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Science News Archive September 2016 - Page 5


Page 5 of 12

Does recent isolation of Zika virus from Culex mosquitoes point to a new transmission source?

Researchers have identified Zika virus in mosquito species other than Aedes aegypti, raising concerns about alternative transmission sources. However, studies show that Culex species mosquitoes are highly unlikely to transmit the infection to humans, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control efforts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateSep 7, 2016

Humans may be uniquely identified by the proteins in their hair

Researchers have identified a unique set of protein markers in human hair that could be used to distinguish individuals. The findings demonstrate the robustness of these proteins and estimate that they would be sufficient to provide a unique pattern for an individual among a population of one million.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers pinpoint when cocaine-addicted individuals are most vulnerable to relapse

Mount Sinai researchers used EEG to study cue-induced craving in cocaine addicts and found that vulnerability to relapse peaks between one and six months of abstinence. This period coincides with patients' release from treatment programs, highlighting the need for alternative interventions to prevent relapse.

Ross River virus battle breakthrough

Researchers at Griffith University have discovered a potential new therapeutic treatment for mosquito-borne alphavirus infections, including Ross River Virus and Chikungunya Virus. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) has shown promising results in treating acute and chronic disease manifestations of alphavirus infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 7, 2016

The perfect car, according to science

A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers prefer cars with a unique design that mimics luxury car aesthetics, but not those that are too similar to the market average. The researchers used a morphing technique and consumer choice model to quantify how aesthetic design affects consumer preferences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 7, 2016

Cord blood transplant associated with high survival rate in high-risk leukemia patients

A recent study found that cord blood transplants may be the best option for high-risk leukemia patients, offering a lower risk of relapse compared to traditional transplants. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that these patients have better outcomes against leukemia and related bone marrow disorders.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Has the Affordable Care Act accomplished its goals?

The Affordable Care Act has significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals through expanded Medicaid and health insurance exchanges. Early evidence also suggests improvements in access to and affordability of healthcare, despite ongoing disparities by geography, race/ethnicity, and income.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Services Research·DateSep 7, 2016

How does your garden grow?

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that converting lawns to vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study modeled the effect of household gardens on emissions, finding a reduction of 2 kilograms for every kilogram of homegrown vegetables compared to store-bought counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateSep 7, 2016

New research reveals hundreds of undiscovered black holes

Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered hundreds of undetectable black holes within a globular cluster, overturning old theories on their formation. The study uses advanced simulations to map the cluster and its behavior, revealing the effects of these massive objects on the surrounding stars.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 7, 2016

Flying the flag for an airship revolution

Researchers propose a new conceptual model to analyze airship cargo capabilities, highlighting benefits over traditional vehicles in terms of access to coastal ports, airports, and remote regions. The value-density cargo pyramid could disrupt freight transport markets and alter world trade patterns.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Aviation Management·DateSep 7, 2016

Recommended weekly physical activity level may offset some of alcohol's lethal harms

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Study examines risk, risk factors for depression after stroke

A study of over 135,000 patients with stroke found that the risk of depression within two years was eight times higher than in a reference population, with half of cases appearing in the first three months after stroke. Major risk factors for depression included older age, female sex, and history of depression or severe stroke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2016

Tooth decay -- drilling down to the nanoscale

Researchers from the University of Sydney have created three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process using atom probe tomography. The study reveals magnesium-rich regions between hydroxyapatite nanorods, which play a key role in governing tooth behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 7, 2016