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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 14


Page 14 of 34

New tool for investigating RNA gone awry

A new technology called Sticky-flares offers the first real-time method to track and observe RNA distribution in living cells. The tool helps scientists understand the complexities of RNA better than any analytical technique, with potential applications in disorders such as mental disability, autism, and cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

NIST calculates high cost of hydrogen pipelines, shows how to reduce it

NIST researchers found that hydrogen-specific steel pipelines can cost 68% more than natural gas pipelines due to damage caused by hydrogen over time. However, they also propose modifying industry codes to allow the use of higher-strength steel alloys without thicker pipe walls, resulting in a net cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJul 20, 2015

Gut worms protect babies' brains from inflammation

Researchers at Duke University discovered that tapeworms in babies' guts can shield their brains from long-term learning and memory problems caused by newborn infections. Expectant mothers who had tapeworms passed on protection to their worm-free offspring, suggesting the benefits began early in life.

Study finds autism, ADHD run high in children of chemically intolerant mothers

A new study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that mothers with chemical intolerances are two to three times more likely than other women to have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children of these mothers reported having more illnesses an...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 20, 2015

Cool summer of 2013 boosted Arctic sea ice

Researchers found that Arctic sea ice experienced a significant increase in volume after a cool summer in 2013, contrary to expected long-term decline trends. This suggests the ice pack is more sensitive to summer melting than winter cooling, enabling better predictions of future changes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 2015

How music alters the teenage brain

A Northwestern University study found that music training during high school can enhance the teenage brain's responses to sound and sharpen hearing and language skills. The research suggests that music instruction helps improve critical skills for academic success, potentially offsetting negative influences of poverty on sound processing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

Perovskite solar technology shows quick energy returns

A new study by Northwestern University and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory found that perovskite solar modules have a significantly shorter energy payback time than existing options, with some models returning energy investment in just two to three months. The researchers also analyzed the environmental impa...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 20, 2015

Teens' overall substance use declining, but marijuana use rising

A recent study found that marijuana use among teens is increasing, particularly among black teens, while cigarette and alcohol use are decreasing. The study analyzed data from over 600,000 high school seniors between 1976 and 2013 and found a marked decline in cigarette use and an increase in marijuana use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 20, 2015

Infants use expectations to shape their brains

Researchers found that infants as young as 5-7 months can use their expectations to rapidly shape their developing brains. Brain activity was detected in visual areas even when the image didn't appear as expected, indicating the brain's ability to set up expectations about incoming events.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

Mayo Clinic study uncovers key differences among ALS patients

A Mayo Clinic study has identified abnormalities in the levels and processing of ribonucleic acids (RNA) in patients with sporadic and genetic forms of ALS. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that different factors may contribute to the development of ALS and highlight the need for tailored therapies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2015

Child's home address predicts hospitalization risk for common respiratory diseases

Research by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children hospitalized for bronchiolitis and pneumonia tend to live in areas with less optimal socioeconomic conditions. The study identified specific inner-city neighborhoods as 'hot spots' for hospitalization, suggesting targeted prevention and cost containment efforts.

Spintronics just got faster

EPFL scientists have shown that electrons can jump through spins much faster than previously thought, challenging the notion of intermediate steps between spin jumps. The finding has profound implications for both technology and fundamental physics and chemistry, potentially offering long-awaited solutions to spintronics limitations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2015

Novel glycoengineering technology gives qualitative leap for biologics drug research

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a novel technique to improve glycoprotein-based pharmaceuticals, resulting in better therapeutic effects, longer durations, and faster production. The technology holds considerable potential for improving existing pharmaceuticals and has been published in Nature Biotechnology.

How neurons remember

Research reveals that stored memories are coded as permanent changes in neuronal communication and connection strength, influencing response behavior and gene expression. The study demonstrates that spine calcium responses can undergo long-term enhancement through ryanodine receptor activation.

What is a good looking penis?

Women perceive normal-looking genitals in men with distal hypospadias as comparable to those without the condition. The study aims to alleviate shame or impaired genital perceptions about penile appearance.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJul 20, 2015