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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 41

Natural enemies reduce pesticide use

A study found that increasing crop diversity in agricultural landscapes reduces aphid populations and decreases the need for pesticides. This is because natural enemies of aphids, such as ladybirds and spiders, have better living conditions in diverse landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 20, 2018

Sustained bacterial outbreak in mosquitoes limits spread of life-threatening diseases

Researchers use ordinary differential equation-based model to calculate effective method of introducing Wolbachia to wild mosquitoes, reducing spread of life-threatening diseases. The two-sex model accounts for aquatic life stage, heterosexual transmission, and multiple pregnant states, capturing entire transmission cycle.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateMar 20, 2018

New linguistic analysis finds Dravidian language family is approximately 4,500 years old

A new linguistic analysis by an international team has estimated that the Dravidian language family, spoken by 220 million people in South Asia, originated around 4,500 years ago. This estimate matches well with earlier studies and is supported by advanced statistical methods and hand-collected data from native speakers.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 20, 2018

First population-scale sequencing project explores platypus history

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses across Eastern Australia and Tasmania, establishing a family history and kinship in unprecedented detail. The study provides insights into population structure, diversity, and evolutionary forces at work, shedding light on the conservation challenges facing this unique species.

Antibiotics could be key to relieving chronic bladder pain

A new clinical study led by Sheela Swamy of University College London found that antibiotics can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic bladder pain and urinary tract infections. The study analyzed 624 women who had suffered from long-term symptoms for over six years, with no relief from previous treatments.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Urogynecology Journal·DateMar 20, 2018

Even flies like a familiar song

Fruit flies are attracted to unique wing pulse patterns, and exposure to these sounds during development teaches them to prefer their species' own pulse. The study found that female pC1 neurons play a crucial role in the courtship learning process.

Innovation for 'young & young at heart' finds home at Disney & in geriatrics for #AGS18

The American Geriatrics Society's AGS18 conference will feature more than 100 events and research updates, including the launch of a new comprehensive fracture care curriculum. Researchers will discuss controversies in hypertension management, the benefits of annual wellness visits, and innovative models for dementia care. Top clinicia...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 20, 2018

Emerging diseases | is MERS-CoV a threat for Africa?

Researchers from CIRAD and Hong Kong University find MERS-CoV strains in African dromedaries differ from those in the Arabian Peninsula, explaining virus transmission. Genetic differences may account for disease not being transmitted to humans in West and North Africa.

SourceCirad·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2018

Hydrogel may help heal diabetic ulcers

Researchers at Rice University have developed a hydrogel that significantly accelerates wound healing in genetically diabetic rodents, promoting tissue growth and regeneration. The study's findings suggest that the hydrogel's cellular infiltration enhances wound closure rates, providing hope for improved treatment of diabetic ulcers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 20, 2018

Trial shows safety of drugs for irregular heartbeat patients undergoing treatment

Atrial fibrillation affects millions worldwide, increasing risk of stroke and heart failure. A new study finds Apixaban and VKAs safe for treatment during catheter ablation procedures, with a significant improvement in cognitive function. The results will reassure clinicians that continuous Apixaban is an effective alternative to VKAs.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 20, 2018

Danger ahead?

A shift in western Arctic wind patterns occurred during the winter of 2017, with sea ice movement also changing. This anomaly is possible indicator of a changing climate, with potentially significant impacts on Arctic ecosystems and food webs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 20, 2018

Epidural stimulation shown to normalize blood pressure following spinal cord injury

Researchers at University of Louisville have found that epidural stimulation can safely and effectively elevate blood pressure in individuals with severe spinal cord injury. The study, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, included four research participants who experienced significant improvements in blood pressure regulation.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 19, 2018