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Science News for March 30, 2018


Stanford researchers probe the complex nature of concussion

Researchers found that concussions occur when a deep area of the brain shakes rapidly and intensely, straining surrounding tissues. The study's findings suggest a complex relationship between head impacts and brain motion, highlighting the need for further research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of concussions.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2018

Adult-onset neurodegeneration has roots in early development

A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that adult-onset progressive degenerative diseases have their roots in early developmental defects. Researchers used a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and discovered altered neural circuitry in the cerebellum, which sets the stage for later disease vulnerability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 30, 2018

Calculating the impacts of natural events on wildlife

Researchers developed a new approach to measure the impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations, finding that frequent intense events exert strong selection pressures on species. The study suggests that the 2011 tsunami had a relatively small impact on organisms living in Japan's intertidal zone, comparable to a Pacific storm.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 30, 2018

Cracking eggshell nanostructure

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a unique nanostructure in chicken eggshells that contributes to their strength and fragility. The findings, published in Science Advances, could lead to improved food safety by enabling the selection of genetic traits in laying hens that produce consistently stronger eggs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2018

Butterflies of the soul

Researchers have detailed for the first time how interneurons emerge and diversify in the brain, tracing their lineage from earliest precursor states to mature forms in mice. The study identified key genetic programs that determine the fate of developing interneurons, shedding light on their functions and potential treatment strategies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2018

Is there life adrift in the clouds of Venus?

Researchers propose that Venus' cloudy atmosphere could be a niche for extraterrestrial microbial life due to its highly acidic conditions and presence of sulfuric acid. The atmosphere's unique properties, such as the dark patches composed of concentrated sulfuric acid, have sparked interest in exploring this possibility.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAstrobiology·DateMar 30, 2018