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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 29


Page 29 of 34

Nano-pea pod model widens electronics applications

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model that explains how nanostructures like the nano-pea pod can exhibit localized electrons. The findings reveal that localised electrons' appearance is strongly dependent on the variation of the length of the connecting wires in the bent chain.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 4, 2014

How good is the fossil record?

A study from the University of Bristol and Bergen found that geological factors like rock area drive biodiversity, rather than measures like fossil collections or formations. This discovery alters our understanding of life's history through time.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2014

Study: Oxidized LDL might actually be 'good guy'

A University of Kentucky research team has made a surprising discovery about oxidized LDL's role in cholesterol transport. The findings indicate that mildly oxidized LDL may actually prevent increases in cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 4, 2014

Normal-weight counselors feel more successful at helping obese patients slim

A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that normal-weight nutrition and exercise counselors report feeling significantly more successful in getting their obese patients to lose weight than those who are overweight or obese. Patients may be more receptive to those who practice what they pr...

Most accurate measures of gene expression

The BitSeq method has been found to produce clearly the most reliable results in measuring gene expression, outperforming other methods in accuracy and efficiency. The approach accounts for uncertainty and error in RNA-seq data, providing a more accurate representation of gene expression levels.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 4, 2014

INFORMS study: Customer experience matters more when economy is doing better, not worse

A new INFORMS study finds that customer experience plays a crucial role in influencing purchase decisions during good economic times. The researchers discovered that customers focus on past experiences and satisfaction levels when the economy is strong, leading to increased revenue gains for firms that improve customer experience.

Hospitalizations for heart failure increase CKD patients' risk of kidney failure

A recent study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that CKD patients who experience multiple heart failure hospitalizations are at a higher risk of developing kidney failure. The study's findings suggest that coordinated care between specialists is crucial in managing these patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 4, 2014

Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Lund University discovered inflammation and changes in the intestinal barrier function early in MS, indicating a potential link to disease progression. The study suggests that damage to the intestinal barrier may prevent the body from ending an autoimmune reaction, leading to chronic diseases like MS.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014

Phase III FIRST (MM-020/IFM 07-01) trial of REVLIMID (lenalidomide) plus dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are not candidates for stem cell transplant published in New England Journal of Medicine

A phase III trial found that continuous REVLIMID (lenalidomide) with dexamethasone improved progression-free survival and reduced risk of disease progression compared to standard treatment. Patients treated with continuous REVLIMID plus dexamethasone showed a significant reduction in risk of progression or death.

Sourcedna Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 4, 2014

Visualizing plastic changes to the brain

Researchers have successfully visualized the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on neurons in real-time using voltage-sensitive dyes. The high-resolution imaging data may lead to optimized TMS parameters and learning processes for treating neurological diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2014

Bats change strategy when food is scarce

Researchers found desert long-eared bats changed their diet from mostly scorpions on the ground to catching flying insects when prey was scarce. The change involved altered call and flight behavior, indicating potential flexibility in echolocation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 4, 2014

Soy supplementation adversely effects expression of breast cancer-related genes

A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that soy supplementation altered the expression of genes associated with breast cancer. The study involved 140 patients who were randomized to either soy supplementation or placebo, and observed changes in several genes that promote cell cycle progression a...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 4, 2014

Mantle plumes crack continents

Mantle plumes may be responsible for breaking up continents, according to a new study. The researchers used high-resolution computer simulations to demonstrate how the interaction between a plume and a plate under tensile stress can lead to continental breakup, forming rift systems and creating volcanoes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2014

Apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein CI are involved in cognitive impairment progression in Chinese late-onset Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that APOE ε4 and APOC1 H2 gene polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in Chinese patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential genetic link between these genes and cognitive impairment progression in this population.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 4, 2014