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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 26


Page 26 of 30

Protein block stops vascular damage in diabetes

Researchers at Lund University discovered a substance that prevents atherosclerosis caused by high blood sugar levels. The substance only affects NFAT-activated cells and has no impact on the immune system. This breakthrough offers hope for a targeted treatment to address vascular damage in diabetes patients.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013

Helicopter takes to the skies with the power of thought

In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully controlled a remote-controlled helicopter using non-invasive brain waves. The experiment, published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Neural Engineering, demonstrates the potential for brain-computer interfaces to aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJun 4, 2013

Older adult clumsiness linked to brain changes

New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that older adults use less effective reference frames to visualize nearby objects, leading to difficulties with daily tasks like dialing phones and grasping objects. This study sheds light on the cognitive changes associated with aging and their impact on hand-eye coordination.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 4, 2013

Unraveling tumor growth one stem cell at a time

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a single mutation in the JAK2 gene reduces the ability of blood stem cells to self-renew without affecting their progeny daughter cells. This finding has implications for understanding how single stem cells contribute to tumor growth in cancers suspected to have a stem cell origin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2013

Spintronics approach enables new quantum technologies

Researchers at University of Chicago develop a spintronics approach to manipulate the spin of atomic-scale defects in diamond for new quantum technologies. This approach enables new nanoscale sensors, including single-spin thermometers, with potential applications in temperature measurement and information processing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2013

Why innovation thrives in cities

Researchers found that cities with higher social-tie density experience increased productivity due to face-to-face interactions. This concept was previously attributed to 'superlinear scaling', but the new study provides a more nuanced explanation. Cities with poor transportation infrastructure and megacities may not benefit from this ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2013

Gastric bypass surgery may help manage diabetes risk factors

Adding gastric bypass surgery to lifestyle and medical management improved metabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients, particularly those who experienced significant weight loss. The study found that 43% of the gastric bypass group achieved an HbA1c level of less than 7%, compared to 32% in the lifestyle-medical management group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 4, 2013

Anxious? Activate your anterior cingulate cortex with a little meditation

A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that meditation can significantly reduce normal everyday anxiety in healthy individuals. The study used arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activity before and after four 20-minute mindfulness meditation sessions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2013

A new species of yellow slug moth from China

A new species of yellow slug moth from China has been identified, with characteristics including a yellow coloration and a face blending from yellow to pale red. The study's findings highlight the importance of revising previous works due to errors in identifying this genus.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 4, 2013

IUPUI neuroscience research collaboration examines neural synchronization patterns during addiction

The IUPUI research collaboration used advanced mathematical models and laboratory testing to examine the effects of simulated drug addiction on neural circuits. The study found that recurrent stimulant injections caused neurons to lose their ability to engage supervisory control over brain function and behavior.

Fear: A justified response or faulty wiring?

A new technique developed by Dr. Fred Helmstetter and his research group studies the brain's reaction to anticipated pain, focusing on the amygdala's role in emotional learning and behavior. The study uses a combination of MRI and MEG to map amygdala activity over time, providing new insights into anxiety disorders and psychopathology.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJun 4, 2013