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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 29


Page 29 of 31

Study finds no increased risk of autism, ADHD with prenatal antidepressant exposure

A large study published in Translational Psychiatry found no evidence that prenatal antidepressant exposure increases the risk of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research team analyzed medical records data from over 1,200 children with an autism-related diagnosis and nearly 3,800 control children. Matern...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2016

An apatite for progress

Researchers present a novel method to analyze apatite inclusions in magmatic zircon and titanite, allowing estimation of whole-rock Sr and SiO2 concentrations. This technique provides insight into petrogenesis and provenance, enabling better understanding of the continental crust's evolution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 5, 2016

Inside the hepatitis C virus is a promising antiviral

A study published in the Biophysical Journal reveals a hepatitis C virus-derived peptide that kills a range of viruses while leaving host cells unharmed. The peptide targets cholesterol-rich membranes shared by many viruses, offering a promising strategy for developing new antiviral drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 5, 2016

Traditional Medicaid expansion and 'private option' both improve access to health care

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that both traditional Medicaid expansion and the 'private option' approach significantly reduced uninsured rates and improved access to affordable healthcare for low-income adults. In Kentucky and Arkansas, which expanded coverage through these approaches, the uninsured rat...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 5, 2016

What a 'CERN' for agricultural science could look like

Agricultural researchers propose a network of research stations across Europe to increase collaboration and accessibility. The ECOFE project aims to create a shared resource for open-field experiments, addressing challenges such as productivity increase, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJan 5, 2016

Study: We trust in those who believe in God

A new study by University of Houston researchers found that including religion in campaign speeches can increase a candidate's perceived trustworthiness and favorability. The study revealed that atheists face significant challenges in winning public office due to societal biases against non-believers.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJan 5, 2016

Fighting fire with FireFOAM

The research aims to develop an efficient computational fluid dynamics code for fire suppression, including heat transfer, material flammability, and water spray dynamics. FM Global's FireFOAM simulation tool is available as open-source software to researchers studying fires and fire suppression.

Symptoms and quality of life after military brain injury -- Research update from Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

A new study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation identified four subtypes of symptoms after military traumatic brain injury (TBI), including good recovery, primarily psychiatric symptoms, and mixed symptom profiles. A new questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life after TBI also showed promise, disting...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 5, 2016

Mexico's murder rate led to decrease in men's average life expectancy in first decade

A new study from UCLA Health Sciences reveals that Mexico's homicide rate has taken a devastating toll on men's life expectancy, with life expectancy among men ages 15-50 falling by 0.6 percent between 2005 and 2010. The murder rate in Central America and Mexico more than doubled during the same period, leading to increased mortality r...

Waste less at home

Researchers analyzed previous studies and empirical data to identify the need for further research on reducing household food waste. A standardized methodology to measure consumer food waste is also necessary to inform public policies and nutritional education initiatives.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 5, 2016

Coral, seaweed and fishy appetites

A study found that butterflyfishes overwhelmingly avoid corals with seaweed contact, suggesting chemical cues produced by seaweed alter coral palatability. This shift in behavior could have ripple effects on the entire ecosystem, impacting food supply and tourism opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2016

Cannabis-based drug reduces seizures in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy

A multi-center study led by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco found that purified cannabidiol reduced monthly motor seizures in children with uncontrolled seizures by 36.5%. The treatment was well-tolerated, and the study suggests that CBD may be a promising new treatment option for children with severe epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJan 5, 2016

DHEA improves vaginal discomfort after menopause

In a phase III trial, DHEA showed significant improvements in vaginal discomfort after menopause, reducing pain with sex by 0.36 points and improving vaginal dryness by 0.27 points compared to a placebo. The treatment also led to increased superficial cells and decreased parabasal cells, indicating improved vaginal health.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJan 5, 2016

Adhesion ABC

Cells form early adhesions from integrin clusters, a consistent size of 100 nanometres, even on soft or hard surfaces. These modular units enable cells to sense and migrate on surfaces with different rigidity, a hallmark of metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 5, 2016

Why white, older men are more likely to die of suicide

A recent study by Colorado State University's Silvia Sara Canetto highlights the link between cultural scripts of masculinity and aging with increased suicide risk among white, older men. These men are less likely to experience widowhood, have better physical health, and more economic resources compared to other demographics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalMen and Masculinities·DateJan 5, 2016