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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Carnegie Mellon develops bio-mimicry method for preparing and labeling stem cells

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new method for preparing and labeling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that allows them to be tracked using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This breakthrough technology uses a bio-mimicry approach to create an environment similar to the body, enabling MSCs to internalize iron-ox...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2016

How to calm an anxious mind

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMay 18, 2016

How repeated spot microdischarges damage microdevices

Researchers found that repeated spot microdischarges in microelectronic devices cause a temperature increase, which reduces the electric field and leads to preferential breakdown at the previous discharge location. This study provides insights into the role of residual heat build-up and its impact on device stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 2016

Researchers shed light on pathway from virus to brain disease

Researchers found that a mutation in the protein shell of the John Cunningham polyomavirus can affect the immune system's response to the infection, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This discovery may help prevent the disease in autoimmune patients on immunosuppressant therapies.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 18, 2016

Stellar mystery deepens

A Monash University-led research team has discovered that about half of the stars in the M4 globular cluster are dying prematurely, skipping the Red Giant phase and becoming White Dwarfs millions of years ahead of schedule. The cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery, but it is believed to only occur in sodium-rich/oxygen-poor stars.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 2016

New horned dinosaur had spikes at back of neck shield

A new species of horned dinosaur, Machairoceratops cronusi, has been discovered in southern Utah with distinctive back spikes. The discovery increases known centrosaurine diversity and may provide insights into the early evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Hard water linked to risk of eczema in infants

Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2016

Ocelot density in the Brazilian Amazon may be lower than expected

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ocelot densities in the Brazilian Amazon may be stable but lower than predicted. The research used camera-trap surveys to estimate ocelot density in a pristine forest area and found an average of 25 ocelots per 100 km2, which is lower than expected for the region.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

New species of horned dinosaur with a spiked 'shield'

A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified in Montana, featuring sideways-protruding horns and unique bony spikes. The fossil discovery provides insights into the Late Cretaceous period's dinosaur diversity and highlights the importance of dietary specializations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Researchers develop new way to decode large amounts of biological data

Researchers have developed a new computing technique that can analyze large amounts of genomic information, which could lead to better understanding of diseases and environmental issues. The approach, called GISMO, uses Gibbs sampling to find biological signals in the data, improving upon conventional sequence alignment programs.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 18, 2016

Your friends have more friends than you do

A recent study by McGill University researchers found that users tend to follow those with more connections than themselves, resulting in a phenomenon known as the Generalized Friendship Paradox. This paradox suggests that even active and influential users experience it, with up to 90% of users experiencing this effect.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Gentle strength for robots

Researchers have developed a soft actuator that allows robots to move freely without harming humans. The actuator uses hyperelastic membranes and electric fields to control movement, enabling robots to give way in case of doubt, making them suitable for applications where human safety is a concern.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 18, 2016