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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 17


Page 17 of 38

X-ray optics on a chip

Researchers have successfully fabricated a millimeter-sized chip capable of splitting a beam of X-rays. The chip features fork-shaped channels that efficiently transport and split the beam, producing interference patterns similar to those in classical Young's double-slit experiments.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateAug 18, 2016

Study shows swimming is an effective part of the treatment for fibromyalgia

Researchers found that swimming was as beneficial as walking in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Both swimming and walking improved scores on clinically validated questionnaires, indicating significant improvements in physical function and mental health.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateAug 18, 2016

Flexitime works better for men than women, study finds

A new study by the University of Kent found that schedule control increases overtime hours and income for both men and women, but men reap the greatest benefit. The research suggests that this may lead to a widening of the gender pay gap, even when controlling for factors such as occupation and ambition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateAug 18, 2016

Cell therapy promotes axon remyelination in a mouse model

A new cell therapy product called DUOC-01 promotes faster axon remyelination in mice treated with a demyelinating chemical agent. The treatment also enhances the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, suggesting potential for neuronal repair and remyelination in patients with demyelinating diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

Neural stem cells control their own fate

Researchers found that neural stem cells in the hippocampus use the Drosha protein to regulate their differentiation into specific cell types. The discovery challenges the long-held view that stem cell differentiation is controlled solely by the local environment.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 18, 2016

Turning textbook highlighting into time well-spent

A research program at Rice University aims to create software that uses students' highlights to improve their comprehension and knowledge retention. The team plans to analyze volunteers' highlights for clues about their understanding of the text and conduct laboratory experiments to develop new software.

Hawaiian fruit flies had multiple ancestors

Researchers found that Hawaiian drosophilids had plural continental ancestors, independently migrating to Hawaii at different times. The team discovered 11 non-Hawaiian Scaptomyza species and reconstructed their phylogeny, estimating ancestral distributions and divergence times.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEntomological Science·DateAug 18, 2016

In cells, some oxidants are needed

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that the protein IRE-1 can react to ROS molecules, triggering an antioxidant response that increases cell resistance to stress. This discovery highlights the need to consider ROS molecules as links in cell pathways, not just as damaging agents.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 18, 2016

Zika infection of placental macrophages in culture

Researchers found that Zika virus productively infects primary human placenta-specific macrophages, with 10-15% of placental macrophages infected. The study suggests that placental macrophages may play a role in maternal-fetal Zika transmission and warrants further investigation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

New report presents bundled payment model for breast cancer screening

A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute proposes a bundled payment model for breast cancer screening, which could help reduce healthcare costs and improve patient adherence to screening guidelines. The model includes mammography and downstream diagnostic imaging services within a 364-day episode window.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateAug 18, 2016

An imaging method to quantify dermal fat

Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI-based method to quantify dermal fat, total WAT volume and BAT activation in mice and humans. Studies showed that dWAT thickness was highly variable between subjects and increased in genetically obese mice and those fed high-fat diets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

Zika infection may affect adult brain cells

Researchers at Rockefeller University and La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology found that Zika virus can infect adult brain cells, specifically neural progenitor cells, leading to cell death and reduced neuron generation. This may have implications for cognitive decline and conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 18, 2016