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Science News for November 7, 2017


Modeling social interactions to improve collective decision-making

Researchers analyzed social interactions in France and Japan, identifying five behaviors that influence group decisions. They developed a mathematical model that reproduces the results and predicts group performance based on information exchange, which can lead to improved cooperation and collaboration.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

It takes a microclimate to raise a pinyon tree

Pinyon pine trees rely on specific microclimates to recover from drought events. Cooler and wetter climates with high tree cover, abundant juvenile trees, and mature seed-producing trees are essential for regeneration. Microsites under shaded canopies also provide favorable conditions for young pinyon pine growth.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 7, 2017

Cities can cut greenhouse gas emissions far beyond their urban borders

A new study reveals that cities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by addressing upstream activities such as housing and transportation. By choosing low-carbon construction materials and renewable energy sources, cities can drastically decrease their indirect CO2 emissions. This approach offers local policymakers m...

Lending late neurons a helping hand

University of Geneva researchers found that delayed neuronal migration in the fetus causes behavior disorders comparable to autism. They also discovered that correcting late neuron activity can restore interneuronal connections and prevent behavioral problems.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2017

Reformulation of Markowitz theorem

A new version of Markowitz's portfolio theory predicts inflated growth and reduced volatility in diverse populations across the landscape. It was developed by Prof Cang Hui and colleagues to quantify population demographics and behavior in invasive species management.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

Call for Europe-wide screening of babies for heart defects

A consensus statement from a group of neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists recommends routine pulse oximetry screening for all European babies within 24 hours of birth to detect critical congenital heart defects. Early detection is crucial for the best outcome, and current methods may miss up to 50% of affected infants.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateNov 7, 2017

Severely bleeding patients must receive lifesaving drug within minutes, not hours

A new study found that treatment with tranexamic acid must be given within minutes of severe bleeding to improve survival by 70%. The World Health Organization has updated its recommendations for the use of tranexamic acid, calling for it to be made readily available in all health systems to reduce global deaths from severe bleeding.

'Zombie ant' brains left intact by fungal parasite

A study led by Penn State researchers found that a fungal parasite controls the behavior of carpenter ants without infecting their brains. The fungus surrounds and invades muscle fibers throughout the ant's body, forming a network to collectively control host behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

New possibility to prevent and treat Parkinson's disease with licorice extract

A recent study by Korean researchers identified a potential mechanism of licorice extract inhibiting dopaminergic neuronal cell death in Parkinson's disease. The study found that liquiritigenin, a compound extracted from licorice, induces the expression of RNF146 protein and removes excessive PAR accumulation, resulting in inhibition o...

Rival sperm and choosy eggs

In a groundbreaking study, FSU Professor Don Levitan found that sperm from multiple males compete for fertilization, allowing eggs to choose their preferred mate. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of reproductive compatibility and the creation of new species.

How SORLA protects against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified a new protective function for the brain protein SORLA, which limits amyloid beta's toxic signaling. The study suggests that increasing levels of SORLA in mice reduced cognitive impairments caused by amyloid beta.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 7, 2017

Why plants form sprouts in the dark

Researchers identified a cell wall signal that initiates darkness programme in seedling development, enhancing survival. The signal is linked to metabolic breakdown products of pectin, allowing plant cells to communicate with each other about light conditions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 7, 2017

Mechanochemistry paves the way to higher quality perovskite photovoltaics

Researchers have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite photovoltaics using mechanochemistry, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced structural defects. The production process involves grinding powders to create homogeneous perovskites with fewer defects, which improves the cell's performance.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 7, 2017

Bonobos help strangers without being asked

Researchers studied wild-born bonobos at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that bonobos will help strangers get food even when there is no immediate payback. This behavior is linked to a basic form of empathy called emotional contagion, which suggests that bonobos are also contagious with yawning.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

Mice prefer rules over fights

A study by IBS scientists found that mice develop 'social rules' to allocate rewards, promoting long-term benefits for both mice. The researchers used brain stimulation to induce a sense of pleasure, and observed that 60% of the mice waited for their turn, leading to more rounds and total reward time.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2017

U of I-led team reports connections that will fuel future brain trauma research

A University of Idaho-led team found a way to stimulate the formation of new neural connections in the adult brain, which could help humans fend off memory loss and brain trauma. The study used genetic manipulation in mice to induce axon and dendrite outgrowth, leading to the formation of stable, functional connections.

SourceUniversity of Idaho·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

Man's earliest ancestors discovered in southern England

Fossils of the oldest mammals related to mankind have been discovered on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, dating back 145 million years. The two teeth belong to small, rat-like creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs and are the earliest undisputed fossils of mammals belonging to the line that led to human beings.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateNov 7, 2017

Study outlines 'perfect storm' that led to Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic

A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2017

How far did you fall from the tree?

Researchers at Kyoto University used a chimpanzee parent-offspring trio to estimate direct mutation rates, finding higher rates than in humans. The study also revealed a strong male-biased mutation spectrum and new structural alterations.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

Take charge, wine lovers, and trust your palate

A Michigan State University study found that people fit into specific 'vinotypes' based on their food and beverage preferences. The researchers recommend that servers and sommeliers consider these preferences when suggesting a wine. By trusting their own palate, consumers can make informed choices about wine pairings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Wine Business Research·DateNov 7, 2017