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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

Researchers discover new type of stellar collision

An international team of astrophysicists has identified the first-ever merger of white and brown dwarf stars, with the debris left behind exhibiting unusual chemical compositions and organic molecules. The discovery sheds new light on the origin of a mysterious star observed by French monk Père Dom Anthelme in 1670.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 9, 2018

Quantum momentum

The University of Delaware is leading the charge in quantum technology research with a $1 million NSF grant. The team aims to develop quantum electronics that can process information faster and with greater accuracy, enabling next-generation technologies for communication, computing, and sensing.

'Sentinels of the sea' at risk from changing climate

A new study finds that oyster mortality in the French Atlantic coast is linked to warm and wet winters, and the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Oysters are sensitive to climate change and water quality, making them sentinels of coastal ecosystem health.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 9, 2018

Neuron death in ALS more complex than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that two types of motor neurons die in ALS patients through distinct mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of more targeted treatments. The study used worm models to investigate the degeneration of spinal and brain neurons in ALS, revealing new insights into the complex nature of the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 9, 2018

Abrikosov vortices help scientists explain inconsistencies in 'dirty' superconductors theory

Researchers found that 'very dirty' superconductors exhibit abnormal behavior, violating the conventional theory of superconductivity. They discovered a power-law dependence between critical current density and magnetic field strength, allowing for a new understanding of Abrikosov vortices thermal fluctuations.

Downward mobility link to violent crime and self-harm

A major new study finds that children from families who fall on hard times are more likely to be involved in violent crime and harm themselves as young adults. Children from the poorest fifth of society were 7-13 times more likely to commit violent crime or self-harm compared to those from wealthier backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateOct 9, 2018

Study firms up diet and depression link

A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2018

Wind holds key to climate change turnaround

Scientists have discovered that westerly winds strengthen ocean acidification in Southern Ocean, which is critical for predicting its impact on marine life. The study sheds light on the mechanisms driving this process and provides insights into improving prediction models.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

Genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction identified

A new study analyzing the genomes of nearly a quarter of a million men discovered a single-nucleotide polymorphism on Chromosome 6 linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The genetic locus was consistently associated with ED risk across ethnically diverse groups, suggesting a novel mechanism specific to sexual function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Drier, less predictable environment may have spurred human evolution

Researchers found evidence of a variable but progressively drying climate coincides with a major shift in stone-tool-making abilities and the appearance of modern Homo sapiens. A continuous environmental context was provided for the diverse archeological evidence recovered from nearby localities in the rift valley basins of southern Ke...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Salted fish in Maya economy

The study found that a majority of ancient Maya chert stone tools showed wear patterns consistent with fish preparation, indicating preserved fish was an important component of their trade economy. The researchers estimated that each salt kitchen could provide dietary salt for up to 3,444 people per day if used for fish preservation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Life is like a box of hippocampal scenes

A neuroimaging study found that the hippocampus responds strongest to event boundaries in everyday experiences, such as films. The researchers discovered a strong match between participants' hippocampal activity and independent observers' identified transition points, varying according to their agreement on these points.

Icy warning for space missions to Jupiter's moon

Scientists predict 15-meter-tall sharp ice formations on Europa's surface could pose a hazard for future landing missions. The unique conditions on the moon create perfect conditions for these structures to form, which could be observed by NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 8, 2018