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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 30


Page 30 of 376

Van der Waals force re-measured

Scientists at Forschungszentrum Juelich re-measured the van der Waals force for single molecules, revealing a superlinear increase with growing molecular size. The study highlights the importance of van der Waals forces in biomolecules and adhesives, such as geckos' ability to climb smooth walls.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2014

Process converts human waste into rocket fuel

A team of researchers from the University of Florida has developed a process to convert human waste into rocket fuel, producing 290 liters of methane per crew per day. This anaerobic digester process can also produce non-potable water and hydrogen, offering a sustainable solution for space missions and potentially on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateNov 26, 2014

Elderly brains learn, but maybe too much

A new study led by Brown University found that older adults learn and retain visual perception tasks as well as younger people, but struggle to filter out irrelevant information. The researchers suggest this may be due to the brain's tendency to learn more than necessary, leading to a 'plasticity and stability dilemma'.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 26, 2014

iPS cells used to correct genetic mutations that cause muscular dystrophy

Researchers used iPS cells to correct genetic mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscular degenerative disease. Engineered nucleases TALEN and CRISPR were successfully used to edit the genome of iPS cells generated from DMD patient skin cells, resulting in the disappearance of the mutation responsible for DMD.

Dogs hear our words and how we say them

Researchers found dogs process human speech in left- and right-hemisphere biases, similar to humans. Dogs respond differently to familiar commands and intonation cues, suggesting they pay attention to both who and how we communicate.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 26, 2014

SLU researcher finds an off switch for pain

Saint Louis University researcher Daniela Salvemini and colleagues have discovered a way to block a pain pathway in animal models of chronic neuropathic pain, suggesting a promising new approach to pain relief. Activating the A3 adenosine receptor subtype provides robust pain reduction across several types of pain.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalBrain·DateNov 26, 2014

How do our muscles work?

Scientists at Max F. Perutz Laboratories have elucidated the molecular structure and regulation of α-actinin, a crucial muscle protein. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the protein's mode of action and its role in muscle disorders, paving the way for improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2014

Shaping the future of energy storage with conductive clay

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a conductive clay that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, representing a significant shift in the production of electrodes for energy storage devices. The clay's high conductivity and plasticity make it an attractive candidate for use in batteries and supercapacitors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

DNA may survive suborbital spaceflight, re-entry

Researchers found that plasmid DNA attached to a rocket exterior survived suborbital spaceflight, re-entry, and landing conditions. The study showed that up to 53% of the DNA retained its full biological function, with 35% remaining functional after heating up to 1000°C.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2014

Particles, waves and ants

Researchers found that the time spent by a drunken sailor on a square with streetlamps is constant regardless of the lamp density. This effect also applies to light waves in disordered media, rubber balls rolling across a plank, and even ant paths, revealing a universal phenomenon.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014

Post-medieval Polish buried as potential 'vampires' were likely local

A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2014

Vaccines may make war on cancer personal

Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets unique features of cancer cells, enabling the immune system to destroy or drive into remission tumors. The vaccines, which use samples of DNA from patient tumors and normal tissue, have shown promising results in computer simulations, cell cultures, and animal models.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

New research supporting stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that combining imagery with observation strengthens brain activity in movement-related areas, potentially aiding motor function recovery for stroke patients. The technique may help compensate for lost brain functions through brain plasticity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 26, 2014

Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Missing gene linked to autism

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2014