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Science News for April 25, 2016


Researchers provide guidance on criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the context of European legislation

A group of 7 researchers from Europe and the US show that consensus exists around EDC definition and propose a logic-based approach similar to carcinogen identification. This guidance aims to resolve the 3-year blockage in publishing scientific criteria, allowing for efficient protection of public health.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 25, 2016

Chronic inflammation leads to imbalanced blood system and potentially cancer risk

A study found that chronic exposure to interleukin-1 causes overproduction of immune cells, resulting in an imbalanced blood system. This imbalance can lead to inefficient oxygen delivery, immunodeficiency, and increased cancer risk. Researchers suggest that therapies may be able to reverse the effects of chronic inflammation on blood ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 25, 2016

Fighting against counterfeit medicine

A new study from Michigan State University applies criminology theory to combat counterfeit medicines, identifying key factors in crime occurrence and the importance of field product authentication efforts. By analyzing protocols for crime scene investigation and forensic science in Nigeria, the researchers found that a country's willi...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalForensic Science and Criminology·DateApr 25, 2016

Algae disrupt coral reefs' recycling

A new study finds that excessive algae growth in coral reefs causes microbes to dominate the food chain, depleting oxygen and releasing harmful pathogens. This leads to a runaway feedback loop, further coral death and ecosystem collapse. The research highlights the impact of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 25, 2016

Do bed bugs have favorite colors?

Researchers found that bed bugs strongly preferred red and black colors, but avoided green and yellow due to their resemblance to brightly-lit areas. The study's findings may have implications for controlling bed bug populations by using color preference in traps.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateApr 25, 2016

Changes in 'microbiome' during canine atopic dermatitis could lead to antibiotic-free therapies for human and canine disease

Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 25, 2016

The United States absorbed carbon dioxide despite a drought

Despite a severe drought, the contiguous United States remained a carbon sink in 2012, absorbing more carbon during warmer springs and releasing less during dry summers. The unique combination of measured data from various sources allowed researchers to calculate the carbon exchange for the entire US during this period.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016

Environmental impacts of demand-side technologies and strategies for carbon mitigation

A new special issue from Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology investigates the life cycle environmental and natural resource implications of energy efficiency technologies. The studies reveal that while these technologies generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their benefits vary widely among regions and technologies.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateApr 25, 2016

Music improves baby brain responses to music and speech

A recent study by the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that 9-month-old babies who participated in music play sessions showed improved brain responses to music and new speech sounds. This suggests that early musical experiences can have a lasting impact on cognitive skills such as pattern percept...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016

Transplanted liver cells protect against liver failure after massive hepatectomy surgery

Researchers found that transplanting liver cells into an extra-hepatic site, such as the intra-mesentery, can help protect against post-operative liver failure and aid in survival of the remaining liver. The study showed improved overall mortality due to acute liver failure in the transplantation group.

Physicists detect the enigmatic spin momentum of light

Researchers at RIKEN and the University of Bristol have experimentally verified that light exerts a new type of optical force proportional to its circular polarization. The team used an extremely precise nano-cantilever to measure this force, which is much weaker than usual radiation pressure.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 25, 2016

Revolutionary antibiotics will save the world

Russian scientists have identified a unique enzyme in E. coli that enables the bacterium to breathe, despite the presence of hydrogen sulfide, which would normally inhibit mitochondrial respiration. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target specific types of bacteria without harming human cells.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2016

Framing discourse around conservative values shifts climate change attitudes

A new study from Oregon State University finds that conservatives' attitudes toward climate change and environmental concerns shift when the issues are framed in terms more closely aligned with their values. The researchers used moral foundations theory to test how shifts in moral framing affect attitudes toward environmental issues.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 25, 2016

Can mountain-climbing bears rescue cherry trees from global warming?

Researchers found that Asiatic black bears disperse wild cherry tree seeds toward mountaintops, helping the species cope with projected temperature rises. The study suggests that seed dispersal direction can be asymmetric and highlights the importance of considering seed dispersal limitations in predicting future plant distributions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 25, 2016

Do fish survive in streams in winter?

Research at Umeå University found that fish length and weight are less important for survival than overall health. The study tracked fish movement patterns through the winter, using PIT tags inserted into fish bodies to follow their migration. Fish populations can fluctuate significantly during this time.

SourceUmea University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 25, 2016

What scientists know -- and don't know -- about sexual orientation

A comprehensive review of scientific research on sexual orientation reveals that non-heterosexual feelings are a small but nontrivial percentage of the population across cultures. The study suggests that biological and environmental factors jointly influence sexual orientation, with no evidence to support social learning or increased p...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateApr 25, 2016

Study shows attitude makes a champion

A recent study found that elite athletes possess an internal drive and commitment to their sports, which enables them to overcome obstacles. In contrast, 'almost' great athletes lack this motivation and may avoid challenging training exercises. The study's results suggest that attitude is a key factor in determining success.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 25, 2016

Videogame addiction linked to ADHD

A study of over 20,000 participants found that videogame addiction is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression. Younger, single men are particularly at risk, using gaming as an escape from unpleasant feelings and restless bodies.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateApr 25, 2016

Birth defects, pregnancy terminations and miscarriages in users of acne drug

A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that only 25% of women taking isotretinoin (Accutane) filled birth control prescriptions during treatment, resulting in a high risk of miscarriage or medical termination. The program's poor adherence rates represent a failure to prevent pregnancies instead of terminating them.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 25, 2016

Tracing the ancestry of dung beetles

Researchers have discovered that dung beetles evolved from a single common ancestor, with the onthophagines and oniticellines tribes making up half of the world's dung beetle fauna. These beetles play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients and reducing parasites.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 25, 2016

Stark Medicare Advantage disparities present in Puerto Rico

A new study reveals substantial disparities in healthcare quality experienced by Hispanic Puerto Rican residents in Medicare Advantage plans. Despite making up nearly a quarter of enrolled residents, Puerto Ricans received significantly worse care on 15 of 17 quality indicators, with gaps exceeding 5 percentage points.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 25, 2016

Soy shows promise as natural anti-microbial agent: Study

Researchers at University of Guelph found that soy isoflavones and peptides can effectively inhibit the growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including Listeria and Pseudomonas. This natural alternative could benefit the food industry by reducing reliance on synthetic additives and addressing growing concerns about antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiochemistry and Biophysics Reports·DateApr 25, 2016

Are money problems and violence related?

Researchers found that women are more likely than men to experience financial stressors and report violence, but the study doesn't prove a direct link. The study's findings affirm the complexity of domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 25, 2016

New advance announced in fight against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's

A lab-based study led by University of Leicester researchers has found a way to 'reverse' symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's using genetic and pharmacological approaches. The study utilized fruit flies to explore the role of specific metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, which can help alleviate sy...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016

Ties to Alaska's wild plants

A new film series by Sarah Betcher explores Alaskan indigenous uses of wild plants for food, medicine and construction materials. The 'Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants' project documents Iñupiat traditions and aims to preserve traditional knowledge in the face of climate change.

Nurturing during preschool years boosts child's brain growth

Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that children whose mothers were nurturing during the preschool years have more robust growth in brain structures associated with learning, memory and stress response. The study suggests there is a sensitive period when the brain responds more to maternal support.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016

CO2 fertilization greening the earth

A recent study published in Nature Climate Change reveals significant greening of a quarter to one-half of the Earth's vegetated lands due to CO2 fertilization. The increase in leaves on plants and trees has the potential to fundamentally change the cycling of water and carbon in the climate system.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 25, 2016