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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 39


Page 39 of 42

Solitary confinement puts brains at risk

The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.

Genetic risk factor for CTE detected

A genetic variation in TMEM106B has been identified as a potential risk factor for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) disease severity and pathology. The study found that this variation may predict increased CTE pathology and brain inflammation, and is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateNov 3, 2018

What's in the air? There's more to it than we thought

Scientists have discovered that organic aerosols in the atmosphere are more varied and complex than previously thought. Analyzing air samples from forests and urban environments, researchers found that up to 70% of compounds changed over consecutive samples, highlighting the need for improved air pollution control policies.

SourceYale University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2018

Voters' preexisting opinions shift to align with political party positions

A longitudinal study of voters in New Zealand found that participants tended to shift their opinions to align with those of their preferred political party. Strong supporters of a party were more likely to change their opinions over time, while those whose opinions were already aligned with the party position were less likely to shift.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 2, 2018

Tying the knot: New DNA nanostructures

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create complex knot-like nanostructures in single-stranded DNA, with crossing numbers ranging from 9 to 57. This breakthrough enables the design of molecular structures with specific functions and unprecedented complexity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2018

Online program helps prevent teen depression

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 2, 2018

One step closer to complex quantum teleportation

Researchers successfully generate three-photon entanglement in three dimensions, increasing information capacity and paving the way for future technologies such as quantum computers and encryption. This breakthrough could enable teleportation of complex quantum systems and has significant implications for quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2018

Exploring the structure and properties of new graphene-like polymers

Researchers at Siberian Federal University have created a new class of two-dimensional materials called circulenes, which exhibit high stability, symmetry, and optical properties. These materials show promise for nanoelectronics applications, including solar cells and organic LEDs, with advantages over traditional materials like silicon.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 2, 2018

Ring-shaped protein complex wrangles DNA

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the structure of the condensin protein complex, a ring-shaped protein that helps condense chromosomes. The finding settles a long-standing controversy over the mechanism by which the complex wrangles DNA, and provides insight into its activity during mitosis and cell life cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2018