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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 33


Page 33 of 36

High-temperature superconductivity in atomically thin films

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated an atomically thin, high-temperature superconductor film with a Tc of up to 60 K, exceeding that of bulk FeSe. This finding enables the control and tuning of Tc, opening up new avenues for investigating mechanism and developing next-gen nano-scale superconducting devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2015

Autism struck by surprise

A new study reveals that social and sensory overstimulation is the primary driver of autistic behaviors, contradicting decades-old views of autism as a mental retardation. The research proposes that autistic brains are hyper-functional, requiring predictable and structured environments to function optimally.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 2, 2015

Why HIV's cloak has a long tail

Virologists discovered that a small section of the envelope protein, located on its 'tail', is required for it to be sorted into viral particles. This finding could help researchers design more effective vaccines and target HIV with antiviral drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2015

The invisible key to methane hydrates

Researchers discovered that nanobubbles persist in liquid, influencing the formation and dissociation of natural gas hydrates. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of hydrate decomposition and could lead to more efficient and safe extraction of methane hydrates.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 2, 2015

Cat got your tongue? New research says 'no'

Domestic cats have a unique perception of bitterness in food due to variations in their repertoire of bitter receptors, which differs from that of other mammals. The study found that cat taste receptors were less sensitive to certain bitter compounds compared to human receptors, explaining why cats can be picky eaters.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 2, 2015

QLEDs meet wearable devices

Researchers from IBS and Seoul National University created ultra-thin wearable QLEDs with resolutions approaching 2,500 pixels per inch. The technology enables the display of high-definition full-color displays on human skin.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2015

Infant brains develop years faster than we thought

Scientists discovered that infant brain development occurs years faster than previously thought, with face perception abilities emerging as early as four months. The study used electroencephalography to track brain activity in response to facial images, revealing a unique right-hemisphere processing of faces.

SourceeLife·DateJun 2, 2015

Amount of time New Yorkers spend sitting around far exceeds healthy levels

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that New Yorkers spend an average of over 7 hours a day sitting, greatly exceeding the recommended healthy levels. College-educated individuals, higher-income residents, and those aged 65 or older spent the most time sedentary.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateJun 2, 2015

Hyperbaric hope for fibromyalgia sufferers

A clinical trial involving women diagnosed with fibromyalgia showed significant improvements in symptoms after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Brain scans revealed changes in brain activity that may be responsible for the syndrome's chronic pain sensation.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 2, 2015

For a good gut feeling

Researchers found that type II interferon signals cause the release of CXCL10, an attractant for cells promoting inflammation. This study provides a new impetus for treating colitis with antibodies or direct administration of type III interferons.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 2, 2015

Childhood trauma gets under the skin

A new study found that childhood trauma can lead to heightened inflammation across three blood biomarkers in adults. This increased inflammation may contribute to various health problems, including type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that different types of trauma have varying effects on inflammation levels.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2015