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Science News for July 13, 2018


Expert panel compares opioid epidemic to early days of HIV epidemic

An expert panel has identified parallels between the current opioid epidemic and the early days of the HIV epidemic. The panel recommends five crucial steps for clinicians treating patients affected by opioid addiction and these intersecting infections, including increasing access to addiction care and developing hospital-based protocols.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2018

Reading rivers

A study led by Tamara Pico from Harvard University estimates how glaciers moved by analyzing the weight of the ice sheet's impact on topography and river course. The researchers used a model that connects the growth of the ice sheet with changes in the Hudson River's direction, potentially offering new insights into glacier growth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalGeology·DateJul 13, 2018

Sticking with the wrong choice

Researchers discovered that mice, rats, and humans all exhibit the sunk cost fallacy, preferring to continue with a choice despite clear evidence of a better alternative. The study used economic games to test species' willingness to wait for rewards, finding that all three groups became more reluctant to quit as time passed.

The love lives of fruit flies

Research at Harvard Medical School reveals that fruit fly courtship is influenced by the convergence of motivation, perception, and chance. The study found that dopamine levels play a crucial role in directing courtship behavior, with high levels leading to persistent pursuit.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJul 13, 2018

Residential segregation associated with black-white disparity in firearm homicide rates

A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJul 13, 2018

Reducing Australia's cancer death rate

A study by La Trobe University found that cutting back on tobacco and alcohol consumption as a population would significantly reduce future cancer deaths. Reducing smoking by half a kilogram less annually per capita could lower cancer deaths by 8%, while reducing drinking by three litres less annually per capita could lower them by 12%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2018

Growing a dinosaur's dinner

Researchers at the University of Leeds grew herbivore dinosaurs' diet by mimicking atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago. The study showed that many plant species had significantly higher energy and nutrient levels under high CO2 concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 13, 2018

How looking at the big picture can lead to better decisions

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people make more efficient decisions when they consider the long-term consequences and maximize overall value for the group. By creating psychological distance from a decision, individuals can see beyond immediate considerations and allocate resources effectively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 13, 2018