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Science News for June 17, 2016


New imaging method reveals nanoscale details about DNA

Researchers developed a new enhanced DNA imaging technique that can probe individual DNA strands at the nanoscale, providing orientation information and rotational dynamics. The technique offers more detailed information than current methods, enabling monitoring of DNA conformation changes and interactions with proteins.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2016

The pizza slice that comes at a price

A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 17, 2016

Ancient DNA shows perfect storm felled Ice Age giants

A new study reveals that Ice Age species, including sabre-toothed cats and giant sloths, died off around 12,300 years ago due to a combination of human arrival and rapid warming. The research found that it was only when the climate warmed, long after humans first arrived in Patagonia, did the megafauna suddenly disappear.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

Mother mongooses may risk death to protect unborn children

Research shows that pregnant mongooses reduce their levels of toxic metabolites to protect their offspring, but this comes at the cost of potential long-term harm to themselves. The study found that mothers with lower oxidative damage were more successful in reproducing and raising healthy pups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 17, 2016

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in Alzheimer's disease are influenced by direct interactions with proteins such as Lynx, NMDA-receptors, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This new understanding adds complexity to cholinergic signaling in the brain and may lead to the development of targeted drugs.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateJun 17, 2016

Safety-net hospitals remain vital resource for minority patients following health reform

After health insurance reform, minority-serving hospitals in Massachusetts saw a significant increase in minority discharges, with 62% of 'safety-net hospital users' continuing to receive care at these facilities. The study suggests that interventions like raising Medicaid reimbursement rates could benefit these vital resources.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Care·DateJun 17, 2016

Rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan didn't reduce access to primary care

A University of Michigan study found that rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan improved primary care appointment availability for new patients, rather than crowding doctor's offices. The Healthy Michigan Plan enrolled 600,000 Michiganders and saw better odds of getting an appointment before and after the expansion.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 17, 2016

New surface makes oil contamination remove itself

Researchers at Aalto University have developed surfaces that can move liquid droplets by surface tension forces, enabling self-removal of oil contamination. The technology works for various liquids, including water, wine, and ethanol, with potential industrial applications in devices such as inkjet printing.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

Improving poor soil with burned up biomass

Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2016

Exercise may have therapeutic potential for expediting muscle repair in older populations

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that regular exercise can improve muscle repair in older adults, allowing them to regain lost muscle mass and recover from injury more quickly. After just eight weeks of exercise, old mice experienced faster muscle repair and regrowth compared to non-exercised controls.