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Science News Archive March 2017


Page 1 of 41

Protests with many participants and unified message most likely to influence politicians

A new study by Ruud Wouters suggests that protests with many participants and a unified message are more effective in influencing politicians. The research found that features such as the number of protesters and unity had the greatest impact on changing politicians' opinions, regardless of their party affiliation.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 31, 2017

Fish also need friends

A new study on zebrafish shows that social support can help individuals overcome adverse circumstances and triggers specific brain patterns similar to those in humans. The research suggests that zebrafish could be an ideal model organism for studying social support and its neural mechanisms.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017

Tyrannosaurs show their sensitive side

Scientists have found a new species of tyrannosaur dinosaur with a high degree of tactile sensitivity, similar to crocodiles. The discovery provides insight into the evolution and life appearance of tyrannosaurs, revealing that their faces were covered in scaly protective layers and highly touch-sensitive snouts.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017

Bio-inspired energy storage: A new light for solar power

Researchers from RMIT University have developed a groundbreaking graphene-based electrode prototype that can increase the capacity of existing integrable storage technologies by 3000%. This breakthrough design is inspired by the efficient vein structure of fern leaves, offering a solution to the storage challenge holding solar energy b...

SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017

Bursting the bubble: Solution to the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem

Researchers at OIST Graduate University solved the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem, a centuries-old mathematical problem. The solution provides beautiful mathematical results that closely mimic the behavior of soap films in real-world situations, shedding light on energy-minimizing shapes and potential applications in biology.

A badger can bury a cow by itself

A team of researchers observed an American badger burying a 50-pound calf carcass over five days, marking the first known instance of such behavior. The finding suggests that badgers may play a significant role in sequestering large carcasses, benefiting cattle ranchers by reducing disease vectors and attracting larger predators.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalWestern North American Naturalist·DateMar 31, 2017

Antibody is effective against radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers have developed an effective antibody against radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating side effect of lung cancer treatment. The antibody targets connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), reversing fibrotic transformation and improving pulmonary function in mice.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 31, 2017

Researchers improve vbectors for delivering hFVIII gene therapy to treat Hemophilia A

A new study identifies optimal adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy delivery vector constructs to treat Hemophilia A. The researchers successfully improved the design of AAV vectors, demonstrating significant and differing effects on liver-specific expression of the human factor VIII transgene in mice.

Methane emissions from trees

Researchers from the University of Delaware found that tree trunks in upland forests emit methane, while soils and coarse woody debris act as methane sinks. The study used state-of-the-art technology to measure fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide, revealing a previously unaccounted source of this potent greenhouse gas.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcosystems·DateMar 30, 2017

Proteins that can take the heat

Researchers studied 15 thioredoxin proteins, including extinct sequences, to understand how they unfold at different temperatures. They found that proteins with similar structure but greater ability to tolerate heat unfold more slowly, making them useful for industrial processes.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2017

Internet crystal ball can predict risk of heart disease, diabetes, study finds

A new online metabolic calculator developed by a University of Virginia doctor predicts patients' risk of developing heart disease and diabetes with higher accuracy than traditional methods. The tool takes into account multiple factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and ethnicity, to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2017