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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 40 of 43

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers at Yale University have developed a technique to pre-treat laser beams, allowing them to penetrate opaque surfaces undisturbed. This breakthrough has potential applications for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetics, where light is used to probe and manipulate cells in living tissue.

A small plesiosaur lived in Spain 125 million years ago

A team of palaeontologists has found an abundant collection of plesiosaur fossils in Morella, Castellón, Spain, dating back to the Lower Cretaceous period. The discovery includes a previously unknown species, Leptocleidus, which was believed to inhabit only England, Australia, and South Africa.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

Being overweight may be linked to better survival from stroke

Researchers found that people who were severely obese were 62 percent less likely to die after a stroke, compared to those of normal weight. The study also discovered that being overweight or obese may have a nutritional reserve that helps them survive during prolonged illness.

Chandelier neuron requires 'Velcro-like' molecule to form connections

Researchers have discovered that the presence of L1CAM is crucial for chandelier cell connections, which are linked to neurological conditions like schizophrenia and epilepsy. The molecule enables long-distance communication between neurons, revealing a potential target for new therapeutic approaches.

Symbiosis and gene expression in luminescent squid

Research reveals that symbiotic bacteria in Hawaiian bobtail squid alter gene expression in the eye and gill organs, with effects varying by time of day. Bioluminescence may drive system-wide changes in gene expression.

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Applying a network perspective to human physiology

Researchers are developing a new paradigm called 'network physiology' that examines how organs communicate and adjust to each other. This approach has the potential to improve health monitoring techniques by capturing data streams from different organ systems.

A quick path to antimalarial resistance

Researchers at ISGlobal and ITM discovered that P. falciparum populations can develop resistance to certain antimalarial compounds by epigenetic changes in the expression of clag3 genes. This finding is significant because resistance acquired through epigenetic mechanisms can arise quickly, even during a single infection.

Well-being and the rise of psychotherapy in Uganda

The rise of psychotherapy in Uganda reveals distinct views on happiness and mental health across the country. In Northern Uganda, psychotherapy services emerged to address post-war traumas, while upper-middle-class Kampalans prioritize wellness and seek private psychology practices.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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The political power of 'the': A linguistic analysis

A new study finds that using 'the' with a plural noun to refer to a group of individuals creates a distancing effect, making the speaker appear less connected. The study analyzes data from U.S. House speeches and pundits on 'The McLaughlin Group', revealing patterns in politicians' use of 'the' based on their political leanings.

Brain's ability to synchronize voice sounds could be related to language learning

The study found that people's brains adapt to align with the rhythm of voices they hear, leading to differences in functional and structural aspects of the speech network. Good synchronizers showed more white matter in pathways connecting speech-perception areas and performed better in learning new words compared to bad synchronizers.

Psychedelic microdosing in rats shows beneficial effects

A study by UC Davis researchers found that DMT microdosing helped rats overcome a fear response associated with anxiety and PTSD, while also reducing immobility in tests measuring antidepressant effects. However, the regimen caused weight gain in male rats and neuronal atrophy in female rats, highlighting potential risks.

Plant traits and drought tolerance

A field experiment in California's 2017-2018 winter drought revealed a strong correlation between seedling root length and mortality. In contrast, easily measurable adult traits showed only weak correlations with seedling mortality, suggesting that traditional plant traits may not predict ecosystem responses to environmental stress.

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'Broken heart' syndrome may originate in the brain

A study found that brain regions involved in emotional processing and controlling the body's unconscious workings do not communicate as well in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a condition known as 'broken heart' syndrome. This decrease in communication may contribute to the development of TTS, which is triggered by emotional stressors.

Scientists expose hidden risks of diarrheal disease

Researchers discovered a recently evolved, human specialised subspecies of the Cryptosporidium parasite, which can spread more easily between people. This finding will help public health interventions aimed at preventing the spread of diarrheal disease.

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

Want to save the planet? Stop trying to be its friend

A new theory suggests that our relationship with the environment is like a social exchange, leading to the belief that eco-friendly behavior can cancel out harmful ones. Researchers argue that this mindset can lead to misguided quick fixes and that stricter legislation and immediate feedback on environmental impact are needed.

A new approach to an old question: How do we actually cooperate?

