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Science News for September 1, 2016


Technology and innovation not driven by climate change

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that climate change was not a primary driver of technological innovation among Stone Age humans. Researchers analyzed animal remains from South Africa's southern Cape, finding that human populations were able to absorb changes to the climate through resources like long-distance contact and ...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 1, 2016

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Climate and air travel maps identify countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus

A new study identifies countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus transmission due to climate, mosquito presence, and large populations. The analysis highlights India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as top countries, emphasizing the need for public health decision-making support.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

'Gambling' wolves take more risks than dogs

In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, scientists found that wolves are consistently more prone to take risks when gambling for food than dogs. The researchers trained 7 wolves and 7 dogs to choose between a safe option and a risky option with uncertain rewards, and the results showed that wolves chose the risky option in 80%...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 1, 2016

Deadly duo

Researchers found that killer shrimps drove native amphipods out of hiding places, making them easy prey for round gobies. The invasive crustaceans played an indirect role in the decline of native species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 1, 2016

A new tool for wetland management

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new tool to help wetland managers create healthier, more productive wetlands. The computer model suggests altering water levels in individual diked wetland units and focusing on invasive plant control at a specific time of year.

SourceUtah State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateSep 1, 2016

Politics affect views on healthcare quality -- but not on personal experience with care

A recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality found that Democrats and Republicans have different views on the quality of healthcare, but those with recent illnesses had similar experiences. The research suggests that political differences in opinions about government regulation may contribute to these disparities.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateSep 1, 2016

Parents' math skills 'rub off' on their children

A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that parents' math skills are associated with their children's performance on standardized tests and may be influenced by an intuitive sense of numbers. The research suggests that parental influence can play a significant role in shaping children's mathematical abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateSep 1, 2016

Unique health survey of Finnish cats reveals common and breed-specific illnesses

A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateSep 1, 2016

Are promises made to living donors being upheld?

A new study found that some living kidney donors are not given prompt access to transplantation when they need a transplant. The study examined data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and found that only 40-50 prior living donors are added to the kidney waiting list each year.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 1, 2016

Bacterial membrane vesicles can cause preterm birth

Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 1, 2016

Study finds heart infections increasing among younger injection drug users

A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

Location, location, location: Cellular hotspots for tumors and regeneration

Two studies reveal unique properties of cells in Drosophila larvae that exhibit resistance to cell death and participate in tissue regeneration. Cells from specific 'tumor hotspots' express conserved signaling pathways necessary for tumor formation, while deregulation of these pathways is implicated in human cancer therapy resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 1, 2016

Parental psychiatric disease linked with elevated risks of attempted suicide and violent offending during adulthood

A strong correlation has been found between parental psychiatric disorder and the increased risk of suicide attempts and violent behavior in their children. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, reveals that risks for offspring suicide attempt and violent offending were raised across almost all parental psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2016

'Tug of war' keeps scientists working on storm tracks

Storm tracks are crucial for weather and climate in middle-latitude regions like Chicago and New York. Climate change alters the position of these tracks, with clouds playing a key role in this shift. Researchers highlight the need to expand observational efforts and improve computer simulations to better understand storm track changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 1, 2016

When silencing phantom noises is a matter of science

Scientists have identified the GLAST gene as a potential protector against tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. The study found that mice with normal GLAST function were less prone to developing tinnitus when exposed to toxic substances.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 1, 2016

Longer survival of advanced cancer patients given methylnaltrexone for constipation suggests role for mu opiate receptor in cancer progression

A study suggests that methylnaltrexone can improve the survival of advanced cancer patients with constipation, indicating a potential target for cancer therapy. The drug works by blocking opioid receptors in the gut, reversing constipation without affecting pain relief.

Physician experts highlight research ahead of Otolaryngology's annual meeting

Researchers present cutting-edge studies on healthcare economics, sleep apnea, and 3-D printed tissue engineering, showcasing potential breakthroughs for obstructive sleep apnea and head and neck cancer treatments. The findings have significant implications for the future of otolaryngology.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 1, 2016

Why pneumococci affect primarily humans

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet discovered that pneumococcal bacteria use a human-specific sugar molecule to enhance growth and resistance. This finding sheds light on why pneumococci cause more severe infections in humans than other animals, and could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 1, 2016

Tight DNA packaging protects against 'jumping genes,' potential cellular destruction

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that tight DNA packaging in chromosomes mainly guards against virus-like genetic elements known as transposons or 'jumping genes,' which can copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes. The discovery clarifies the role of heterochromatin and ad...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 1, 2016

Drugs in the water? Don't blame the students

A new study by University of Vermont scientists contradicts the long-held belief that students flushing unused medications down the drain contribute significantly to pharmaceutical pollution. Instead, research found that excretion and other sources, like pharmaceutical manufacturing, are much more important contributors to wastewater.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 1, 2016

Researchers find gene mutations lead to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans

Researchers discovered 15 gene mutations that contribute to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans, resulting in higher recurrence and metastasis rates. These findings explain the disparity in colorectal cancer rates and death rates between African-Americans and other groups.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 1, 2016