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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 28


Page 28 of 36

Between arousal and inhibition

Scientists have found that granule cells and interneurons in the brain process incoming signals differently due to their distinct structures and functional characteristics. This discovery sheds light on how malfunctions can arise in information processing, leading to memory impairments and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Bats may benefit from wildfire

A study found that bats in the Sierra Nevada appear to be well-adapted to wildfire, with overall species richness increasing in burned forests. This suggests that prescribed burns and managed wildfire may benefit these species by creating diverse habitat conditions, including openings for roosting and insect-foraging.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2019

'Junk DNA' affects inherited cancer risk

A new study found that genetic variations in non-coding regions of DNA can drive cancer development. Researchers analyzed over 6 million genetic variants and discovered correlations between specific SNPs and the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 5, 2019

Siberian blue lakes and their inhabitants

The study of two Siberian blue lakes reveals a similarity in zooplankton species composition to other Western Siberian lakes, with species such as cladocerans and copepods dominating. The concentration of heavy metals exceeds sanitary standards, but is characteristic of the region's aquatic ecosystems.

Lights on fishing nets save turtles and dolphins

A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 5, 2019

Can a single-celled organism 'change its mind'? New study says yes

Researchers confirm what Herbert Spencer Jennings described over 100 years ago: single-celled organisms like S. roeseli can make decisions that allow them to 'change their mind.' The findings suggest a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors determined by previous experience, with protists exhibiting complex problem-solving behaviors in respo...

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

The Lancet Public Health: One in two people who are homeless may have experienced a traumatic brain injury in their lifetime

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that one in two homeless people have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime, with almost one in four experiencing moderate or severe TBI. The findings highlight the need for healthcare workers to be aware of the burden of TBI in this population.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateDec 5, 2019

Detailed insight into stressed cells

Researchers at Goethe University develop a new method to measure acute cellular stress responses, enabling precise time-resolved measurements of thousands of proteins. This breakthrough opens the door for new therapeutic strategies in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 5, 2019

Older adults who 'train' for a major operation spend less time in the hospital

A new study found that older adults who participate in preoperative rehabilitation programs have shorter hospital stays and lower total insurance payments. The program, which includes physical exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques, was associated with improved outcomes for patients, providers, and payers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 5, 2019

Fusion by strong lasers

Researchers investigate possibility of facilitating controlled fusion reactions with assisted tunneling processes using X-ray free electron lasers. Theoretical results show promise for increasing tunneling rate, paving way for successful controlled fusion reaction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review C·DateDec 5, 2019

Brewing beer that tastes fresh longer

Researchers have engineered lager yeast to produce more molecules that protect beer against staling, resulting in improved flavor stability. The modified strains produced 26.3-47.3% less acetaldehyde and increased levels of sulfur dioxide, a natural antioxidant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2019