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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 359


Page 359 of 473

More communication needed regarding disposal of pet pharmaceuticals

A study by Oregon State University found that over 60% of veterinary care professionals do not counsel clients on the environmental stewardship aspect of medicine disposal. Pet supplies and over-the-counter pet medications are a significant industry, with potentially harmful effects on the environment when disposed of improperly.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateApr 3, 2018

It's an ecological trap

Researchers discover that warmer temperatures turn non-native milkweed species into a poisonous trap for monarch butterflies. This study highlights the impact of climate change on species interactions and the delicate balance between monarchs and their food source.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEcology·DateApr 3, 2018

Easing uncertainty

Christa Fluehmann and colleagues demonstrate a way to measure position and momentum with minimal disturbance, enabling precise measurements in a limited range. This relaxation of the uncertainty principle has fundamental implications for quantum mechanics and opens up possibilities for practical applications like quantum computing.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 2018

Evolution of human locomotion

A study examined human ancestors' walking and climbing capabilities, revealing that humans' straight-legged gait provides improved walking economy but also allows for enhanced hip extension. This enabled early hominins like Ardipithecus ramidus to develop a balance between improved walking economy and climbing ability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Predicting water storage beyond 2-5 years over global semiarid regions

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics successfully predicted terrestrial water storage beyond 2-5 years in semiarid regions using a set of global land model ensemble simulations. The study improves near-term climate change projection and water resource management by incorporating low-frequency climate information.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

Study examines energy and nutrient digestibility in wheat co-products fed to growing pigs

Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.

Unraveling the immunopathogenesis of Johne's disease

A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 2, 2018

Proper data analysis might be among Hurricane Maria's casualties

A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Flood risk denial in US coastal communities

A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

Infant death study reveals dangerous sleep practices among babysitters, relatives, others

A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 2, 2018

Payment reform fix?

Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Do men outnumber women in academic neurology programs?

A recent study found that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, consistent with previous research on neurology and other specialties. The study analyzed data from 1,712 academic neurologists across 29 programs, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in academic careers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 2, 2018