Preview: New Scientist Magazine – Oct 15, 2022
Category Archives: Science
Science: New Research Into Diseases Of The Brain
Take an animated look inside the neuron, and learn how scientists are addressing brain disease. With approximately 86 billion neurons in the brain, humans contain the most complex communications network imaginable. To address diseases of brain development and degeneration, neuroscientists are investigating how and why this network breaks down, and what can be done to repair it.
One area of study is dendrites, which are the tree-like structures of neurons, that receive electrical impulses. Researchers are carefully mapping out brain circuits and uncovering how connectivity changes can result in defects of the visual system or behavioral problems. The core section of the neuron is the cell body. Genetic engineering tools are revealing how mutations impact brain development and contribute to autism spectrum disorder or rare, inherited forms of neurological disease.
The transmission of nerve impulses occurs along the axon, which is insulated, much like an electrical wire, by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath. Scientists have invented a medicine to stop the immune system from mistakenly attacking this layer, which occurs during multiple sclerosis. Other molecules currently in development instruct the body to regenerate the sheath and repair damage. The axon also transports valuable cellular cargo, such as neurotransmitters, along tracks from one end of the neuron to the other.
Researchers are testing drug candidates for their ability to remove molecular traffic jams when this transport system fails, as often occurs in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The axon terminals make connections called synapses with other cells, using neurotransmitters as signals. Some scientists are evaluating how finely tuning the receptors for these chemicals could ease depression and anxiety.
Others are finding ways to promote the regrowth of lost synapses, which could halt neurodegeneration. From genetics to behavior, neuroscience is accelerating new interventions for the most challenging disorders of the nervous system.
Learn more: https://www.scripps.edu/
Research Preview: Science Magazine – Oct 7, 2022
Entanglement snares prize
Trio helped launch new quantum revolution
Ancient DNA pioneer Svante Pääbo wins Nobel
By sequencing ancient hominins’ DNA, Pääbo explored “what makes us uniquely human”
NASA asteroid test strikes a blow for planetary defense
Observers study debris from DART’s crash into a space rock and wait to see how much the asteroid was deflected
Research Preview: Nature Magazine – Oct 6, 2022
Deflecting asteroids is not enough — we need to know when they approach
After NASA’s DART asteroid-deflection experiment, a fully funded telescope for detecting space rocks is an equally pressing priority.
The oceans store more carbon than thought — but not enough to save the planet
Although the marine ‘carbon sink’ is bigger than expected, it is still inadequate to keep global warming at bay.
Electric cars could break the grid if future drivers stick to today’s routines
The rise in electric-vehicle ownership could overload the electric grid unless charging becomes a daytime activity.
Preview: New Scientist Magazine – Oct 8, 2022
- CULTURE – Nuclear review: Oliver Stone’s paean to a nuclear future
- FEATURES – Why ancient Nubia is finally emerging from Egypt’s long shadow
- FEATURES – Did magnetism shape the universe? An epic experiment suggests it did
- FEATURES – How hacking your metabolism can help you burn fat and prevent disease
Energy: Nuclear Start-Ups Address Safety Issues (WSJ)
Nuclear projects are getting a boost of investment as countries try to tackle an energy crisis sparked by the Ukraine war, while also pursuing emissions targets. WSJ looks at how start-ups say their alternative designs can help solve past issues.
Previews: The American Scholar – Autumn 2022
The Root Problem
Harvesting wild ginseng has sustained Appalachian communities for generations—so what will happen when there are no more plants to be found?
The Degradation Drug
A medication prescribed for Parkinson’s and other diseases can transform a patient’s personality, unleashing heroic bouts of creativity or a torrent of shocking, even criminal behavior
Why We Are Failing to Make the Grade
Covid-19 has contributed to a crisis in America’s classrooms, but the problems predate the pandemic and are likely to outlast it
Research Preview: Science Magazine – Sept 30, 2022
The genetics of a long life
Genetically diverse mice and cross-species comparison uncover links to longevity
New Omicron strains may portend big COVID-19 waves
Emerging subvariants are more immune evasive than ever
Room-temperature superconductor claim retracted
After doubts grew, blockbuster Nature paper is withdrawn over objections of study team
University pandemic policies raise equity worries
Tenure delays and pandemic impact statements could backfire, some fear
Signs of state meddling seen in Russian academy election
Leader of Russia’s largest chipmaker elected president after incumbent’s sudden withdrawal
Fraud charges crumble in China Initiative cases
Judges reject claims that defendants defrauded agencies by not disclosing China ties
Previews: New Scientist Magazine – October 1, 2022
New Scientist Magazine – October 1, 2022:
We are finally waking up to the causes of insomnia and how to treat it
Millions of people struggle with insomnia, but the sleep disorder is now a solvable problem – and the most effective therapy might involve your smartphone rather than sleeping pills
Rebecca Wragg Sykes on the objects that reveal the Neanderthal mind
A third of scientists working on AI say it could cause global disaster
What’s the best recipe for bubble mixture? Scientists have the answer
October 2022 Preview: EOS Magazine – Tsunami Waves
EOS Magazine October 2022 Issue:
Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis
Research over the past decade in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands has offered surprising insights into the pulses of great earthquakes that generate dangerous, often long-distance tsunamis.
Boomers Daily 