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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 14


Page 14 of 31

Graphene 'onion rings' have delicious potential

Researchers at Rice University have successfully synthesized graphene nanoribbons on metal from the bottom up, a process that could lead to breakthroughs in electronics and energy storage. The 'onion rings' of graphene were grown using a new method that relies on hydrogen pressure and controlled growth conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 18, 2013

Bacteriophages battle superbugs

Researchers found that bacteriophages significantly reduce C. difficile cells and toxin production without harming the gut microbiota, offering a potential new therapeutic agent to combat hospital infections. However, some bacteria may develop resistance due to lysogeny, requiring further development to control C. difficile infections.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalAnaerobe·DateJul 18, 2013

Good vibrations: Mediating mood through brain ultrasound

University of Arizona researchers have discovered that ultrasound waves applied to specific areas of the brain can alter patients' moods. The study, led by Dr. Stuart Hameroff, found improvements in mood for up to 40 minutes following treatment with brain ultrasound, compared to no difference when the machine was switched off.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJul 18, 2013

Early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease prevents psychological and behavioral symptoms

A recent study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease can significantly reduce psychological and behavioral symptoms. Persons with a very mild Alzheimer's disease diagnosed at an early stage are better able to manage their daily activities than those diagnosed at a...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateJul 18, 2013

Soft Robotics -- preview issue of groundbreaking journal on engineered soft devices that interact with living systems

Soft Robotics is a new peer-reviewed journal combining advances in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and materials science to create robotic technology for interactive robots. The journal provides a forum for scientists and engineers across diverse fields to work together to build the next generation of soft robots.

NYU Langone Medical Center's tip sheet to the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, July 13-18, 2013, in Boston, Mass.

Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present new research on advanced treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. The Comprehensive Center on Brain Aging is devoted to research and clinical advances toward the treatment and cure of all neurodegenerative diseases.

For women with hysterectomies, estrogen may be a lifesaver after all

A Yale University study reveals that nearly 50,000 unnecessary deaths among women aged 50-69 with hysterectomies could have been avoided if they used estrogen-only therapy instead of combined hormone therapy. The decline in estrogen usage was linked to the 2002 WHI study's findings on women with a uterus, but not those without one.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 18, 2013

Outgoing people lead happier lives

Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 17, 2013

Plant-eating dinosaurs replaced teeth often, carried spares

Sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Camarasaurus replaced their teeth frequently, with some species replacing up to one tooth every 62 days. This constant growth and replacement was likely caused by the high amount of plant food they consumed, which led to extensive tooth wear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013

Birds and humans have similar brain wiring

A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateJul 17, 2013

PFC exposure tied to altered thyroid function

Research links perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure to changes in thyroid function, particularly in women, with elevated levels of T3 and T4 hormones. PFCs found in various products may increase the risk of mild hypothyroidism without triggering a natural hormonal response.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 17, 2013

A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJul 17, 2013

Southern California crustacean sand-dwellers suffering localized extinctions

Two species of small beach critters, cousins of the roly-poly, are suffering localized extinctions in Southern California. Their disappearance suggests a looming threat to similar sand-dwelling animals across the state and world. The research highlights the impact of development, climate change, and sea level rise on these ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJul 17, 2013

No benefit from oxytocin treatment for autism

A large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales found that oxytocin nasal spray did not improve symptoms of children with autism. The study suggests caution in recommending oxytocin as a general treatment for young people with autism, possibly due to impaired oxytocin receptor systems.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 17, 2013