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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 17


Page 17 of 32

FSU research uncovers new pathways for diabetes research

Researchers at Florida State University have uncovered a previously unknown activation mechanism for the glucokinase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in glucose regulation. This discovery sheds new light on how the enzyme's functional properties manifest in disease, including hyperinsulinemia and diabetes.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2015

Genomic testing triggers a diabetes diagnosis revolution

Babies diagnosed with diabetes are now immediately tested for all 22 genetic causes, reducing referral time from over four years to under two months. This early comprehensive gene testing provides accurate information on clinical features that haven't yet developed, enabling doctors to anticipate and prevent medical problems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 17, 2015

Opiate addiction spreading, becoming more complex

Researchers found that the simultaneous use of heroin and prescription painkillers is increasing dramatically among whites, particularly young white men. Heroin abuse has also expanded to groups not traditionally seen as widespread opiate users, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.

SourcePenn State·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateAug 17, 2015

Effect of presymptomatic BMI, dietary intake, alcohol on ALS

Research suggests that ALS patients consume more daily calories but have a lower body-mass index (BMI) than those without the disease. Higher premorbid intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of ALS, while higher alcohol intake is linked to a decreased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 17, 2015

New approach could reduce human health impacts of electric power generation

Researchers have developed a new capability to minimize human health effects of air pollution from electric power generating facilities. The Air Pollutant Optimization Model provides a hybrid approach that balances health and cost savings, reducing health impacts by $176 million while increasing costs by $84 million.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2015

Dancing droplets launch themselves from thin fibers

The 'dancing droplets' phenomenon allows small droplets to launch themselves from moderately hydrophobic surfaces, enabling efficient removal of accumulated droplets in fibrous webs. This technology has potential applications in water purification and oil refining by reducing clogging and improving efficiency.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2015

A brain-computer interface for controlling an exoskeleton

Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 17, 2015

New AUV plankton sampling system deployed

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed a novel plankton sampling system utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect and analyze small planktonic larvae in coastal waters. The SUPR-REMUS system combines cutting-edge technologies, including DNA barcode analysis, to provide fine-scale information...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateAug 17, 2015

Return on investment slipping in biomedical research

Despite significant investment in biomedical research, progress on life expectancy gains and new drug approvals has slowed down, researchers found. The number of new drugs approved by the FDA has increased only a little more than two-fold since 1965, while life expectancy gains have remained constant at roughly two months per year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2015