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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 21


Page 21 of 35

Understanding nature's most striking colors

Plant cellulose can self-assemble into wrinkled surfaces that produce striking optical effects, such as iridescence and color changes. The researchers found that the twisting structure of cellulose creates a pattern of parallel ridges that split light into its colored components, producing an iridescent sheen.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 15, 2015

Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows

A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 14, 2015

Combo of 3 antibiotics can kill deadly staph infections

Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 14, 2015

You're not irrational, you're just quantum probabilistic

Researchers at Ohio State University propose a new theoretical approach to psychology based on quantum physics, enabling humans to make decisions in uncertain situations. This approach resolves contradictions among previous studies and provides insight into human behavior, including the effect of survey question order.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateSep 14, 2015

Rating hospital readmissions

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Medicare's readmission penalties disproportionately affect hospitals serving disadvantaged communities. By adjusting for more comprehensive patient characteristics, the gap in readmission rates between best- and worst-performing hospitals is nearly halved. The researchers propose a...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 14, 2015

Modulation of brain cholesterol: A new line of research in Alzheimer's disease treatment?

A new study reveals a direct relationship between Alzheimer's disease and brain cholesterol levels. Increasing the enzyme CYP46A1 may help eliminate excess cholesterol from the brain, correcting amyloid plaques and degenerated tau protein. This discovery opens up a new line of research for Alzheimer's treatment.

Building the electron superhighway

Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a new method to create an 'electron superhighway' in organic materials, allowing electrons to flow faster and farther. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar cells and flexible electronics with enhanced efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2015