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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 71


Page 71 of 473

Dam problems, win-win solutions

A team of researchers identified potential decisions that maximize combined ecological and economic benefits by simulating trade-offs and using machine-learning approach. They found opportunities to improve balance between certain criteria by coordinating multiple dam decisions at larger spatial scales.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Taming plasmas: Improving fusion using microwaves

Researchers successfully employed microwaves to suppress Alfvén waves in plasmas, a crucial step towards harnessing clean and nearly limitless energy through fusion. The study, conducted at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ASDEX-Upgrade facility, demonstrates the potential of using electron cyclotron waves to control wave activity.

Clues for drugging the 'undruggable'

Researchers have identified a new way to target and degrade a class of proteins called zinc finger transcription factors, which play critical roles in health and disease. By modifying thalidomide analogs, scientists can selectively degrade specific zinc fingers, offering a promising lead for developing new cancer treatments.

SourceFriedrich Miescher Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2018

Enhanced views of Earth tectonics

Scientists have used satellite gravity data from the GOCE mission to image the structure of the Earth's lithosphere, revealing large-scale tectonic features and complex patterns in ancient cratons. These findings improve our understanding of Antarctica's deep structure and its connection to the rest of the planet.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2018

Hot temperatures can trigger an RNA response in plants

A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Nutrient-recycling microbes may feel the heat

A study by UCR researcher Sydney Glassman explored how climate change affects the ability of microbes to recycle nutrients. The research found that specific microbial communities play an independent role in decomposition, and their response to climate change is not solely dependent on the environment they reside in.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Shorter sleep can lead to dehydration

A study by Penn State found that adults who sleep six hours per night have significantly more concentrated urine and higher odds of dehydration compared to those who sleep eight hours. This is due to the body's hormonal system regulating hydration, particularly the hormone vasopressin.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Health·DateNov 5, 2018

Air pollution linked to autism: study

A Monash University study found a strong link between air pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and other sources increased the risk of ASD by up to 78%. The study adds to previous research on prenatal air pollution ex...

SourceMonash University·JournalEnvironment International·DateNov 5, 2018

New conservation approach

A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 5, 2018

Music improves social communication in autistic children

Researchers found that music-based therapy improved autistic children's social communication skills and family quality of life. The study also showed increased brain connectivity between auditory and motor regions, potentially explaining the benefits. Music intervention was effective even after only eight to 12 weekly sessions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 5, 2018

Solitary confinement puts brains at risk

The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.