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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 31


Page 31 of 39

Discovery: Many white-tailed deer have malaria

Researchers estimate that up to 25% of white-tailed deer along the East Coast of the United States are infected with Plasmodium odocoilei, a previously unknown malaria parasite. The discovery fundamentally changes our understanding of malaria distribution and evolutionary history in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2016

Biophysics: Partitioning by collision

Researchers have found that mixtures of equally sized particles in solution will demix, or sort themselves, if they differ in their diffusion constants. This phenomenon, known as the Brazil Nut effect, was simulated and explained by a theoretical model, showing that random particle motions play a key role in the process.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 5, 2016

Radar reveals the hidden secrets of wombat warrens

Using ground-penetrating radar, researchers mapped wombat warrens, finding that soil warrens consist of a single tunnel underground, while limestone warrens feature extensive tunnels and chambers. This discovery has important implications for estimating wombat numbers and understanding their social structure.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalWildlife Research·DateFeb 5, 2016

Health-care disparities contribute to delayed testicular cancer diagnosis in a transgender woman

A 28-year-old transgender woman experienced a delay in testicular cancer diagnosis due to inadequate access to insurance coverage and transportation challenges. The case study emphasizes the importance of addressing biopsychosocial needs and creating venues for medical providers to learn appropriate care for transgender patients.

Diagnosis of rare bleeding disorder improved with super-resolution microscopy

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates a new method using super-resolution microscopy can accurately diagnose rare platelet disorders, offering an alternative to costly and resource-intensive electron microscopy. This innovative approach provides personalized treatment options, saving the NHS money and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateFeb 4, 2016

Removing race from human genetic research

A team of scientists, including Michael Yudell, Dorothy Roberts, and Sarah Tishkoff, recommend phasing out race from genetic research due to its lack of clear-cut genetic boundaries. Instead, they propose using terms like 'ancestry' or 'population' to describe grouping for studies.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

C. diff study provides insight into antibiotic resistance and risks for infection

Exposure to specific antibiotics is linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile , one of the fastest growing bacteria superbugs. The study found that fluoroquinolone and macrolide exposure was more frequent in patients with a highly resistant strain, supporting targeted antibiotic stewardship monitoring programs.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 4, 2016

AGS guidance on diversity proves 'seeing' older patients is about more than seeing age

As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 4, 2016

Team calls for integrated field research network in Midwest to address climate adaptation

A team of researchers is urging increased spending on agricultural research in the Midwest to address climate change impacts. The proposed network would gather data on crop performance and management practices across the region to improve crops' adaptation to high temperatures, carbon dioxide, ozone, pests, and disease.

The odor of stones

Researchers discovered that diatoms are attracted to the smell of silicate minerals and move actively to areas with high concentrations. This ability allows them to colonize specific regions and is a key factor in their survival. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new materials resistant to algal colonization.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

Graphical display of nutrition information helps keep health-conscious eaters on target

A new study found that graphical displays of fiber and protein per calorie values can encourage consumers to purchase healthier menu items. The researchers observed a significant reduction in calories purchased from entrees and an increase in protein per calorie when nutrition information was displayed graphically.

For pregnant women with flu, the earlier the better for antiviral treatment

A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early treatment with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir can shorten the time a pregnant woman spends in the hospital, especially for those with severe illness. Annual flu vaccination is also crucial to prevent complications and protect the newborn baby.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 4, 2016

Light signals from living cells

Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

How gut inflammation sparks colon cancer

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that gut inflammation sparks colon cancer, with microRNA miR-34a playing a crucial role in controlling stem cell division. Elevated levels of miR-34a may serve as an early warning system for colon cancer, and its expression could be used to treat late-stage cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 4, 2016