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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 38


Page 38 of 44

Invasive insects cost the world billions per year

A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Networking is the way to go

Networking is crucial for spreading integrated pest management in agriculture. The article suggests three ways to improve networking: enhancing communication between research organizations, involving advisors in defining research projects, and structuring knowledge generation approaches. By following these recommendations, farmers can ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalCrop Protection·DateOct 4, 2016

Sex before sport doesn't negatively impact performance

A recent review published in Frontiers in Physiology challenges long-held views that abstinence from sexual activity can improve athletic performance. Research suggests that sex before competition may have a beneficial effect on marathon runners' performance and does not negatively impact performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateOct 4, 2016

Making medications safer for newborns

Researchers are working to develop safer drug treatments for newborns through increased clinical trials and improved efficiency. Currently, most medication treatments in newborns are based on adult studies, which can lead to uncertainty about their effectiveness.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 4, 2016

How gut microbes help chemotherapy drugs

Researchers identify two gut bacteria that activate cancer-fighting T cell immune responses, enhancing the effects of cyclophosphamide. These microbial-driven immune responses predicted longer progression-free survival in advanced lung and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 4, 2016

Invasive insects: An underestimated cost to the world economy

A recent study reveals that invasive insects cause significant damage to agriculture, health care, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated annual losses of 69 billion euros. The majority of these damages are attributed to North America, with Europe and Asia also experiencing substantial financial losses.

SourceAgence F·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Infants use prefrontal cortex in learning

Researchers found that infants as young as 8 months use the same circuits as adults when learning simple hierarchical rules. Their brains are properly adapted to handle essential elements in their world, suggesting a more mature prefrontal cortex than previously thought.

Studies address improving care for Chinese American immigrants with depression

Two recent studies by MGH psychiatrists improve treatment outcomes for Chinese American immigrants with depression. Culturally sensitive treatment combined with telepsychiatry shows significant improvement in depression symptoms, while stigma can reduce effectiveness. The studies suggest that stigmatizing attitudes may exert an indepen...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2016

Queens, sex and colony collapse

Scientists found that queen bees infected with deformed wing virus can transmit the disease through natural mating, leading to colony collapse. The study suggests that a significant portion of failed bee colonies is due to queen failure, highlighting the importance of managing queen health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

Ben-Gurion U. study highlights gene that could lead to therapies for ALS

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a novel molecular mechanism that could lead to new therapies for ALS. They found that endogenous multifunctional protein macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as a chaperone for misfolded SOD1 proteins, which accumulate and cause cell death in ALS patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016

New fault discovered in earthquake-prone Southern California region

A new fault has been identified in the Salton Sea area of Southern California, which could impact current seismic hazard models and earthquake risk assessment. The discovery provides much-needed information on the intricate structure of earthquake faults beneath the sea and may offer new insights into the region's earthquake cycle.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 4, 2016

Do older people take fewer risks?

Research by University of Basel found that older people do not necessarily take fewer risks than younger people, but rather their risk-taking behavior depends on the type and complexity of tasks. The study used both self-report and behavioral measures to investigate age-related changes in risk-taking propensity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2016

Discovery of an extragalactic hot molecular core

Astronomers have detected a 'hot molecular core,' a cocoon of molecules surrounding a newborn massive star, for the first time outside our Galaxy. This discovery reveals significantly different chemical compositions compared to similar objects in our own Galaxy, suggesting potential difficulties in producing large organic species.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 4, 2016

Make an October weight resolution

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals tend to gain weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a peak around the New Year. By setting an October weight resolution, individuals can avoid gaining holiday weight altogether, as it may take over 5 months to lose gained pounds.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Study shows majority of US students can now choose non-animal teaching methods

A new study from PETA finds that 63% of US public schools allow students to opt out of animal dissection. Non-animal teaching methods have been shown to teach biology better and save time and money. The study's findings support the growing trend towards compassionate education, backed by the National Science Teachers Association.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 4, 2016

The psychology behind climate change denial

Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 4, 2016