Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 41


Page 41 of 42

UM scientist awarded grant aimed to increase aquaculture production in the US

University of Miami Professor Daniel Benetti has been awarded a $967,000 grant from NOAA to develop hatchery technology for three economically important marine fish species. The project aims to create an affordable supply of seed for commercial producers, relieving pressure on wild stocks without negative economic impacts.

Survey findings: 4 in 10 healthcare professionals work while sick

A survey of 1,914 healthcare professionals found that four in 10 opt to work while experiencing influenza-like illness, putting patients at risk. Hospital-based providers are among the most likely to do so, highlighting the need for updated paid sick leave policies and tailored strategies to promote healthy choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 1, 2017

Treatment for dogs alleviates fear of noisy fireworks

A study published in Veterinary Record shows that dexmedetomidine gel significantly reduces behaviors related to fear and anxiety in dogs during fireworks displays. The treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with 72% of dogs showing good or excellent treatment effect.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateNov 1, 2017

Babies can use context to look for things, study demonstrates

A new study demonstrates that babies can learn, remember and use contextual cues in a scene to guide their search for objects of interest. The study found that 6-month-old babies showed steady improvement in finding faces in repeated scenes, but didn't get any quicker or more accurate in finding faces in new scenes.

SourceBrown University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateNov 1, 2017

Zebra 'poo science' improves conservation efforts

Researchers used 'poo science' to analyze glucocorticoid hormones in Cape mountain zebra droppings, revealing chronic stress impacting their health and reproduction. The study identified seven populations with distinct profiles, enabling conservationists to identify at-risk populations and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation plans.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateNov 1, 2017

Almost half of those who resolve a problem with drugs or alcohol do so without assistance

A study from the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital found that almost 9% of respondents to a national survey indicate overcoming a serious problem with drugs or alcohol. Most who resolved their issues (54%) used some form of assistance, such as mutual self-help groups or professional medical treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 1, 2017

Co-parenting after the end of a violent marriage: What does the first year look like?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that women who experienced coercive controlling violence in their marriages continued to experience higher levels of harassment, conflict, and volatility from their former partners during the first year. In contrast, women who experienced situational couple violence saw ...

A quarter of problematic cannabis users have anxiety disorders, many since childhood

Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of participants didn't develop problems with marijuana during young adulthood. The remaining quarter showed varying levels of limited, persistent, and delayed problems, often linked to childhood family conflict and instability. Anxiety disorders were a common issue among these users.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2017

The fingerprints of coastal carbon sinks

Researchers have developed a new technique, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), to accurately measure soil carbon levels in coastal wetlands like mangrove forests. This method has higher accuracy and is non-toxic, fast, and inexpensive, making it suitable for large-scale monitoring.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateNov 1, 2017

How songbirds learn a new song

Researchers found that songbirds break down the complex task of learning a new song into manageable parts, using a strategy similar to computer algorithms. This approach allows them to adapt their songs with minimal effort and expand their repertoire.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2017

Riding the bike to work is just as effective as leisure time exercise

Researchers from University of Copenhagen find that cycling to and from work is just as effective in reducing fat mass as moderate- or high-intensity leisure-time exercise. The study involved 130 overweight participants who cycled, exercised, or did neither for six months, with significant weight loss found in all groups.

Molybdenum in Wisconsin wells not from coal ash

Researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University found that high levels of molybdenum in Wisconsin drinking water wells come from natural sources, not coal ash. The study used forensic isotopic 'fingerprinting' and age-dating techniques to determine the contamination's origin.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 1, 2017

Scientists trace the stem cells that repopulate bone marrow after transplantation

Researchers have identified a distinct subset of hematopoietic stem cells capable of fully repopulating the bone marrow after transplantation. These cells, marked by specific surface markers, were found to be essential for successful bone marrow transplantation in nonhuman primates and show promise for human applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 1, 2017

Is he really that into you?

Women who experienced painful father-child relationships perceive greater mating intent in men and exhibit increased sexual arousal when viewing male faces. This study highlights the potential for early childhood experiences to shape adult mating behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in unrestricted or risky sexual activity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 1, 2017

New Greenland maps show more glaciers at risk

Researchers have created high-resolution maps of Greenland's bedrock and coastal seafloor, showing that two to four times more glacier fronts are at risk of accelerated melting than previously thought. The new data suggests that warmer ocean water is melting deeper-seated glaciers, potentially increasing sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 1, 2017

From quantum physicist to quantum CEO

Q-Ctrl, founded by University of Sydney's Professor Michael Biercuk, aims to provide trusted quantum control solutions for various industries. The company has attracted multimillion-dollar investments and is focused on reducing qubit errors to improve the performance of quantum devices.

Researchers find low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets

Researchers discovered low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets globally, making them more susceptible to diseases and disorders. The study highlights the importance of incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from other countries into breeding programs to minimize inbreeding and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 1, 2017

Hacking evolution, screening technique may improve most widespread enzyme

Researchers identified an improved form of the enzyme Rubisco, which can enhance carbon dioxide-fixation kinetics. The new screening strategy enabled the discovery of 11 mutations that increased efficiency, with potential applications in crops and sustainable food production.

Physicists describe new dark matter detection strategy

Researchers propose a new method for directly detecting dark matter by exploiting the interaction between superfluid helium and potential dark matter particles. The strategy involves a tub of helium and a positively charged metal pin array to amplify the tiny energy signature of a released atom, enabling the detection of single atoms a...