Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 20, 2019


Complete world map of tree diversity

Researchers created a complete world map of tree species richness using a statistical model that combines patchy data from small forest plots and country-level information. The analysis shows that climate is the most important factor driving global biodiversity, with the highest number of tree species found in hot, humid tropics.

Advances in naturopathy research reported in new special issue of JACM

A new special issue of JACM reports on recent naturopathy research advancements, exploring the effectiveness of whole-foods-based nutrition education and traditional knowledge in naturopathic education. The studies collectively demonstrate the potential benefits of multimodal, whole-person approaches for chronic conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Light at the end of the tunnel

A nationally representative study found that two-thirds (69%) of Canadians who had ever attempted suicide were completely free of any suicidal thoughts in the past year. The study also identified that social support and effective mental health treatment played a critical role in recovery from suicidal ideation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 20, 2019

Zebra stripes are not good landing strips

A new study published in PLOS One found that zebra stripes deter horse flies from landing on them by reducing the likelihood of a successful bite. The striped coat prevented flies from slowing down and failing to land, leading to fewer bites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2019

Activating tooth regeneration in mice

Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 20, 2019

Yea, team! Winning fans see self-esteem boost

A new study suggests that watching college football games with friends can significantly boost self-esteem in fans of the winning team, while fans of losing teams may experience a decrease in mood. The study found that social connections and shared experiences play a crucial role in enhancing self-esteem.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication & Sport·DateFeb 20, 2019

A deeper look at the relationship between dermatitis and food allergy, in pediatric patients

Food allergies are associated with unique skin properties and abnormalities in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. The study found decreased filaggrin, elevated type 2 immune responses, and increased keratin expression in skin samples from patients with food allergy and dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Lack of sleep is not necessarily fatal for flies

In a study with thousands of fruit flies, researchers found that male flies denied sleep did not die earlier than those with regular sleep. Female flies died on average three days earlier, but the exact reason for this is unclear. The study suggests that sleep may not be essential for life in the same way food is.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Did you get it? I can see it in your eyes

Researchers at Università di Trento's Center for Mind/Brain Sciences found that preparatory, unconscious eye movements can be a window into the learning process. By analyzing these eye movements, scientists can infer what people know before responding to external stimuli, potentially advancing our understanding of learning and attention.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 20, 2019

Can a nerve injury trigger ALS?

Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 20, 2019

For adult scoliosis, surgery, other treatments are viable options

A new study suggests that surgery is a viable option for adults with scoliosis, but nonoperative treatments can also be effective. The extent of disability was found to be the most important factor in deciding whether to operate, with patients who had adequate quality-of-life benefiting from nonoperative treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2019

Vigorous exercise, fasting, hormones improve elimination of toxic, misfolded, unnecessary proteins in mouse and human cells

A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

Tools to help seriously ill patients near death make decisions about their care aren't commonly used in routine practice

A new study by researchers from The Dartmouth Institute found that only a few patient decision aids are available for seriously ill patients near death, and their quality is varying. The tools were designed for specific conditions or life-sustaining treatments but lacked general treatment approaches.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

New compound could help treat ovarian cancer

Researchers from the University of Sheffield discovered a compound that kills cancer cells without triggering apoptosis, making it resistant to treatment. The new drug lead is highly active against treatment-resistant cancers and may be particularly effective against ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 20, 2019

New study: How to save a seabird

Alaska's longline fisheries have reduced seabird bycatch by 77-90% since adopting streamer lines in 2002, saving thousands of birds per year. However, recent years have seen an increase in bycatch rates, particularly for albatrosses and northern fulmars.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 20, 2019

UBC researchers discover how blood vessels protect the brain during inflammation

Researchers at UBC have discovered a protein called podocalyxin that plays a key role in protecting the brain from harmful blood components during inflammation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis by inducing temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

A volcanic binge and its frosty hangover

Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered a large igneous province that could have triggered the Gaskiers glaciation approximately 580 million years ago. The basaltic eruptions covered an area of over 1,000 kilometers and may have led to short-term global warming before causing long-term climate effects.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 20, 2019

New insight into river flows and sediment transport under ice cover

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores the effects of ice cover on river channels and sediment transport. The research found that ice cover influences flow structures and increases sediment deposition in 'whirlpools' with low flow velocity. This discovery highlights the importance of considering seasonal changes in...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateFeb 20, 2019

The new exercise trend that's made for everyone

Researchers propose incorporating short high-intensity incidental physical activity (HIIPA) into daily routines to improve health. HIIPA involves brief bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as walking uphill or carrying groceries, which can be done in just a few minutes a day and offer significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

AI may be better for detecting radar signals, facilitating spectrum sharing

NIST researchers demonstrate deep learning algorithms outperform traditional methods for detecting offshore radars, improving spectrum sharing. The new approach provides occupancy statistics for the 3.5 GHz band, enabling commercial users to determine when to yield to naval operations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking·DateFeb 20, 2019