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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 48


Page 48 of 352

November/December 2013 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that patients surveyed at federally supported community health centers generally reported high-quality care, with excellent or very good ratings for overall quality of services, clinician care, and referrals. The study also found that higher patient ratings of access to care and patient-centered communication were ass...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013

All aboard the nanotrain network

Scientists have developed a system that can construct its own network of tracks, transport cargo, and dismantle the tracks using DNA and nano-scale motors. The system is powered by ATP fuel and uses motor proteins to control the movement of cargo across the network.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 10, 2013

How sleep aids visual task learning

New research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating visual task learning through specific brain frequencies. Brainwaves of 15 volunteers were measured during sleep and training to demonstrate increased sigma power in the visual cortical area, leading to improved performance on the task.

Single-cell genome sequencing gets better

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new single-cell genome sequencing technique that confines genome amplification to fluid-filled wells with a volume of just 12 nanoliters. This approach enables the generation of more complete genome sequences from single cells, including E. coli and individual neurons from the human brain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 10, 2013

Un-junking junk DNA

A study led by UC San Diego scientists reveals a new way in which RNA-binding proteins govern regulated gene expression, expanding potential targets for therapies. The discovery challenges existing models and has implications for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 10, 2013

Genetic variation increases risk of kidney disease progression in African-Americans

African-American patients with chronic kidney disease have a faster decline in kidney function due to genetic variations, particularly the APOL1 gene variant. The study suggests that reducing the effect of this gene could lead to a significant decrease in progressive kidney and end-stage kidney disease in blacks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2013

You want fries with that? Don't go there

A new Dartmouth study suggests that chronic dieters overeat when their brain regions that balance impulsive behavior and self-control are disrupted. This depletion reduces a person's ability to engage in self-control by reducing connectivity between brain regions involved in cognitive control and rewards.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 9, 2013

Defending food crops: Whitefly experimentation to prevent contamination of agriculture

Researchers develop method to transmit plant viruses using whiteflies, providing a means of interfering with plant-contamination and cultivating resistant plants. This technique has been published in JoVE's video format due to its difficulty in describing complex details through traditional text-only journals.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateNov 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 8, 2013

Researchers found that inhibiting ion channel TRPC5 limits kidney filtration loss after injury, suggesting a new therapeutic target. The study demonstrates the protective effects of TRPC5 inhibition on kidney function and provides hope for treating kidney failure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2013

Edited RNA + invasive DNA add individuality

A new study reveals that edited RNA and invasive DNA contribute to individual variation in humans by regulating gene expression. The study found a 20% difference in life span and eye color between individuals with varying levels of ADAR activity.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2013

A new scorpion species from ancient Lycia

A new scorpion species, Euscorpius lycius, has been discovered in the ancient Lycia region of Turkey, adding to the total of five known species within the genus. The newly found species is relatively small, ranging from 2-2.5 cm in length and has a pale color with darker pedipalps.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 8, 2013