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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 32


Page 32 of 42

Deep-sea fish reveals twilight trick

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell in the eye of deep-sea fish that enables them to see in twilight conditions. This finding opens up new avenues of research into how animals adapt to extreme environments and challenges existing theories about photoreceptor cells.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2017

A gel that does not break or dry out

Researchers at Kobe University created a double network within ionic liquid, combining inorganic silica particles with organic polymers, resulting in a gel that can withstand over 25 MPa of compressive strength. The gel's stability makes it suitable for applications in CO2 separation membranes and rechargeable batteries.

SourceKobe University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 8, 2017

Easing the soil's temperature

Research by Samuel Haruna found that cover crops and perennial biofuel crops can relieve soil compaction, reducing the impact of fluctuating temperatures. These crops slow down temperature changes and retain moisture, allowing soils to better regulate temperature fluctuations.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateNov 8, 2017

Parental sexual orientation and children's psychological well-being

A study of 21,103 children found no significant differences in emotional and mental health difficulties between those with lesbian or gay parents and those with heterosexual parents. However, children of bisexual parents experienced greater difficulties, which disappeared after accounting for minority stress among bisexual parents.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateNov 8, 2017

Star-shaped brain cells orchestrate neural connections

New research from Duke University reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the development and function of synapses in the brain. The study found that three proteins control the web-like structure of each astrocyte, which directly impacts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural connections.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2017

Research reveals the true impact of diabetic foot ulcers

A recent study published by the University of Leeds reveals that diabetic foot ulcers have severe consequences, including limited mobility and increased risk of heart disease. The research found that more than half of patients with infected ulcers did not heal over a year, highlighting the need for close monitoring and timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateNov 8, 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