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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 39

Misery of work second only to illness

Researchers found a 7-8% drop in happiness among British workers compared to leisure activities outside of work. The Mappiness app, which quizzes users on their wellbeing, debunks the myth that Brits love queuing and reveals lovemaking as the most pleasurable experience.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 2, 2016

With ravens, out of sight is not out of mind

New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters

Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Is being a morning person in your DNA?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Harvard researchers have identified a disrupted signaling pathway that, when corrected, can ameliorate symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The findings may lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can benefit children affected by the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Antiseptic baths to prevent infections deemed effective for long-term use

A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2016

CWRU researcher developing portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements

A portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements has been developed by a CWRU researcher, potentially improving public health globally. The device uses Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance spectroscopy to authenticate good medicines and supplements, while also addressing the issue of counterfeit products.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Ravens attribute visual access to unseen competitiors

Researchers tested ravens' understanding of 'seeing' as mental state, using their predisposition to compete for hidden food. The birds showed cache protection behaviors when dominants were visible or audible, indicating they mentally integrate information about others' presence and their own visual experience.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

A recent study by DZD researchers found that height has a significant impact on the mortality from certain common diseases. Tall people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher cancer risk. The study suggests that increased height may be related to overnutrition during growth stages.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 2016