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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 38

The highly complex sugarcane genome has finally been sequenced

The sugarcane genome has been sequenced using a novel method that leverages colinearity with the sorghum genome, enabling molecular screening techniques for breeding and biomass production. The reference sequence obtained is of high quality, revolutionizing genomic and genetic approaches for sugarcane species.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2018

Combination treatment fortifies the aging immune system

A combination treatment has safely enhanced the ability of the immune system to fight infections in the elderly, reducing their incidence by a year. The treatment, which inhibits TORC1 protein complex, showed improved immune response towards seasonal influenza vaccine, paving the way for therapies targeting infectious diseases.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 11, 2018

Study analyzes opioid overdose risk during and after pregnancy among Massachusetts women

A Massachusetts-based study found that opioid overdose events decreased during pregnancy but increased in the postpartum period, particularly when fewer resources were available to mothers with substance use disorder. The research team developed a unique dataset linking statewide resources and found that women with opioid use disorder ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 11, 2018

Tiny fern holds big environmental promise

Researchers have sequenced the genome of a tiny fern species, Azolla filiculoides, which has been found to have significant environmental applications. The fern's unique gene provides insect resistance and can be used as a sustainable fertilizer, while its symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria allows for nitrogen fixation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 11, 2018

Why are neuron axons long and spindly? Study shows they're optimizing signaling efficiency

Researchers at UC San Diego have found that axon geometry is crucial in information flow, with a 'refraction ratio' of 0.92 indicating optimal balance between signal latency and refractory period. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders like autism and developing more brain-like artificial neural networks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 11, 2018

Snorts indicate positive emotions in horses

Snort production is significantly associated with positive situations and internal states in horses, suggesting a potential tool for improving animal welfare practices. Horses living in naturalistic conditions emit more snorts than those in restricted environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2018

Centenary of cosmological constant lambda

The cosmological constant was first introduced by Einstein in 1917 to make the static universe model work. However, after the discovery of cosmic expansion, it became marginalized until recent observations and experiments revived its relevance as a key component of dark energy theory.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJul 11, 2018

New gears in your sleep clock

Researchers find two opposing kinases regulating circadian clock, one stabilizing key protein PER2 and the other promoting its degradation. This discovery provides new targets for treating circadian disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2018

Scoping magnetic fields out for prevention

Physicists develop mathematical formula to approximate magnetic field circulation around a closed path or loop, based on Biot-Savart's law. The study provides a new approach to evaluate the effects of magnetic fields on human health and prevent exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJul 11, 2018

Reining in soil's nitrogen chemistry

Researchers found that coating fertilizer with maleic-itaconic polymers (MIPs) slows down urease activity, improving nitrogen availability for plants. The study suggests farmers have a choice depending on their soil's acidity, offering a potential solution to increase crop yields and reduce environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 11, 2018

Healthy diet reduces asthma symptoms

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 11, 2018

Organ regeneration is no longer a distant dream

Researchers at Osaka University have clarified the cellular mechanism behind left-right asymmetric organ morphogenesis using live imaging and computer simulations. The team discovered that 'cell sliding' is essential for this process, which may lead to breakthroughs in regenerating organs with tubular structures.