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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Bioprospecting study finds biosurfactant-producing microbes target biodiversity in Latin America

A review of bioprospecting studies identifies biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and sustainable production methods to manufacture low-cost biosurfactants from agro-industrial waste. The study highlights the advantages of biosurfactants over chemical counterparts, including higher biodegradability and lower toxicity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateMar 9, 2016

Child care providers need more education, training on benefits of breastfeeding, human milk

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateMar 9, 2016

How have gender stereotypes changed in the last 30 years?

A new study found that gender stereotypes are as strong today as they were 30 years ago, with people believing men avoid traditional female roles. Despite greater diversity, participants continued to strongly stereotype men and women on personality traits, gender role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMar 9, 2016

Spotted Gar genome links humans to vertebrate ancestry

The Spotted Gar genome is a small and manageable genome that has conserved its genetic material over time, making it an out-group for evolutionary studies. The study reveals the conservation of key genes involved in enamel formation, providing clues to the evolutionary history of gene families and their role in human complex diseases.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 9, 2016

How to make porous materials dry faster

Researchers found that subtle changes in the air-water interface shape near the surface of capillaries significantly impact drying rates. By controlling microstructure, drying time can be improved. The study's findings could lead to more efficient porous materials for various industries.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016

Vanderbilt researchers identify potential antibody treatment for H7 avian flu

Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new antibody treatment for H7 avian flu with remarkable neutralizing potency, potentially offering short-term protection to people exposed or infected by the virus. The antibodies were isolated from human monoclonal antibodies generated in response to an experimental bird flu vaccine.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2016

The benefits of food processing

A new Harvard University study suggests that early humans processed meat with stone tools to reduce chewing effort, allowing for a higher-quality diet and eventual emergence of hunting and gathering. By slicing meat and pounding vegetables, researchers found a significant reduction in the number of chews required per day.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2016

Work climate contributes significantly to working moms' decision to breastfeed

A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateMar 9, 2016

Artemisinin combination therapy prevents malaria in pregnancy

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

Scripps Florida study lays groundwork for potential bipolar disorder therapies

A new Scripps Research Institute study has identified specific genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to bipolar disorder and other conditions. The research focuses on a gene called PDE10A, which produces proteins that regulate intracellular levels of cAMP, influencing biological processes like learning and memory.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2016

Widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, research shows

Research reveals widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, with up to 490 athletes taking the substance during the Baku 2015 European Games. The study highlights that meldonium was detected in athletes competing in 15 out of 21 sports and that its use was significantly underreported.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

Expert panel urges new approaches to curtail US opioid epidemic

A report by an expert panel highlights the need for new approaches to tackle the US opioid epidemic, including multimodal pain management and optimizing health outcomes. The panel also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, patient advocates, and legislators to address this growing public health issue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 9, 2016

New insights into the evaporation patterns of coffee stains

Researchers have elucidated new factors influencing particle deposition via solvent evaporation, crucial for microchip production. The study found that interplay between solvent convection and nanoparticle collective diffusion governs particle recede at contact lines.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016

'Big data' drills down into metabolic details

A new computational method, CORDA, models tissue-specific metabolic pathways by assigning a cost to reactions without experimental data. Researchers found key differences in metabolic similarities between healthy and cancerous tissues, including up-regulation of folate metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 9, 2016

The Lancet: Low cost, 25 min TB-test could help reduce tuberculosis death rate among patients with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a low-cost, urine test to diagnose tuberculosis among patients with HIV could save thousands of lives per year in sub-Saharan Africa. The test, which provides results in 25 minutes and costs $2.66, showed an absolute reduction of 4% in TB death rate among patients with HIV.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2016

One-size-fits-all support services don't suit needs of younger grandmothers raising grandchildren

A new study found that younger grandmothers face different needs and require unique types of support to manage depression and improve their mental health quality of life. The study suggests that age affects the effectiveness of social support services, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateMar 9, 2016