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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 39

Young gay and bisexual men 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than older counterparts

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that young gay and bisexual men in the UK are significantly at risk of poor mental health compared to their older counterparts. The research reveals that these men are six times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm, as well as twice as likely to be depressed or anxious.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 26, 2016

Who gets hooked on drugs? Rat study finds genetic markers that influence addiction

A new rat study reveals genetic differences in the brain's pleasure receptor and epigenetic tags that affect cocaine addiction and relapse. The findings suggest inherited traits and epigenetics play a role in addiction vulnerability, with some rats more likely to seek out cocaine repeatedly due to genetic markers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2016

Minimally invasive colitis screening using infrared technology could offer fast, simple test

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a rapid and cost-effective method for detecting ulcerative colitis using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The technique, which involves testing serum for increased presence of mannose, shows promise as a personalized diagnostic tool.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateApr 26, 2016

Chernobyl, three decades on

The University of South Carolina's Tim Mousseau and Anders Møller studied the natural inhabitants of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, finding damaging effects of chronic radiation exposure on wildlife. They discovered that even low levels of radiation can cause cataracts, diminish brain size, and affect fertility in animals.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2016

Groundwater quality changes alongside expansion of hydraulic fracturing

Research from the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that groundwater quality in the Permian Basin changes significantly during and after hydraulic fracturing expansion. The study detected chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and aromatic compounds in private water well samples, as well as large fluctuations in pH and total organic ca...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2016

Aspirin may help prevent bile duct cancer

Regular aspirin use was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that additional research on the potential of aspirin for preventing bile duct cancer is warranted.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateApr 26, 2016

Gender differences and relationship power could be key in preventing HIV in South African adolescents

A University of Pennsylvania study examined intimate partner violence and relationship power among South African adolescents, finding that girls with lower power were more likely to have multiple partners. The research suggests that targeting gender-specific components in HIV prevention interventions could help reduce transmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 26, 2016

The geology of wine

The taste of wine is influenced by soil properties, particularly pH, which modify the wine's chemistry. Researchers found a correlation between specific soil characteristics and Pinot Noir vintages in the Willamette Valley.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateApr 26, 2016

Threat of novel swine flu viruses in pigs and humans

A recent study published in eLife reveals that novel swine flu viruses have emerged, driven by the frequent introduction of human viruses to pigs. The analysis of nearly 600 flu viruses from multiple continents shows a high level of antigenic diversity, posing a significant risk to human health.

SourceeLife·DateApr 26, 2016

Child homicide -- speaking of the unspeakable

Research suggests that child homicide is responsible for approximately 1% of all neonatal deaths in South Africa. The majority of these deaths occur among infants aged 0-6 days, with abandonment being the most common method of homicide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2016