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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 44

Crafting a human niche

Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 24, 2018

Less muscle wasting in obese people in intensive care may mean they have a better chance of survival

A new study suggests that obese patients in intensive care may have a lower risk of muscle wasting and a higher chance of survival compared to non-obese patients. The 'obesity paradox' refers to improved survival rates among critically ill individuals with obesity, potentially due to the adaptive response of the muscle to excess weight.

Study suggests that a novel wearable nasal device to reduce smelling ability can induce weight loss and changes to dietary preferences

A novel wearable nasal device was found to reduce body weight and change dietary preferences in individuals aged 50 and under. The study showed a significant drop in olfactory sensitivity and improved insulin levels in participants who used the device, while those over 50 experienced greater weight loss.

Programming synthetic molecular codes to turn genes 'on'

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic molecular code that can script gene activation, targeting histones and emulating the natural histone acetylation process. The code, called Bi-PIP, successfully activated a specific gene associated with central nervous system disorders in living cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

Obese and overweight patients hospitalized with pneumonia are 20 percent to 30 percent less likely to die than normal-weight patients

Research from over 1000 US hospitals found that obese and overweight patients hospitalised for pneumonia have improved survival rates compared to normal-weight patients. The study, which analyzed data from almost 1.7 million patient episodes, found that increasing body mass index was significantly associated with improved survival in p...

Imminent extinction of northern white rhinoceros motivates new genetic recovery efforts

Researchers have identified valuable pools of genetic material from cryopreserved cell lines, which may help guide a tailored recovery program for the northern white rhinoceros. The study's findings suggest that advanced sequencing technologies and novel reproductive strategies could improve recovery efforts for other endangered species.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 24, 2018

How greener grids can stay lit

A new index helps utilities balance electricity distribution with lower consumer costs by accounting for the variability of decentralized energy sources like solar and wind. The index suggests deployment of flexible loads according to market conditions, potentially leading to lower costs and grid stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateMay 24, 2018

When the dinosaurs died, so did forests -- and tree-dwelling birds

A new study reveals that the asteroid impact that wiped out dinosaurs also caused a mass extinction of forests, leading to the demise of tree-dwelling birds. The research team analyzed fossil records and pollen evidence to conclude that the temporary loss of forests after the impact made it impossible for arboreal birds to survive.

SourceField Museum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2018

Wood to supercapacitors

Researchers have discovered a way to produce highly conductive electrode materials for supercapacitors sustainably using nanocellulose derived from wood pulp. The new method yields mechanically stable and porous three-dimensional networks with high electrical conductivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 24, 2018