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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 37

The spark that created life

Researchers at Monash University have discovered structural capacitance elements in mutated proteins associated with human diseases, particularly cancers. These elements enable mutations to trigger a gain-of-function, shedding light on protein evolution and the engineering of highly evolvable proteins.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateSep 12, 2018

Mathematicians propose first continuous self-organized criticality model

Researchers present a new continuous model describing self-organized criticality, integrating areas such as economics and developmental biology. The model uses tropical geometry to describe the dynamics of critical systems, providing a universal solution for phenomena like earthquakes and sandpiles.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2018

Study first to report sexual behavior norms for US adults with dementia living at home

A US study found that 59% of partnered men and 51% of women with dementia lived at home were sexually active. However, many faced unaddressed sexual function problems and lacked clear medical guidance. The study aimed to provide normative evidence for informing decisions about sex for people with dementia.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 12, 2018

New ultrasonic wave phenomenon leads to improved safety for society

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered a new ultrasonic wave phenomenon that enables precise and nondestructive detection of fatigue and early damage in thin plate materials. This technology surpasses conventional methods, allowing for accurate evaluation of material damage even before it occurs.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateSep 12, 2018

What's your data privacy style?

Researchers aim to understand how individuals protect their personal data in the digital age. The new study will develop survey instruments and conduct qualitative fieldwork to identify different strategies for navigating algorithmic privacy. It also plans to create experimental prototype tools to explore the design space around algori...

Spring is advancing unevenly across North America

A study found that spring is arriving early in 76% of US National Wildlife Refuges, but not uniformly across migratory bird routes. The team's analysis suggests that higher latitudes are advancing more rapidly than lower latitudes, threatening the synchronization of species with their habitats.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2018

Childhood trauma linked to impaired social cognition later in life for patients with major psychiatric disorders

A comprehensive review of research found a significant association between childhood adversity and impaired social cognitive functioning among adults with major psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind early trauma and its effects on social cognition, which may inform the develop...

SourceElsevier·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateSep 12, 2018

Navigating the path to a Ph.D.

The article tackles key questions about graduate school, including choosing a research program and advisor, and overcoming obstacles like burnout and unexpected setbacks. It provides a roadmap for navigating the chemistry graduate school experience, drawing on stories from students and expert advice.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 12, 2018