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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 41

Scientific secrets for successful aging?

Scientists at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified 14 age-related compounds that decrease with age, including those related to muscle strength and antioxidants. These findings suggest the importance of consuming antioxidant-rich foods and exercising regularly after 65 to improve body conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Running out of money linked to fear of death

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that fear of death is a significant factor in people's reluctance to invest in annuities during retirement. Researchers discovered that individuals who were asked about their own mortality were 50% less likely to choose an annuity compared to those not asked about their ...

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

Expectation may be essential to memory formation

Researchers propose expectancy-based binding theory, which suggests that subjects remember features without necessarily attaching them to the target object. This contradicts traditional theories of object-based and feature-based encoding., Attention alone is not enough for accurate memory recall, according to the study.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognition·DateMar 28, 2016

Restoring the American chestnut

A recent study published in HortScience provides new recommendations to increase the stock of blight-resistant American chestnut trees. Genetic engineering is proposed as a solution, with the addition of one gene, oxalate oxidase, protecting the tree from the fungus. The study also examined optimized propagation protocols using activat...

Survey gives clearer view of risky leaks from gas mains

A recent study by Boston University researchers found that almost a sixth of gas leaks in metropolitan Boston are potentially explosive and can pose significant safety risks. The study, published in Environmental Pollution, emphasizes the need for better detection methods to prioritize leak repairs.

SourceBoston University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMar 28, 2016

Scientists find 'outlier' enzymes, potential new targets to treat diabetes, inflammation

Two unique enzymes, AIG1 and ADTRP, have been discovered that play a role in metabolism and inflammation, potentially targeting type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. The enzymes are moderately inhibited by lipase inhibitors, suggesting they may be used to boost FAHFAs, which normalize glucose levels and reduce inflammation.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 28, 2016

Improved 'liquid biopsy' technique from Stanford enhances detection of tumor DNA in blood

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new approach to identify and sequence DNA from cancer cells circulating in the blood, increasing sensitivity by 15 times. The 'integrated digital error suppression' technique builds upon a method called CAPP-Seq, allowing for accurate identification of actionable muta...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 28, 2016

The secret to a better shopping trip

Researchers found that shoppers who brought lists of familiar items relied on memory, while those with uncommon items benefited from walking through aisles to trigger memories. The study suggests bringing a list is key to successful shopping trips, regardless of item familiarity.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

New drug combinations could significantly improve tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at UCLA and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new feedback system control technique to pinpoint the best possible drug-dose ratios for treating tuberculosis. This approach has identified promising combination treatments that can kill bacteria much faster than standard regimens, potentially shortening treatment ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

'Transient contractions' in urinary bladder may lead to therapeutic interventions for bladder dysfunction

Researchers have found that transient bladder contractions play a crucial role in sensing pressure and conveying information to sensory nerves. The frequency and rate of rise of these contractions may be fine-tuned by other cell types, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention in urinary bladder dysfunction.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateMar 28, 2016

Ocean temps predict US heat waves 50 days out, study finds

A new study led by Karen McKinnon at NCAR found that a distinct pattern of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can predict an increased chance of summertime heat waves in the eastern US up to 50 days in advance. The research used data from 1,613 weather stations and daily sea surface temperatures to define extreme heat events...

A sensitive subject

Researchers at UCSB have cataloged patterns of vibration in the skin of the entire hand for the first time, enabling a greater understanding of how we sense the world through touch. These vibrations, which travel beyond the tips of the fingers, provide rich tactile information that helps us identify and navigate our surroundings.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 28, 2016