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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 28

Electromagnetic waves linked to particle fallout in Earth's atmosphere, new study finds

A Dartmouth-led NASA study has found that plasma waves in the Earth's radiation belts are responsible for scattering charged particles into the atmosphere. The researchers used a combination of satellite and balloon data to test the theory and obtained quantitative results, providing new insights into space weather's impact on our planet.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2015

Sensor demonstrates lack of space in living cells

Researchers developed a novel sensor that changes color depending on the confinement of space in cells, demonstrating the effects of lack of space on protein behavior. The study reveals attractive forces inside cells that override compression effects, leading to changes in protein functions under osmotic stress.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 5, 2015

Global bird conservation could be 4 times more cost-effective

A new study shows that focusing on biodiversity conservation can make current spending on threatened birds four times more effective. The research identifies the top 20 birds for safeguarding maximum biodiversity with minimum spend, including Botha's Lark, which currently receives no conservation spending.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJan 5, 2015

Epigenomics analysis reveals surprising new clues to insulin resistance

Researchers have identified two transcription factors, GR and VDR, that play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. Epigenomic modifications, such as changes in DNA structure, can be passed from cell to cell and between generations, and this study provides insights into how these modifications contribute to the condit...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 5, 2015

DNA origami could lead to nano 'transformers' for biomedical applications

Researchers at Ohio State University have designed DNA origami machines that can perform tasks repeatedly, using natural and synthetic DNA to mimic macroscopic machine design principles. The machines can detect signals, process information, and respond accordingly, opening the door for complex nano-robots in biomedical applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2015

Why do only some people with hereditary heart disease experience symptoms?

A new study reveals that environmental stress significantly increases the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in individuals with gene mutations, putting them at greater risk of developing the disease. The findings suggest that stressors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use may trigger the onset of symptoms in car...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Cold virus replicates better at cooler temperatures

Researchers found that the common cold virus, rhinovirus, replicates more efficiently in cooler temperatures, such as inside the nose. The study suggests that lower body temperature impairs the innate immune response to the virus, making it easier for the virus to replicate.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2015

Current Biology reviews the biology of fun

The journal presents studies on playfulness in dogs, dolphins, frogs, and octopuses, as well as its connection to humor, social bonding, and creativity. Researchers investigate how experiences in infancy shape a person's sense of humor and how playfulness affects adaptability and social success.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 5, 2015

Exercise allows you to age optimally

A study by King's College London found that amateur cyclists aged 55-79 had levels of physiological function similar to younger individuals. The study revealed that exercise can buy extra years of healthy function compared to sedentary people, and cycling is particularly beneficial for maintaining health and wellbeing.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Human speech's surprising influence on young infants

Researchers find that listening to human speech promotes infants' cognitive, social psychological capacities and has positive developmental consequences. Infants as young as 2-3 months old benefit from tuning in to speech, leading to better understanding of patterns, recognizing partners, and establishing coherent categories.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJan 5, 2015

Green walls, effective acoustic insulation

Researchers have found that green walls are suitable for absorbing environmental noise and acting as acoustic insulation, improving life quality and reducing pollution. The study also shows that green walls can be effective in high and low frequencies, making them a potential solution for acoustic insulation.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalApplied Acoustics·DateJan 5, 2015

How vitamin C helps plants beat the sun

Researchers from RIKEN and Okayama University identified PHT4;4 as the transport protein allowing vitamin C to enter chloroplasts. This discovery could lead to crop plants with higher tolerances to environmental stress, reducing damage to farmland in regions with strong light.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2015

'Imaginary meal' tricks the body into losing weight

Researchers at Salk Institute develop a new compound called fexaramine that effectively stops weight gain, lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels in mice. The pill tricks the body into thinking it has consumed calories, causing it to burn fat without altering appetite.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 5, 2015