Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 27


Page 27 of 31

Patients with autism spectrum disorder are not sensitive to 'being imitated'

A Japanese research group found that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have decreased activity in the extrastriate body area when imitated, indicating a lack of proper understanding of movement. This study provides new insights into ASD and can be used to evaluate behavioral interventions for alleviating the disorder.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNeuroscience Research·DateAug 5, 2014

3-in-1 optical skin cancer probe

Researchers have developed a 3-in-1 optical probe that combines spectroscopic techniques to detect cancerous skin lesions. The device may reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing a clear picture of which skin lesions are most likely cancerous, potentially saving lives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateAug 5, 2014

Butterflies change wing color in new Yale research

Scientists at Yale University have successfully changed the color of butterfly wings using evolutionary principles, producing the first structural color change in an animal. The research has implications for the design of new materials and devices, and may help physicists and engineers develop more efficient designs.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2014

How spiders spin silk

Researchers discovered that carbonic anhydrase generates CO2 and H+ ions, driving the conversion of soluble spidroins to solid silk fibers. The 'lock and trigger' model proposes pairing up N-terminal domains locks spidroins into a network, while C-terminal domain changes trigger rapid polymerization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 5, 2014

Transplanting neural progenitors to build a neuronal relay across the injured spinal cord

Researchers propose transplanting neural progenitor cells to build a neuronal relay across the injured spinal cord. The model focuses on forming two synaptic connections, one between host axons and graft-derived neurons, and the other between graft axons and target sites within the host, aiming to restore connectivity and function.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 5, 2014

In search for Alzheimer's drug, a major STEP forward

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a new drug compound, TC-2153, that inhibits the negative effects of STEP protein and reverses cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. The compound was found to improve cognitive function in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for treating the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 5, 2014

Warning to parents on high acidity drinks

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that acidity from soft drinks and fruit juice can cause lifelong damage to young people's teeth within 30 seconds. Parents are advised to limit their children's consumption of acidic beverages to prevent long-term dental issues.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Dentistry·DateAug 5, 2014

Diamond defect interior design

Scientists have created a way to plant imperfections called 'NV centers' at specific spots within a diamond lattice, advancing quantum computing and atomic-scale measurement. The technique successfully localized NV centers within a cavity approximately 180 nanometers across.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 5, 2014

Used-cigarette butts offer energy storage solution

Scientists from South Korea convert used-cigarette filters into a superior carbon-based material for supercapacitors, offering an eco-friendly solution to meet increasing energy demands. The material stores more electrical energy than commercially available options and has potential applications in various devices.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 5, 2014

Smart bacteria help each other survive

Researchers at Lund University discovered how Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can share iron with each other, increasing their chances of survival and potentially creating new vaccine targets. This interaction has significant implications for the development of vaccines and treatments for respiratory infections.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 5, 2014

Training schemes help jobless men feel better about themselves

UK government's active labor market programs increase life satisfaction, happiness, and feelings of life worth among the unemployed, particularly men. These work-oriented programs replicate the paid work environment through features like time structure, social activity, and routine, leading to greater psychosocial resilience.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateAug 5, 2014

Rituals can help older people remember to take their asthma meds

A study found that storing medication in the bathroom and incorporating it into daily routines can improve adherence to prescribed inhalers. The research identified six strategies that aid elderly asthmatics in managing their condition, providing clinicians and care coaches with useful ideas to support patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2014

Researchers uncover novel process for creation of fuel and chemical compounds

A team of researchers from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has identified genes and enzymes that produce a promising compound, the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid. This compound has various potential uses as a biological alternative to compounds derived from fossil fuels. The discovery was published in Proceedings of th...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2014

UH Case Medical Center study validates new approach to high blood pressure

Researchers found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MBSR was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing blood pressure levels, suggesting it could be a valuable adjunct to traditional treatment plans for hypertension.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 5, 2014

In search for Alzheimer's drug, a major STEP forward

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new drug compound, TC-2153, that inhibits the negative effects of STEP protein, which is key to regulating learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease. Decreasing STEP levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treating the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 5, 2014

Researchers boost insect aggression by altering brain metabolism

Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2014