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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 43

Uncovering hidden intelligence of collectives

Researchers discover that the physical structure of animal groups, not individual animals, plays a crucial role in processing information and responding to environmental changes. By changing the group's structure, individuals can amplify risk signals and respond effectively to threats, highlighting the importance of social connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Cracking the ethylene code

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has developed a new method to separate ethylene from ethane gas, which is abundant in natural gas. The technique uses isolated copper atoms that olefins like ethylene can bond to strongly, potentially saving energy and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2019

Exploring the future of coal power in water scarce Asia

A new study explores how climate change impacts coal-fired power plants' water constraints, threatening regional electricity generation plans. The research highlights three possible strategies to mitigate water limitations, including reducing existing/planned power plants, integrating electricity markets, and adopting dry cooling in no...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 23, 2019

Perturbed genes regulating white blood cells linked to autism genetics and severity

Researchers identified a critical gene network disrupted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that correlates with symptom severity. The findings suggest genetic factors influencing brain development during pregnancy are primary causes of ASD, providing potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of symptom severity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 23, 2019

Mummy study: Heart disease was bigger issue for human ancestors than initially thought

A new imaging study of ancient mummies found that their arteries were more clogged than thought, indicating heart disease was prevalent among human ancestors. The study used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect cholesterol buildup in the arteries, revealing a prevalence of cholesterol-rich plaques even in people at a relatively young age.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateSep 23, 2019

Researchers perform thousands of mutations to understand amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) researchers found that aggregation of TDP-43 is not harmful but actually protects cells. This discovery challenges the assumption that alleviating protein aggregates is necessary to treat neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The study opens doors to radically new therapeutic approaches if aggregation...

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2019

Does being younger than classmates increase likelihood of childhood depression, ADHD, intellectual disability

A large observational study of over 1 million UK children found that those younger than their classmates were more likely to experience childhood depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability. The study suggests that age-related differences in brain development may contribute to these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 23, 2019

What would Jesus do? Quite possibly, recycle

A Michigan State University study found that fundamentalist Christians are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors such as conserving water and energy. However, their willingness to sacrifice for the environment does not extend to addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Probes shed new light on Alzheimer's cause

Researchers have developed a way to track the formation of soluble amyloid beta peptide aggregates implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The ruthenium-based fluorescent complexes bind to these aggregates, allowing researchers to monitor their progress and movements over time.

Researchers recreate living 3D displays

A team of researchers has developed a smart skin that can change shape and texture using artificial muscles, mimicking the cephalopod's ability to morph its structure. This innovation enables lightweight and flexible displays, interfaces for the visually impaired, and drag reduction on marine vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateSep 23, 2019

One species, many origins

Researchers argue that viewing past human populations as discrete branches on an evolutionary tree is misleading and instead propose a dynamic changes in connectivity model, which better explains genetic diversity and fossil records. This shift in understanding could address complex questions in human evolutionary studies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 23, 2019

Nonverbal signals can create bias against larger groups

New research from the University of Georgia finds that preschool children develop biases towards entire groups after being exposed to biased nonverbal signals. The study suggests that this process can occur as early as early childhood, prior to first grade, and may be an important mechanism for transmitting group biases within culture.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 23, 2019

Obesity alert for October 2019

The Obesity Society has released a new evidence-based treatment protocol for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) to treat obesity in primary care settings. The MODEL-IBT program provides 14 visits in the first 24 weeks, with 7 additional monthly visits through week 52.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateSep 23, 2019