Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 40


Page 40 of 40

Delaying meals impacts the sugar levels of the body

Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that delaying meal times by five hours can delay blood sugar rhythms, suggesting a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of shift work and jet lag. This finding indicates that separate circadian clocks govern glucose metabolism and fat levels in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Social laughter releases endorphins in the brain

Researchers found that social laughter leads to increased release of endorphins and opioid peptides, promoting social bonding and feelings of safety. This chemical response may underlie individual differences in sociability, highlighting the importance of vocal communication in maintaining human social networks.

Elephantiasis patients more likely to have depression

Research reveals that adults with lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria are four times more likely to experience depression than other adults in the country. The study found that patients with low self-esteem and unemployment were more prone to depression, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 1, 2017

Where to look for new treatments for alcoholism? The matrix

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the MMP-9 enzyme plays a crucial role in motivation for alcohol consumption. Researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were less motivated to drink and exhibited reduced craving during withdrawal. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments targeting ...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2017

Cholesterol -- a key player at the lung surface

Researchers at Lund University found that cholesterol impacts the molecular structure of the alveoli's surfactant film, influencing its mechanical properties and substance transport. The study provides new insights into the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

How to attack Africa's neonatal mortality problem

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the need to address inadequate healthcare and water access in Africa to reduce neonatal mortality rates. The study found that nearly half of under-5 child deaths occur during the neonatal period, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeospatial health·DateJun 1, 2017

Ethnicity and breastfeeding influence infant gut bacteria

A new study from McMaster University found that ethnicity and breastfeeding practices independently affect the gut microbiota in infants as young as one year old. The research revealed a higher abundance of lactic acid bacteria in South Asians and Clostridia in white Caucasians, suggesting potential links to future health issues such a...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJun 1, 2017

Deployment stress impacts well-being through different mental health issues for female and male vets

Research highlights the complex interplay between deployment stressors, mental health, and post-deployment well-being in veterans. The study found that specific military exposures have implications for functioning and satisfaction in work and family domains, with gender differences in risk and reaction to these exposures.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJun 1, 2017

Sour taste cells detect water

Researchers at Caltech have discovered that sour-sensing taste cells play a crucial role in detecting water on the tongue. The study found that these cells are responsible for sensing water through a pathway also used for basic tastes, such as salt and sugar. This finding challenges current understanding of how mammals detect water.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 1, 2017

Populist radical right a threat to core values of medicine and public health

The populist radical right is a threat to the core values of medicine and public health, as it undermines evidence-based practices and ignores human rights. This trend has been observed in various European countries and the United States, where populist radical right parties have shaped politics and healthcare policies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJun 1, 2017

New approach to antibiotic therapy is a dead end for pathogens

A team of researchers at Kiel University has developed a new strategy to combat multi-resistant pathogens by identifying which antibiotics can lead to increased susceptibility to other drugs. This concept, known as 'collateral sensitivity', offers hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance.