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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42

Serotonin boosts neuronal powerplants protecting against stress

Serotonin enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular respiration, and ATP production, reducing reactive oxygen species and stress damage in neurons. The study identifies serotonin as a potential therapeutic target for treating mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, with implications for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2019

Specific identification of chronic lung disease in premature babies

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol has been developed to identify premature babies with chronic lung disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment. The study, published in Thorax, reveals increased T2 and decreased T1 relaxation times in MRI data, indicating the presence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Mathematical framework explores how the brain keeps a beat

A new model demonstrates how a network of neurons can act as a 'neuronal metronome' by accurately estimating time intervals between beats within tens of millisecond accuracy. This framework relies on rhythmic brain activity patterns known as gamma oscillations to keep track of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 9, 2019

Good genes

Researchers discovered that whales and elephants have evolved to beat cancer through unique genetic mechanisms. By studying the genomes of humpback whales and other cetaceans, scientists found evidence of faster-evolving parts of the genome that help these animals adapt to their environment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 9, 2019

Exploiting parasitic yeast to kill yeast pathogens

Researchers discovered a parasitic yeast species that can kill emerging multi-drug resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris. The study identified genes and proteins involved in the predatory behavior of Saccharomycopsis schoenii, which could lead to new biocontrol agents or novel antifungal agents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 9, 2019

Biodiversity and carbon: perfect together

Researchers found positive correlations between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in ten of twelve landscapes, indicating a shared benefit. The study suggests that increasing biodiversity can also increase carbon storage, highlighting the interconnectedness of these two goals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Diabetes linked to numerous cancers in large Chinese study

A large Chinese study found that type 2 diabetes is associated with an elevated risk of 11 types of cancer in men and 13 types of cancer in women. The study, which examined data from over 410,000 adults, revealed significant increases in cancer risk for both men and women with diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Diabetes·DateMay 9, 2019

Fooling nerve cells into acting normal

Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons function normally. By artificially augmenting the electrical signals of isolated neurons, they found that the cells can adjust to changes in their environment without significant harm. This finding could lead to new treatments for spinal co...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 9, 2019

The bird that came back from the dead

Scientists discovered two instances of flightless rail species colonizing Aldabra island, evolving independently after tens of thousands of years. The study provides the first evidence of iterative evolution in rails, revealing how a single species from Madagascar gave rise to two distinct species on the island.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 9, 2019

Traces of Roman-era pollution stored in the ice of Mont Blanc

Researchers have found traces of Roman-era pollution in the ice of Mont Blanc, revealing significant atmospheric pollution from heavy metals. The study provides a record of atmospheric conditions in ancient Rome and sheds light on the impact of ancient emissions on the present-day environment in Europe.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Childhood maltreatment linked to e-cigarette use during young adulthood

A recent study published in The American Journal on Addictions found a significant link between childhood maltreatment and e-cigarette use during young adulthood. Childhood maltreatment was also associated with negative urgency, leading to impulsive behavior when distressed, which contributes to increased e-cigarette use.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateMay 9, 2019

Gravitational forces in protoplanetary disks may push super-Earths close to their stars

Researchers at Penn State have found that gravitational forces within protoplanetary disks can cause super-Earths to migrate closer to their host star. This simulation shows that chaotic interactions among planets and the gas disk can lead to synchronized orbits, resulting in super-Earths being pushed towards the star.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 9, 2019