Posts

Showing posts from March, 2021

Even without a brain, metal-eating robots can search for food

This 'metal-eating' robot can follow a metal path without using a computer or needing a battery. By wiring the power-supplying units to the wheels on the opposite side, the robot autonomously navigates towards aluminum surfaces and away from hazards that block its energy source. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wgXFVP

Mothers bear the cost of the pandemic shift to remote work

At the same time the pandemic was expanding the number of people working remotely, children nationwide began attending school virtually. The result? An increase in domestic work that fell disproportionately on the shoulders of mothers, according to a new study by sociologists. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2QUVjvE

Scientists create next gen living robots

Scientists up to create the next version of Xenobots - tiny biological robots that self-assemble, carry out tasks, and can repair themselves. Now they can move faster, and record information. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cFdxJP

How comorbidities increase risks for COVID patients

Comorbidities such as heart disease, respiratory disease, renal disease and cancer lead to an increased risk of death from COVID-19, according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2PoASGX

Why SARS-CoV-2 replicates better in the upper respiratory tract

Researchers have assessed virus growth and activation of the cellular defense mechanisms in the respiratory tract. They have shown that natural temperature differences that exist in the upper and lower respiratory tract have a profound influence on SARS-CoV-2 replication and subsequent innate immune activation in human cells. The findings can help to develop antiviral drugs and preventive measures. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ucBzSo

Temperature sensor could help safeguard mRNA vaccines

Researchers have developed a tamper-proof temperature indicator that can alert health care workers when a vial of vaccine reaches an unsafe temperature for a certain period, which could help ensure distribution of effective mRNA vaccines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fuljrZ

B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 spreading rapidly in United States

A genetic analysis of virus samples suggests that the UK-originating variant, which is 40-50 percent more transmissible, entered the country in late November 2020. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39yQGxF

Fast, portable test can diagnose COVID-19 and track variants

Clinicians using a new viral screening test can not only diagnose COVID-19 in a matter of minutes with a portable, pocket-sized machine, but can also simultaneously test for other viruses -- like influenza -- that might be mistaken for the coronavirus. At the same time, they can sequence the virus, providing valuable information on the spread of COVID-19 mutations and variants. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dmlaUS

Ancient meteoritic impact over Antarctica 430,000 years ago

A research team of international space scientists has found new evidence of a low-altitude meteoritic touchdown event reaching the Antarctic ice sheet 430,000 years ago. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39wrS9G

Deep diamonds contain evidence of deep-Earth recycling processes

Diamonds that formed deep in the Earth's mantle contain evidence of chemical reactions that occurred on the seafloor. Probing these gems can help geoscientists understand how material is exchanged between the planet's surface and its depths. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2PreAo3

450-million-year-old sea creatures had a leg up on breathing

A new study has found the first evidence of sophisticated breathing organs in 450-million-year-old sea creatures. Contrary to previous thought, trilobites were leg breathers, with structures resembling gills hanging off their thighs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3djDy0u

Tilapia farming: Dwarfism is a response to overcrowding stress

Tilapia living in crowded aquaculture ponds or small freshwater reservoirs adapt so well to these stressful environments that they stop growing and reproduce at a smaller size than their stress-free counterparts. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2O8SPZr

Inspiration4's civilian space crew is overwhelmed with joy about launching on a SpaceX rocket this year

The new civilian recruits who will fly to space on SpaceX's Crew Dragon are really, really excited for their upcoming trip around Earth. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3fvwKzI

Interstellar interloper 2I/Borisov may be the most pristine comet ever observed

The first known interstellar comet to visit our solar system may be the most pristine ever found, never passing near a star until visiting our own, researchers say. from Space.com https://ift.tt/39tfreP

Doctor Who's most manipulative enemy will star her own comic book miniseries in April

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who's" The Master with "Missy," a malevolent new miniseries from Titan Comics. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3rEMK4y

Selene III: Starting off an analog lunar mission with exploding bombs — Commander's report: Day 3

The Selene III analog lunar mission started with a literal "bang" when the crew decided to disarm bombs in their spare time. Commander Musilova reflects on each crew's ways of bonding together. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2QVR6rx

Impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs needs urgent attention, say scientists

More research is needed on the environmental impact of sunscreen on the world's coral reefs, scientists at the University of York say. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3uaaH5s

Pandemic delays gender parity by a generation: WEF

The pandemic has rolled back years of progress towards equality between men and women, according to a report released Wednesday showing the crisis had added decades to the trajectory towards closing the gender gap. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cC8RED

Sharp increase in destruction of virgin forest in 2020

An area of pristine rainforest the size of the Netherlands was burned or hacked down last year, as the destruction of the planet's tropical forests accelerated despite a global economic slowdown, according to research Wednesday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rCEYZ2

Automakers BMW, Volvo back moratorium on deep seabed mining

Automakers BMW and Volvo announced Wednesday that they support a moratorium on deep seabed mining for minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and other products. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3u2PaM2

US, China consulted on safety as their crafts headed to Mars

As their respective spacecrafts headed to Mars, China and the U.S. held consultations earlier this year in a somewhat unusual series of exchanges between the rivals. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3djumJD

Architecture of Eolian successions under icehouse and greenhouse conditions

Anthropogenic climate change is one of the foremost scientific and societal challenges. In part, our response to this global challenge requires an enhanced understanding of how the Earth's surface responds to episodes of climatic heating and cooling. As historical records extend back only a few hundred years, we must look back into the ancient rock record to see how the surface of the Earth has responded to shifts between icehouse (presence of ice at the Earth's poles) and greenhouse (no substantial ice at Earth's poles) climates in the past. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fo61F8

