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Science News for December 26, 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