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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

Why human egg cells don't age well

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology found that as egg cells mature in older women, paired chromosomes separate prematurely, leading to early division and incorrect segregation. This results in age-related chromosomal errors, such as Down syndrome and miscarriages.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2015

Fine tuning in the brain

Researchers developed a computer model to simulate the biological processes of neural network development in the visual cortex. The results show that newborns possess specialized nerve cells but lack systematic connections, which are refined through experience, leading to improved perception.

SourceBernstein Coordination Site (BCOS)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 1, 2015

Producing spin-entangled electrons

Researchers have produced pairs of spin-entangled electrons, demonstrating their ability to remain entangled even when separated on a chip. This achievement could contribute to the development of futuristic quantum networks operating using quantum teleportation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2015

Implantable 'artificial pancreas' could help diabetes patients control their blood sugar

Researchers have created an implantable device that continuously measures blood sugar levels and automatically releases insulin as needed, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and daily injections. The artificial pancreas maintained blood glucose within target range nearly 80% of the time in computer simulations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJul 1, 2015

Brain activity predicts promiscuity and problem drinking

A new study suggests that brain activity can predict how likely young adults are to develop problem drinking or engage in risky sexual behavior. The research found that imbalance in the function of typically complementary brain areas, such as the ventral striatum and amygdala, is associated with increased risk.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2015

Seeing is believing

Researcher Richard Born's team at Harvard Medical School has discovered key principles about how the brain makes sense of visual information. They found that individual neurons are tuned to detect specific motions and relative depth, with a direct bottom-up contribution to these signals.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJul 1, 2015

Unraveling iridescence

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have clarified the mechanism of iridescence in squid skin, revealing that specific sequences of reflectins correlate with color output. The study identifies three major types of reflectins and their roles in static and tunable iridocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 1, 2015

How cortisol reinforces traumatic memories

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cortisol enhances the consolidation of emotional memories, particularly in individuals with anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cortisol levels can strengthen memories of traumatic experiences during both initial formation and reconsolidation after memory retrieval.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 1, 2015

Subcutaneous administration of multispecific antibody improves tumor treatment

Researchers found that subcutaneous administration of multispecific antibodies improves tumor treatment by better tolerability and undiminished effectiveness. The study suggests that this method could lead to broader availability of tumor treatment for patients, potentially eliminating hospitalization.

A tale of 2 (soil) cities

A study by Sasha Kravchenko reveals that long-term differences in soil use impact pore sizes and microbial communities, providing plants with essential nutrients. The research compared two agricultural systems, finding complex pore structures and unique bacterial colonies within individual aggregates.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 1, 2015

What makes fireflies glow? (video)

Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and ATP, but intermediate steps were unclear. Researchers explored enzyme luciferase, finding that a single electron transfer occurs during the final step, suggesting a unifying feature of bioluminescence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 1, 2015

Benefits of vitamin B12 supplements for older people questioned

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin B12 supplements offer no benefits for neurological or cognitive function in older people with moderate vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers tested 201 participants aged over 75 years who received either a vitamin B12 supplement or a placebo, and found...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 1, 2015

Simple classroom measures may reduce the impact of ADHD

Research suggests that non-drug interventions in schools can improve outcomes for children with ADHD, such as performance in standardized tests and reduction of hyperactive behavior. However, the study found it difficult to identify what works best due to variations in strategies and measurement methods.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·DateJul 1, 2015