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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 18


Page 18 of 36

Families of orofacial clefting not at higher risk for dental anomalies

A study of children with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and their relatives found that affected families do not have a significantly higher genetic risk for dental anomalies. Instead, the prevalence of dental anomalies is primarily due to physical consequences of the cleft and surgical interventions.

Surprisingly few 'busy bees' make global crops grow

A major international study reveals that only two percent of wild bee species are responsible for pollinating 80 percent of global crops. This finding underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity, particularly among common wild bee species such as the common eastern bumblebee and red-tailed bumblebee.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2015

Redrawing the brain's motor map

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have updated Penfield's motor homunculus by showing the neck's motor control region in the brain is between the shoulders and trunk. This finding may help guide future studies and medical interventions for cervical dystonia and other disorders involving abnormal head movements.

Dengue mosquitoes hitch rides on Amazon river boats

A study by Emory University researchers found that large barges in the Amazon River are heavily infested with disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever and other diseases, highlighting the need for mosquito control programs on aquatic transportation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 16, 2015

Keeping a lid on inflammation

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a critical role in shaping the immune response and maintaining self-tolerance. A recent study by LJI researchers identified a molecular pathway that maintains Treg cell stability and suppressive function, crucial for immune system balance. The discovery suggests that Treg cells may not be stable und...

Attention to angry faces can predict future depression

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that women with a past history of depression who pay more attention to angry faces are at greatest risk for developing depression again over the next two years. Researchers used eye-tracking to analyze the attention of 160 women, including those with and without depression, ...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJun 16, 2015

New review highlights principles of nutrition management of inherited metabolic disorders

A new review in Nutrition in Clinical Practice outlines main principles of chronic nutrition management of inherited metabolic disorders, highlighting failure to follow specific dietary treatment can lead to complications and death. Registered dietitians play a crucial role in the multi-disciplinary team delivering care to these patients.

Can personal devices interfere with hospital care?

A Concordia University study found that designated minimum separation distances (MSDs) can effectively reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference caused by wireless transmitters in hospitals. By complying with MSD policies, hospital staff can minimize the risk of device malfunctions and ensure patient safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility·DateJun 16, 2015

Hyperlipidemia, caused by a high-fat diet, aggressively accelerates organ rejection

Research from Tufts University reveals that hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, accelerates heart-transplant rejection in mice. The studies, published online in the American Journal of Transplantation, found that mice fed a high-fat diet rejected their transplants faster than those on a lower-fat diet.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 16, 2015

Night driving restriction reduces young driver crashes

Research from Monash University and Harvard Medical School reveals that restricting teenagers from driving unsupervised at night can significantly reduce car crashes. The study found a 19% decrease in crash rates for drivers aged 16-17, as well as substantial reductions in nighttime crashes and fatal injuries.

SourceMonash University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 16, 2015

Environmental activism works, study shows

A Michigan State University study found that environmental activism can mitigate the negative impacts of population growth and economic affluence on greenhouse gas emissions. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that states with strong green voices tend to have lower emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

How an animal's biochemistry may support aggressive behavior

Winning fish in Siamese fighting fish battles can generate more muscle energy than losing fish, highlighting the crucial role of biochemical processes. The study reveals how energy metabolism affects aggression in animals, contradicting the assumption that only conspicuous traits like antlers drive success.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJun 15, 2015

Elder abuse is common around the world

Elder abuse is a common issue globally, affecting up to 47% of older adults with dementia in North America. The prevalence varies widely across regions, with higher rates found in Asia and lower rates reported in some African countries.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 15, 2015

New study finds battlegound state polling worked until 2012 election

A statistical analysis of poll performance in battleground states over the last three presidential elections shows polling firms produced estimates that were fairly accurate in 2004 and 2008, but underestimated support for President Obama in 2012. The authors attribute this to outdated sampling methodology that excluded cellphone-only ...

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateJun 15, 2015

More dialysis patients living in poor neighborhoods

A recent study published in Hemodialysis International found that the association between poverty and kidney disease changes over time. Adults beginning dialysis are more likely to be living in a poor zip code, with rates increasing from 27.4% in 1995-2004 to 34% in 2005-2010.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalHemodialysis International·DateJun 15, 2015