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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 42

ALMA discovers cold dust around nearest star

The ALMA discovery reveals two dust belts surrounding Proxima Centauri, one extending four hundred million kilometres from the star and another even farther out. These findings suggest a complex planetary system with multiple planets and potentially offer insights into the formation of the Earth.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2017

Crystals in a pink X-ray beam

A new experimental setup allows for serial crystallography using broad-spectrum X-rays at synchrotron sources, enabling the study of proteins with smaller samples and shorter exposure times. This method reduces unwanted scattered radiation, making it possible to determine protein structures with high precision.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Synthetic material acts like an insect cloaking device

Researchers have developed a synthetic material that can absorb light from all directions, making it suitable for antireflective coatings. This material is similar to the brochosomes used by leaf hopper insects to blend in with their backgrounds, allowing them to hide from predators.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Protecting the wild: Baylor professor helps to minimize recreation disturbance to wildlife

A Baylor University professor and his team have developed a method to measure recreation disturbance across large landscapes, enabling better understanding of its impact on wildlife. The study aims to provide recreation managers with a tool to mitigate negative effects on wildlife while allowing for responsible recreation use.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 3, 2017

Synaptic disorder

Scientists discover dysfunctional autophagy plays a central role in motor neuron diseases, characterized by muscle atrophy and loss. The PLEKHG5 gene controls the degradation of synaptic vesicles, and its dysfunction leads to aggregation and motor neuron disorder progression.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

Patients report worse care experience in GP practices owned by limited companies

Research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that patients registered to general practices owned by limited companies reported worse experience of their care compared to those registered with independently owned practices. The study analyzed data from over 7,900 general practices in England and found signifi...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 2, 2017

What effect has substance abuse on outcome of schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics?

Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Abuse Reviews·DateNov 2, 2017

UZH anthropologists describe third orangutan species

Researchers from the University of Zurich have identified a distinct third species of orangutans, Pongo tapanuliensis, through genomic and morphological analysis. The Tapanuli population is believed to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population and has been isolated for at least 10,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 2, 2017

The secret lives of ancient land plants

The study of Marchantia polymorpha's genome sheds light on land plant evolution, showing liverworts possess ancestral characteristics. The findings have significant implications for molecular and genetic studies, providing insights into future agricultural applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Family favoritism: Younger siblings impacted more

A new study by Alex Jensen reveals that younger siblings experience a stronger impact from family favoritism compared to older siblings. The research found that when children perceive favoritism, their relationship with parents is strengthened if they feel like the favorite and the parents agree, but weakened if they don't.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateNov 2, 2017

Learning a mother tongue: A universal process?

Researchers studying a traditional population in the Bolivian Amazon found that Tsimane children spend less than one minute per hour talking to their parents, compared to ten times less than in Western countries. This variation highlights wide intercultural differences in language development.

SourceCNRS·JournalChild Development·DateNov 2, 2017