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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 17


Page 17 of 31

Scientists discover interstellar stardust

A new study reveals seven tiny pieces of interstellar dust found in samples collected by the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector, which traveled through space and returned to Earth in 2006. The discovery allows researchers to study contemporary stardust for the first time on Earth.

SourceField Museum·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2014

Human milk fat improves growth in premature infants

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully incorporated a cream supplement into premature infants' diets, improving their growth outcomes in the NICU. The study found that adding human milk fat to an exclusive human milk diet enhanced weight and length gain in premature babies, indicating improved lean mass growth.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 15, 2014

Follow that cell

The NIH Follow that Cell Challenge seeks tools to monitor a cell's behavior and function over time, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved therapies for diseases. The challenge aims to generate creative ideas and methods for following a single cell's behavior, using multiple integrated measures.

Bats bolster brain hypothesis, maybe technology, too

New research suggests that bats' brains use the temporal binding hypothesis to focus on targets in cluttered scenes, which could inspire new navigation technology. By studying bat echolocation, scientists have developed a better understanding of how to design radar and sonar systems for real-time performance.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 15, 2014

Experts close to perfect in determining truth in interrogations using active question methods

A recent study found that using active questioning techniques can significantly improve the accuracy of lie detection in interrogations, with experts achieving near-perfect results (97.8%) compared to non-experts. This suggests that simply watching or listening is not enough for effective deception detection.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateAug 15, 2014

Do gut bacteria rule our minds?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can sway food choices by releasing signaling molecules into the gut, influencing physiological and behavioral responses. The microbiome's diversity of interests can be manipulated through diet and supplement changes, offering a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.

The beetle's white album

Researchers discovered that beetle scales scatter light efficiently to achieve ultra-whiteness, using a complex network of chitin filaments. This finding could lead to brighter, whiter materials for paper, plastics, and paints while reducing material usage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2014

Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure

A new study found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in various populations, including boys ages 6-12 and men and women ages 40-60. Increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a decline in testosterone levels, potentially impacting reproductive development and sexual function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress media alert

Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 14, 2014

PTSD can develop even without memory of the trauma

Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 14, 2014

Dynamic culture of a thermosensitive collagen hydrogel improves tissue-engineered peripheral nerve

A thermosensitive collagen hydrogel was used as an extracellular matrix to construct tissue-engineered peripheral nerve composites in vitro. The results showed that seeded cells maintained larger numbers and were well-distributed throughout the material, improving the construction of tissue-engineered peripheral nerves.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Potential drug therapy for kidney stones identified in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 14, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

SourceAalto University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 14, 2014

RNA-targeted drug candidate for Lou Gehrig's disease found

Researchers have identified a small molecule capable of interrupting the disease process in cells carrying the C9ORF72 gene, a variant associated with ALS and FTD. The compound selectively targets abnormal RNA molecules, reducing their accumulation and potentially serving as a biomarker for clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 2014