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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 44

Stressed, anxious? Ask the brain!

Researchers used deep brain imaging to study amygdala activity in mice, revealing two large antagonistic sets of neurons that encode opposing moment-to-moment state changes. The findings suggest a complex neural basis for internal states like anxiety, which may have implications for understanding human anxiety disorders.

SourceFriedrich Miescher Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2019

Socioeconomic deprivation increases risk of developing chronic kidney disease in England

A study of 1.4 million adults in England found that socioeconomically deprived individuals are 68% more likely to develop advanced chronic kidney disease than the least deprived, experiencing poorer health outcomes and quality of life. The research recommends targeted interventions to engage disadvantaged groups through improved screen...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2019

Simple sea anemones not so simple after all

New research reveals tube-dwelling anemones have largest mitochondrial genomes, with fragments arranged in unexpected ways and sizes varying between species. The discovery defies classic doughnut-shaped designs and raises questions about evolutionary pressures among ancient sea animals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

New studies highlight challenge of meeting Paris Agreement climate goals

Two new studies warn that countries like the US, China, and EU will struggle to meet their emissions targets without significant reductions. The research suggests that even if these high-emitting countries strengthen their commitments, other nations would need to achieve near-zero emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degree...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2019

Bacteria reveal strong individuality when navigating a maze

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that bacteria in a microfluidic T-maze exhibit diverse chemotactic sensitivity due to genetic variations, allowing some individuals to outperform others. This phenotypic heterogeneity may provide an evolutionary advantage for the bacteria, enabling them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Quantum gas turns supersolid

Researchers have observed hallmarks of supersolidity in ultracold atomic gases, featuring a self-determined crystalline structure while sharing the same macroscopic wavefunction. The dysprosium quantum gas realization shows unprecedented stability, paving the way for probing its excitation spectrum and superfluid behavior.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 23, 2019

Study: Why unique finches keep their heads of many colors

Research by scientists from Cornell University and the University of Sheffield finds that balancing selection is responsible for maintaining the diversity of head colors in Gouldian Finches. This process allows both red- and black-headed finches to coexist, with each having advantages and disadvantages, resulting in a stable polymorphism.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Air pollution poses risks for childhood cancer survivors

A study found that poor air quality significantly increases the risk of hospitalizations for respiratory issues in young cancer survivors, particularly those who received chemotherapy. The researchers tracked nearly 4,000 survivors and found that even low levels of PM2.5 can contribute to respiratory problems.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 23, 2019

Minor sleep loss can put your job at risk

A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that losing just 16 minutes of sleep can impair job performance, causing workers to experience cognitive issues and struggle with work-life balance. The study suggests workplaces should prioritize promoting employees' sleep to improve focus and reduce errors.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalSleep Health·DateApr 23, 2019

The buzz about bumble bees isn't good

A new study reveals that bumble bee populations in Michigan have decreased significantly over the past century, with 12 out of 19 species experiencing declines. The research found that bumble bees that collect pollen from a narrower range of plants are more likely to decline.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology·DateApr 23, 2019

How lifestyle affects our genes

Research at Lund University explores how lifestyle affects gene activity in human tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islets, liver, and blood. The study reveals the role of epigenetic changes in disease development and potential novel treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2019