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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 31

Text messages can help boost teen birth control compliance

Sending periodic text messages to teens can improve birth control adherence. The study found that 87% of patients with personalized daily texts showed up for their first injection, compared to 56% without texts. Text messaging also helped increase adherence to a tight treatment schedule and regularly taking prescription medications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 19, 2015

For spider monkeys, social grooming comes with a cost

A study found that physical contact during social grooming increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites in brown spider monkeys. The researchers analyzed data from 12 individual monkeys and found a strong correlation between grooming interactions and parasite infections, particularly with roundworms Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 19, 2015

In study, skipping meals is linked to abdominal weight gain

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that skipping meals can lead to insulin resistance and increased abdominal fat gain in mice. Mice on restricted diets who fasted for extended periods developed metabolic issues, including inflammation and plumper fat cells, compared to those who ate regularly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 19, 2015

Nature inspires first artificial molecular pump

Researchers at Northwestern University develop first artificial molecular pump, mirroring the pumping mechanism of life-sustaining proteins in living cells. The tiny machine can force molecules to move against their natural flow, storing energy for potential use in molecular machines and artificial muscles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 19, 2015

Chameleon proteins make individual cells visible

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new microscopy technique that enables selective visualization of individual cells within complex tissue. Using 'chameleon proteins' like Dendra 2, they can highlight single cells or groups of molecules with one color while keeping other cells visible in another color.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 19, 2015

New techniques for reprogramming stem cells target neurological disease models

Emerging model systems of reprogrammed human neurons will drive discovery of new patient-specific therapies, accelerating research on understanding neuronal activity, brain development, and neurological diseases. The article discusses recent technological advances, current challenges, and future clinical applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMay 19, 2015

Tunable liquid metal antennas

North Carolina State University researchers develop tunable liquid metal antenna controlled by voltage, allowing for dynamic changes in operating frequency and radiation pattern. This innovation enables miniaturization and adaptation to correct near-field loading problems, making it highly desirable for mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 19, 2015

Bloom preservation

Research by Jamshidi et al. found that combining salicylic acid, malic acid, and urea can extend cut gerbera blooms' vase life from a week to over two weeks. These compounds prevent bacterial contamination and sustain enzyme activity in the stems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation·DateMay 19, 2015

Nerve cells use each other as maps

Researchers found that nerve cells act as barriers or guides to position themselves correctly, creating a map for other cells to follow. This study uncovers an exciting new mechanism for how nerve cells position themselves in the first place, with important implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2015

Ancient snakes -- a new hiss-tory

Researchers from Yale University have reconstructed the ancestral snake's body plan, revealing a nocturnal, stealth-hunting predator with complete ankles and toes. The study sheds light on the origin of snakes, which originated around 128.5 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.

SourceYale University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 19, 2015

Fresh milk, off the grid

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to preserve milk using short pulsed electric fields, which can kill bacteria and extend shelf life. The technology is energy-efficient and does not require constant electricity supply, making it suitable for use in developing countries.

UK population is becoming overweight and obese at younger ages

A study of over 56,000 people born in Britain from 1946 to 2001 found that most of the rise in BMI has been due to increases at the upper end of the distribution, with childhood obesity more prevalent among younger generations. The age at which adults enter the overweight range decreased over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Credit cards a valuable option for farmers' markets

A study by Washington State University found that farmers' market customers prefer having local vendors and high-quality produce over electronic payment options. The survey showed that running out of cash limits purchases, but offering alternative payment methods can benefit both vendors and customers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateMay 19, 2015