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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 30


Page 30 of 36

Is dietary supplementation appropriate for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often do not receive adequate nutrients from dietary supplements. Despite supplementation, many children with ASD still have deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitami...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 4, 2015

Clues to the Earth's ancient core

A study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters reveals new insights into the Earth's early core by analyzing the magnetic signatures of mineral grains in ancient rocks. The findings, led by Michigan Tech geophysicist Aleksey Smirnov, shed light on the planet's mysterious past.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 4, 2015

How dividing cells end up the same size

Researchers at Duke University found that the initial size of cells determines how much they grow before dividing into two, contrary to previous findings. This discovery was made possible by analyzing oscillations in cell growth and gene expression using a unique device that allows for single-cell analysis.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJun 4, 2015

Unlocking nanofibers' potential

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for producing nanofibers that increases the rate of production fourfold while reducing energy consumption by over 90%. The technique uses tiny emitters to regulate fluid flow, resulting in uniform fibers even at high manufacturing rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 4, 2015

Decaying RNA molecules tell a story

Decaying RNA molecules provide a snapshot of how proteins are produced, with one end decaying while the other serves as a template for translation. Researchers have discovered that an enzyme degrading mRNA follows closely behind ribosomes, pausing at set points to allow translation to complete before degradation begins.

Cheating amoebas reveal key to successful societies

A recent study published in Current Biology found that while cheaters do not take over populations, they also cannot ever fully be removed. By identifying how diverse societies prevent or cope with cheating, researchers can identify general principles about how to promote cooperation and prevent conflict.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 2015

CU Anschutz study shows low-cost weight loss program has long-term results

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that a low-cost, non-profit weight loss program offers clinically significant and long-term weight loss results. The TOPS program, which costs just $92 a year, was shown to be effective in maintaining weight loss for over seven years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 4, 2015

Vanishing friction

Researchers create system to manipulate atom spacing, tuning friction to a vanishing point, allowing for direct observation of individual atoms. This technique enables control over superlubricity, potentially boosting development of nanomachines, and has implications for controlling biological components.

Shh! Don't wake the sleeping virus!

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 4, 2015

Poor sleep, negative attitude amplify pain in knee osteoarthritis

A new study found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who have poor sleep habits display greater central sensitization, an amplification of clinical pain. Catastrophizing thoughts about pain also contribute to increased central sensitization and greater clinical pain in OA patients.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 4, 2015

A microscopic approach to the magnetic sensitivity of animals

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new microscope that can observe magnetic sensitivity in photochemical reactions within sub-cellular structures. The microscope, called TOAD imaging, allows for the detection of radical pairs formed from flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and their response to weak magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 4, 2015

Do cheaters have an evolutionary advantage?

A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 2015

Extra DNA creates cucumber with all female flowers

A new study at Cornell University identifies a gene duplication causing cucumbers to produce only female flowers, leading to increased yields in greenhouse production. The research builds on previous work and shows that the genetic variation affects over 1,600 genes in the cucumber genome.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 4, 2015