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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 32

Eating away at cognitive decline

A recent study found that older adults who followed the MIND diet more rigorously showed equivalent cognitive abilities to those 7.5 years younger, suggesting a potential delay of dementia's onset. The MIND diet emphasizes brain-healthy food groups and limits unhealthy foods, with berries being a key component.

Rutgers tomato reinvented with even more flavor

Researchers at Rutgers University have recreated a classic tomato variety thought to be lost to history, combining nostalgic flavor with modern durability. The new Rutgers tomato boasts improved flavor, earlier ripening, higher yield, and resistance to cracking, making it perfect for home gardeners and farmers alike.

Our elegant brain: Motor learning in the fast lane

Researchers at McGill University discovered that a small cluster of brain cells in the cerebellum engage in elegant computations to quickly compare expected and actual sensory feedback. This allows neurons to rapidly readjust and form new patterns in the brain to accomplish tasks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 2015

Women, blacks face larger loss of life expectancy after heart attack

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2015

An orange a day keeps scurvy away

Astronauts' nutritional needs are crucial for long-duration space missions, as microgravity and radiation exposure impact health. NASA's Biochemical Profile project aims to understand the effects of spaceflight on nutrition and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.

Glaciers melt faster than ever

The study reveals that glaciers worldwide are melting at an unprecedented rate, losing half a meter to one meter of ice thickness every year. This is two to three times more than the average for the 20th century, with some glaciers in Norway having retreated by several kilometers from their maximum extents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateAug 3, 2015

Septic tanks aren't keeping poo out of rivers and lakes

A Michigan State University study found that septic tanks are contaminating freshwater sources with fecal bacteria, threatening water quality and human health. The research used a novel source-tracking method to analyze 64 river systems in Michigan and identified areas with high numbers of septic systems as hotspots for pollution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Simple intervention can moderate anti-vaccination beliefs, study finds

Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

BioLEGO

The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

NYSCF Global Stem Cell ArrayTM brings precision medicine one step closer to the clinic

Researchers designed a revolutionary high-throughput robotic platform to automate the process of generating patient-specific stem cells, reducing variability and increasing scale. This technology allows for 'clinical trials in a dish' and can identify potential drug metabolism and toxicity issues in human cells before clinical trials.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 3, 2015

4 million years at Africa's salad bar

A study found that most major mammal groups in Africa tried grazing on grass around 2 million years ago, but some animals switched to browsing trees and shrubs or became extinct. The bovids, including cattle and antelopes, are the only group still mostly grazing on grass today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Study uncovers communication strategies couples can use to address financial uncertainty

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that couples can manage financial uncertainty by seeking information, communicating effectively with their partner, and adapting to the situation. The study identifies four barriers to successful management: information barriers, communication barriers, time management barriers, and...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateAug 3, 2015