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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 23


Page 23 of 41

Ancient Roman port history unveiled

A team of researchers successfully reconstructed anthropic influences on sedimentation in the ancient harbour of Portus, a complex of harbour basins and canals that formed the hub of commerce in the Roman Empire. The findings suggest that the Romans were proactively managing their river systems earlier than previously thought.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalQuaternary International·DateJul 15, 2019

Study documents impacts of selective logging on Congo's intact forest landscapes

A new study documents the impacts of selective logging on Congo's intact forest landscapes, highlighting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Researchers found that logged habitats have lower tree densities and reduced ape resources, while IFLs retain higher tree densities and more abundant ape populations.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateJul 15, 2019

NIH and partners to launch HIV vaccine efficacy trial in the Americas and Europe

The NIH is launching a Phase 3 HIV vaccine efficacy trial called Mosaico, which will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational vaccine regimen designed to prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender people. The trial will enroll 3,800 participants in North America, South America, and Europe.

Unlocking chemo-resistance in cancer

Researchers have discovered the precise mechanism behind 5-Fluorouracil resistance in cancer, revealing a previously unknown protein called BOK as the key to understanding this phenomenon. Without BOK, cancer cells become dormant and can survive chemotherapy treatment before mutating into more aggressive forms.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2019

'Racist police officer' stereotype may become a self-fulfilling prophecy

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that officers worried about appearing racist report lower confidence and increased support for coercive policing. The research suggests a vicious cycle where officers' concerns about stereotype threats lead to decreased moral authority and more aggressive policing tactics.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateJul 15, 2019

DNA analysis of Gibraltar Neanderthals

Researchers analyzed DNA from Gibraltar Neanderthal remains found in 1848 and 1926, finding that some sequences were deaminated due to damage, while others showed significant human DNA contamination. The study suggests it is possible to analyze ancient DNA in highly contaminated specimens using a specific preparation method.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2019

Scientists explore blood flow bump that happens when our neurons are significantly activated

Researchers studying functional hyperemia found that blood flow to brain cells increases when neurons are activated, and this response may be beneficial for the health of neurons. The study aims to clarify the link between neural activity and blood flow changes, which could improve our understanding of brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Myth-busting study reveals that gamblers can't detect slot machine payout percentages

A recent study by UNLV researchers found that players cannot reliably detect differences in how much and often a slot machine pays, despite common perceptions. The study used two identical machines with varying payouts over nine months, showing no statistically significant indication of play migration from higher to lower payout games.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJul 15, 2019