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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 362


Page 362 of 473

SAGE Ocean announces its first ever concept grant winners

The SAGE Ocean Concept Grant Program has awarded over $100,000 in funding to support the development of new tools that enable social scientists to work with big data. The winners include Quanteda Studio, MiniVAN, and Digital DNA Toolbox, which aim to make text analytics and network analysis more accessible to non-specialist researchers.

SourceSAGE·DateMar 29, 2018

Tumor suppressor protein targets liver cancer

Researchers identified a tumor suppressor protein called LHPP that can help diagnose and monitor liver cancer. Reintroducing LHPP into the liver of model mice prevented tumor formation, suggesting its potential as a new therapeutic approach for treating liver cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 29, 2018

Mice 'eavesdrop' on rats' tear signal

Researchers have discovered that rat tear proteins can be detected in mice, triggering a defensive response in the rodents' brains. The proteins, produced by male rats, activate receptors in the mouse vomeronasal organ, prompting the animals to stop moving and drop their body temperature.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 29, 2018

Dolphins tear up nets as fish numbers fall

New research reveals that dolphins are not only being accidentally caught in fishing nets but may be actively seeking them out for food. The study found that acoustic deterrents were ineffective and may even attracted more dolphins, highlighting the need for effective fish stock management to break the vicious cycle of overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHuman Ecology·DateMar 29, 2018

The Sahara Desert is expanding

A new UMD study reveals the Sahara Desert has expanded by 10% since 1920, primarily driven by human-caused climate change. The research also suggests other deserts may be expanding, posing significant implications for global food security and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 29, 2018

Is your Easter egg bad for the environment?

A recent study by the University of Manchester found that the UK chocolate industry has a significant environmental impact, with high greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. The study estimates that the industry produces around 2.1m tonnes of GHG annually, equivalent to the annual emissions of a city as large as Belfast.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2018

Twisting graphene into spirals

Kansai researchers successfully synthesized hexa-peri-hexabenzo[7]helicene, the first helically twisted chiral graphene. The discovery offers promising applications in nanomechanics and has unique electronic structure properties.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 29, 2018

What a mesh

Researchers have developed a method to create linked networks of metal oxides that can improve their ability to catalyze chemical reactions or harvest energy from light. This new material has potential applications in various fields, including catalysis and electronics.

Scientists penalized by motherhood

A study by Cornelia Lawson et al. reveals female scientists with young children receive less funding and citation rates compared to their male counterparts. The researchers highlight the need for support systems for women with childcare responsibilities.

Meditate regularly for an improved attention span in old age

Regular meditation practice has been shown to improve sustained attention and response inhibition in older adults, with benefits partially maintained over seven years. Despite plateauing, the cognitive gains observed suggest potential long-term benefits of continued meditation practice.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMar 28, 2018

Simulations document self-assembly of proteins and DNA

Researchers developed an algorithm to simulate molecular dynamics of patchy particles, which are made up of a rigid body with only two charged patches. The findings provide new insights into what makes biological entities like protein/DNA combinations self-assemble.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 28, 2018