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University of Georgia


Silencing of gene affects people's social lives, study shows

A recent study by researchers at the University of Georgia found that silencing of the OXT gene may impact social behaviors, including recognizing emotional states of others. Participants with higher methylation levels of the OXT gene showed difficulty in describing facial emotions and had increased anxiety about relationships.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2016

UGA study finds Saharan dust affects marine bacteria, potential pathogen Vibrio

A UGA study found that Saharan dust increases iron levels in ocean surface water, leading to large blooms of Vibrio bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious illness in humans and other marine organisms, and their rapid growth rate short circuits the theory of phytoplankton as the first responders to nutrient plumes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

Research will help policymakers plan for sea level rise

A new study forecasts that a 6-foot sea level rise will expose over 13 million American homes to flooding and other hazards, with Florida facing the greatest risk. The research provides policymakers with detailed information to develop practical adaptation strategies for protecting land threatened by frequent and repeated inundation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 14, 2016

Molecular-level relationships key to deciphering ocean carbon

Researchers have developed new tools to understand the complex relationships between ocean-borne compounds and microbes, revealing a vast network of molecular connections that store and transform atmospheric carbon in the world's oceans. The study focuses on dissolved organic matter, or DOM, as a central carbon reservoir.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Study links Facebook connections, alcohol use in college-aged females

A study by the University of Georgia found a correlation between certain patterns of connections on Facebook and drug and alcohol use among female students. Students with a history of childhood physical abuse were more likely to be part of densely interconnected groups, associated with higher risk for alcohol use. In contrast, those wi...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 7, 2015

Oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, new study shows

A new study led by University of Georgia marine scientists found that oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, promoting the growth of Colwellia and inhibiting Marinobacter. The presence of dispersants significantly altered microbial composition in Gulf deep water, hindering efficient oil biodegradation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015