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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 423

When horses are in trouble they ask humans for help

Research at Kobe University found that horses send signals to humans both visually and physically when faced with unsolvable problems, adapting their behavior based on humans' knowledge. This high social cognitive ability may have been acquired during domestication, enabling horses to form close bonds with humans.

SourceKobe University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateDec 15, 2016

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are concerns for older kidney transplant recipients

Rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are higher among older kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. Older patients with kidney failure who receive a kidney transplant are at increased risk of developing these conditions, which can threaten both their transplanted organ and survival.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2016

Genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to mouth and throat cancer

A specific group of genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen genomic region is linked to enhanced protection against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study found eight loci associated with susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, including seven that had not been previously linked to mouth or throat cancer.

Dental hygiene, caveman style

A study of 1.2-million-year-old tartar reveals that ancient humans used a kind of toothpick to clean their teeth, while consuming a balanced diet of meat and starchy foods. The analysis also suggests they ate grass seeds and had access to forests.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateDec 15, 2016

National Academy of Medicine launches 'action collaborative' to promote clinician well-being and combat burnout, depression, and suicide among health-care workers

The National Academy of Medicine has launched a wide-ranging initiative to promote clinician well-being and resilience. The collaboration aims to identify priorities and collective efforts to advance evidence-based solutions and promote multidisciplinary approaches to combat burnout, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers.

More exact, ethical method to tell the sex of baby chickens

Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

New report calls for forward-looking analysis and a review of restoration goals for the Everglades

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend a re-examination of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's original goals due to changing environmental conditions. The report emphasizes the need for forward-looking, systemwide analysis of Everglades restoration outcomes across various scenarios.

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans

Scientists have discovered a new long RNA molecule, XACT, which accumulates with XIST on active X-chromosomes in human embryos. This finding explains why XIST is unable to trigger X-chromosome silencing until later stages of development. The research also reveals that XACT restrains XIST activity before chromosome silencing occurs.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 15, 2016