Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 22, 2017


How odors are turned into long-term memories

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum investigate the brain area responsible for storing odours as long-term memories. They found that the piriform cortex is involved, but only works in interaction with other areas, and requires instruction from the orbitofrontal cortex to establish long-term memory.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 22, 2017

Lobachevsky University scientists study the problem of electrical response of plants as a mechanism

Lobachevsky University scientists find that moderate temperature increase induces small electrical responses in plant leaves. These responses are observed even at lower temperatures, suggesting a possible natural occurrence under field conditions. The research opens prospects for controlling plant resistance to high temperatures by reg...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 22, 2017

A visual database of human plasma compounds

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a visual database of metabolites from over 5,000 Japanese volunteers, offering valuable insights into how specific compounds relate to each other. The jMorp database contains information on 306 metabolites and 256 common proteins, with graphical correlation tools to facilitate further study.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 22, 2017

Study identifies new loci associated with asthma enriched in epigenetic marks

An international study discovered five new regions of the genome associated with increased asthma risk, characterized by epigenetic marks on gene enhancers. The genetic variants also show associations with auto-immune diseases and inflammatory component diseases, highlighting the importance of pleiotropy in multifactorial diseases.

Analysis of new studies including 250,000 people confirms sugar-sweetened drinks are linked to overweight and obesity in children and adults

A new review of 30 studies on sugar-sweetened beverages confirms their association with overweight and obesity in children and adults. Countries are advised to implement policies to reduce SSB consumption, with examples from Mexico's successful tax policy and the UK's upcoming sugar tax.

Quantum noise reduction method for enhanced precision in atomic clocks

Researchers develop a new approach to analyze and reduce quantum noise in atomic systems, known as spin squeezing, which enhances measurement reliability at the quantum scale. The method involves redistributing uncertainty between two components of spin, improving precision and potentially enabling future quantum networks.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 22, 2017