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58,046 fruit flies shed light on 100-year old evolutionary question

Researchers found that artificial breeding created extreme wing shape and size relationships in fruit flies, but natural selection corrected these changes within just 15 generations. This study suggests that evolution is constrained by fundamental biological processes, such as developmental links between traits.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2015

Can DNA evidence fill gaps in our history books?

Researchers used DNA to reconstruct past events that brought European populations together, shedding light on the lives of 'regular people.' The study found evidence of multiple migrations, including from Central Asia to Europe and from West Africa to the Mediterranean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2015

Twenty-five years ago Professor Thomas Jentsch opened up a new field of research

Professor Thomas Jentsch's discovery of the Torpedo chloride channel in 1990 marked a breakthrough in understanding ion transport processes. He identified nine different CLC chloride channels and transporters, which are essential for human function and contribute to various genetic diseases.

Ant communication: Secrets of the antennae

Researchers at Kobe University identified novel chemosensory proteins in ant antennae, revealing cooperative modes of operation and recognition of individual information. These findings provide a starting point for elucidating the molecular mechanisms supporting complex ant societies.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2015

Invasion of non-native genotypes exposed by environmental DNA

A team of researchers from Kobe University has developed a novel method to quantify the proportion of native and non-native genotypes in aquatic species. By analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples, they were able to detect the presence of invasive non-native strains in rivers and reservoirs of western Japan.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 9, 2015

Large parks key to city success

The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 1, 2015

Draw out of the predicted interatomic force

Scientists from Hiroshima University have observed an unusual dispersion of the acoustic mode in liquid Bi using inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS). The results resolve previous disagreements and suggest a possible mechanism involving a long-range interatomic force, which is related to local structures.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 28, 2015

How plant sensors detect pathogens

A team of scientists has discovered how a plant sensor detects pathogens, bringing unprecedented detail to the 'gene-for-gene' hypothesis. The study reveals that the strength of binding between the sensor and pathogen proteins correlates with the plant's response, opening up new strategies for engineering enhanced resistance.

This is your brain on fried eggs

High-fat feeding, especially saturated fats, can cause impairments in critical motivation brain pathways, according to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. The research found that rats fed with palm oil had blunted dopamine function, leading the brain to compensate by heightening reward-seeking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 14, 2015

The quantum physics of artificial light harvesting

A team of researchers developed an artificial model system to study quantum effects in light harvesting, revealing a delicate interplay between molecular vibrations and electrons. The resulting theoretical model explains experiments perfectly, shedding light on the physical mechanisms necessary for energy-efficient photovoltaic cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

Graphene gets competition

Researchers have developed black arsenic phosphorus as an alternative to graphene for electronic devices. The new material exhibits an extremely small band gap and can be precisely controlled by adjusting the arsenic concentration, making it suitable for sensors and other applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2015

Could black phosphorus be the next silicon?

Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal report that black phosphorus can help overcome the challenge of designing energy-efficient transistors. The material's two-dimensional properties allow electrons to move in only two dimensions, making it a promising candidate for future electronics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Targeting mistreatment of women during childbirth

A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Families of orofacial clefting not at higher risk for dental anomalies

A study of children with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and their relatives found that affected families do not have a significantly higher genetic risk for dental anomalies. Instead, the prevalence of dental anomalies is primarily due to physical consequences of the cleft and surgical interventions.

A stiff upper lip makes sense to baby

Researchers at Concordia University found that 18-month-old toddlers can distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate emotional responses, demonstrating an understanding of stoicism and the importance of emotional expressions in building trust. Toddlers showed greater empathy towards individuals who expressed sadness after a negat...

SourceConcordia University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateJun 10, 2015