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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 37

Digging deep into distinctly different DNA

The study found that mitochondrial DNA mutation rates differ across various tissues, particularly in reproductive cells, which could lead to devastating diseases if passed to future offspring. Researchers used a novel method to isolate mitochondria from specific cells, shedding light on the mechanisms regulating gene mutations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 22, 2018

BU: Marijuana use does not lower chances of getting pregnant

A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 22, 2018

Crows 'hooked' on fast food

New Caledonian crows manufacture hooked stick tools to outsmart hidden food, extracting it 2-10 times faster with improved efficiency. The study reveals that even small tool design changes can significantly boost foraging performance.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 22, 2018

Climate change and snowmelt -- turn up the heat, but what about humidity?

Researchers found that changes in humidity determine how much snowpack contributes to streams, lakes, and groundwater as the climate warms. Cloudy, humid winter days cause snowpack to warm faster, increasing melt during winter months. In contrast, clear skies and low humidity preserve the snowpack until spring. The study highlights the...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Use of dirty heating oil in NYC concentrated uptown

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 22, 2018

'Depression education' effective for some teens

The Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) achieved its intended effect of encouraging teenagers to speak up and seek adult help for themselves or a peer. More than 54% of students were depression-literate four months after the curriculum, compared with 36% of students who weren't exposed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 22, 2018

Overall in-hospital cardiac arrest survival improves, lower survival on nights, weekends

Survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests have improved over the past 15 years, with a significant increase in both on-hours and off-hours groups. However, patients who experience cardiac arrest during nights or weekends continue to face lower survival rates compared to those who arrest during daytime hours.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 22, 2018

Seabed mining could destroy ecosystems

A new study warns of long-lasting consequences from seabed mining, which could destroy deep-sea ecosystems and affect marine life globally. The research highlights the need for precautions and alternative approaches to mitigate potential harm.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 22, 2018

New NOAA research holds promise of predicting snowpack even before the snow falls

New NOAA research predicts snowpack levels in the West 8 months in advance, providing crucial information for farmers and urban water managers. The accurate predictions can be made on a mountain range scale, helping to improve regional water forecasts and inform decisions on water supply, wildfire risk, ecology, and agriculture.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Blavatnik Family Foundation provides $10 million to promote engineering innovations in health

The Blavatnik Family Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. The gift will support the Blavatnik Fund for Engineering Innovations in Health, which aims to attract graduate student talent and promote early-stage research across disciplines.

The Down syndrome 'super genome'

A study by UNIGE and UNIL researchers found that individuals with Down syndrome have an excellent genome, better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. This high-quality genome may compensate for the disabilities caused by the extra chromosome 21, enabling some fetuses to reach full term and grow up to old age.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 19, 2018

On the rebound

Palladium nanoparticles have been shown to repair atomic dislocations in their crystal structure after experiencing intense strain. Researchers discovered that these nanoparticles function like the human body healing from an injury, allowing them to mend and regain their original state.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2018

New technique for finding life on Mars

Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 19, 2018

Study ends debate over role of steroids in treating septic shock

A large-scale study has shown that steroid treatment can reduce the duration of septic shock and time spent on life support therapy, but not necessarily lead to fewer deaths. The trial involved 3800 patients across five countries and found that steroids led to a more rapid resolution of shock and earlier discharge from intensive care.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 19, 2018

National school lunch program aces safety test

The National School Lunch Program's zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella and E. coli bacteria has led to highly effective food safety standards, with 99% of shipments being Salmonella-free. This effective program is critical for child nutrition policy and anti-poverty measures.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 19, 2018