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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

Food for thought: Why did we ever start farming?

A recent study by Elic Weitzel found that humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture in response to changes in their environment, including declining food sources and shifting climates. The research analyzed animal bones and pollen data from Eastern United States sites, revealing a link between population growth and ...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateApr 2, 2019

Prebiotic chemistry: Stable majorities

Scientists discover a simple mechanism that allows prebiotic information-bearing DNA sequences to outcompete shorter molecules, enabling the survival and transmission of genetic information. Templated ligation promotes cooperation among complementary sequences, creating stable majorities through intermolecular assembly and replication.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 2019

Mosses -- Dynamic and built to last

A groundbreaking study using DNA sequencing technology reconstructs the moss family tree, revealing a highly dynamic evolutionary history and significant morphological innovations. The research also sheds light on the rate of evolutionary changes and the diversification of moss structures.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

New 'blue-green' solution for recycling world's batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries using an environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent. The solvent successfully extracted over 90% of cobalt and significant amounts of lithium from powdered compounds and used batteries, making it a promising approach to curtail hars...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 1, 2019

Study estimates how common carriers of polyglutamine disease-associated gene variants are in general population

Researchers estimated how common carriers of intermediate and pathological range polyglutamine disease-associated gene variants were among the general population using data from five European studies. The study found that approximately 2% of participants carried intermediate range variants and 1% carried pathological range variants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 1, 2019

Farming for natural profits in China

Researchers at Stanford University found that adopting diverse agricultural lands can provide flood control, water purification, and climate stabilization, while also doubling farmers' incomes. The 'Ecological Development Strategy' aims to support both economic growth and environmental health in rural regions like Hainan Island.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019

First bacterial genome created entirely with a computer

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a computer-generated genome for Caulobacter ethensis, which is based on the genome of a harmless freshwater bacterium. The new genome contains over 800,000 DNA letters and was generated using an algorithm that simplifies genetic information to facilitate production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019

Scientists construct new family tree for perching birds

Researchers constructed a massive family tree using DNA samples from 221 bird specimens, discovering two African species in a distinct new passerine family and five additional proposed families. This study reveals that global temperature changes and continent colonization were not the sole drivers of passerine diversification.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019

The inflammation connection

Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation discovered a novel way to control inflammation by understanding how cells produce IL-1β, a crucial molecule involved in inflammation. By targeting the unfolded protein response and GRASP55 pathways, they identified potential avenues for developing anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 1, 2019

Natural climate processes overshadow recent human-induced Walker circulation trends

A new study reveals that recent intensification of the equatorial Pacific wind system known as Walker Circulation is unrelated to human influences and can be explained by natural processes. The observed strengthening of the Walker circulation from about 1990-2013 was a naturally occurring phenomenon, contrary to projections of anthropo...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 1, 2019

How common are advanced care planning conversations with hospitalized, older patients?

Advance care planning conversations with hospitalized, older patients are infrequent due to emotional challenges and physician reluctance. Despite training and financial incentives, only a quarter of physicians regularly document ACP conversations, leaving many patients without input on end-of-life care.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateApr 1, 2019

Sugar could be sweet solution to respiratory disease

A new study led by University of Manchester biologists reveals how glucose levels in the lungs control immune responses during inflammation. The research found that blocking sugar receptors may reduce inflammation in chronic conditions, while inhalation therapy could enhance immune response against some infections.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 1, 2019