A recent analysis of ancient DNA provides evidence in support of a theory that Newfoundland was populated several times by distinct cultural groups, specifically the Maritime Archaic and Beothuk. Researchers performed genetic analysis of 74 ancient remains, including ones from North America’s oldest burial mound. Their findings showed that the two Indigenous groups didn’t share […]
Category: Paper of Interest
Hockey provides spectators a hearty workout similar to vigorous physical stress 
As the new hockey season kicks off, mind your heart: A new study suggests that watching hockey can cause significant cardiovascular stress, similar to that of moderate to vigorous physical exercise. Researchers observed two groups of sports fans using Holter monitors, with one group watching hockey games on TV and the other attending the games […]
How the invasive Prussian carp change Canadian freshwater ecosystems
After the presence of invasive non-native species of Prussian carp was confirmed in Alberta, scientists explored the species’ effect on the local freshwater ecosystems. In the present study, authors describe the carps’ impact on fish communities and benthic invertebrate communities, as well as evaluate whether the carp alter abiotic conditions in the regions where they are abundant. Their findings […]
Ancient Mars thawed by methane bursts
Scientists have found an explanation for periodic wet climates on Mars—an otherwise frozen planet—which account for evidence of past lakes contained in the planet’s sediment.. According to new research, it’s likely that the planet is sometimes warmed by bursts of methane that’s trapped under Mars’ subsurface. Like on Earth, methane can be stored in Martian […]
Lab-grown kidneys help scientists understand renal health
Researchers can now successfully track the early stages of polycystic kidney disease in lab-grown mini-kidneys, which mimic the full-grown human organs. This is the first time scientists are able to track the progress of this renal disease, which affects 12 million people, in a laboratory setting. The mini-kidneys were grown using human stem cells. Researchers have […]
Vital chemicals deposited into small ponds by meteorites deemed responsible for life on Earth
Scientists found new evidence to support the “warm little ponds” theory of the beginnings of life on Earth, which puts the ponds as a top candidate for the initial favorable conditions for the appearance of living organisms. The new paper places the emergence of life into the process of Earth’s formation, while the planet was still being pelted […]
New software tool links breast cancer, immune system processes
Researchers have developed a new software tool that examines various gene expressions in different body tissues. Using this tool, they found an association between breast cancer tumor cells and immune system cells in the bloodstream. In particular, researchers found that molecular processes vary with subtypes: for example, immune system-suppressing processes operating in conjunction with certain […]
A tadpole early-warning system that develops with experience
New research suggests that tadpoles use previous dangerous encounters to determine whether to heed the warnings of others. These warnings take the form of chemical cues the scientists call “disturbance cues”, which are produced while prey escape a predator. These may be used to signal predation risk to other prey nearby. Researchers exposed wood frog tadpoles […]
How delivery method and early diet influences infant gut microbiomes
In recent research, scientists have been exploring the important role intestinal microbiomes play in the diets and food intolerances of entire populations. Much of this bacterial make-up in the intestines is formed within the first year of life. What happens within that first year is explored in the present study, where researchers observed changes to gut bacteria […]
Birds with big brains are more likely to explore new habitats
Scientists have long questioned whether there is any correlation between brain size and cognitive ability in various animal species. One theory often explored in this field is the cognitive buffer hypothesis, which explains bigger brain size by the adaptive benefits to respond quickly to sudden, rapid changes in the environment. A new study tests out […]
Organ donations in Ontario increased significantly over past 10 years after policy change
Organ donations have increased by 57% in Ontario after a new donation policy was implemented in 2006. The new policy allowed for donation of organs after circulatory determination of death (DCD), replacing the old rule that called for donations only after neurologic determination of death, or brain death, has been established. DCD donations have expanded […]
Newly discovered molecule can give HIV/AIDS a kick in the gut
Researchers have identified a molecule inside the gut flora that can help block the replication of HIV and prevent chronic illnesses associated with the virus. Existing antiretroviral (ART) therapies can significantly decrease viral loads, which is effective in preventing evolution of the infection towards Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). But HIV is more difficult to target, […]
Your self-control doesn’t get worse later in the day
As the day goes on, our self-control wears off – according to one of the theories of cognitive function. But new research challenges this view, proposing that self-control is not dependent on the time of day. To investigate this, researchers observed two groups of students over separate 17-week intervals with 24-hour coverage, as they engaged […]
A step towards more secure and cost-effective quantum technology
A new study demonstrates a quantum communication system that can deliver secure transmissions in faster and more secure ways. In quantum cryptography, unconditional security—where security of a transmitted message is not dependent on the device that interprets this message—presents a puzzle to scientists whose aim is to design a safe quantum key distribution (QKD) system. In the […]
Child deaths significantly reduced in India since 2005
One million child deaths have been avoided in India from 2005-2015, but that number could have been three times greater if proper national child health programs were in place, according to a new study. The reduction is driven by significant drops in mortality from pneumonia, diarrhea, tetanus and measles. The study found a 3.3% annual […]
Greenhouse emissions have to be continuously reduced to meet Paris Agreement goals
In order to limit the amount of global warming by 2020 to only 1.5 degrees Celsius, countries under the Paris Agreement may have to strengthen their carbon reduction pledges, a new study suggests. Researchers assessed remaining carbon budgets that are compatible with limiting warming to 1.5 °C by using a simple carbon-climate model, key properties […]
