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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

New breath test for pneumonia

A new approach to diagnose pneumonia in critically ill patients has been identified through a breath analysis method. The study found that chemically analyzing breath specimens can reveal bacterial infection in ventilated patients at risk of developing pneumonia, providing a potential game-changer for clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThorax·DateJun 25, 2015

Research matters

Kasturi Haldar and Grant McFadden emphasize the importance of basic research in their articles on PLOS Pathogens. They share their personal experiences and highlight how fundamental research can lead to breakthroughs in fields like malaria, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 2015

Commenters exposed to prejudiced comments more likely to display prejudice themselves

A study found that participants who were exposed to prejudiced comments posted by others showed an increase in their own levels of prejudice toward Asians. They also tended to post more prejudiced comments about Asians themselves. The researchers suggest that anti-prejudiced comments can have a beneficial impact in reducing racial bias.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateJun 25, 2015

Solving the next step in the mystery of prions

University of Alberta scientists investigate physical principles underlying prion protein formation, with potential applications for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Their recent discovery sheds light on microscopic mechanisms governing protein misfolding, offering a new step towards developing therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2015

Chimps are sensitive to what is right and wrong

A study found that chimpanzees are sensitive to behaviors towards infants and react emotionally to violations of social norms within their own group. They show a 'bystander effect' when an infant from another group is harmed, but not otherwise.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 25, 2015

Songbirds have a thing for patterns

Researchers found that songbirds rely on patterns in much the same way as people do when learning to recognize and categorize speech sounds. By training starlings to differentiate between complex auditory patterns, the study showed that birds can learn to categorize motifs into meaningful categories.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2015

Women in developed world still face many barriers to early abortion

Despite fewer legal barriers, women in developed countries still face significant inequities in abortion access due to inadequate service provision, moral opposition, and inadequate training. The review suggests improving access by increasing training, boosting service options, and making services more affordable or free.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateJun 25, 2015

Fructose produces less rewarding sensations in the brain

A study by University of Basel researchers found that fructose stimulates the reward system in the brain to a lesser degree than glucose, leading to increased satiety hormone levels and reduced feelings of fullness. This may contribute to the development of various disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

New study: Tart cherry juice reduced post-race respiratory tract symptoms after a marathon

A new pilot study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice reduced upper respiratory tract symptoms in marathon runners. The study also showed lower markers for inflammation compared to a placebo group. This research provides encouraging evidence of the potential role of tart cherries in reducing exercise-induced respiratory problems.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateJun 25, 2015