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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 38

E. coli 'anchors' provide novel way to hijack superbugs

Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Slips of the lip stay all in the family

A new study from Duke University reveals that misnaming follows predictable patterns, with people often using relationship categories and phonetic similarities to mix up names. The study found that family members frequently call other family members by the name of the family dog, suggesting a special bond between humans and canines.

SourceDuke University·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateMay 16, 2016

Exercise, more than diet, key to preventing obesity

Researchers from the University of Missouri confirm exercise plays a crucial role in fighting obesity, with significant benefits for fat tissue and metabolism. The study found exercising rats developed different gut microbes than sedentary groups, despite eating the same amount of food, indicating exercise's importance in overall health.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 16, 2016

Maize genome 'dark matter' discovery a boon for breeders

Researchers at Cornell University and Florida State University identified a tiny percentage of regulatory DNA in the maize genome that accounts for roughly half of the variation in observable traits found in corn. This discovery enables breeders to focus on these areas for more efficient plant breeding.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Cancer risk perception could lead to adverse health outcomes among women

A recent study found that minority and less educated women perceive breast cancer as a more common killer than heart disease, which may contribute to worse health outcomes. Researchers recommend that healthcare providers incorporate messages for both breast health and heart disease prevention to maximize impact.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 16, 2016

Theorists smooth the way to modeling quantum friction

Theoretical chemists at Princeton University developed operational dynamic modeling (ODM), a new approach to model quantum friction, which satisfies both the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and produces real observations. This breakthrough opens a way forward to understand not only quantum friction but also other dissipative phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 16, 2016

Cooling cows efficiently with water spray

Researchers found that low-flow sprinkler systems were effective in mitigating heat stress in cows, with similar benefits to high-flow systems. Cows produced more milk when given access to sprinklers, and both types provided improved behavioral and physiological responses.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMay 16, 2016

Scientists identify potential marker of EoE disease activity

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified elevated levels of eosinophil progenitor cells in the blood of pediatric patients with active EoE disease. This finding suggests a potential non-invasive biomarker for monitoring disease activity and reducing discomfort, costs, and side effects for patients.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 16, 2016

Converting cells to burn fat, not store it

Researchers at McGill University have found a way to reprogram white fat cells into energy-burning beige or brown fat cells. This 'browning' process can help manage obesity and other metabolic disorders by burning excess energy instead of storing it.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 16, 2016

Broader definition of 'severe maternal morbidity' could identify women at risk for pregnancy complications earlier, Penn study finds

A new Penn study proposes a broader definition of severe maternal morbidity to better identify high-risk patients, leading to improved care and lives saved. The expanded definition includes conditions such as postpartum readmission and significant blood loss, which accounted for most of the difference between restricted and expanded de...