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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 8


Page 8 of 43

How the brain 'mentalizes' cooperation

Researchers found the temporoparietal junction significantly activated during cooperative tasks, indicating its role in facilitating cooperation. The anterior part of this region fires off information to the mentalizing system, controlling the flow of information.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 26, 2019

In the tree of life, youth has its advantages

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that younger groups of organisms diversify faster than older ones, challenging traditional explanations for the Tree of Life's imbalance. This suggests that time-dependent general principles govern life's diversity on Earth, operating beneath other factors

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

The income gap, growing

A recent study by Robert Manduca at Harvard University reveals that income inequality is a major driver of the growing income gap between different regions in the United States. The study shows that over the past forty years, the number of people living in communities at the extreme ends of the income scale has increased three-fold, wi...

SourceHarvard University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 26, 2019

Control of mosquito-borne diseases

Researchers identified a novel mobile genetic element, pWCP, in the Wolbachia bacterium of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding interactions between the bacterium and its host, as well as its role in pathogen transmission.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Bringing endangered species back from the brink

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.

Immune-repelling protein prolongs function, survival of human stem-cell-derived beta cells

A team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new method to encapsulate human stem-cell-derived beta cells, which restored glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and protected the cells from immune system attack. The use of an immune-repellent protein, CXCL12, significantly prolonged the survival and function of the cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 26, 2019

Trained musicians perform better -- at paying attention

A study published in Heliyon found that trained musicians exhibit greater executive control of attention than non-musicians, with improved performance linked to increased years of training. This suggests that musical training can enhance cognitive abilities beyond music-specific skills.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateMar 26, 2019

Compared to sustained inflations for extremely premature infants, standard treatment prevails

A large multicenter trial found that standard intermittent positive pressure ventilation did not reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age for extremely preterm infants. In contrast, sustained inflations did not appear beneficial in reducing BPD risk and mortality in this vulnerable popu...

Study suggests trees are crucial to the future of our cities

A recent study suggests that trees are essential for mitigating the urban heat island effect, with 40% canopy cover required to trigger significant cooling effects. The research found that even small increases in tree density can lead to substantial reductions in temperatures, making tree planting a key strategy for city planners.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019