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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 51


Page 51 of 423

Learn lessons from Europe climate monitoring to make Paris Agreement success, warn experts

A recent study warns that the Paris Agreement's long-term success depends on well-designed and functioning monitoring systems. Europe's experience with national climate policies offers valuable insights into the challenges of monitoring climate policies, including political concerns over costs and perceived usefulness of information.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClimate Policy·DateNov 15, 2016

Widespread evidence of prehistoric dairying discovered along the Mediterranean coast

Researchers have uncovered widespread evidence of prehistoric milk production in southern Europe, dating back to the onset of agriculture around 9,000 years ago. The study found varying intensities of dairying and non-dairying activities across the northern Mediterranean region, with the slaughter profiles of domesticated animals mirro...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

Level of education is more decisive than intelligence for development of short-sightedness

A study by Mainz University Medical Center found that the level of education is more decisive than intelligence in developing short-sightedness. The researchers analyzed data from the Gutenberg Health Study and found a strong correlation between educational attainment and myopia, but not with cognitive ability.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 15, 2016

Controlling electrons in time and space

Scientists at TU Wien develop new approach to controlling electron emission using two laser pulses fired at a metal tip. They demonstrate the ability to switch electron emission on and off on extremely short time scales. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for controlled x-ray generation.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2016

Real men don't say 'cute'

Using natural language processing, researchers found that people often incorrectly categorize individuals based on gender, age, education level, or political orientation. The study also reveals how multiple stereotypes can affect each other, leading to false conclusions about individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 15, 2016

Unhealthy weight management practices associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found associations between non-medical use of prescription drugs and unhealthy weight management practices among high school students. Female students were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which can have adverse health outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Once inside a tumor, our immune cells become traitors

Researchers found that regulatory T cells in tumors have distinct features and differences compared to normal tissue, making them potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The study aims to improve cancer immunotherapies by targeting specific molecules expressed by these immune cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateNov 15, 2016

Early evidence of dairying discovered

Scientists have discovered evidence of prehistoric milk production in southern Europe dating back to the onset of agriculture around 9,000 years ago. The study suggests that dairying played a crucial role in sustaining early farmers and spreading farming across the western Mediterranean region.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

Symptom-free Ebola infections detected in West Africa

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 15, 2016

For First Nations people, effects of European contact are recorded in the genome

A study analyzing the genomes of 25 individuals from 1,000 to 6,000 years ago and their descendants found that variants beneficial before European contact became disadvantageous upon arrival. The researchers discovered a significant decline in these alleles, suggesting negative selection may have contributed to population decline.

What factors are influencing electric vehicle purchases in China?

A study in China found that monthly income, the number of cars a family owns, sustainability, and vehicle comfort are the most influential factors behind buyers' decisions to purchase electric vehicles. The researchers also discovered that age, marital status, and city of residence play a role in consumers' decision-making process.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 15, 2016

Asian-Americans least likely to be screened for diabetes

A recent survey found that Asian Americans are the least likely racial or ethnic group in the US to receive type 2 diabetes screening, despite having a high risk of developing the disease. Only 47.1% of eligible Asian Americans received screening tests between 2012 and 2014.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Two new tools to enhance effectiveness of behavioral therapy in children with autism

Researchers developed two approaches to improve behavioral therapy for children with autism. Functional MRI can predict which children will benefit from Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) with high accuracy, while oxytocin administration may enhance social motivation and reward brain circuits in children with autism. These findings have ...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2016

How cells die by ferroptosis

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich identify ACSL4 enzyme as crucial for ferroptosis, a form of cell death linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that ACSL4 plays a central role in generating the signal that initiates cell death, providing new insights into the development of potential therapeutic approaches.