Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 17, 2016


At attention, molecules!

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that molecules in ionic liquids reassemble without being prodded, taking time to complete. The team discovered a much thicker interfacial layer than previously known, with some layers reaching 1 micron thick.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 17, 2016

Is an insulin pump the best therapy for everyone with type 1 diabetes?

A commentary published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics suggests that insulin pump therapy can lead to better blood glucose control and may be beneficial for all patients with type 1 diabetes. The author highlights the importance of pump technology, including sensor-controlled feedback and artificial pancreas systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 17, 2016

How do trees go to sleep?

Researchers from Austria, Finland, and Hungary used laser scanners to measure the daily movement of fully grown trees. The results show that trees droop their branches at night, with changes not exceeding 10 cm, indicating they go to sleep.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 17, 2016

Adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran increases energy value for pigs

Research at the University of Illinois found that adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran can increase its energy value for pigs. The study confirmed that xylanase increased the concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in full fat rice bran and defatted rice bran.

Nudging health in food pantries

Researchers found that placing protein bars at the start of the dessert line increased selection by 46%, while keeping them in original packaging boosted selection by 59%. These simple changes made healthy foods more convenient and appealing to clients.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 17, 2016

Long-term memory has back-up plan, researchers find

A team of scientists has identified a back-up mechanism for memory storage that takes over when the molecular mechanism of primary long-term memory storage fails. They found that mice engineered without an enzyme crucial to long-term memory storage still form memories because they deploy an alternative method, involving PKCλ/ι.

Evolution: Building blocks of life

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a plausible reaction mechanism for the production of key components of RNA under conditions similar to those on the young Earth. The discovery validates a pathway that could explain how chemical evolution proceeded before the formation of the first cells.

Fine-tuning for intestinal immune cells

A new study reveals that food components can significantly influence the intestinal immune system by binding to an important controller, the Ah receptor. The researchers found that the interaction between the Ah receptor and its repressor is crucial for balancing the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2016

Mind your busyness

A new study finds that busier lifestyles are associated with better processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory in older adults. The research suggests that busyness may stimulate learning and improve cognition, but more experimental work is needed to confirm this association.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMay 17, 2016

Plasma physics' giant leap

Researchers analyze MMS data to understand magnetic reconnection, a process that produces powerful phenomena including solar flares and large releases of plasma from the sun's corona. The mission provides high-resolution measurements of particles and electric and magnetic fields at the electron scale.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2016

Racial and ethnic differences found in psychiatric diagnoses and treatment, according to researchers

Non-Hispanic blacks are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as non-Hispanic whites, but they're significantly less likely to receive medication for treatment. The study found that racial-ethnic differences in diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions were significant across 11 private healthcare delivery s...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMay 17, 2016

High-power prismatic devices may further expand visual fields for patients with hemianopia

Researchers have designed three new eyeglasses using high-power prisms to optimally expand the visual fields of patients with hemianopia, a condition that affects over one million Americans. The new devices address limitations of existing prism technology and may provide additional range of vision when scanning in both directions.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMay 17, 2016

Mom's exposure to BPA during pregnancy may put her baby on course to obesity

A Columbia University study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to BPA and measures of body fat in children at age 7. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 369 mother-child pairs, also discovered that prenatal BPA exposure was positively associated with higher levels of adiposity in girls.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 17, 2016

Many physicians make lack a firm understanding of the costs of medical tests & procedures

A recent study found that 92.2% of physicians believe doctors should control costs, but only 36.9% have a clear understanding of test and procedure costs. Primary care physicians reported greater awareness of the Choosing Wisely campaign, which aims to identify low-value services.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 17, 2016