Neat News - Neat things do happen

Researchers found that a particular region in the brain, the so-called lateral orbitofrontal cortex, if electrically stimulated improves the mood of depressed patients.

In a study scientists compared cells of longer and shorter survivors of the glioblastoma brain cancer. They found a particular protein in the patients that survived longer. This opens a pathway to a new drug that may help to slow down the growth of the cancer cells.

The European Union wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. By 2030 emissions should be cut by 40 percent. To a large degree this is to be achieved by extending the production of renewable energy in form of solar and wind energy. The steps are taken in order to limit global warming to at most 1.5 degrees Celsius and improve the air quality.

A new approach to vaccinate against HIV is studied which is built on a particular protein. In animal tests it showed a powerful immune reaction.

In clinical trial, paralyzed patients were able to control tablet devices directly using their brains. This way it was possible for them to communicate and use the tablets just by thinking. The interface works via a small sensor placed in the motor cortex in the brain.

In a study it has been found that non-smokers benefit from the smoking ban in restaurants in that they have a lower systolic blood pressure. This is a consequence of avoiding passive smoking.

Engineers built an aircraft that does not have any moving parts and in consequence is silent. It works using a so-called ionic wind which is created by ionizing the air by a high voltage. The resulting airflow is strong enough to propel the aircraft.

Chile is very strong in the production of renewable energy. It is top in the Americas and second only to China is the production of renewable energy. It has now been studied how Chile achieved this by social movements and environmental organizations.

In experiments with mice, mannose, a sugar found in fruits such as cranberries, has proved useful in the treatment against cancer since it slows the growth of the cancer. It can be used as a supplement to chemotherapy. More research is needed to see whether there are negative side effects.

A Mexican fish, the so-called tetra fish, is able to heal its heart, a relative of it cannot do this. Studying the differences in the genome of the fish species, scientists have found a gene that seems to play a role in the ability of the tetra fish to heal its heart. There is some hope that one day this insight will lead to a new therapy for human heart conditions.

A new gel has been developed for wound healing. It has large pores so that neighbouring cells can move into the wound and support its healing. It can also slowly release drugs to aid wound healing. It should be particularly useful for patients who have a condition that hampers the natural healing process.

Killer whales can be playful, show affection. In general they can show personality in a similar way as it is known in humans and chimpanzees.

Scientists have come up with a new definition of the kilogram that is independent of the platinum-iridium reference object kept in a vault in Paris. It is now defined via a force of an electric current on an object and can be reproduced very precisely everywhere. Now all six SI (International System of Units) base units are defined using universal physical constants.

Physical activity is good for the heart. In a study it has been found that static activities such as strength training are better than dynamic activities such as cycling. Even better is a combination of both.

Cancer of the pancreas is very difficult to treat. There is new hope from some alkaloids found in a Congolese liana. The alkaloid has a starving effect on the cancer cells.

In order to detect cancer early from blood samples, scientists have used a machine learning approach to differentiate between different characteristics for different types of cancer.

Conservation efforts show success so that the number of mountain gorillas has risen from 600 to 1000. As a consequence they are reclassified from critically endangered to endangered. Also the number fin whales has risen and they are reclassified from endangered to vulnerable.

There is a new explanation model postulating four new particles that may explain why our Universe is made up of matter and there is not much antimatter to be found, although they are very similar and there should be equal amounts.

Researchers managed to reduce chronic back pain in patients by electrically stimulating certain parts of the brain.

Carbon monoxide can be produced from carbon dioxide and - albeit poisonous - be used in different ways, for instance as a fuel by burning it again. This has been known for long, however, a new method may make this scale and make it cost effective. The method works by attracting carbon dioxide molecules electrostatically.

A two-layer structure of graphene has properties that may allow to refine it so that it shows superconductivity.

Overpopulation is a contributing factor to many environmental problems. However, in most regions of the world the human reproduction rate is falling and the number of humans can be expected to fall. Globally for instance, in 1950 women had on average 4.7 children in their lifetime, in 2017 that were only 2.4 children per woman.

The calories that humans burn while at rest varies during the day. They spend 10 percent more calories in the morning than in the late afternoon or early evening.

A painting found on Borneo has been dated to be at least 40,000 years old. It is assumed to be the oldest animal paining in human history.

Fish and a vegetarian diet are good against hypertension and related heart problems. A study with rats showed that higher levels of so-called TMAOs, which are linked to such a diet, help rats to prevent heart problems.

In experiments it has been shown that with the transplantation of fetal retina cells it is possible to restore the sight of blind rats.

The Tsimane, an indigenous people in the Bolivian Amazon, have on average a very good heart condition, no problems with hypertension, obesity, or cholesterol levels. In a study it has been investigated whether their diet is particularly healthy. The diet is high in carbohydrate and protein and low in fat.

Scientists have developed from llama blood a new antibody against influenza. The antibody has proved effective against a wide range of flu virusses in tests with mice. It may offer an effective weapon against a range of flu types.

Diabetes is responsible for around 15 percent of all deaths. A vegan diet or a diet with a low intake of animal products reduces the risks of diabetes type 2 and can contribute to the reduction of blood glucose levels.

Scientist found a way to use dirt to make a new antibiotic to for treating strains of tuberculosis which are resistant against standard antibiotics.