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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 22


Page 22 of 31

Robot pets to rise in an overpopulated world

As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, robotic pets are becoming increasingly popular, offering alternatives for those who cannot have live pets. However, concerns arise about the ethics of relying on robots for companionship and potential impacts on human relationships with real animals.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 11, 2015

Vineyard habitats help butterflies return

Researchers at Washington State University found that vineyards with native plant habitats have three times the number of butterfly species and four times more butterflies than conventional vineyards. This conservation method helps reduce pesticide usage and promotes a sustainable agricultural industry.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateMay 11, 2015

Computer simulation accurately replicated real-life trauma outcomes, says Pitt team

A study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a computer simulation to replicate known individual outcomes and predict population results for traumatic injury. The model accurately predicted hospital length of stay and multi-organ dysfunction, but found limitations in extrapolating from single mechanisms to outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

A tale of two roads into protein unfolding

Researchers used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering to study the effects of high pressure and urea on protein unfolding. They found that while both methods cause proteins to unfold, they do so through different mechanisms, leading to distinct intermediate proteins.

SourcePublicase International·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Water fleas genetically adapt to climate change

Biologists from KU Leuven found that water flea populations can rapidly adapt to rising temperatures and increased heat wave frequencies. The study, using 'resurrected' eggs, showed a 3.6°C increase in critical temperature for activity.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2015

Tortoise approach works best -- even for evolution

A team of researchers found that limiting migrations among populations of bacteria produced better adaptations and allowed for a wider variety of peaks, enabling the organisms to adapt to their environment more effectively. This 'tortoise-hare' pattern highlights the importance of slow and steady evolution in achieving long-term success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Healing plants inspire new compounds for psychiatric drugs

Scientists at Northwestern University have synthesized four new chemical compounds with antipsychotic properties using natural products from plant species used in traditional healing practices in Nigeria. These compounds show promise in improving cognitive impairment in animal models, a partially effective treatment for schizophrenia.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2015

Breaking through the blood-brain barrier

A team of scientists at San Diego State University has identified a molecular process that allows bacteria to bypass the brain's defenses and cause meningitis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease by controlling the expression of a key protein involved in breaking down the blood-brain barrier.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

Ethicists propose solution for US organ shortage crisis in JAMA piece

Medical ethicists propose a solution to the US organ shortage crisis by introducing an 'uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death' (UDCDD) approach. This method considers deceased individuals for donation even outside hospitals, allowing families to decide later if they want to preserve organs for potential donation.

Magic wavelengths

Researchers at JQI have discovered special wavelengths, known as 'magic wavelengths', that can trap and excite Rydberg atoms without disturbing them. This breakthrough enables the creation of qubits and interaction of atoms in a useful regime.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 11, 2015

Group B Streptococcus breaches the blood-brain-barrier

A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

Dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2015