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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 13


Page 13 of 39

Researchers demonstrate 'quantum surrealism'

New research by Aephraim Steinberg and colleagues shows that quantum particles can exhibit 'surrealistic' behavior, contradicting the De Broglie-Bohm theory's claim of realistic trajectories. The findings suggest that non-locality is key to understanding these seemingly 'surreal' paths.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2016

Immunity gene fusions uncovered in plants

Researchers have identified plant immune receptors with additional integrated domains that mimic authentic host targets of pathogen effectors. These discoveries provide new insights into plant disease resistance and may help scientists develop sustainable production methods for key crops.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 19, 2016

Topological insulators: Magnetism is not causing loss of conductivity

Researchers have shown that magnetism does not cause topological insulators to lose their conductivity. Instead, they found a band gap that is significantly larger than predicted by theory and involves a different causal mechanism. The study suggests that scattering processes may be responsible for opening the band gap.

Does sexual aggression alter the female brain?

A Rutgers study found that prepubescent female rodents paired with sexually experienced males exhibited elevated stress hormones, reduced learning capabilities, and decreased maternal behaviors. This research sheds light on the consequences of sexual aggression in females, which is crucial for understanding its impact on women's mental...

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2016

Blood test could transform tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment in developing countries

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a simple blood test that can accurately diagnose active tuberculosis, setting the stage for a significant transformation in disease control. The test works on ordinary blood samples and distinguishes patients with active TB from those with latent TB or other diseases.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2016

3-D protein map offers new malaria vaccine hope

Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2016

Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of obesity

A rat study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that exposure to Beijing's polluted air increases weight and metabolic dysfunctions. The study also showed that pregnant rats exposed to polluted air had higher levels of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 19, 2016

Florida's monkey river

A study by San Diego State University researchers found that only a small percentage of the Silver River macaque population's diet comes from human-provided food, with most relying on environmental sources. Human-monkey interactions were also largely benign, with concerns about disease transmission appearing to be overblown.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 18, 2016

Engineered mini-stomachs produce insulin in mice

Researchers have discovered that tissue from the lower stomach has the greatest potential to be reprogrammed into beta-cell state. Engineered mini-organs produced insulin and refreshed themselves with stem cells, giving the tissue a sustainable regenerative boost.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 18, 2016

Survey examines Americans' use of and satisfaction with homeopathic medicines

A survey of Americans' use of homeopathic medicines found that they are primarily used for common self-limited conditions such as the common cold or back pain. Homeopathy users tend to be more likely to use complementary and integrative medicine modalities, and report finding these products helpful in addressing their health problems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016