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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 7


Page 7 of 38

How did the chicken cross the sea?

A team of researchers from Michigan State University studied the feral chicken population on the Hawaiian island of Kauai to understand their genetic origins. The study found evidence of hybridization between ancient Red Junglefowl and domestic chickens, suggesting that the population may have originated from interbreeding.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 26, 2015

2°C climate change target 'utterly inadequate'

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has criticized the 2°C temperature rise target as 'utterly inadequate' for protecting those at most risk from climate change. Limiting warming to 1.5°C could prevent severe impacts, preserve ecosystems, and ensure food security, says Petra Tschakert.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalClimate Change Responses·DateMar 26, 2015

Science: Theory of the strong interaction verified

A team of physicists has calculated the tiny neutron-proton mass difference using a powerful supercomputer, verifying the theory of the strong interaction. The finding confirms that neutrons are slightly more massive than protons, with a 0.14% difference, and opens up new possibilities for simulations of quarks and nuclear particles.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2015

Bats obey 'traffic rules' when trawling for food

Researchers found that bats follow a set of 'traffic rules' when foraging, including chasing, turning, and avoiding collisions. The bats swap leadership roles during these interactions by copying the previous individual's flight direction up to 500 milliseconds earlier.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 26, 2015

How the human immune system keeps TB at bay

Researchers developed a tissue culture model to study latent tuberculosis infection, finding that the human immune system generates an early response that protects against active disease. However, some bacteria can adapt and survive in these high-pressure environments, increasing the risk of reactivation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalmBio·DateMar 26, 2015

Drinking raw milk dramatically increases risk for foodborne illness, analysis finds

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed over 81 published journal articles and found that raw milk is associated with nearly 100 times more risk of foodborne illness than pasteurized milk. The study strongly discourages the consumption of raw milk, especially among elderly, pregnant women, and children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateMar 25, 2015

Work site wellness centers equate to weight loss and health care savings, Mayo expert says

A Mayo Clinic study found that frequent attendance at work site wellness centers led to significant weight loss and healthcare cost savings. Members who visited the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC) more than 360 times were 72% more likely to experience weight loss, with corresponding reductions in healthcare costs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 25, 2015

Experience saves lives: Advanced life-support study reveals differences in survival rates

A new study reveals that adults treated with ECMO have better survival rates when cared for at hospitals that use the treatment frequently. The research analyzed data from over 56,000 patients across 290 hospitals worldwide, finding significant variation in survival rates between centers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 25, 2015