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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 1 of 37

Evolution, illustrated

A team of researchers led by Professor Hopi Hoekstra conducted a years-long study on the survival of light- and dark-colored mice in different habitats. The results confirmed the intuition that light-colored mice survive better in light-colored habitats, and also pinpointed a mutation related to survival that affects pigmentation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019

Male birth control for the malaria parasite

Researchers at Penn State have identified a complex of proteins crucial for the maturation of the malaria parasite's sexual stage, which is required for transmission to mosquitoes. Disrupting this complex inhibits the parasite's ability to mature and infect mosquitoes, offering a new tool in the fight against malaria.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2019

Plastic in Britain's seals, dolphins and whales

A new study reveals that microplastics have been ingested by every marine mammal examined, with synthetic fibers being the primary source. The findings suggest that while the number of particles is relatively low, more research is needed to understand the potential impacts on animal health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Medical experts restore movement and autonomic function in patients with complete paralysis

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrate spinal cord stimulation can immediately restore some voluntary movement and autonomic functions years after a paralyzing injury. The study expands inclusion guidelines for epidural stimulation, offering new hope for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 31, 2019

The development of brain stem cells into new nerve cells and why this can lead to cancer

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered that stem cell genes remain active, allowing for reversible decision-making in becoming a neuron or reverting back to stem cell. Uncontrolled TOR activity can cause brain cancer, highlighting the importance of controlling this signal for future stem cell therapy developments

Researchers breathe new life into COPD research using mouse models

Researchers used mouse models to explain the developmental process behind COPD, finding that immune cells called basophils induce airway degeneration by triggering a cascade of immune responses. The study's findings may lead to therapies targeting basophils or related immune cells to slow down emphysema progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Fruit and vegetable consumption linked to lower risk of early death for dialysis patients

A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 31, 2019

Adaptive models capture complexity of the brain and behavior

Scientists parse animal behavior into digestible chunks using an adaptive model, spotting subtleties that would have otherwise been missed. The study found that complex dynamics can be broken down into simple linear patterns, allowing for the quantification of brain states and movement behaviors in various organisms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

A new approach to peripheral nerve injury?

A new study published in Cell suggests that targeting immune cells called natural killer cells may help clear out damaged axons and promote healthy regrowth, potentially decreasing chronic neuropathic pain. The findings could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind neuropathic pain and improve treatment options.

Maximizing the potential of MXenes

MXenes' conductivity increases as intercalants and termination species are eliminated, making them suitable for applications like energy storage and wearable tech. Researchers developed a new electron microscopy technique to measure surface chemistry in real-time, paving the way for termination engineering.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

Endangered sharks being eaten in UK

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered endangered hammerhead and dogfish species being sold as food in UK chip shops, highlighting a need for more accurate labelling. The study also found that consumers may unknowingly purchase threatened shark species, posing health risks and contributing to declining shark populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Environmentally stable laser emits exceptionally pure light

Researchers developed a compact, environmentally stable laser with an ultra-narrow linewidth of 20 hertz, suitable for improving GPS accuracy and detecting gravitational waves. The laser's stability is maintained through self-referencing temperature sensing, allowing precise correction signals to be applied.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 31, 2019

Estimation of technology level required for low-cost renewable hydrogen production

Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 31, 2019