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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Valley fever diagnosis often missed

Valley fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, affects over 150,000 people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment, reducing the impact of complications. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with diabetes are at high risk for severe outcomes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 28, 2016

Unlocking the languages of autistic children in families

A joint article by Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy presents pioneering research using drama with autistic children, demonstrating how 'intermediality' unlocks languages used by autistic children. The study aims to help families through teaching new play skills using drama and puppetry.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalResearch in Drama Education The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance·DateJul 28, 2016

'Advance warning'

Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.

Cuttlefish do not bluff in battle

Male cuttlefish exhibit a hierarchy of threat displays to signal aggressive intent, with frontal and shovel displays predicting subsequent lateral displays. These displays allow rivals to determine the opponent's level of aggression, enabling tactical decisions about contest escalation or withdrawal.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 28, 2016

Blood pressure hormone promotes obesity

A new study published in Cell Reports explains how a blood pressure hormone system can promote obesity. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls energy balance and metabolic rate, with elevated brain RAS increasing energy expenditure and weight loss, while peripheral RAS suppressing resting metabolism and increasing weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

New rare species of whale identified

A new rare species of beaked whale, smaller and darker than Baird's beaked whale, has been identified with a range in the remote North Pacific Ocean. The elusive whale is about 25 feet long and rarely seen, even by Japanese whalers.

SourceWiley·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 28, 2016

Allaying fears

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems has no significant impact on patient outcomes, including inpatient mortality and adverse events. The study analyzed data from 17 hospitals that went live with new EHR systems within a single day.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 28, 2016

The intravenous swim team

Drexel researchers create chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots that can swim at impressive speeds through a microfluidic environment. The team demonstrates their ability to link and unlink the beads using a rotating magnetic field, paving the way for targeted medicine delivery and minimally invasive surgery.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

The feel of food

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a single cell responsible for detecting food texture in fruit flies. This neuron sends signals based on the hardness of food, enabling the fly to determine whether to eat or not. The study also identified a critical protein TMC that plays a key role in mechanosensation.

Maintaining healthy relationships: University of Waterloo studies identify a promising way

A University of Waterloo study found that thinking about the future helps people shift their focus away from current feelings and mitigate conflicts in romantic relationships. By envisioning their relationship a year into the future, individuals can adopt a more positive perspective and show more forgiveness.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 28, 2016

Music makes beer taste better

Researchers found that music and packaging design can increase enjoyment of beer. A study involved participants tasting beer with different conditions: no label, label only, or label with matching song. Results showed those with the matching song rated the beer more enjoyable. The study suggests multisensory information influences tast...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 28, 2016