03 Mar, 2014 | by Labroots
Anti-Depressants Have Greater Psychological Side-Effects than ThoughtAccording to an article in Science Daily News, thoughts of suicide, sexual difficulties and other problems that have been associated with taking anti-depressants are more common than originally thought. Research performed by the University of Liverpool included 1,829 people who were using anti-depressants. Large numbers reported psychological problems resulting from taking the prescription medications....... Read More
28 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Bisphenol A Exposure Linked to Adverse Effects in Developing PrimatesBisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in a variety of products, such as food cans, water bottles, and even paper receipts. It is a hormone mimic that has been shown to alter signaling mechanisms in estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones. Studies in mice and rats have previously demonstrated that maternal exposure to even very low doses of BPA can cause significant damage to developing fetuses. Now,...... Read More
27 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Climate Change Impacting InsectsAs climate change continues to progress and the earthâs temperature increases, insects and other cold-blooded animals are affected alongside humans. Because their body temperature is determined by the ambient temperature, vital biological processes are also affected in regards to how quickly and efficiently they take place. A group of Danish and Australian researchers performed a study looking...... Read More
26 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Chemical Found to Restore Light Perception in Blind MiceA new study gives hope to those individuals who suffer from blindness caused by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors in the eyes. These rods and cones are the source of blinding diseases which include retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. A science article in Science Daily news reports on a study performed by Dr. Richard Kramer of the University of California and colleagues....... Read More
25 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Dogs Shown to Have Brain Areas which Respond to VoicesTaking the command âstay!â to a new level has allowed scientists to learn new details of how dogsâ brains work. A science article reprinted in Science News, Science Daily and other current science news publications was originally reported in the scientific journal Current Biology on February 20th giving details of the study where researchers taught dogs to lie perfectly still inside a brain scanner...... Read More
20 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Concussions May Increase Risk of Alzheimer's DiseaseThe links between head trauma and degenerative brain disorders has been increasingly in the spotlight with the issues of professional athletes. A 2012 study concluded that retired National Football League players were 4 times more likely to die from diseases such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease) and Alzheimer's. Repeated concussions were believed to play a significant...... Read More
19 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Plastic Shopping Bags May Have a New UseAll those plastic bags that you bring home from the grocery store may turn out to be useful. Not only do they clutter homes, but there is also an abundance of them on land and at sea. Now, scientists have found that these bags can be converted to diesel, natural gas and other petroleum products. According to an article in eScience News, the process to convert the bags results in a much larger volume...... Read More
18 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Cat Bites Pose Special RisksFor people who go to the emergency room with animal bites each year, cat bites account for only 10 to 15 percent. Although dog bites are much more common, the wounds inflicted by cats are of special concern because of a greater infection risk. Dog bites are also more likely to tear through flesh and break bones. Even so, these wounds are open and easier to clean. This reduces the potential to become...... Read More
17 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Crazy Ants Replacing Fire AntsA new predator is invading North America: the crazy ant. Until now, fire ants were the most feared invaders of their kind, producing a notorious sting painful to their victims. It turns out that the crazy ants have the ability to detoxify fire ant venom in a way that that no other insect or animal has been able to before. According to a science news article printed on NYTimes.com, the crazy ant uses...... Read More
14 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Poll Shows Americans Have Little Faith in ScientistsThe reason that so many people doubt the scientific findings that relate to important issues such as global warning may be a simple reflection of their mistrust of scientists. According to a new HuffPost/YouGov poll, only 36% of Americans admit to having âa lotâ of trust that the information obtained from scientists is accurate and reliable. Of those polled, only 51% reported that they trusted...... Read More