Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 23, 2016


Your dog remembers what you did

Researchers found that dogs can recall a person's complex actions, even when they don't expect to be tested. The study used the 'Do as I Do' training method to demonstrate this ability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Study suggests home-based telemental health delivers better quality of life for veterans

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Study supports lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes

A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 23, 2016

World of viruses uncovered

A pioneering study of invertebrates has uncovered 1445 viruses, including several new families, revealing people have only scratched the surface of the world of viruses. The research, led by Professor Edward Holmes, suggests these viruses have been associated with invertebrates for potentially billions of years.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Hopping to the frontier

Researchers have discovered that a common species of Asian tree frog (Hyla japonica) may be two separate species, with distinct evolutionary relationships between East and West Japan. The study's findings could lead to reassignment of the species' scientific name and shed light on the historical mystery surrounding its discovery.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Genomics reveals hen harrier is 2 distinct species

A study published in Avian Research has confirmed the Hen Harrier and Northern Harrier as two distinct species using genomics and molecular phylogenetics. The classification will aid national conservation efforts, particularly for the European Hen Harrier under threat from grouse hunts.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalAvian Research·DateNov 23, 2016

Climate model predictions are telling a consistent story

A study by Aarhus University scientists uses three independent climate modeling methods to demonstrate that wheat yield will decline with global temperature increases. The models project a 5.7% decline in global wheat production for each 1°C temperature rise, with warmer regions expected to suffer the most.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 23, 2016

Suicide rates drop among members of White Mountain Apache tribe

A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 23, 2016

Should parents lie to children about Santa?

Psychologists warn that lying about Father Christmas can erode children's trust in their parents, while also being a way for adults to re-enter childhood imagination. The authors argue that the harsh realities of adult life may require a 'better' creation to believe in.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Stop playing seek-and-hide with latent HIV

Researchers at Centre for Genomic Regulation develop new technology to detect latent HIV, shedding light on expression landscape of the virus in human genome. The technology shows that different HIV reactivation drugs target different locations within chromosome, leading to more selective treatment.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Pioneers in IVC filter removal

Interventional radiologists at Rush University Medical Center have developed methods to remove filters that previously couldn't be removed, achieving a 100% retrieval rate. The team uses specialized tools and medical expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 2016

Molecular chameleons reveal bacterial biofilms

Researchers have developed a new method to detect bacterial biofilms using molecular chameleons, which emit a unique optical fingerprint. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of biofilm formation and its applications in medical care and the food industry.

SourceLinköping University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 23, 2016

New Neiman Institute study evaluates national trends in enteral access procedures

A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 2016

Study suggests that parental health behaviors may influence children's sleep

A new study found that parental confidence in helping children get enough sleep is positively associated with child sleep duration. Additionally, higher parent sleep duration was also linked to increased child sleep duration, suggesting that addressing insufficient sleep among children may require family-based interventions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 23, 2016