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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

Pushing the bounds of memory

University of Houston researcher Margaret Cheung is exploring the molecular structure of memories at the precise moment they are formed in single neurons. She aims to understand how calcium signaling and calmodulin affect cellular processes, including human cognition.

Foreign investment limits cost Canadian economy almost $10 billion a year says new study

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that Canada's restrictive foreign investment policies are stifling innovation and productivity, resulting in lost jobs and earnings worth $9.6 billion annually. Relaxing these restrictions could boost productivity by 0.79% and create up to 137,400 new jobs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of International Business Policy·DateJun 18, 2019

Quantum music to my ears

Scientists have successfully recorded and played back music using Rydberg atoms, which respond to radio waves, enabling potential improvements in audio data transmission. The research could lead to better noise-picking capabilities and improved security in deep space communications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 18, 2019

Locally based Haitian social entrepreneurs empower disaster-stricken villagers to rebuild and improve their communities

Research in Haiti highlights the need for longer-term approaches to rebuilding, focusing on local community empowerment and trust development. Locally-based social entrepreneurs like Steve and Gabi have successfully mobilized villagers to build new schools, toilet centers, and farmers' cooperatives.

SourceAalto University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 18, 2019

Researchers link gene to cannabis abuse

A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 18, 2019

Women's awareness of alcohol's role in breast cancer risk is poor

Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 18, 2019

Sea otters have low genetic diversity like other threatened species, biologists report

A team of life scientists at UCLA discovered that sea otters have low genetic diversity, which could endanger their health. The researchers found evidence of potentially harmful genetic variation and mating between closely related ancestors in the sea otter genome, similar to other endangered species with small population sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 18, 2019

A dietary supplement improves skills of an atypical Rett syndrome patient

A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.

Many parents struggle for years to adjust after learning a child's sexual orientation

A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that many parents experience significant difficulty adjusting to their child's sexual orientation, with some struggling for years. The researchers suggest that interventions can help speed up the adjustment process and improve the relationship between parents and children.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 18, 2019

Advanced computational modeling of the gut for biodefense

A new high-performance computing-driven model of the gut predicts emerging behaviors and responses to biological threats, simulating cell phenotype changes, signaling pathways, and immune responses. The model identifies key factors that delineate the outcome of infection, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

SourceNIMML·JournalGigaScience·DateJun 18, 2019

Parental support is key when autistic adolescents want to learn to drive

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic adolescents need the support of their parents or guardians to prioritize independence and develop life skills before learning to drive. Driving instructors emphasize the importance of parent-supervised practice, individualized training, and prioritizing independent living.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateJun 18, 2019

Collegiate affirmative action bans tied to rise in smoking among minority high schoolers

A new study from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that college affirmative action bans may increase rates of smoking among underrepresented minority high school students. The study also showed a potential long-term impact on health behaviors, with the students more likely to smoke into young adulthood.

Drug boosts growth in youngsters with most common form of dwarfism, new study finds

A groundbreaking drug has shown significant growth benefits for children with achondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder affecting about one in every 25,000 infants. The four-year study found that the drug vosoritide increased height by up to 50% per year and was well-tolerated with no adverse effects on body proportion.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 18, 2019

Coral bleaching causes a permanent change in fish life

A long-term study in the Seychelles found that repeat coral bleaching caused lasting changes to fish communities, with large predator fish declining and being replaced by seaweed-loving fish. The study suggests that under current levels of ocean warming, permanent changes to reef fishes are likely on most coral reefs globally.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 2019