Princeton University researchers Olivia Chu and Corina Tarnita investigate how cooperation emerges in human populations, finding that smaller groups allow cooperation to thrive while limiting destructive influence. They also find that allowing for lone individuals with barriers to group entry enhances cooperation.

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Long-lived parents produce better quality offspring

Researchers found that reducing DAF-2 gene expression increased worm lifespan and improved offspring fitness, challenging the idea that ageing is linked to energy allocation. The study suggests that suboptimal gene expression in adulthood can lead to premature ageing.

Mapping past solar system dynamics

Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Researchers develop mini kidneys from urine cells

Researchers at Utrecht University have successfully created mini kidneys from urine cells, which can be used to study certain kidney diseases. These mini kidneys can also be infected with viruses to test potential treatments for patients who undergo a transplant.

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Let the sperm races begin

A new method has been developed using a microchip device that sorts sperm based on their swimming potential, allowing for faster and cheaper selection of viable sperm. This technology may improve IVF success rates, especially in women under 35 who have low chances of successful fertilization.

Superconductivity is heating up

Researchers have confirmed the prediction of superconductivity in a new class of materials called superhydrides at high pressures, approaching room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to lower resistance transmitter and reduce energy loss in power lines.

Researchers find potential new source of rare earth elements

A study published in the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics found that organic acids produced by bacteria can extract six rare earth elements from synthetic phosphogypsum. This method could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, benefiting the US clean energy and electronics industries.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Diabetes impairs multipotent stromal cell antibacterial activity

A new study reveals that diabetes impairs the antibacterial activity of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), leading to diminished capacity to fight off bacterial infections. This finding has significant implications for the use of MSCs as a therapeutic strategy in treating diabetes and other autoimmune disorders.

Transforming magnetic storage might stem from the vision of quantum

Researchers have developed a new tabletop method to characterize ultrafast magnetic storage devices, which could lead to faster information processing technologies. The method uses high-harmonic generation of laser light in iron thin films to measure electron spin on a quadrillionth-of-a-second time scale.

Assembly in the air: Using sound to defy gravity

Researchers at the University of Bath use sound waves to levitate particles, discovering multiple shapes they can assemble into when brought together. The team found that changing sound-wave frequency can manipulate clusters and influence emergent shape.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Exposure to trauma impacts ability to squash bad memories

Research finds that trauma-exposed individuals, regardless of PTSD status, struggle with suppressing memories. Neuroimaging data reveals reduced activation in the right middle frontal gyrus, a critical region for memory suppression, among trauma-exposed participants.

'A gift from the city to itself'

Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.

Dying trees in cities? Blame it on the pavement

A study by NC State University found that urbanization and scale-insect abundance, rather than latitudinal warming, are key drivers of tree health in cities. In the Southeast US, cities at mid-latitudes showed poorer tree health due to high volumes of tree-destroying scale insects.

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Pumping iron could save your life

Researchers found that sarcopenia is significantly associated with poor response to cancer treatments, including PD-1 inhibitors. Increasing muscle mass prior to treatment may predict treatment effectiveness and improve long-term outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

Bundle payment model analysis of emerging breast cancer screening

A new study explores an episodic bundled payment model for breast cancer screening reflecting the widespread adoption of DBT. The analysis found that non-DBT approaches to bundled payment models remain viable, but higher DBT-inclusive prices highlight the need to explore societal costs more broadly.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

How megalodon's teeth evolved into the 'ultimate cutting tools'

A study of megalodon and its ancestor Carcharocles chubutensis found that the iconic shark's teeth took millions of years to evolve from three-pronged forks to broad, flat cutting tools. The transition was a slow process that occurred over 20-7.6 million years.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genetic factors influence human brain expansion

A recent study published in JNeurosci analyzed brain scans from over 600 children and adolescents, revealing genetically-mediated associations between brain region size and intelligence. The research suggests that evolutionary expansion of the human brain is largely under genetic control.

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

Sonar disturbs blue whales feeding

A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Promising new pancreatic cancer treatment moves forward

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered a combination drug therapy that may effectively combat the disease. The study, led by Conan Kinsey and Martin McMahon, found a strong response in mouse models and may be a promising therapy for patients with pancreatic cancer.

The case of the over-tilting exoplanets

Researchers propose that obliquity is a key factor in the formation of pairs of over-tilting exoplanets, leading to extreme seasons and weather patterns. The study could have significant implications for estimating the structure, climate, and habitability of these planets.