Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 36

Alternating antibiotics render resistant bacteria beatable

Researchers discovered that alternating low doses of two antibiotics can kill bacteria while promoting the emergence of drug-resistance mutations. This sequential treatment approach, called 'sequential synergies,' may provide a way to sensitize bacteria to concentrations of antibiotics that would normally induce resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 8, 2015

Mental disorders and physical diseases co-occur in teenagers

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

Ordinary clay can save the day

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2015

Obesity-related receptors have a unique structure

Researchers have elucidated the structure of two adiponectin receptors, revealing a completely new type unlike G protein-coupled receptors. The discovery may lead to new adiponectin receptor agonists for treating obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

At American University, chemistry majors take charge

At American University, chemistry majors take charge of their research projects, allowing them to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-motivation. The program's success has led to improved student engagement and satisfaction, with some students publishing research articles and receiving grants.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateApr 8, 2015

Are plants passive smokers?

Researchers found that plants like peppermint take up high concentrations of nicotine from cigarette smoke and contaminated soils. This discovery may explain the presence of high levels of nicotine in spices, herbal teas, and medicinal plants.

SourceSpringer·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateApr 8, 2015

A digital field guide to cancer cells

A Yale University-led team has compiled sophisticated data on the signaling networks directing highly invasive cancer cells. They found that breast cancer cells prioritize certain cues in the presence of others and can switch their migration mode depending on what they see from the environment.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2015

Melanoma surgery delays are common for Medicare patients

A Yale study found that one in five Medicare patients with melanoma experience significant delays in getting surgery, affecting their psychological well-being and healthcare quality. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 Medicare patients and revealed that 22% waited longer than 1.5 months for treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 8, 2015

New emotion recognition model

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum propose a new model for emotion recognition, suggesting that humans can directly recognize emotions through pattern recognition. Even with sparse clues, humans can identify typical emotion patterns, including physiological reactions and facial expressions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMind & Language·DateApr 8, 2015

Ironing out oxidative stress

A new study by ETH Zurich researchers has identified a critical link between oxidative stress and the immune system's ability to fight off viruses. Vitamin E was shown to be effective in protecting T cells from cell death caused by oxidative stress, a breakthrough that could have implications for treating chronic infections.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

Inventing a 2-D liquid

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed nanoparticles that can interact with oil-water interfaces without clumping together. By measuring pressure and density, they've established universal rules governing the physics of these systems, which could lead to advances in nanomanufacturing, catalysis, and photonic devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2015

UM study finds fast food just as effective for recovery as sports supplements

A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2015

The rest of the brain gets in the way

A study using fMRI scans found that unnecessary brain activity hinders learning, while reduced neural connections facilitate faster skill acquisition. The researchers' novel analysis methods revealed complex brain networks and community structures that correlate with individual differences in learning rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2015

Rates of ADHD appear to decrease at higher altitudes

Researchers found that ADHD prevalence decreases substantially at higher elevations, correlating with increased dopamine levels. The study suggests that hypobaric hypoxia, a condition caused by lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, may serve as an environmental stressor and potentially protect against the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateApr 7, 2015