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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 37

Farmers on the front lines

Researchers analyzed climate change's effects on marine aquaculture production, finding it's already impacting producers today and will worsen unless proactive measures are taken. The study highlights the need for countries to prepare for climate change and develop adaptive measures to ensure sustainable seafood production worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 10, 2018

Global nutrition group issues first-ever consensus criteria for diagnosing malnutrition

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition has published a consensus report outlining five criteria for malnutrition diagnosis. The criteria include phenotypic and etiologic measures to assess malnutrition in adults. A two-step approach is recommended for diagnosis, involving screening and assessment.

New research shows how we turn on and off languages

Bilingual individuals exhibit unique brain activity when switching between languages, with increased cognitive control activity during disengagement. In contrast, engaging in a new language comes relatively cost-free from a neurobiological standpoint, suggesting that the burden of language-switching lies in disengagement.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

Zika virus strips immune cells of their identity

Researchers have developed a method to separate infected and uninfected cells, revealing how Zika virus manipulates the human immune system by suppressing gene production in macrophage cells. This approach provides a more accurate account of Zika's effect on macrophages and shows that the virus uses two methods to stop their function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

Computer model reveals effect of increased cholesterol on specific ion channel in heart

Researchers used a computer model to study the effect of increased cholesterol on a specific ion channel involved in regulating potassium levels in the heart. They found that increasing cholesterol levels made interactions with the channel more numerous, overwhelming it and interfering with its ability to open and close normally.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 10, 2018

One in four older adults prescribed a benzodiazepine goes on to risky long-term use

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that one in four older adults prescribed benzodiazepines continue to use them long-term. The research highlights the need for better education and critical thinking among healthcare providers to reduce the risk of long-term use, particularly among low-income older adults.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 10, 2018

In gut we trust when it comes to choices

A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that focusing on feelings instead of logic in decision-making leads to increased attitude certainty and stronger advocacy for chosen options. This approach can also change behavior, as seen in experiments where participants who made intuitive decisions shared their ch...

Coastal erosion in the Arctic intensifies global warming

A recent study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers found that the loss of Arctic permafrost through coastal erosion led to significant increases in carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere during the last glacial period. This phenomenon is now being studied to understand its potential impact on future climate warming.

What time is it in your body?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a simple blood test called TimeSignature that can identify the body's precise internal time clock. The test measures gene expression markers and can be taken any time of day, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

Drought, conflict and migration in Kenya

Researchers surveyed 1400 Kenyans affected by drought, finding that those who relocated are more likely to experience violence. However, migrants themselves do not express increased support for violence, suggesting a complex relationship between migration and conflict.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2018