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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

What does the sperm whale say?

Researchers discovered that sperm whales use distinct tapping sounds to convey individual messages, similar to Morse code, allowing them to identify themselves and coordinate actions. The most communicative whale accounted for 294 of the recorded codas, sparking interest in learning more about its unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 30, 2016

The role played by solvents at extreme pressure

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Technische Universität Dortmund used infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to analyze the behavior of TMAO at high pressure. They found that some bands shifted to higher frequencies, while individual peaks changed their form, indicating a change in molecular structure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018

The artificial pancreas, a device monitoring blood glucose levels and automatically adjusting insulin doses, is nearing availability. Clinical trials have shown effective glucose control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia, but challenges remain in addressing speed of action and cybersecurity concerns.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Gene amplification -- the fast track to infection

Researchers discovered that bacteria can amplify disease-inducing genes to quickly cause infection. The study found that the essential proteins needed to form the poisonous syringe are produced through a 'copying machine' when the bacteria come into contact with host cells, enabling rapid infection.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Natural metabolite can suppress inflammation

Scientists discovered that itaconate, a natural substance produced by macrophages, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the activity of immune cells and may be used to treat pathologies caused by excessive inflammation or oxidative stress.

SourceITMO University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2016

Study finds new tool to measure homeland security risks

Researchers have developed a new risk assessment tool to aid in strategic planning for security, focusing on natural disasters, terrorist events, and major accidents. The Deliberative Method for Ranking Risk has been tested on 26 individuals and found that pandemic influenza, hurricanes, and earthquakes prompt the highest concerns.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateJun 30, 2016

Erasing unpleasant memories with a genetic switch

Scientists have successfully erased unpleasant memories in mice by switching off a single gene. The study reveals that deactivating neuroplastin, a key player in brain plasticity, impairs learning and memory processes. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating memory disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2016

NIH-led effort uses implementation science to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission

A NIH-led team studied implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, identifying effective interventions such as baby showers and breastfeeding support. The study found that deploying point-of-care tests and administering pre-exposure prophylaxis were likely cost-effective and resulted in timely initiat...

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJun 30, 2016

To improve global health, experts call for a standard list of essential diagnostic tests

A team of experts has proposed a standard list of essential diagnostic tests to support the use of medicines listed on the Model List of Essential Medicines. The list includes 147 critical laboratory tests across 57 categories, which can guide the use of many different EML drugs and improve healthcare quality in developing nations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2016