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Science News for July 4, 2017


Local views key to unlocking ways to fairer and more successful nature conservation

Researchers found that an approach to pursuing equity with local communities' perspectives can bring better outcomes for habitats and wildlife, as well as some of the world's poorest people. Current practices are limited in their interpretation of equity, resulting in responses that sustain local perceptions of injustice and miss oppor...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalConservation Letters·DateJul 4, 2017

Nicking in new nucleotides

A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2017

Mapping genes could improve cancer diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new method to detect genetic changes in cancer cells using Hi-C, which can identify major genome rearrangements and copy number variations with high accuracy. This approach has the potential to aid targeted treatments and enhance cancer diagnosis.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 4, 2017

McMaster researchers make data centers more efficient

The project aims to create a system that can effectively monitor data centers and analyze findings with minimal human intervention. Led by McMaster Engineering professors, the team will develop tools to analyze performance in real-time, helping companies make decisions to reduce energy usage and predict system faults and failures.

Genome sequence of a diabetes-prone rodent

The sand rat genome shows a highly divergent GC-rich genomic domain with several essential genes, including the insulin-regulating homeobox gene Pdx1. This region is subject to elevated mutation rates, which could influence evolution and the course of diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2017

Extreme weather conditions and climate change account for 40 percent of global wheat production variability

A new study reveals that heat stress concurrent with drought or water excess can explain about 40% of the changes in wheat yields from one year to another. Water excess affects wheat production more than drought in several countries, contributing to reduced yields due to increased pests and diseases.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 4, 2017

Through fossil leaves, a step towards Jurassic Park

Using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis of organic molecules in fossil leaves, researchers have solved long-standing questions about extinct plant relationships. The study reveals that ancient plant species grouped according to well-established botanical relationships, shedding light on their evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 4, 2017

Motivation through punishment

Researcher Andreas Eder found that punishment alone does not suppress undesirable behavior but can even facilitate it. The brain uses behavioral consequences to trigger actions more easily, even if the consequences are disagreeable. Providing clear feedback for desired behavior is crucial in educational practices.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJul 4, 2017

High-precision control of printed electronics

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully applied a thin layer of a ferroelectric material to control electronic nonlinearity in ion-doped conducting polymers. This breakthrough enables precise switching of transistors and color changes in displays, opening up new possibilities for applications in printed electronics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2017

Scanning the surface of lithium titanate

A team of researchers has visualized the previously unexplored surface of lithium titanate, a rare spinel oxide superconductor with high superconducting transition temperature. Their study provides new directions for interface research, including understanding electrode surfaces and mechanisms behind lithium-ion battery operations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2017

Menstruation doesn't change how your brain works -- period

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle have no impact on working memory, cognitive bias, or ability to pay attention. The study followed 68 women across two consecutive menstrual cycles and found no replicable effects of hormones on cognition.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 4, 2017