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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 19


Page 19 of 38

Teamwork enables bacterial survival

Researchers found that strains of E. coli resistant to one antibiotic can protect other bacteria growing nearby, demonstrating a type of mutualism known as cross-protection. This phenomenon allows bacteria to form drug-resistant communities and survive in environments containing both antibiotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

New packaging advances prolongs veggie freshness

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new packaging method that enhances the safety and quality of onions, one of the highest-volume vegetables sold worldwide. The package and sanitizer combination led to diced onions being acceptable for purchase after two weeks of storage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Tiny ocean organism has big role in climate regulation

Scientists have discovered that a tiny ocean organism called Pelagibacterales is playing an important role in the regulation of the Earth's climate. The bacterial group produces dimethylsulfide (DMS), a gas that stimulates cloud formation, and helps to stabilize the Earth's atmosphere through a negative feedback loop. This discovery op...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Trojan horses for hospital bugs

Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in Staphylococcus aureus that reduces the bacterium's ability to destroy human immune cells, making it more likely to cause life-threatening diseases. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between bacteria and their hosts.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Neurological complications of Zika virus

A review article by J. David Beckham highlights Zika virus's impact on global health, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to develop a viable vaccine and treatment options. The article notes that exposure avoidance through insect repellent and protective measures is currently the best approach to prevent complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 16, 2016

Study: Police more likely than others to say they are blind to racial differences

A new study reveals that police recruits and experienced officers are more likely to subscribe to colorblind racial beliefs, which can lead to problematic interactions with racial minorities. The research highlights the need for training programs that address police racial attitudes and social identities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateMay 16, 2016

Do germs cause type 1 diabetes?

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that certain bacteria can activate killer T-cells, which destroy insulin-producing cells and lead to type 1 diabetes. This discovery sheds light on the potential external factors contributing to the disease's development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2016

Tiny organisms have huge effect on world's atmosphere

A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that tiny ocean organisms called Pelagibacterales help regulate the Earth's atmosphere by producing dimethyl sulfide, a gas that stimulates cloud formation and can impact climate stability. The research shows that these bacteria have a previously unknown enzyme for producing DMS.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Speeding up key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation

Scientists have developed two new molecular catalysts that can drive the key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation, a crucial process for artificial photosynthesis. These ruthenium complexes enable faster and more efficient water oxidation, potentially leading to the creation of clean fuels from solar energy.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 16, 2016

Body-worn cameras associated with increased assaults against police, and increase in use-of-force if officers choose when to activate cameras

New research reveals that body-worn cameras associated with an increase in assault against police officers when they choose to turn them on and off during their shift. This finding contrasts with current thinking that cameras should reduce the rate of use-of-force, but rather found it increased when officer discretion was used.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEuropean Journal of Criminology·DateMay 16, 2016

Children with and without multiple sclerosis have differences in gut bacteria

A recent study reveals differences in gut bacteria between children with and without multiple sclerosis. Key findings include an association between MS and increased inflammatory bacteria, as well as decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria. The discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches by identifying novel drug targets.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 16, 2016

Iron fertilization won't work in much of Pacific, says study

A new study published in PNAS found that iron fertilization had little to no effect on the growth of algae in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The research, led by Gisela Winckler, used deep-sea sediment cores to test for barium and opal, and measures of thorium-232 reflected the amount of dust that blew in from land at each point in time.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Older patients with atrial fibrillation at greater risk for post-op tricuspid regurgitation after mitral valve repair

A study of over 1,100 patients who underwent mitral valve repair found that older age and preoperative atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of developing tricuspid regurgitation. The risk was further exacerbated by impaired heart function, with patients experiencing devastating effects from severe TR.