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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 41


Page 41 of 41

Using crowdsourced data, scientists build massive family tree that tells tales of humanity

Researchers created a massive crowd-sourced family tree analyzing 86 million public profiles from Geni.com, uncovering trends in migration patterns and genetic relatedness. The study found females migrate more than males, and couples born between 1800-1850 showed increased marital distances despite higher genetic relatedness.

Food abundance driving conflict in Africa, not food scarcity

A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics refutes the idea that climate change leads to civil war in Africa due to food scarcity. Instead, conflicts are driven by competition over abundant food resources, with most armed groups unable to sustain themselves and instead seeking control over local food supplies.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateMar 1, 2018

A spinning top of light

Physicists develop new method to precisely characterise extremely short light pulses, allowing for detailed information about electron place of origin in novel materials. This enables study of superconductors and topological materials, crucial for quantum computing and energy-efficient processors.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2018

Violence against girls in conflict-affected populations reinforces gender norms

In conflict-affected populations, adolescent girls are perceived as responsible for their own safety and burdened by violence, with communities holding differing views on responding to abuse. Research highlights the need for programs addressing victim-blaming and silencing experiences of violence through community structures.

Innovative 'invisible ink' detects TB

Scientists have developed an innovative process to detect TB bacteria using a fluorogenic trehalose analog, called DMN-trehalose. This new stain only illuminates inside living TB bacteria, making diagnosis more accurate and quick. The innovation aims to simplify the traditional smear microscopy process.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 2018

Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection

Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018

Patients with head injuries do better when treated by trauma centers, even if it means bypassing other hospitals

A new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients under 65 who are taken to a trauma center have a higher chance of being favorably discharged, while those over 65 have a lower risk of mortality. The study also highlights a serious care disparity for these severely injured patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2018

Nervous system puts the brakes on inflammation

Research by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists reveals that the nervous system can dampen excessive inflammation in the gut and lungs, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also found that beta-adrenergic receptors play a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2018

Vitamin D reduces mortality

A Norwegian study found that individuals with normal vitamin D levels can reduce their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 30%. The optimal amount of vitamin D varies from person to person, and measuring levels is advised for those who have experienced cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2018

Diet, bugs and beating high blood pressure

Researchers found that three healthy diets generally reduced blood pressure in most participants, but some individuals responded less well due to differences in their gut bacteria. The study suggests a potential new approach for identifying an individual's clinical response to diet therapy and adherence to prescribed diets.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 1, 2018

Discovery shows wine grapes gasping for breath

Researchers discovered that grapes experience internal oxygen shortage during ripening, leading to cell death and potentially affecting wine quality. The study's findings suggest that manipulating oxygen supply can reduce cell death, and may lead to new ways of selecting grape varieties for warmer climates.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMar 1, 2018

Do you know where your xenon is?

Researchers discovered xenon compounds with nickel and iron at extreme pressures and temperatures, which could explain the missing noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. The study provides evidence for previously theorized compounds of iron and xenon under core conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2018