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Science News for March 23, 2016


Wildfire map reveals countries in Europe most at risk of catastrophic fire damage

Researchers created a European-scale map of wildland-urban areas to predict fire risk, finding that regions with high WUI areas are more prone to catastrophic large wildfires. The study highlights the need for local authorities to prioritize fire risk control and develop better forest fire management strategies in high-risk areas.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 23, 2016

Modeling to save a rare plant

Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 23, 2016

Four new research units established

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing four new Research Units, focusing on climate-related extinction events, individual risk perception, human impact on high-altitude ecosystems, and resilience in pre-modern societies. The units will receive approximately €7 million in funding for the first period.

New study suggests children with cardiomyopathy benefit from treating entire family

A new national study by Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers shows that chronic heart disease caused by cardiomyopathy is a family disease. The study suggests including the entire family in the treatment plan may be more effective for many pediatric heart disease survivors.

Tooth loss increases the risk of diminished cognitive function

A systematic review and meta-analysis published by the International Association for Dental Research reveals an association between tooth loss and reduced cognitive function in adults. Individuals with less than 20 teeth were found to be at a 20% higher risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia compared to those with more teeth.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateMar 23, 2016

The anatomy of pain

Researchers propose a new theory that pain is a complex interaction of multiple elements, including sensory processes and emotional responses. A study found that the brain processes both general and specific components of pain in parallel, allowing for efficient processing of unpleasant experiences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMar 23, 2016

Field Museum study reveals evolution of malaria

A Field Museum study identifies malaria's evolutionary history in bird hosts, revealing its spread to bats and other mammals. The analysis sheds light on the connection between animals and their parasites, providing insights into the natural environments we share with animals and plants.

SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 23, 2016

New research shows quasars slowed star formation

A team of astronomers has found evidence that quasars' energy feedback may have slowed down star formation in the universe about 11 billion years ago. The study used data from multiple telescopes to detect the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect, a phenomenon caused by high-energy electrons disturbing the Cosmic Microwave Background.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Tracing star formation rates in distant galaxies

A team of researchers, led by UC Riverside graduate student Irene Shivaei, used a combination of near-infrared spectrometer and infrared images to study 17 bright distant galaxies. They compared various observables, including ultraviolet light, infrared light, and nebular emission lines, to estimate the star-formation rate. The study i...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 23, 2016

Antipsychotic drugs may not be effective against delirium

A recent review of medical literature found no significant effect of antipsychotics on delirium incidence, duration, or mortality. The study analyzed data from 19 studies and concluded that there is no compelling signal to support routine use of antipsychotic medications for delirium prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Green light stops sea turtle deaths

Conservation biologists at the University of Exeter found that attaching green LED lights to gillnets reduced sea turtle deaths by 64%, without affecting fish catch, in a small-scale Peruvian fishery. The study showed that the cost of saving one turtle was £24, making it a cost-effective solution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 23, 2016

Botswana study shows 96 percent rate of viral suppression for patients on HIV drugs

According to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Botswana has achieved remarkable progress in reducing the number of people who are infectious with HIV through strong treatment programs. The country has reported 96% viral suppression rates among patients on antiretroviral therapy, surpassing Western nations and ...

Concert hall acoustics influence the emotional impact of music

Researchers at Aalto University found that acoustic concert halls play a significant role in the emotional impact of music. Identically selected performances of classical orchestra music evoked stronger emotional responses when presented in acoustics of Vienna Musikverein or Berlin Konzerthaus, shoebox-type concert halls.

SourceAalto University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 23, 2016

You taste like mercury, said the spider to the fly

A Dartmouth-led study found that stream insects consumed by spiders transfer methylmercury to terrestrial predators, highlighting the importance of dissolved organic carbon in mediating mercury bioavailability. The research reveals a broader reach of mercury contamination than previously recognized.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 23, 2016

Sterile Box offers safer surgeries

The Sterile Box, a mobile container, sterilizes surgical instruments to minimize risk of infections in patients. The system's performance was nearly perfect in trials, and it addresses issues with unreliable power and inadequate quality control in developing countries.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2016

A new way to determine the age of stars?

Researchers have developed a new framework to understand the evolution of sun-like stars, which can help determine their age with more precision. The model predicts that younger stars will vary significantly in x-ray emission intensity, but convergence occurs after a certain age, making them more predictable.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016