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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Complete world map of tree diversity

Researchers created a complete world map of tree species richness using a statistical model that combines patchy data from small forest plots and country-level information. The analysis shows that climate is the most important factor driving global biodiversity, with the highest number of tree species found in hot, humid tropics.

Advances in naturopathy research reported in new special issue of JACM

A new special issue of JACM reports on recent naturopathy research advancements, exploring the effectiveness of whole-foods-based nutrition education and traditional knowledge in naturopathic education. The studies collectively demonstrate the potential benefits of multimodal, whole-person approaches for chronic conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Light at the end of the tunnel

A nationally representative study found that two-thirds (69%) of Canadians who had ever attempted suicide were completely free of any suicidal thoughts in the past year. The study also identified that social support and effective mental health treatment played a critical role in recovery from suicidal ideation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 20, 2019

Zebra stripes are not good landing strips

A new study published in PLOS One found that zebra stripes deter horse flies from landing on them by reducing the likelihood of a successful bite. The striped coat prevented flies from slowing down and failing to land, leading to fewer bites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2019

Activating tooth regeneration in mice

Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 20, 2019

Yea, team! Winning fans see self-esteem boost

A new study suggests that watching college football games with friends can significantly boost self-esteem in fans of the winning team, while fans of losing teams may experience a decrease in mood. The study found that social connections and shared experiences play a crucial role in enhancing self-esteem.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication & Sport·DateFeb 20, 2019

A deeper look at the relationship between dermatitis and food allergy, in pediatric patients

Food allergies are associated with unique skin properties and abnormalities in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. The study found decreased filaggrin, elevated type 2 immune responses, and increased keratin expression in skin samples from patients with food allergy and dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Lack of sleep is not necessarily fatal for flies

In a study with thousands of fruit flies, researchers found that male flies denied sleep did not die earlier than those with regular sleep. Female flies died on average three days earlier, but the exact reason for this is unclear. The study suggests that sleep may not be essential for life in the same way food is.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Did you get it? I can see it in your eyes

Researchers at Università di Trento's Center for Mind/Brain Sciences found that preparatory, unconscious eye movements can be a window into the learning process. By analyzing these eye movements, scientists can infer what people know before responding to external stimuli, potentially advancing our understanding of learning and attention.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 20, 2019

Can a nerve injury trigger ALS?

Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 20, 2019

For adult scoliosis, surgery, other treatments are viable options

A new study suggests that surgery is a viable option for adults with scoliosis, but nonoperative treatments can also be effective. The extent of disability was found to be the most important factor in deciding whether to operate, with patients who had adequate quality-of-life benefiting from nonoperative treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2019

Vigorous exercise, fasting, hormones improve elimination of toxic, misfolded, unnecessary proteins in mouse and human cells

A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

Tools to help seriously ill patients near death make decisions about their care aren't commonly used in routine practice

A new study by researchers from The Dartmouth Institute found that only a few patient decision aids are available for seriously ill patients near death, and their quality is varying. The tools were designed for specific conditions or life-sustaining treatments but lacked general treatment approaches.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019