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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 26


Page 26 of 34

Chameleons' eyes are not so independent

Researchers discovered that chameleons' eyes do not move completely independently, but instead have cross-talk between the eyes, similar to binocular vision. The study showed that chameleons can track objects moving in opposite directions before deciding which object to target.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 8, 2015

Research links intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with liver cancer and other diseases later in life

A large population-based study found that women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) have a higher risk of hepatobiliary cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and cardiovascular disease compared to those without the condition. ICP is characterized by pruritus, elevated serum bile acids, and liver enzymes in late pregnancy.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJul 8, 2015

The Lancet: First real-life trial finds oral cholera vaccine protects against endemic disease and could speed up global control efforts

A real-life trial in urban Bangladesh shows that oral cholera vaccine is safe and effective in reducing severe cholera cases by nearly 40% among vaccinated individuals. The vaccine's success lends support to its use in routine mass vaccination programs, particularly in endemic countries where clean water and sanitation are scarce.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 8, 2015

Hybrid cells cause chaos around cancers

Rice University researchers created a detailed model of cell signaling in blood vessels that feed tumors. The study found that jagged ligands play a major role in the chaotic vessel growth observed around tumors, suggesting that suppressing notch-jagged signaling may disrupt tumor angiogenesis.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2015

Messages of individual blame for black Americans perpetuate racial inequality

A recent CDC report challenges the notion that Black fathers are more absent in their children's lives than White fathers. Researchers found that messages of individual blame for Black Americans perpetuate structural racial inequalities and reinforce the idea that Blacks are ultimately responsible for their own disadvantage.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2015

Diving dolphins are exhalation champions

Researchers have measured the immense airflows generated by breathing dolphins, finding they can inhale up to 33.4 l/s but exhale up to 137.6 l/s, surpassing terrestrial champion horses. The study reveals the dolphins' lungs are compressible and highly efficient.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 8, 2015

'Beyond aid' in health care: Is it time for scrutiny?

The UK government's 'beyond aid' approach to healthcare investments in developing countries has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate health inequities and poverty. A preliminary analysis found that large corporate hospital chains in emerging economies have received majority of the investment commitments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 8, 2015

Biggest explosions in the universe powered by strongest magnets

A study reveals that a massive star's collapse may power ultra-long gamma-ray bursts with the help of magnetars, rewriting our understanding of these cosmic events. Researchers observed a rare case where a supernova was linked to an ultra-long GRB, finding evidence of a magnetar at the source.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

Common hormone could help treat breast cancer

A recent study published in Nature has revealed that adding the female hormone progesterone to treatment could benefit around half of all breast cancer patients. The research, led by Cancer Research UK, showed how the progesterone receptor 'talks' to oestrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, ultimately slowing down tumour growth.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

Crowdsourcing brain data

A crowdsourcing experiment with over 500 adults yielded new evidence that neurofeedback learning can affect the brain almost immediately. The study demonstrated the scientific viability of collective neurofeedback as a potential new avenue in neuroscience research.

Production of iPS cells: Discovery of the fifth element

A team of researchers has identified netrin-1 as a molecule that can favour the production of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have huge potential applications in regenerative medicine. The discovery may ultimately enable the creation of new organs from patient cells, eliminating rejection risks and ethical concerns.

Why do puddles stop spreading?

Scientists have discovered that nanoscale forces are responsible for stopping a puddle from spreading, resolving a paradox in fluid flow. This finding has significant implications for various processes, including lubrication of gears and sequestration of carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2015

Reform to resident physicians' work hours does not improve surgical patient safety

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the 2011 duty hour reform did not decrease serious postoperative complications in surgical patients. The researchers evaluated outcomes in five surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular surgery, and found no signi...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 8, 2015

How accurate are symptom checkers?

A Harvard Medical School study found that symptom checkers are roughly equivalent to telephone triage lines and better than general Internet-search self-diagnosis in suggesting whether users should seek medical care. However, the tools often encourage overly cautious advice, which can lead to unnecessary medical visits.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 8, 2015