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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 41

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Engineers help with water under the bridge and other tough environmental decisions

Civil engineers create a sustainability-based optimization algorithm to help policymakers make informed decisions on projects like bridges, school roofs and waterfront developments. The algorithm considers the costs of a project over its lifetime and externalized costs, providing a more comprehensive view.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Superconducting wind turbine chalks up first test success

A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Listening to music while driving reduces cardiac stress

A study by Brazilian researchers found that listening to instrumental music attenuates cardiac stress while driving, increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and reducing sympathetic nervous system activation. This can contribute to the creation of cardiovascular preventative measures for situations of acute stress.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Good noise, bad noise: White noise improves hearing

Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Long-term blood pressure variation and risk of dementia

A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Penn team discovers epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants. The study found that Major ant soldiers can be successfully reprogrammed up to 5 days after they hatch, but not beyond 10 days, revealing a narrow window of epigenetic plasticity.