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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 37

USU researchers develop genetic tool to improve arsenic studies

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a genetic tool that makes it easier to identify bacteria responsible for releasing toxic forms of arsenic in groundwater. The new primer allows for more accurate detection of arsenate-reducing microorganisms, which can help reduce the prevalence of arsenic contamination worldwide.

SourceUtah State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 10, 2017

Prebiotics may help to cope with stress

A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that prebiotic fibers can promote beneficial gut bacteria and recovery of normal sleep patterns after a stressful event. Regular intake of prebiotics may provide a natural way to cope with stress and support overall health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 10, 2017

Progress toward HIV cure highlighted in issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the causes of accelerated aging in HIV-infected individuals. Studies suggest that statins may be effective in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. The findings aim to shed light on the negative health consequences of HIV, including premature aging.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 10, 2017

Discovering what shapes language diversity

A team of international researchers used a form of simulation modeling to study the processes shaping language diversity patterns in Australia. They found strong evidence that rainfall and limits to group size shaped both the total number of languages and the geographic patterns of language diversity on the continent. This study provid...

SourceColorado State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 10, 2017

Nano-level lubricant tuning improves material for electronic devices and surface coatings

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new approach to dynamically tune the micro- and nano-scale roughness of atomically thin MoS2, improving its hydrophobicity for various applications including waterproof electronics and medical devices. The study expands toolkit for tunable wettability of 2D materials.

Increasing the sensitivity of next-generation gravitational wave detectors

Researchers have made significant progress in developing stable laser sources for third-generation gravitational wave detectors, enabling the detection of weaker signals from distant cosmic events. The development includes a new type of pre-mode cleaner that compensates for astigmatism, making designs like the Einstein Telescope possible.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017

Monkey fights help explain tipping points in animal societies

Researchers analyzed conflicts within a captive community of macaque monkeys to understand how agitated individuals can trigger large-scale brawls. They found that a small number of agitated monkeys can destabilize the system, but individual differences among group members may allow for more controlled distance from criticality.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2017

Ancient signals from the early universe

Theoretical physicists at the University of Basel have calculated the signal of specific gravitational wave sources that emerged fractions of a second after the Big Bang. These oscillons, predicted by Einstein, can be used to study the universe's early stages and provide information on major astrophysical events.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017

Taming complexity

Giuseppe Carleo and Matthias Troyer have found a way to overcome the mathematical complexity of many-particle systems using an artificial neural network. The researchers used reinforcement learning to identify important parameters in chaotic systems, enabling calculations with simplified equations for larger systems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2017

Traffic light in the brain

A team of researchers has identified five subareas in the prefrontal cortex that play key roles in decision-making processes related to movement. By deactivating specific brain regions using optogenetics, the study found that inhibition and excitation areas work together to regulate movement. These findings have implications for unders...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2017

Chinese air pollution linked to respiratory and cardiovascular deaths

A nationwide study in China found that fine particulate air pollution is associated with a significant increase in mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study found that even low levels of air pollution can have serious health effects, particularly among older adults and those with lower education levels.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2017

Brain damage is not always damaging

A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 9, 2017