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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 36

Obesity embargo alert for January 2020

Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateDec 20, 2019

Falcons see prey at speed of Formula 1 car

Peregrine falcons have the fastest vision among birds of prey, registering up to 129 Hz blinks per second for high-light conditions. This exceptional visual acuity allows them to track fast-moving prey like flying birds and small mammals.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 20, 2019

Thyroid cancer rates in US

Thyroid cancer rates in the US have stabilized since 2014, with a decline in new cases per 100,000 people from 14.7 to 14.1 between 2009 and 2016. The rise in thyroid cancer was largely due to increased screening and imaging over the past three decades.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 20, 2019

Untangling APOE ε 4's association to tau tangles

A new study by McGill University researchers found that APOEε4 carriers have greater levels of tau tangles in memory centers, even after controlling for amyloid plaques. The study provides evidence that the gene's risk of dementia is related to both hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 20, 2019

IU team identifies potential target for restoring movement after spinal cord injury

A novel therapeutic target for promoting neuroprotection has been identified in the lumbar circuit below a spinal cord injury, suggesting potential hope for restoring motor function. The discovery uses animal models to show that neuromodulation of interrupted lumbar motor circuits with neurotrophic therapy improves locomotor performance.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

Bern and Fribourg researchers identify neurons responsible for rapid eye movements/REM during sleep

Bern researchers have identified the neurons responsible for rapid eye movements (REM) during sleep, a characteristic of paradoxical sleep with high dream activity. The discovery was made by a team of scientists who found that activation of these neurons causes rapid eye movement and can be used to study the function of this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

Men think they're better liars

A study by Dr Brianna Verigin found that nearly half of all lies are told by a small number of prolific liars, who use their charm and words to deceive others. These expert liars prefer face-to-face interactions and often lie to close family members and colleagues.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 20, 2019

Understanding the adolescent brain

Research shows adolescents struggling with mental health issues have distinct neural connections that affect cognitive control and attention. The study provides new insights into the brain development of adolescents with mental health problems, potentially informing diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateDec 20, 2019

Nightside barrier gently brakes 'bursty' plasma bubbles

Scientists at Rice University have developed new methods to characterize the influence of turbulence on space weather. They discovered that bursty bulk flows cause big ripples in plasma, leading to oscillations called buoyancy waves. These waves play a role in the formation of auroral structures and magnetospheric substorms.

Using a chip to find better cancer fighting drugs

Kyoto University researchers have developed a new 'tumor-on-a-chip' device that can better mimic the environment inside the body. The device allows for the growth of tumor cells and blood vessels in three dimensions, enabling scientists to test potential cancer fighting drugs more effectively.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 20, 2019

Hitting HIT: Heparin therapy

Researchers at LMU have discovered that inhibition of a specific enzyme can effectively prevent heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially life-threatening condition. The study shows that Btk inhibitors can block platelet activation and prevent the formation of harmful clots, offering a new promising therapeutic option for t...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBlood Advances·DateDec 20, 2019

Permanent predator-prey oscillations

A team of researchers observed regular oscillations in the populations of rotifers and green algae over a period of one year, corresponding to more than 50 cycles. The oscillations were repeatedly interrupted by short periods without discernible external influences, but always returned to their normal rhythm on their own.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2019

How common is diabetes among racial/ethnic groups?

This observational study found that the age-sex-adjusted proportion of US adults with diabetes was 12.1% for non-Hispanic whites, 20.4% for non-Hispanic blacks, 22.1% for Hispanics, and 19.1% for non-Hispanic Asians. Notably, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian subpopulations showed significant differences in undiagnosed diabetes rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 20, 2019

Revealing the structure of axons

French researchers combine optical and electronic microscopy to observe axonal rings at the molecular scale. They discover that these rings are formed by long braided actin filaments, providing new understanding of axonal architecture.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019