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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 46


Page 46 of 47

Immune cells help older muscles heal like new

Biomedical engineers at Duke University discovered that immune cells, specifically macrophages, play a critical role in regenerating lab-grown adult muscle tissue. The discovery could lead to new treatments for degenerative muscle diseases and enhance the survival of engineered tissue grafts.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 1, 2018

Study: Having an online social forum for class networking gives physics students a boost

A new study by Indiana University found that online social forums for class networking improve physics students' success in calculus-based physics courses. The study analyzed data from a course where students participated in an online forum and found that those who were most central in the network achieved higher final grades.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateOct 1, 2018

New weather model could increase tornado-warning times

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new weather model that incorporates data from next-generation satellites to improve tornado forecasting. The model was able to forecast supercell thunderstorms with high accuracy and suggests that lead times for tornado warnings can be extended beyond 30 minutes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateOct 1, 2018

Don't treat e-cigarettes like cigarettes

A new study emphasizes the need for distinct research methods when studying e-cigarettes due to their varying nicotine levels, vaping method, and ability to be started and stopped. This distinction is crucial in understanding the unique risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly among teens.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateOct 1, 2018

Study looks at brain networks involved with free will

Researchers used lesion network mapping to analyze how brain injuries disrupt volition and agency, finding that symptoms localize to interconnected brain networks. The study suggests that targeting these networks through brain stimulation may lead to new approaches for treating disrupted free will in neurological and psychiatric patients.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

Invasive plants can boost blue carbon storage

Researchers found that certain invasive plant species can increase blue carbon storage by boosting biomass and soil carbon, while other plant invasions have a negative impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for ecosystem managers seeking to enhance carbon storage in coastal environments.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 1, 2018

A biofuel for automated heat generation

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University discovered that straw, chips, sawdust, and peat can generate more heat than they consume during pyrolysis, a process that can be optimized for efficient energy production. This technology has the potential to make energy generation from biofuel more resource-efficient and environmentally fr...

Democrat/Republican divide is worst it's ever been

A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Networks·DateOct 1, 2018

Disease causing mutation found in French-Canadians

A team of Canadian scientists discovered a French-Canadian founder mutation gene linked to synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease and dementia. The GBA mutation increases the risk of developing these diseases, particularly in people with other mutations.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Genetics·DateOct 1, 2018

TRIPODS+X meets Machine Learning+X

The NSF-funded TRIPODS+X program at Lehigh University brings together top experts to leverage machine learning techniques for various academic pursuits. The workshops focus on areas such as chemistry, robotics, supply chain management, and cognitive neuroscience.