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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

New research helping to reveal more about megaviruses

Researchers from Swansea University have published a study examining the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae. The findings provide valuable information on how these viruses may be linked to some forms of pneumonia, paving the way for new treatments and understanding their biology.

SourceSwansea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

New computer attack mimics user's keystroke characteristics and evades detection, according to Ben-Gurion University cyber researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new attack called Malboard that mimics a user's keystroke characteristics to evade detection. The attack can be carried out by a remote attacker or an insider using wireless communication, and it is capable of injecting malicious software into the keyboard.

Ultimate destiny

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019

Mathematics of plant leaves

A new mathematical model, EDC2, explains the peculiar 'orixate' leaf arrangement pattern of a Japanese plant, suggesting that older leaves have stronger inhibitory signals. The findings support the accuracy of the formula and shed light on the genetic and cellular machinery behind plant development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Could climate change make Siberia habitable for humans?

A recent study suggests that climate change may make parts of Asian Russia habitable for humans by the late 21st century. The research found that warming temperatures and increased precipitation could improve food security in the region, but development depends on infrastructure investments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

Parents of depressed teens in treatment may also benefit from counseling

A new Northwestern University study suggests that parents of depressed teenagers should also receive counseling to address their marital relationships and parent-child conflicts. The research found that while the teenager's depression was being treated, parental marriages and conflict remained stable, but worsened after treatment ended.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJun 6, 2019

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

Translation of genes more complex than expected

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute developed a new microscopy method to visualize gene translation in living cells, revealing out-of-frame translation occurs surprisingly frequently. This discovery suggests thousands of previously unknown proteins may be encoded in our DNA with unknown functions.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2019

Toward a low-cost industrialization of lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors combine large storage capacity and rapid charging capabilities. Researchers have proposed a new approach using two additives to facilitate incorporation of lithium into capacitors, enabling cost-effective development of these components. This method has the potential to increase energy storage efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 6, 2019

A home-based weight management program benefits both children and parents

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a home-based weight management program improved the health of both children and their parents. The Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum led to modest reductions in body mass index for children and signif...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 6, 2019

Is sex primarily a strategy against transmissible cancer?

Researchers suggest that sexual reproduction prevents invasion of transmissible cancer by generating genetic variation and detecting foreign cells. This theory proposes a novel explanation for the evolution of sex in multicellular organisms, shifting our understanding of evolutionary biology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Breaking down pathological protein aggregates

Scientists at ETH Zurich found that a cellular mechanism called SCF detects and targets alpha-synuclein fibrils for breakdown. This mechanism could be used to develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation may also offer new options.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2019

New study finds microplastic throughout Monterey Bay

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that microplastic particles are common throughout Monterey Bay, from the surface to the seafloor. The research found that small ocean animals are consuming microplastic, introducing it into food webs and highlighting a growing concern for marine ecosystems.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

Dogs mirror owner's stress

A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

New global warming model highlights strong impact of social learning

A new climate modeling approach suggests that social processes strongly affect global warming predictions, and mitigation efforts should account for this influence. The rate at which people learn about climate mitigation strategies via social interactions can raise warming predictions by over 1 degree Celsius.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Scientists get a grip on sloth family tree

Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to extract ancient protein sequences from fossilized bones, revealing a common ancestor between two-toed sloths and giant ground sloths like Megatherium. The study challenges decades of scientific opinion on sloth evolution and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of animals.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019