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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 39

Massive Antarctic volcanic eruptions linked to abrupt Southern hemisphere climate changes

New research documents a 192-year series of volcanic eruptions in Antarctica that coincided with accelerated deglaciation about 17,700 years ago. These halogen-rich eruptions created a stratospheric ozone hole over Antarctica, leading to large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation and hydroclimate throughout the Southern Hemisphere.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2017

Human mobility in early Europe

A study of genetic and isotopic analyses reveals that most female skeletons were nonlocal, arriving as adults, and contributed to cultural communication and exchange. The findings suggest that female mobility played a key role in the spread of technological advancements during this period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2017

Mayo Clinic researchers review the clinical potential of senolytic drugs on aging

Senolytic agents target senescent cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Mayo Clinic researchers have identified new screening platforms to find additional senolytic drugs, potentially leading to transformative treatments for aging-related diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 4, 2017

Improved dating of Neanderthal remains

Researchers used an improved dating technique to date Neanderthal remains from Vindija Cave in Croatia. The dates obtained were significantly older than previously reported, pushing back the timeline of Neanderthal presence in Central Europe. This challenges previous theories about the coexistence of Neanderthals and modern humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2017

Antarctic volcanic eruptions triggered abrupt southern hemisphere climate changes near the end of the last ice age

New findings from the University of Copenhagen reveal that massive Antarctic volcanic eruptions coincided with accelerated deglaciation about 17,700 years ago. These eruptions created a stratospheric ozone hole over Antarctica, leading to large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation and hydroclimate throughout the Southern Hemisphere.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2017

Cannot sleep due to stress? Here is the cure

A study found that octacosanol, a compound rich in sugarcane and other natural products, can reduce stress and restore normal sleep in mildly stressed mice. The researchers also suggest that octacosanol may be useful for treating insomnia caused by stress due to its potential to increase sleep.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 4, 2017

Angry and disconnected people more likely to support Anonymous

Research by University of Kent psychologist Dr Giovanni Travaglino found that anger against the political system is a common factor in explaining support for Anonymous. People who feel angry and powerless are more likely to express their dissent vicariously through Anonymous rather than engaging directly in politics.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateSep 4, 2017

What's your story, morning glory?

Researchers successfully altered the flower color of Japanese morning glory from violet to white using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology. The study highlights the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 for studying and manipulating genes in horticultural plants.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 4, 2017

Face value

A new Harvard Medical School study suggests that brain regions key to facial recognition form only through experience and are absent in primates who don't encounter faces. This finding sheds light on neuro-developmental conditions such as autism and developmental prosopagnosia, where individuals struggle with recognizing familiar faces.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 4, 2017

New device for refined neural recording in mice could transform dementia research

Researchers have developed a new, ultra lightweight system for recording neural activity in mice, enabling the study of brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The TaiNi device offers significant animal welfare benefits and high signal bandwidth, increasing information gathered from each mouse.

Call for arts to keep up with Asia

The Australian arts sector faces significant challenges, including a lack of national cultural policy and disruption from changing governments. Experts suggest talent development, audience engagement, innovation, and new income streams are key to reinvigorating the sector.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Policy·DateSep 3, 2017

Antivenoms ineffective for common fatal snakebite

Researchers found that antivenoms produced using snakes from one region may perform poorly or fail completely against the same species of snakes from other regions. The study highlights a significant public health concern, with snakebites affecting millions globally and accounting for thousands of deaths annually.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxicology Letters·DateSep 3, 2017