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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 17


Page 17 of 39

The alcohol harm paradox explained

Research finds people in deprived areas more likely to combine heavy drinking with other health-damaging behaviors, multiplying risks of ill health. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased rates of smoking, excess weight, poor diet, and low exercise levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Study of firefighters finds potential pathway between insomnia and depression

A new study of firefighters suggests that insomnia and nightmares may increase the risk of depression by impairing emotion regulation strategies. The study found that limited access to these strategies, such as problem-solving skills and negative emotions decrease, was the strongest indirect effect for both relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Can CRISPR help edit out female mosquitos?

The CRISPR-Cas9 system could be used to bias mosquito populations from deadly females toward harmless males, reducing the spread of diseases. Genetic strategies are currently underway but face challenges such as cost and scalability.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Research sheds new light on whether we are all getting fatter

A study of BMI trends in England from 1992 to 2013 found that median BMI is not increasing as much as thought, but the top end of the scale is experiencing significant increases across all social groups and sexes. Researchers highlight the growing issue of obesity among the most obese individuals, costing billions to the NHS annually.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Ensuring ongoing care for patients treated during short-term surgical mission trips

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that a sustainable surgical follow-up program can be cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes for patients treated during short-term mission trips. The study showed that 97% of fractures were successfully repaired, and 101 patients experienced successful wound healing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

The real value of taking your business offshore

A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance found that companies with offshore subsidiaries are worth 11% more than purely onshore firms, while those with headquarters in OFCs are valued 14% lower. However, tax benefits are offset by costs such as lax monitoring and loose legal regimes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 17, 2016

Fifteen international neurointerventional societies join to release new training guidelines to help ensure optimal outcomes for ischemic stroke patients

International neurointerventional societies have released new training guidelines to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke patients. The guidelines aim to ensure that physicians performing inside-the-artery clot removal in the brain have the necessary education and training, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

Evolution silences harmful mutations

New research from Uppsala University shows that organisms can quickly compensate for the negative effects of synonymous mutations by introducing new mutations. This study provides insights into why these mutations are detrimental to bacterial growth and survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 17, 2016

Toward longer-lasting fragrances

Researchers develop a new way to encapsulate fragrance molecules, slowing down their release and creating longer-lasting scents. The technique uses microfluidic and bulk emulsification, resulting in uniform microcapsules that control shell size and structure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 17, 2016

Novel combination of ingredients may offer greater support for infant brain development

Researchers found that a novel combination of prebiotics, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and lactoferrin added to a DHA- and ARA-containing formula advanced overall brain development in piglets. The study suggests that myelination occurred at a faster rate in piglets fed the supplemented diet.

Feeding a city with better food sources

A Michigan State University study found that relocating a farmers' market to downtown Flint has increased customers from low-income neighborhoods, who now have better access to fresh produce. The market's move also boosted local economic activity and attracted more bus riders.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied Geography·DateFeb 17, 2016