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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 34

How the lung repairs its wounds

A novel mass spectrometry technique has enabled scientists to quantify and profile dynamic changes in lung tissue composition during regeneration. The study reveals the importance of extracellular matrix proteins in activating stem cells, offering a new avenue for treating chronic lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.

Mass map shines light on dark matter

Researchers developed a new map of dark matter distribution using DES data, providing valuable tool for cosmology to answer questions about dark energy and dark matter. The mass map allows scientists to check their work and verify the relationship between galaxy distribution and dark matter density.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2015

Researchers discover way to assess future literacy challenges

A new study published in PLOS Biology has discovered a way to assess future literacy challenges in children. The research centers on the child's ability to decipher speech in a chaotic, noisy environment, and found that preliterate children with brain inefficiencies are more likely to struggle with reading and language development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 14, 2015

Traditional Chinese exercises may help patients with COPD

Patients with COPD in remission showed improved lung function and quality of life after practicing Liuzijue qigong (LQG) for 6 months. The exercise program, combining meditation and walking, demonstrated marked benefits in mental health as well.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 14, 2015

Am I fat? Many of today's adolescents don't think so

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that increasing numbers of overweight adolescents do not consider themselves overweight. This misperception is linked to a decline in willingness to make weight-related behavioral changes, despite being at risk for obesity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 14, 2015

Should doctors recommend homeopathy?

Peter Fisher argues that homeopathy is misunderstood and that some reviews have omitted key evidence, while Edzard Ernst claims that most independent systematic reviews have failed to show homeopathy's effectiveness due to methodological flaws.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 14, 2015

Few states require HPV vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is currently required in only two US states, with vaccination coverage substantially below the Healthy People 2020 target. A recent study found that HPV vaccination rates are lower than those for other adolescent vaccines, such as hepatitis B and meningococcal conjugate vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 14, 2015

Scientific curiosity and preparedness for emerging pathogen outbreaks

The article highlights Stanley Perlman's career journey from studying mouse viruses to researching human coronaviruses like SARS and MERS. His work demonstrates the importance of basic research in understanding virus interactions with the immune system, which can inform strategies for preventing or treating diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 14, 2015

Could dissolvable microneedles replace injected vaccines?

A new vaccine patch made of dissolvable material has been shown to be effective in protecting against flu infection, with an immune reaction equal to or stronger than traditional needle-delivered vaccines. The patch is easy to use without medical personnel, making it ideal for developing countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 14, 2015

Ebola vaccine trial begins in Senegal

A clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine developed on a new cell line is underway in Senegal, aiming to provide a rapid response to outbreaks. The trial uses two vaccines, ChAd3-EBO Z and MVA-EBO Z, which have shown excellent safety profiles and promise for low-cost mass production.

Smart cornfields of the future

Researchers aim to improve crop productivity by optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, a process that has plateaued due to its inefficiency. Designs include smart canopies with layered plants and tailored light-absorbing pigments to minimize light saturation and maximize energy use.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2015