Surgery International·DateJan 8, 2015

Blueberries: Small fruit delivers big reward

A new study found that consuming just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. The findings suggest that blueberries may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of menopause, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 8, 2015

Daily consumption of blueberries may lower blood pressure

Researchers found daily blueberry consumption resulted in significant reductions of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-HTN. The study suggests that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension, potentially through enhanced nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 8, 2015

Emissions-free cars get closer

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen binding energy is the most important factor predicting the rate of the fuel-cell reaction, enabling the design of new catalyst materials. Alkaline polymers are being explored as a potential solution to create less expensive electrocatalysts that work well in an alkaline environment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2015

Hunting bats rely on 'bag of chips effect'

Researchers discovered that hunting bats rely on echolocation calls from fellow bats to pinpoint insect patches. By aggregating and sharing this information, bats can improve their chances of finding prey despite the challenges posed by sparse distribution and long flight distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

The devil is in the detail

A team of researchers studied the red devil cichlid, a species with two color variants, and found that the darker individuals can alter their brightness to match their environment, while the gold-colored fish cannot. This ability may play a crucial role in maintaining color frequencies in the wild.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

Neurons that detect disease

A study by the University of Geneva reveals how mice avoid their sick peers through the detection of specific olfactory signals by the vomeronasal system. This neural mechanism allows rodents to recognize and avoid diseased individuals, providing a new understanding of social behavior and innate defense strategies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

Know when to fold 'em

Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved heads-up limit Texas hold'em poker, a challenge problem for artificial intelligence going back over 40 years. The breakthrough is attributed to general algorithmic advances that make game-theoretic reasoning more tractable.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015

Quantum optical hard drive breakthrough

A team of physicists at Australian National University has improved storage time by a factor of over 100, achieving a record six-hour storage time. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the transmission of quantum information and enable the creation of a secure worldwide data encryption network.

How do men and women respond to gender bias in STEM?

A study analyzing online comments found that men are more likely to respond negatively to articles on gender bias in STEM, while women are more likely to express gratitude and call for social change. Men also make up a disproportionate share of sexist remarks against both themselves and others.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJan 8, 2015

CU Denver study shows direct link between ethnic discrimination and health

A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 8, 2015

Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis

A 12-year study found that genetic variants, combined with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Researchers identified a specific gene variant that may fail to protect pancreatic cells from injury, increasing the risk of inflammation and scarring.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 8, 2015

New research explores effects of moderate fat diets that include avocados

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a moderate fat diet incorporating one fresh avocado daily improved certain blood lipid markers, including total cholesterol to HDL and LDL-cholesterol ratios. The avocado diet achieved greater reductions in bad cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 8, 2015

Monkeys can learn to see themselves in the mirror

Monkeys can be taught to recognize themselves in a mirror through visual-somatosensory training, demonstrating the neural basis of self-awareness. The study's findings have hopeful implications for people with brain disorders affecting self-recognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2015

Alcohol warnings from parents matter

A University at Buffalo psychologist's study shows that parents who communicate the risks of alcohol use with their young children are more likely to have kids who think critically about drinking. The research suggests maintaining those discussions as children grow older can help prevent underage drinking. The study found a correlation...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJan 8, 2015

Nutrition intervention leads to dietary behavior changes in Latina breast cancer survivors

Researchers developed a culturally-based program that increased fruit and vegetable intake among Latina breast cancer survivors, leading to improved clinical outcomes and weight loss. The program's success has implications for other cancer survivors and larger populations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 8, 2015