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Science News for March 16, 2018


Elusive venomous mammal joins the genome club

The Hispaniolan solenodon's genome sequence reveals it survived the dinosaurs and provides crucial insights for conservation. The data supports subspecies split within the population, requiring independent breeding strategies to ensure their survival.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 16, 2018

Plasmons triggered in nanotube quantum wells

Scientists at Rice University and Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a novel way to manipulate light at the quantum scale by using single-walled carbon nanotubes as plasmonic quantum confinement fields. The discovery could lead to the development of unique lasers and other optoelectronic devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2018

Colorado cannabis workers are happy, but need better safety training

A study by Colorado State University researchers found that cannabis industry workers in Colorado are generally job-secure and valued safety, but lack formal training and face hazards such as ergonomic concerns and slips, trips, and falls. The industry needs to establish best practices and guidelines to improve worker health and safety.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateMar 16, 2018

Soil fungi may help determine the resilience of forests to environmental change

A recent study found that soil fungi can impact the ability of forests to adapt to climate change. Soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratios increase with ECM dominance and are more associated with low soil nitrogen levels. This suggests that mycorrhizal guilds may be emerging functional traits that define species in terms of their ecological roles.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateMar 16, 2018

BU: Brazil yellow fever outbreak necessitates vaccines

A yellow fever outbreak in Brazil highlights the need for tourists to get vaccinated before visiting affected areas, with the risk of severe illness and death being up to 60% among those who contract the disease. The Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine is currently unavailable in the US due to manufacturing difficulties.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateMar 16, 2018

Signaling pathways to the nucleus

The University of Freiburg team found that auxin-mimicking molecules accumulate primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum before entering the nucleus, regulating gene expression. This signaling pathway helps control various plant processes, including development and responses to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 16, 2018

Which skills will help patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Patients with OCD suffer from a severe reduction in quality of life due to the maladaptive strategies they use. The study suggests that teaching children skills such as coping with bullying and emotional turmoil through cognitive training may help improve their daily lives and prevent mental health disorders.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateMar 16, 2018