Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily

1. Lithium treats intellectual defects in mouse model of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
   Mice with symptoms that mimic Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) have difficulty with learning and generating new neurons in the hippocampus. However, according to a new study, these mental defects can be successfully treated with lithium.

   
2. Ancient Indigenous forest gardens promote a healthy ecosystem
   A new study by historical ecologists finds that Indigenous-managed forests -- cared for as 'forest gardens' -- contain more biologically and functionally diverse species than surrounding conifer-dominated forests and create important habitat for animals and pollinators.

   
3. Pregnant women with COVID-19 face high mortality rate
   In a worldwide study of 2,100 pregnant women, those who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy were 20 times more likely to die than those who did not contract the virus.

   
4. Mars has right ingredients for present-day microbial life beneath its surface, study finds
   New research suggests that rocks in the Martian crust could produce the same kind of chemical energy that supports microbial life deep beneath Earth's surface.

   
5. Ground and satellite observations map building damage after Beirut explosion
   Days after the 4 August 2020 massive explosion at the port of Beirut in Lebanon, researchers were on the ground mapping the impacts of the explosion in the port and surrounding city. The goal was to document and preserve data on structural and façade damage before rebuilding.