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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 473

Climate change risks 'extinction domino effect'

Researchers simulated catastrophic environmental changes, leading to the extinction of all life. Co-extinctions amplify the effects of climate change, with a 5-6 degree warming globally enough to wipe out most life. This study warns humanity not to underestimate the impact of co-extinctions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2018

How HIV DNA is blocked from entering the cell nucleus

A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals how the human myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) protein blocks HIV-1 infection by inhibiting nuclear import of viral DNA. The findings suggest that TNPO1 and nucleoporins facilitate MX2 positioning at the nuclear envelope.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2018

The German Bundesliga: Are the players worth the money?

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg investigated the relationship between footballers' performance and market value in the German Bundesliga. They found that star players tend to be overvalued, while others are traded at below-market value. The study also highlights the impact of a club's reputation and commercia...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Statistics·DateNov 29, 2018

Breathlessness treatments do reduce patient distress

A new study from King's College London found that breathlessness-focused services can significantly reduce patient distress and symptoms of depression. These holistic services, which combine palliative care and self-management strategies, empower patients to take control of their breathlessness and improve their quality of life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThorax·DateNov 29, 2018

How prions invade the brain

Researchers used genetically modified mice with a highly permeable blood-brain barrier to test whether prions in blood can enter the brain. Their results suggest that passage of prions through the blood-brain barrier may not be relevant to disease development. Instead, prions likely reach the brain by traveling along nerves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2018

How a rat and bat helped heal a 90-year cultural rift

A reconciliation ceremony between the Kwaio community and Australian scientists has set a foundation for peace, collaborative research, and healing of historical trauma. The partnership, which began in 2015, involves the protection of Kwaio land for research and conservation entities, emphasizing local cultural processes.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2018

How the devil ray got its horns

A new study by SF State biologists reveals that the distinctive 'horn-like' cephalic lobes of manta rays are actually modified fins, developed through a simple genetic tweak. The researchers found that the same Hox genes guiding fin development in related species also shape the horns in manta rays.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 2018

Stop -- hey, what's that sound?

Scientists have identified a 'bottleneck' in the brain's speech perception mechanism, revealing how it processes language in noisy environments. The study found that the brain recognizes phonetic sounds and transitions to linguistic information in under 10ms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

A prosthetic arm that decodes phantom limb movements

Researchers have developed a prosthetic arm that can detect and replicate phantom limb movements, revolutionizing amputee rehabilitation. The device uses muscle activity generated by mobilization of the phantom limb to achieve precise control, allowing patients to interact with their prostheses without extensive training or surgery.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2018

New methods could improve, expand 3D imaging using X-rays

Researchers have developed two new approaches to 3D imaging with X-rays, enabling unprecedented detail in disease-screening, materials development, and structural information of opaque objects. The methods, including ghost imaging and single-shot techniques, reduce X-ray doses and destroy samples, paving the way for cheaper, more readi...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees

A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 28, 2018

The virus detectives

Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.