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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 9


Page 9 of 39

New study finds our desire for 'like-minded others' is hard-wired

A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.

SourceWellesley College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Fat cells outlive skinny ones

A new study from Michigan State University finds that fat cells, not lean cells, have a longer lifespan. The researchers used yeast to demonstrate that increasing the cellular content of triacylglycerol, or fat, extends lifespan. This finding supports the obesity paradox theory and has implications for human aging and health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2016

Natural sugar may treat fatty liver disease

Researchers found that trehalose prevents the buildup of fat in liver cells by blocking the transport of energy from sugar into liver cells. This triggers autophagy, a natural process where cells consume stored fats and other waste materials. The study suggests that trehalose may offer a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 23, 2016

New research introduces 'pause button' for boiling

A team of researchers has developed a method to create a single vapor bubble in a pool of liquid that can remain stable on a surface for hours. This technique enables the microscopic study of vapor bubbles and the optimization of the boiling process, which could lead to advancements in heat transfer systems.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Tracking worm sex drive, neuron by neuron

A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and California Institute of Technology has found a neural network in male worms that processes sex-specific sensory cues, allowing them to make decisions about pursuing mates. The network involves four male-specific sensory neurons that communicate with each other through synapti...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2016

Most US cancer prevention guidelines don't provide information needed for decision-making

A recent study has found that most US cancer prevention guidelines do not provide sufficient information on benefits and harms, making it difficult for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions. The researchers analyzed data from various guidelines and found that 39% of recommendations were given comparable ratings, while 14.5...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 23, 2016

How sweet can you get?

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

The key to mass-producing nanomaterials

Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a method for manufacturing nanoparticles on a large scale, using microfluidics technology. This innovation enables the cost-effective production of gold nanoparticles with unique properties, making them ideal for applications in medicine and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2016

Dietary link to stunted growth identified

Children under age 5 with stunted growth are found to have low levels of essential amino acids and nutrient choline, which can prevent cognitive development, increase susceptibility to illness, and shorten life spans. Researchers hope to develop new approaches to treat this debilitating condition by targeting dietary intake.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 23, 2016

Influenza viruses can hide from the immune system

Researchers discovered that influenza viruses can hide from the immune system by using a protein that masks the virus, making it harder for the body to detect and fight. This finding has implications for developing treatments against influenza and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2016