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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 5


Page 5 of 36

Key protein may affect risk of stroke

A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 26, 2015

Most of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training are not advised by specialists

A recent study found that only 25% of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training receive specialist monitoring, putting them at risk for health problems such as increased breathlessness, anaemia, and muscle loss. The lack of regulation among amateur athletes leads to ineffective training efforts and increased health risks.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 26, 2015

UC Davis study guides efforts to find new strategies, solutions to fight pediatric asthma

A recent UC Davis study highlights the need for improved primary care support structures to address high pediatric asthma rates in California. The research found that nearly 10% of state children suffer from asthma, with low flu vaccination rates and limited access to primary care providers contributing to these rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateJun 26, 2015

Action spectrum of sun skin damage documented

Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 26, 2015

Rats 'dream' paths to a brighter future

Researchers monitored brain activity in rats and found that during rest, the hippocampus simulates walking to and from food that was previously inaccessible. This suggests that the hippocampus plans routes for the future as well as recording past experiences with motivational cues like food. The study could help explain why people with...

What controls blood flow in the brain?

New research reveals that smooth muscle cells surrounding brain blood vessels regulate blood flow in response to neuronal activity. The study contradicts previous theories on pericytes' role in blood vessel formation and function.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 2015

Redrawing language map of brain

Scientists have updated the traditional brain map of language comprehension by discovering a new location for word comprehension in the left anterior temporal lobe. Sentence comprehension is found to be distributed widely throughout the language network, contradicting previous theories. The study provides a more precise target for futu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBrain·DateJun 25, 2015

Rapid Ebola diagnostic successful in field trial

A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to accurately diagnose Ebola virus disease within minutes, revolutionizing treatment and containment. The test's sensitivity and specificity rates are comparable to laboratory-based methods, offering a promising solution to the challenges of early diagnosis and timely intervention.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2015

Iron: A biological element?

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that half of the iron in banded iron formations originated from ancient bacteria metabolizing iron two and a half billion years ago. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of our planet and the origins of life, with significant implications for fields like mining and astrobiology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2015

Revisiting the restriction of antibiotics

A new study suggests that restricting specific antibiotics could lead to an increased frequency of multi-drug resistance. The study found that using restricted antibiotics can facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens, despite potential short-term benefits in treatment effectiveness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 25, 2015

AASLD updates guidance for use of hepatitis C drugs

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidance on testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new recommendations focus on direct-acting antiviral drugs, which have shown high efficacy in curing HCV. With these updates, millions of Americans living with chronic HCV may now hav...

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJun 25, 2015

A tale of two whales

A new study provides the first detailed view of calling blue and fin whale distribution in Southern California, revealing a steady population trend for blue whales and an upward trend for fin whales. The research uses acoustic data collected from 2006-2012, indicating that fin whales are more likely to be detected further offshore.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 25, 2015

Optimizing shale gas production from well to wire

Northwestern University professor Fengqi You uses life-cycle analysis to make the production more environmentally and economically friendly. By restructuring the supply chain, he found that a network of pipelines can transport freshwater and shale gas, reducing trucks and exhaust emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 25, 2015

New conductive ink for electronic apparel

University of Tokyo researchers created a single-step printing process to form highly conductive and stretchable connections on textiles. The ink, made of silver flakes, organic solvent, fluorine rubber, and fluorine surfactant, exhibited high conductivity even when stretched three times its original length.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2015