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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 36

Oxygen shaped the evolution of the eye

Researchers discovered a pattern of mechanisms improving retinal oxygen supply that evolved with enhanced vision in all bony vertebrates. The findings add to our understanding of the evolution of the eye, highlighting its dynamic morphology and relationship with retinal oxygen supply.

Chiton mollusk provides model for new armor design

Researchers developed a parametric 3D modeling methodology to mimic the geometry of individual scales from the chiton mollusk. The scale armor model provides dual protection-flexibility performance through converging inward upon one another when under force, offering varying amounts of flexibility.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2019

ASTRO issues new guideline on radiation therapy for basal, squamous cell skin cancers

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline for the use of radiation therapy in treating basal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. The guideline provides recommendations on when to use radiation as stand-alone therapy or following surgery, as well as dosing and fractionation schedules.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateDec 10, 2019

Stardust from red giants

Researchers have discovered a new model explaining why our planet has a higher concentration of stardust from red giant stars compared to other bodies in the solar system. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that the Earth's unique mix of elements was formed during its formation around the Sun.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 10, 2019

Natural ecosystems protect against climate change

Researchers at University of Göttingen found mangroves absorb carbon efficiently, prioritizing conservation and restoration. The study analyzed a five-meter-deep core of sediment in Segara Anakan Lagoon, revealing the interaction between climate fluctuations and human activity affected carbon accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 10, 2019

Gut feeling: A network approach towards understanding IBD

Researchers have developed a combined experimental and computational pipeline to understand the role of genes in IBD. The study uses organoids to analyze gene expression and identifies 'master regulators' that overlap with IBD-related processes. This breakthrough enables design of new experiments to explore IBD-related processes further.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalMolecular Omics·DateDec 10, 2019

Greenland ice losses rising faster than expected

The Greenland ice sheet has lost 3.8 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, with the rate of ice loss increasing seven-fold over three decades. The study's findings show that the ice sheet is tracking the IPCC's high-end climate warming scenario, predicting 40 million people will be exposed to coastal flooding by 2100.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2019

Have you found meaning in life? Answer determines health and well-being

A recent study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that the presence of meaning in life is associated with better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life may be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The researchers also discovered an inverted U-shaped ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 10, 2019

Can salmon eat their way out of climate change?

Researchers found that juvenile Coho salmon grew fastest and survived longest when exposed to natural temperature gradients and plenty of food. However, there is a catch: while food can help offset the effects of rising temperatures, it cannot completely compensate for the impacts of climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateDec 10, 2019

Killer whale grandmothers boost survival of calves

Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their grand-calves, allowing them to focus time and resources on the latest generation. The study found that these grandmothers played a particularly important role in times of food scarcity, where salmon was scarce.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019