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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Seeing a supernova in a new light

A collaborative project between Caltech and the Weizmann Institute of Science observed a unique radiation spike in ultraviolet range, supporting a giant companion model for white dwarf explosions. The findings highlight the importance of ultraviolet-range observations in understanding type Ia supernovae.

Targeting mistreatment of women during childbirth

A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Hospital-wide program for delirium, alcohol withdrawal and suicide/harm impacts readmission rates

A hospital-wide clinical improvement initiative implemented across all departments at BWH significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate of patients at risk for DASH by nine percent. The program, which included standardized assessment tools and care management guidelines, improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJun 30, 2015

A high-fat diet may alleviate mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Salk Institute find that a high-fat diet amplifies the effects of FGF21, granting mice resistance to obesity and associated diseases. The study provides insight into potential new therapies for mitochondrial and metabolic diseases in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2015

For women with bipolar disorder, sleep quality affects mood

Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 30, 2015

New study identifies organic compounds of potential concern in fracking fluids

A new University of Colorado Boulder framework screened hundreds of organic chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing, identifying 15 as potentially hazardous groundwater contaminants based on their toxicity, mobility, and persistence. The study also predicted that 41 compounds would have 10% or more of their initial concentratio...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Epidemic of obesity and overweight linked to increased food energy supply

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found a strong correlation between global increases in food energy supply and obesity rates. The research analyzed data from 69 countries and discovered that both body weight and food energy supply had increased in 81% of them between 1971 and 2010.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJun 30, 2015

A centipede from hell

The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 30, 2015

ASTRO announces new journal Advances in Radiation Oncology and Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalAdvances in Radiation Oncology·DateJun 30, 2015

To shed weight, go vegan

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Yosemite forest fire example of possible things to come

Researchers studied the aftermath of Yosemite's Rim fire, which burned 400 square miles in 2013, to understand its impact on forest recovery. They found that uncharacteristically high severity and altered dynamics, with potential for vegetation switching to shrubs if not restored through controlled burns.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcosystems·DateJun 30, 2015

Talk is cheap: New study finds words speak louder than actions

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to conform to others' preferences than actions. Researchers designed six experiments involving everyday activities to test this theory, revealing a pervasive tendency to adopt others' judgments as one's own.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 29, 2015

Picturing the forecast: NWS graphics developed with NCAR research

The National Weather Service is launching new graphics to communicate forecast information more clearly, based on research by a team at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The new icons feature split images and color-coded boxes to convey the existence, timing, and potential severity of upcoming weather threats.

New study supports safety and efficacy of Evekeo for treating children with ADHD

A new study published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that Evekeo improves ADHD symptoms and behavior in children with ADHD. The medication, given once or twice daily, shows significant improvement in ADHD rating scores, especially within the first 10 hours post-dose.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJun 29, 2015

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2015

How your brain knows it's summer

A study published in PNAS reveals that the neurotransmitter GABA plays a crucial role in encoding seasonal changes through changes in chloride levels. By blocking GABA activity, researchers were able to synchronize the brain's internal clock, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with disrupted seasonal rhythms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015