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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 31

New data revealed on Q10 coenzyme, whose deficiency causes a rare mitochondrial disease

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10, a molecule essential for cellular metabolism. The study, led by Dr. David J. Pagliarini, reveals that protein CoQ9 regulates enzyme Coq7, and that CoQ10 synthesis is organized as a multiprotein complex to increase efficiency and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2015

Power psychs people up about... themselves

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are more likely to be inspired by their own experiences, whereas less powerful people are equally inspired by both their own and others' stories. The researchers found that people with high power tend to prioritize themselves over others in social interactions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 3, 2015

Infant gut microbiota links gestation duration, delivery method, healthy weight gain

A study reveals that infants with a mature gut bacteria profile at an early age tend to have normal levels of body fat by 18 months, while those with less mature profiles are more likely to have lower body fat. The research found that gestational duration and delivery method influenced the rate of bacterial colonization in the infant gut.

New findings on how the brain ignores distractions

Researchers at Brown University found that the brain uses specific patterns of brain wave synchrony to suppress attention and ignore distracting stimuli. By harnessing this process, scientists hope to develop new treatments for pain and depressive thoughts through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.

A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Protective brain protein reveals gender implications for autism, Alzheimer's research

A Tel Aviv University study found that a mutated gene regulating over 400 proteins affects male and female brains differently, leading to sex-specific learning and memory differences. The research suggests analyzing men and women separately in clinical trials to find cures for diseases due to potential gender differences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2015

Early childhood programs found to significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade

Research finds that high-quality early childhood initiatives significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade, benefiting students and reducing costs for school districts. The programs also provide positive spillover effects on other third graders, reducing preventable cognitive and social disabilities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 3, 2015

23andMe study uncovers the genetics of motion sickness

The study identified 35 genetic factors associated with motion sickness, including those affecting balance, eye, ear, and cranial development, as well as glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest a role for the nervous system in motion sickness and may provide insight into other nausea-related conditions.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2015

Children's hunger born from mothers' trauma

A new study by Drexel University suggests a strong relationship between adverse childhood experiences and household food insecurity. Trauma and chronic stress are found to be a largely overlooked part of the picture of why one in five American households with young children live with food insecurity.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 3, 2015

Artificial blood vessels

Researchers at Shanghai University developed a tri-layered artificial blood vessel composed of separate materials for mechanical strength and new cell growth. The composite allowed rapid proliferation and integration of rat fibroblast cells, overcoming limitations of existing vascular grafts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 3, 2015

Choosing a cell phone, prescription drug plan or new car? Read this first

Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 3, 2015