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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 10


Page 10 of 43

Genome sleuthing tracks the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers tracked MRSA transmission through detailed genome sequencing and epidemiological data, finding clusters of closely related bacteria linked to specific individuals and hospital transfers. The study reveals MRSA strains thought to be strictly hospital-associated are spreading in the general community.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2017

Household with mother (-in-law) means fewer kids

Researchers analyzed records of over 2.5 million women from 14 countries, finding that living with a mother-in-law actually results in lower family sizes. Women who live with either their own or husband's mother have fewer children compared to those who only live with their spouse.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 25, 2017

Why arched backs are attractive

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that small changes in a woman's back angle influence attractiveness ratings. The results suggest an arching of the back signals female receptivity, which may explain why high heels are considered attractive.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateOct 25, 2017

New way to prevent unfavorable intestinal microbiota

Researchers found that antimicrobial peptide R-Spondin1 stimulates intestinal stem cells to differentiate into Paneth cells, which secrete alpha-defensins with strong antimicrobial activity. Administration of R-Spondin1 restored gut microbiota in mice with graft-versus-host disease, preventing depletion of Paneth cells and dysbiosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Underwater sound waves help scientists locate ocean impacts

Scientists have developed a new method to locate the precise time and location that objects fall into our oceans using underwater microphones. The method relies on measuring acoustic gravity waves generated when an object hits the sea surface. Researchers validated their method by locating recent earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

Genetics may put a person at risk of high triglycerides, but adopting a healthy diet can help

Researchers found that genetic predisposition increases risk of high triglycerides, but maintaining a healthy body weight or changing diet can help reverse the risk. A specific gene mutation was associated with higher circulating triglycerides, but the correlation was dependent on BMI and dietary intake.

The problem with being pretty

Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

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

A quarter of adults with problematic marijuana use have anxiety disorders in childhood and late adolescence. The study also found that some teens who abuse pot outgrow habit in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment and peer bullying were linked to an increased risk of chronic marijuana abuse, but not necessarily earlier use.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2017