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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 498


Page 498 of 512

In mice, alcohol dependence results in brain-wide remodeling of functional architecture

Researchers at University of California San Diego School found that alcohol dependence remodels the functional architecture of mouse brains, leading to increased coordinated activity and reduced modularity. This change is associated with cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and intense craving in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2020

What we're learning about the reproductive microbiome

Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 14, 2020

Cancer surgery: It depends on experience

A study published in BJS Open found that mortality rates from colorectal cancer surgery are significantly higher in smaller hospitals with lower annual case numbers. Hospitals performing more operations per year have better patient survival rates, likely due to increased access to specialized care and equipment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBJS Open·DateJan 14, 2020

No need to dig too deep to find gold!

The study found that the depth of porphyry copper and gold deposits influences their composition, with deeper deposits containing more copper and shallower deposits containing more gold. Over 95% of gold is lost to the atmosphere through volcanic emissions, making it challenging for companies to extract this metal.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Infectious disease defenses among ancient hominid contributions to adaptation of modern humans

Scientists discovered more evidence of archaic introgression in immunity-related genes and found a possible resistance to malaria among Papua New Guineans. They also identified genes related to porphyrins, energy metabolism, and olfactory receptors showing signals of Neandertal introgression.

Interdisciplinary study reveals new insights into the evolution of signed languages

Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Antibiotics often sold without prescription in retail pharmacies in China

A study found that antibiotics are widely available without a prescription in Chinese retail pharmacies, hindering the government's goal to make them prescription-only by 2020. The survey revealed that 83.6% of pharmacies sold antibiotics without a prescription, with no significant differences between urban and rural locations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateJan 14, 2020

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness

A new study finds that relationships between children and their siblings with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those between typically developing siblings. Children with siblings with intellectual disabilities scored higher on empathy, teaching, and closeness, while scoring lower on conflict and rivalry.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 14, 2020