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Science News for December 24, 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

Socioeconomic status and the developing brain

A longitudinal neuroimaging study of over 600 healthy young people found positive associations between socioeconomic status and the size and surface area of brain regions involved in cognitive functions. Greater childhood SES was associated with larger volumes of subcortical regions, extending previous research on SES and cortical morp...

Brain activity predicts fear of pain

Researchers used machine learning to translate brain activity into fear of pain questionnaire scores, revealing distinct neural patterns for different constructs. The study may reconcile self-reported emotions and their neural underpinnings, providing new insights into pain-related fear.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 24, 2018

Genetic legacy of state centralization

A study analyzing genome-wide data from 693 individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that present-day Kuba are genetically diverse and similar to neighboring groups, suggesting historical unification during state centralization. This research underscores the potential of genomics to reconstruct societal histories.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

New global migration estimates show rates steady since 1990, high return migration

Researchers have developed a new statistical method to estimate migration flows between countries, revealing higher rates of migration and return migration. The pseudo-Bayes approach provides more accurate estimates than previous methods, with rates fluctuating between 1.1 and 1.3 percent of global population from 1990 to 2015.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Climate change and electricity consumption in China

Climate change is projected to significantly impact electricity consumption in China's Yangtze River Delta, with daily consumption increasing by 14.5% for every 1°C rise in temperature above 25°C. By the end of the century, annual mean and peak consumption are expected to increase by approximately 9.2% and 36.1%, respectively.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Breast cancer drug impairs brain function

A study using monkeys with the breast cancer drug letrozole found significant behavioral changes and impaired brain function, including hot flashes, increased anxiety, and spatial memory issues. The research highlights the importance of studying the effects of estrogen-reducing treatments on the nervous system.