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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 473

Contact with monkeys and apes puts populations at risk

Researchers found that Cameroonian adults frequently interact with nonhuman primates through hunting, butchering, and consuming meat. This exposure puts people at risk of infection with new diseases, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and safe handling practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 27, 2018

Bacteria found in ancient Irish soil halts growth of superbugs -- new hope for tackling antibiotic resistance

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown strain of bacteria in ancient Irish soil that effectively inhibits the growth of four top-six multi-resistant pathogens. The strain, Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, has shown promise against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing new hope for combating antibiotic resistance.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 27, 2018

How exercise reduces belly fat in humans

A 12-week exercise intervention reduced visceral abdominal fat in obese adults, but tocilizumab treatment abolished this effect and increased cholesterol levels. Exercise promotes better health and reduces the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases by reducing abdominal fat mass.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 27, 2018

Sleeping sickness parasite uses multiple metabolic pathways

Research reveals that trypanosomes use gluconeogenesis and glycerol metabolism to produce ATP and synthesize glucose, challenging the long-held assumption of exclusive reliance on glycolysis. This metabolic flexibility is essential for adaptation to environmental conditions and survival in mammalian host tissues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 27, 2018

Fish bones yield new tool for tracking coal ash contamination

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that fish ear bones can serve as a fingerprint for identifying and tracking coal ash contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The study used strontium isotope ratios in otoliths to connect high levels of toxic elements back to the contamination source.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 26, 2018

Buzzed flies reveal important step to intoxication

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified an important intermediate step in how alcohol intoxication occurs. The enzyme phospholipase D2 links ethanol molecules to lipid membranes, triggering a metabolite called phosphatidylethanol that causes nerves to fire more easily, leading to hyperactivity in flies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateDec 26, 2018

How the brain enables us to rapidly focus attention

Researchers discovered a key brain mechanism that underlies our ability to rapidly focus attention. The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in triggering desynchronization of neurons, allowing individual neurons to respond to sensory information differently. This allows us to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring distractions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNeuron·DateDec 26, 2018

European wheat lacks climate resilience

Researchers at Aarhus University found that current breeding programs for European wheat do not provide sufficient climate resilience. This lack of response diversity can lead to reduced yields, increased yield variability, and market volatility.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2018

Researchers use 'blacklist' computing concept as novel way to streamline genetic analysis

Researchers have developed a novel way to streamline genetic analysis by utilizing the blacklist computing concept. This method has shown promise as a key to faster therapeutic innovation, enabling clinicians and researchers to focus on true disease-causing mutations., By removing non-pathogenic genetic variants from consideration, thi...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018