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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 33

Protein involved in nematode stress response identified

The discovery of protein DEX-1 in the roundworm C. elegans sheds light on the molecular trigger for structural remodeling in response to stress, allowing animals to better withstand challenging conditions. This research has implications for understanding nematode biology and its impact on parasitic species affecting crops.

Moun­tain birds de­clin­ing in Europe

A recent study has found that European mountain bird populations have declined by as much as 10% in the 2000s, mainly due to climate change and changes in land use. The decline is particularly worrying for species that only inhabit mountain regions and are unable to live in other environments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Four studies by Mount Sinai investigators featured in upcoming special issue of Science

Researchers from Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine published four scientific papers highlighting their work on brain genomics and psychiatric diseases. They analyzed over 2,000 brains to identify non-coding functional genomic elements associated with schizophrenia risk, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The home healthcare frontier: new study explores nurses' knowledge attitudes toward infection control

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that home healthcare workers' beliefs about infection prevention influence their compliance with protocols more than their actual knowledge. The researchers suggest targeting nurse perceptions to improve infection control strategies. Key findings include gaps in k...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 13, 2018

The 'greying' of T cells

Research suggests that weakened metabolism of immune T cells, specifically one-carbon metabolism, may contribute to age-related immunity loss. Adding small-molecule compounds that boost T cell performance could potentially restore immune function.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

Plants' defense against insects is a bouquet

A research study published in Ecology Letters found that plants using a mix of chemical compounds for defense are more effective at deterring insect pests than those relying on single compounds. The type of bouquet matters, with blends having multiple defensive chemicals reducing damage by up to 37%.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 13, 2018

Watching brain cells fire

Stanford researchers have developed a way to study the firing of individual brain cells using only light, eliminating the need for invasive methods. The new approach measures subtle changes in cell shape when they fire, allowing for a cleaner and simpler way to study the brain.

Impairment rating of injured workers depends on the when and where of assessment

A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 13, 2018

NYU researchers pioneer machine learning to speed chemical discoveries, reduce waste

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalComputers & Chemical Engineering·DateDec 13, 2018

Illuminating the brain architecture of neuropsychiatric risk: The latest from PsychENCODE

Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...

When heat ceases to be a mystery, spintronics becomes more real

A Polish-German team of physicists has described the dynamic phenomena occurring at the interface between a ferromagnetic metal and a semiconductor, filling the 'thermal' gap in material knowledge. The study used computational models to simulate atomic vibrations and showed that the interface exhibits unique patterns.

New discovery improves use of optical tweezers

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to improve the use of optical tweezers, allowing for more accurate measurements with less data and faster processing. This breakthrough enables the technique to be used in pharmaceutical research and study systems that are not in equilibrium.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2018