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Science News for September 24, 2004


Brightly colored cups, plates spur food, beverage consumption in advanced Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that the use of high-contrast colored tableware increased food intake by 24.6% and liquid intake by 83.7% in individuals with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Boston University researchers, suggests that visual impairment may be a contributing factor to weight loss in AD patients.

SourceBoston University·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateSep 24, 2004

Lennart Nilsson Award

The Lennart Nilsson Award honors Göran Scharmer for his groundbreaking solar research, including the development of the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. The award is presented annually by Karolinska Institutet and includes a prize of SEK 100,000.

Study reveals function of lipid in neuronal synapses

A study by Yale University researchers reveals that lowering a specific lipid in nerve terminals affects neurotransmitter exchange between neurons. The findings have implications for understanding synaptic transmission and potentially developing new treatments for diseases like Down syndrome, cancer, and diabetes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2004

Spun from bone

A team from PNNL and USC has identified the region of a protein that interacts with crystals to form enamel, a material with entirely different properties from bone. The discovery explains how proteins can control crystal structure, enabling nano-patterning and nano-building.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2004