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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 19


Page 19 of 44

Amazonian soils mapped using indicator species

Researchers from Finland and Brazil developed a method that uses both plant and soil data to produce a map of soil properties in Amazonia. The study leverages digital herbarium databases and fern species occurrence data to estimate soil properties, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2019

Finding the key to flightlessness

A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2019

Espresso yourself: Coffee thoughts leave a latte on the mind

A Monash University study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can trigger cognitive benefits, such as increased alertness and energy levels, in participants from Western cultures. The research used mental construal theory and demonstrated the power of psychological associations in shaping our thinking and behavior.

SourceMonash University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 17, 2019

Scientists report new approach to reduce or prevent renal fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for renal fibrosis by selectively activating AT1 receptors on T cells, which may help limit scar formation in the kidney. The study found that activating these receptors mitigates renal fibrogenesis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation and renal accumulation of pro-fibrotic macrophages.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 16, 2019

Challenging the conventional wisdom about the Canadian electorate

A new study in Heliyon identifies distinct opinion patterns on positional issues among Canadian voters, suggesting a micro-targeting marketing strategy could be effective. The research found that many Canadians have strong opinions on divisive issues, comparable to conventional vote predictors like party identification.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateApr 16, 2019

Want black women students to stay in STEM? Help them find role models who look like them

A new study found that having Black female role models in STEM is crucial for black women college students to feel a sense of belonging. The research, led by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science, also discovered that seeing a Black male scientist can signal more belonging, while high stigma consciousness ...

Oxytocin could help treat alcohol use disorder

A study published in PLOS Biology found that oxytocin administration can block excess drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, suggesting a potential novel pharmaceutical intervention for treating alcohol-use disorder. Oxytocin also blocked altered GABA signaling in the brain region affected by alcohol dependence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 16, 2019