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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees

A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 28, 2018

The virus detectives

Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.

Global food systems are failing humanity and speeding up climate change

A new report from 130 national academies warns of a catastrophic failure of global food systems, which contribute up to 25% to greenhouse gas emissions. The report calls for climate-smart agriculture, incentives for consumers to change their diets, and innovative foods to address the root causes of the failing system.

Despite common obesity gene variants obese children lose weight after lifestyle changes

A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....

The protein with the starting gun

Researchers have identified a crucial protein, FtsZ, that triggers bacterial cell division when its concentration reaches a threshold. By studying the gut bacterium E. coli, scientists developed a mathematical model predicting when cell division will commence, providing new insights into this fundamental biological process.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 28, 2018

The secret to better berries? Wild bees

A study led by University of Vermont scientists reveals that wild bees are essential for larger and better blueberry yields, providing major benefits including greater berry size, quantity and earlier harvests. Maintaining natural bee habitat and reducing pesticide use can help protect wild bees.

New study explores ecosystem stability

A new study examined ancient ecosystems to understand what drives stability, finding that functional groupings are more important than the sheer number of species present. The team also found that ancient ecosystems were more stable than simulated systems, suggesting a strong imprint on history of how ecosystems are built over time.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateNov 28, 2018

Easy to use 3D bioprinting technique creates lifelike tissues from natural materials

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a simple 3D bioprinting technique using natural materials to create lifelike organ tissue models. The method allows for the creation of vascularized human gut and blood vessel networks capable of keeping cancer tumor tissues alive outside the body.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateNov 28, 2018

Sharing benefits of digitized DNA

A proposed change to the Nagoya Protocol could require users of genetic data to pay fees to donor countries, potentially hindering innovation and public health. Proponents argue it will conserve biodiversity, while opponents claim it discourages research and development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 28, 2018

Defective protein factories in disease

Research unravels mechanism of defective ribosomes causing cellular damage, including DNA mutations and increased cancer protein levels. The discovery provides a solution to Dameshek's Riddle and turns ribosome defects into an attractive target in the fight against cancer.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 28, 2018

Resilience may be neurobiological

A Northwestern University study found that youth living in high-crime neighborhoods experience worse cardiometabolic health due to neighborhood violence. However, those with higher brain connectivity in the frontoparietal central executive network display better resilience.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2018