Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Paired mutations: a new approach to discovering the shape of proteins

Researchers developed a new approach to identify protein structure from sole sequence information by analyzing paired mutations across thousands of protein family members. This method identified sequence covariations that uncover the protein's macrostructure and its fundamental structural and functional units.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2017

Time between world-changing volcanic super-eruptions less than previously thought

A team from the University of Bristol analyzed geological records to find that volcanic super-eruptions occur much more frequently than previously estimated, with a new average time between events of around 17 thousand years. This re-evaluation raises concerns about the potential impact on global weather patterns and human civilization.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

Penn researchers: An injectable gel that helps heart muscle regenerate after heart attack

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an injectable gel that slowly releases microRNAs to stimulate heart muscle regeneration. The gel's unique properties allow it to target specific signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, resulting in improved recovery rates and potentially life-prolonging effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 29, 2017

NIH study of WWII evacuees suggests mental illness may be passed to offspring

A recent NIH study found that the children of female WWII evacuees were more likely to experience mental health disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The research suggests that a mother's childhood traumatic exposure may have long-lasting health consequences for her daughters.

Bones show prehistoric women's intensive manual labor during advent of agriculture

A recent study reveals prehistoric women performed intensive manual labor for thousands of years, surpassing modern female athletes. This finding highlights the crucial role of women's labor in agriculture's development and underscores the importance of using female comparative data to interpret past behavior.

Biologists taught infusoria to fight poisons

Biologists found a new substance, isocitric acid, with anti-oxidant properties that increased the survival rate of infusoria by 25-31 times compared to untreated cells. The compound also surpassed the effects of ascorbic acid, offering a promising solution for protecting living organisms from various toxic compounds.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPreparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2017

Debate over doubt

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Matto Mildenberger finds substantial differences in Republican and Democratic climate change views across different states and congressional districts. The research reveals varied opinions among Republicans on issues like climate policies, renewable energy, and carbon regulations, despite part...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 29, 2017

Nature's blueprint

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have created a more durable cement based on the nanostructure of sea urchin spines, which is significantly more resistant to fractures. The new material's elastic properties are comparable to those of mussel shells and reach values of up to 200 megapascals.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2017

A step forward for quantum computing

A team of physicists from Harvard University has developed a special type of quantum computer, known as a quantum simulator, which is programmed by capturing super-cooled rubidium atoms with lasers. The system could shed new light on material properties and complex optimization problems.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2017

Theory of the evolution of sexes tested with algae

A University of Adelaide researcher tested a theory on the evolution of sexes in algae, finding that the classic Disruptive Selection Theory is supported. The study used data from various species of green algae and found that the ratio of larger gametes to smaller ones must be greater than three for males and females to evolve stably.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 2017

Low vitamin D levels at birth linked to higher autism risk

A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 29, 2017