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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 27


Page 27 of 39

Study shows positive psychological effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals

A systematic review of hormone therapy's effects on transgender individuals found significant improvements in mental health status and quality of life after as little as 3-6 months of treatment. Researchers suggest that increased access to hormone therapy could help eliminate or reduce depression and anxiety in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTransgender Health·DateFeb 9, 2016

Engineering researchers use laser to 'weld' neurons

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a groundbreaking technique to connect neurons using femtosecond laser pulses. This breakthrough allows for complete control over cell connection processes, enabling researchers to conduct experiments that would be impossible with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 2016

Moscow gets rid off aerosols

Researchers detected a trend of lowering aerosol percentage in Moscow over the XXI century. The decrease is attributed to reduced anthropogenic emissions of proto-aerosol gases due to higher petrol quality and lower sulfur oxide emissions, with significant effects during spring and autumn periods.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateFeb 9, 2016

A new home - but with no medical home? Study of immigrants' kids with special health needs

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that immigrant children with special health needs are more likely to lack a true 'medical home', despite growing popularity of the model. The disparity affects even American-born children whose parents are foreign-born, highlighting the need for family-centered care coordination.

Study compares outcomes at VA hospitals vs. non-VA hospitals

A study found that Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals had lower 30-day all-cause mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure, but higher readmission rates for these conditions compared to non-VA hospitals. The findings suggest that VA hospitals are starting from a better place in terms of quality care than two decades ago.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 9, 2016

How stable is the West Antarctic Ice Sheet?

A future warming of the Southern Ocean may cause the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, leading to a significant rise in sea levels. Model simulations suggest that critical temperature limits will be exceeded if ocean temperatures rise by more than two degrees Celsius, resulting in a sea level rise of three to five meters.

Cutting prison sentences could reduce spread of HIV, study suggests

A computer model suggests that cutting incarceration can decrease the number of sexual partners men and women have, thus reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study also found that harsher penalties may exacerbate this effect, highlighting the need for more open criminal justice systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2016

Penn Medicine 'brain road maps' reflect behavior differences between males and females

Researchers found structural differences in brain connectivity match behavioral differences between men and women, with stronger motor skills linked to male performance and social cognition skills linked to female strengths. The study provides new insights into sex differences in the brain and behavior, potentially advancing treatment ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 9, 2016

'Molecular movie' opens door to new cancer treatments

A team of scientists has produced a structural movie showing the creation of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a major methyl donor in the body that plays a role in some cancers. The research provides insight into how this enzyme synthesizes SAMe and highlights it as an excellent therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2016

Link between stress fracture injuries and genes found

A study by University of Liverpool researchers found that specific gene variations are associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. This discovery may lead to the development of preventative measures and tailored treatments for athletes and military personnel at risk of developing this common sports injury.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPurinergic Signalling·DateFeb 9, 2016

UC's Arlitt Center awarded $1.6 million NSF grant

The University of Cincinnati's Arlitt Center has received a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support teacher development and research into early childhood science learning through outdoor play environments. The grant will fund four initiatives: web-based professional development programs, research ...

Breeding wildness back into our fruit and veg

Wild tomato varieties exhibit dual resistance against whiteflies, which damages plants by extracting sap, creating honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Breeding these traits into commercial tomatoes could offer a sustainable solution for controlling the pest.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateFeb 9, 2016

Behind the levees

A recent study by the University of California, Davis, found that levees can actually increase flood risk for up to a third of residential structures and 22% of commercial structures behind them. The research team estimated long-term flood risk, probabilities of levee failure, and resulting economic losses in the Sny Island levee distr...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateFeb 9, 2016

Oral capsule with bacterial spores may be effective treatment for recurrent C. difficile

A Phase 1b/2 trial suggests that an oral therapeutic drug containing the spores of beneficial bacteria is effective for preventing recurrence of C. difficile infection and restoring a healthy gut microbiome. The treatment achieved a 96.7% clinical cure rate, comparable to open-label antibiotic trials and fecal microbiota transplants.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2016

Unrest and eruptions

Researchers propose a new conceptual model for monogenetic eruptions, suggesting seismic crises occur before eruption and magmatic intrusions play a key role. This framework could improve forecasting of these events in populated areas, reducing economic and societal impact.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 9, 2016

Getting more miles from plug-in hybrids

Researchers at University of California, Riverside developed an energy management system that improves plug-in hybrid efficiency by 12 percent. The system uses machine learning and real-time data to optimize energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateFeb 9, 2016