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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 16


Page 16 of 35

Study identifies molecular signal for maintaining adult neuron

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a molecular signal that maintains adult neuron structure in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. The study found that reintroducing this protein restored nerve cell structures to some extent, suggesting potential avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

Technique reveals movements of immune cells as they hunt for tumors in Stanford-led study

A new imaging technique allows researchers to visualize and monitor the behavior of immune cells used to treat cancer patients. The technique reveals whether T cells have found a tumor, how many T cells have arrived, and whether they are alive. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of why immunotherapy doesn't always work.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017

Virtual renaissance

University Jena researchers have launched a project to create 3D representations of cultural objects from museums and collections, including historical globes and other unique artifacts. The goal is to make these treasures accessible to the public and enable scientific investigation through accurate replicas created via 3D printing.

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have developed a new nano-sized semiconductor that concentrates visible light energy, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This breakthrough doubles current efficiencies to at least 40%, offering benefits in energy efficiency and design.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

How estrogen modulates fear learning

New research from Emory University School of Medicine found that estrogen modulates gene activity to protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women with low estrogen levels during certain stages of their menstrual cycle may be more susceptible to PTSD, while high estrogen levels offer protection.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2017

Intense industrial fishing

A new study suggests that China's success in sustaining large catches is due to reducing predatory fish populations, allowing preyed-upon species to increase. This approach can lead to increased harvests, but may also have negative impacts on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

A quark like no other

A University of Iowa physicist is searching for the 'bottom quark', a subatomic particle expected to arise from a Higgs boson's decay. Evidence of this particle could confirm the existence of the Higgs boson, a theory about how the universe works.

Mars and Venus on the therapist's couch

A study by Katie Holloway and colleagues found that therapists identify significant gender differences in therapy, with men wanting a quick fix and women wanting to discuss their feelings. Researchers also surveyed the general public, revealing key differences in preferred therapies and coping strategies between men and women.

What humans and primates both know when it comes to numbers

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that humans and primates both have an ability to distinguish between large and small quantities of objects. The research showed that this bias is strongest in humans and correlates with increasing age and math education, suggesting a possible evolutionary basis for number perception.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2017

Why baboon males resort to domestic violence

A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.