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Science News Archive July 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 34

Timing is not only ticking

Researchers used transgenic zebrafish and multidimensional time-lapse microscopy to visualize gene expression waves and segment formation. They found that the timing of segmentation is influenced by a Doppler effect caused by shortening embryonic tissue, which modulates the wave profile.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2014

Elsevier announces launch of new journal: Current Opinion in Insect Science

The first issue of Current Opinion in Insect Science is now available for free online on ScienceDirect, featuring articles on insect body size, genetics, and social structure. The journal aims to provide a unique platform for specialists to keep up-to-date with the expanding volume of information published in the field of insect science.

SourceElsevier·JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science·DateJul 14, 2014

Flower development in 3D: Timing is the key

A team of scientists monitored 14 developmental stages of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers using micro-computed tomography and mass spectrometry, revealing distinct metabolic profiles for each stage. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between developmental processes and metabolism in plant development.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 14, 2014

Labs characterize carbon for batteries

A new theoretical model predicts how carbon components will perform in lithium-ion batteries, providing a tool for fine-tuning electrodes. The study found a universal linear relationship between lithium binding energy and states-filling work, allowing scientists to quickly evaluate material performance without expensive computations.

'Noisy' memory in schizophrenia

Researchers found that schizophrenia patients exhibit altered brain activity in the ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex, leading to impaired ability to control working memory. This deficit is characterized by increased activation of irrelevant information, hindering cognitive function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 14, 2014

Prostate cancer is focus of 2 studies, commentary

Two studies suggest that primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for low-risk prostate cancer is not associated with improved survival rates. Alternative treatments may be more effective for patients, but must consider the potential adverse effects and costs of ADT.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2014

University of Illinois researchers demonstrate novel, tunable nanoantennas

A team from the University of Illinois developed a novel, tunable nanoantenna that enables plasmonic field enhancement to actuate mechanical motion. The researchers demonstrated tunability down to 5nm and showed that an electron beam can be used to deform individual p-BNAs or groups with velocities as large as 60 nm/s.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the prevention of autoim-munity by Roquin revealed

A team of scientists has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying Roquin's role in preventing autoimmune diseases. The study found that Roquin recognizes a range of RNA binding partners to control T-cell functions, regulating a larger number of genes than previously thought.

Study finds diagnosing physicians influence therapy decisions for prostate cancer patients

A new study found that physicians play a crucial role in determining whether older men with low-risk prostate cancer receive treatment or undergo active surveillance. Researchers identified significant variations in treatment and observation rates among urologists, with urologist characteristics accounting for more than double the rate...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2014

Squishy robots

A phase-changing material developed by MIT researchers allows robots to transform between a rigid and soft state, enabling them to navigate through tight spaces without damaging organs or vessels. The material can also self-heal and repair damage, making it suitable for applications such as surgical robotics and search-and-rescue opera...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecular Materials and Engineering·DateJul 14, 2014

Meet the gomphothere: UA archaeologist involved in discovery of bones of elephant ancestor

Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered two juvenile gomphotheres at an archaeological site in northwestern Mexico, dating back 13,400 years. The findings suggest that early humans in North America likely hunted and consumed gomphotheres, expanding our understanding of their diet and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2014

The power of making amends

A recent study from researchers at the University of Miami found that peacemaking efforts such as apologies, offers of compensation, and owning up to one's responsibility increase forgiveness and reduce anger by making the aggressor seem more valuable as a relationship partner. The study suggests that humans have a psychology for confl...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2014

The world's first photonic router

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a photonic router – a quantum device based on an atom that enables routing of single photons by single photons. This achievement brings closer the goal of building quantum computers, which rely on superposition and photonic communication to process data in parallel.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2014

Bothered by hot flashes? Acupuncture might be the answer

A recent study found that acupuncture can positively impact both the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women undergoing natural menopause. The analysis revealed that various forms of acupuncture, including traditional Chinese medicine and sham acupuncture, were effective in reducing hot flash frequency for up to three months.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJul 14, 2014

Innovative technique may transform the hunt for new antibiotics and cancer therapies

Researchers develop new technique to quickly uncover novel products produced by bacteria, reducing screening time from thousands to just a few dozen. The method uses genomics and mass spectrometry to detect reactive compounds, enabling the discovery of new antibiotics and anticancer drugs.