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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 36

Messenger RNA-associated protein drives multiple paths in T-cell development

A new study found that an increase in CELF2 expression drives widespread changes in mRNA splicing during T-cell development, leading to physiologically important changes in proteins. The research provides unprecedented insight into the regulation of splicing during thymic development and reveals a biologic role for CELF2 in human T cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2015

Childhood cancer survivors more likely to claim social security support as adults

A recent study from Huntsman Cancer Institute found that childhood cancer survivors are more than five times as likely to be enrolled in federal social security disability assistance programs compared to individuals without a cancer history. The study identified survivor socio-demographic and treatment characteristics associated with a...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 2015

How to approach your boss about a treadmill desk

New research from Brigham Young University suggests treadmill desks can increase physical activity in the workplace without significantly impacting cognitive performance. The study found that walkers showed slight decreases in processing speed and attention, but retained their learning and performed well on non-cognitive tasks.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2015

Rafts on the cell membrane

Researchers used advanced techniques to study single molecules and protein interactions on the cell membrane. The findings revealed that lipid rafts, previously thought to move within the membrane, do not exist. Instead, proteins may be anchored at specific positions on the surface, influencing cellular processes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2015

Rates of opioid dispensing, overdose drop following market changes

The study found a 19% decrease in opioid dispensing and a 20% drop in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride. However, heroin overdose rates increased by 23%. The findings suggest that regulatory mandates or voluntary company actions can help stem prescription abuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 20, 2015

OSU innovation boosts Wi-Fi bandwidth tenfold

Researchers at Oregon State University have invented a technology that can increase WiFi bandwidth by 10 times, reducing congestion in crowded locations and homes with multiple devices. The system uses inexpensive components and integrates with existing WiFi systems, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 100 megabits per second.

Falsified medicines taint global supply

A new report from UC San Diego highlights the scope of the problem, finding that only 1,510 counterfeit incidents were reported between 2009 and 2011, despite an estimated 100,000-1 million deaths per year. The study calls for improved detection, data collection, and analysis to combat falsified medicines.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 20, 2015

Big butts aren't everything to male baboons

A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya reveals that the size of a female's swollen rump doesn't matter as much as previously thought. Females with bigger backsides don't necessarily make better mothers, and males actually prefer females with more postpartum cycles over larger derriers.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateApr 20, 2015

A 'cingular' strategy for attack and defense

The study found that two specific brain regions, the posterior cingulate cortex and rostral anterior cingulate cortex, are activated when making defensive or offensive strategies. This suggests that intuition plays a key role in rapid strategic decisions, rather than deliberate reasoning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2015

A better grasp of primate grip

A new study by Yale University reveals that early human ancestors may have had precision grip capabilities comparable to modern humans. The research team created a kinematic model of the thumb and index finger of living primates and fossil remains, finding that even ancient species like Australopithecus afarensis had impressive dexterity.

SourceYale University·JournalInterface·DateApr 20, 2015

Quantum model reveals surface structure of water

A new quantum model has been used to determine the molecular structure of water's liquid surface, revealing the intrinsic asymmetry of hydrogen bonds and their role in the surface's molecular orientation. The results accurately capture the properties of liquid water and offer a promising platform for molecular exploration.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 20, 2015

Telling the time by color

Research reveals color has a major impact on how our body clock measures time of day, outperforming brightness as a reliable method. The study found that changes in light color between blue and yellow are more sensitive to the body clock than changes in brightness.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2015

Darwin, Wallace, and the overlooked third man

A new paper by Dr Michael Weale from King's College London argues that Patrick Matthew deserves recognition alongside Darwin and Wallace as an originator of evolution by natural selection. Matthew's work, published in 1831, captures a valuable aspect of the theory that wasn't clear in Darwin's version.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 20, 2015