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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 39


Page 39 of 41

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, March 2016

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing experimental pretreatments to improve the cost-effectiveness of biofuel production. A new app, FuelEconomy.gov, helps consumers make informed buying decisions and save fuel. Meanwhile, a heat pump technology developed by ORNL can reduce energy consumption in cold climates by u...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2016

Unique outpatient clinic prioritizes physician training and expeditious patient care

The Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) Outpatient Clinic at Boston University School of Medicine emphasizes education alongside patient care, offering complex diagnoses and literature review opportunities. This model aims to reduce costs and readmissions by concentrating health care efforts on unstable patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 2, 2016

Brief educational program can help curb dating violence among teens

A study by researchers at Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center confirms that a brief educational program can effectively curb dating violence among teens. The Katie Brown Educational Program's five-session curriculum showed significant changes in students' attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge about relationships.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 2, 2016

Shedding light on the day-night cycle

Researchers at WashU Medicine used whole brain scans to discover that different groups of neurons become active at different times of day, despite being on the same molecular clock. This reveals a new mechanism for encoding daily rhythms in neural signaling.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2016

A new way to stretch DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to controllably manipulate biomolecules like DNA using acoustic force spectroscopy. The technique stretches molecules by applying varying forces in a precise way, shedding light on chemical bonding and mechanical properties.

Identity unearthed

A new study published in American Anthropologist reveals the transformation of Egyptian and Nubian culture through cultural entanglement. The researchers found that individual choices played a significant role in shaping the development of the Nubian state, allowing it to eventually conquer Egypt.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateMar 1, 2016

DTC genetic tests create conundrum for physicians, unrealistic expectations for patients

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing raises concerns about physicians' preparedness to discuss test results and potential downstream effects on the healthcare system. A study found that only a minority of consumers share their results with their doctor, often due to physician's inability to answer questions and address patient concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2016

Long-term stress erodes memory

Researchers at Ohio State University found that sustained stress impairs memory and cognitive function in mice, with inflammation caused by the immune system being a key factor. The study suggests potential targets for pharmacological or behavioral treatment to interrupt inflammation and improve memory.

Zika virus medical countermeasures, challenges and opportunities

The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 1, 2016

New climate study argues for carbon fee

A new study finds that climate change is becoming noticeable at mid-latitudes, especially in summer, with extreme events more frequent due to rising temperatures. The researchers argue that a carbon fee is needed to spur the transition to clean energy and reduce fossil fuel emissions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2016

New method to stop Argentine ants

Researchers at UC Riverside have found a more environmentally friendly way to control the spread of Argentine ants by adding their pheromone to bait. The pheromone-infused gel bait reduced ant activity by 74%, compared to 42% with traditional baits, and is an inexpensive modification to existing products.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMar 1, 2016

Better biopsies through biofluidics

Researchers have developed a new method to acquire three-dimensional atlases of tissue that provide much more information, incorporating data on tissue structure and molecular profile. The new technique enables doctors or researchers to peer into the tissue and identify specific proteins within cells throughout the whole tissue.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMar 1, 2016

DNA as a weapon of immune defense

Scientists have found that a social amoeba uses both phagocytosis and DNA nets to defend against bacteria, similar to the human immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic granulomatous disease and other immune disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2016

Twin study: Genetics and environment affect different regions of the brain

Researchers found that genetics play a major role in the bilateral parietal lobes and left temporal lobe, while environment dominates other brain regions. This study provides insights into how nature and environment interact to shape our brains, potentially informing the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 1, 2016

Using old drugs to treat new viruses

Researchers discovered that common drugs for psychosis and depression can prevent certain viruses from infecting cells by blocking potassium ion channels. This breakthrough finding has potential to stop deadly viruses from spreading and causing human disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2016