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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 42

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