Lab-made hexagonal diamonds stiffer than natural diamonds

Nature's strongest material now has some stiff competition. For the first time, researchers have hard evidence that human-made hexagonal diamonds are stiffer than the common cubic diamonds found in nature and often used in jewelry. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2PDPuC5

Floating gardens as a way to keep farming despite climate change

Bangladesh's floating gardens, built to grow food during flood seasons, could offer a sustainable solution for parts of the world prone to flooding because of climate change, a new study has found. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31yY08a

Sounds like home: Murrelets choose breeding locations by eavesdropping on other murrelets

Oregon State University researchers broadcast marbled murrelet calls in mature forests and found that the threatened seabirds' choice of breeding locations is strongly influenced by whether they hear other murrelets in the area. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dg2vKg

Decellularized spinach serves as an edible platform for laboratory-grown meat

Spinach, a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly scaffold, provided an edible platform upon which a team of researchers led by a Boston College engineer has grown meat cells, an advance that may accelerate the development of cultured meat, according to a new report in the advance online edition of the journal Food BioScience. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fsStbn

Human hiking trails custom built for sauntering grizzlies

In the run up to hibernation, grizzly bears go on a colossal binge, consuming as many calories as possible to get them through the long winter. Yet, little was known about how much energy the massive mammals use as they shamble around their rugged territories. "Moving across the landscape in search of food can be a huge energetic expense for some animals," Carnahan says. Fortunately, the Washington State University Bear Research, Education and Conservation Center (WSU BREC), where Carnahan is based, is home to 11 bears, including four that formerly lived in Yellowstone National Park, so he and Charles Robbins (also at WSU BREC) decided to measure the animals' metabolic rates as they sauntered on the flat, and up and down gradients to find out how much energy they use on a daily basis. The team publishes their discovery that grizzly bears prefer to walk on shallow paths to save energy in Journal of Experimental Biology, explaining why the animals often appear on human hiki...

The 'one who causes fear' - new meat-eating predator discovered

Superbly preserved braincase of this new species is an important find - it suggests there was a greater diversity and abundance of abelisaurids late in dinosaurs' era than previously thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wfvvKU

Urban squirrels, how much are we disturbing you?

Human disturbance in urban environments makes some squirrels fail, but others perform better in novel problem-solving. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ub4d6G

Endangered songbird challenging assumptions about evolution

New research looked at a newly discovered, endangered songbird located only in South America -- the Iberá Seedeater -- and found that this bird followed a very rare evolutionary path to come into existence at a much faster pace than the grand majority of species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wgYMVl

An organic material for the next generation of HVAC technologies

On sultry summer afternoons, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide much-needed relief from the harsh heat and humidity. These systems, which often come with dehumidifiers, are currently not energy efficient, guzzling around 76% of the electricity in commercial and residential buildings. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wcDtnP

Kumon or Montessori? It may depend on your politics, according to new study of 8,500 parents

Whether parents prefer a conformance-oriented or independence-oriented supplemental education program for their children depends on political ideology, according to a study of more than 8,500 American parents. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39wtXSO

Architecture of Eolian successions under icehouse and greenhouse conditions

Anthropogenic climate change is one of the foremost scientific and societal challenges. In part, our response to this global challenge requires an enhanced understanding of how the Earth's surface responds to episodes of climatic heating and cooling. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sHKnzq

Early Earth's hot mantle may have led to Archean 'water world'

Earth's sea level has remained fairly constant during the last 541 million years, but a new study suggests the planet may have been covered by a vast global ocean 4 to 3.2 billion years ago. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31y5sQR

Scientists develop test to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 even when it mutates

Scientists have developed a diagnostic test, which makes use of CRISPR, that can detect the virus that causes COVID-19 even after it has gone through mutations. Since viruses have the ability to evolve over time, a diagnostic test robust against potential mutations is a crucial tool for tracking and fighting the pandemic. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39JhGuH

An improved safety standard for bionic devices

While bionic devices are very safe, there has been no standard test for moisture leakage into the devices - until now. Researchers say a standard test will be increasingly important as bionic implants become more common. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dl6d5g

Meet VSS Imagine: Virgin Galactic unveils its first SpaceShip III spacecraft

Virgin Galactic today (March 30) unveiled its second piloted space plane, a shiny silver vehicle called VSS Imagine. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31zzHad

Corridor test of Proba-3's formation flying sensors

The longest corridor in ESA's largest establishment was turned into a test site for one of the Agency's most ambitious future missions, Proba-3. The two satellites making up this mission will line up so that one casts a shadow onto the other, revealing inner regions of the Sun's ghostly atmosphere. But such precision formation flying will only be possible through a vision-based sensor system allowing one satellite to lock onto the other. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2PjrsfR

Researchers first to link silicon atoms on surfaces

Materials such as gallium arsenide are extremely important for the production of electronic devices. As supplies of it are limited, or they can present health and environmental hazards, specialists are looking for alternative materials. So-called conjugated polymers are candidates. These organic macromolecules have semi-conductor properties, i.e. they can conduct electricity under certain conditions. One possible way of producing them in the desired two-dimensional—i.e. extremely flat—form is presented by surface chemistry, a field of research established in 2007. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wbT1s8

Researchers obtain more efficient red bioluminescence than those available commercially

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, have developed a novel far red light-emitting luciferin-luciferase system that is more efficient than those available commercially. An article on the subject is published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2PEmOc7

Topological protection of entangled two-photon light in photonic topological insulators

In a joint effort, researchers from the Humboldt-Universität (Berlin), the Max Born Institute (Berlin) and the University of Central Florida (U.S.) have revealed the necessary conditions for the robust transport of entangled states of two-photon light in photonic topological insulators, paving the way the toward noise-resistant transport of quantum information. The results have appeared in Nature Communications. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wadfCw

Researchers shed new light on DNA replication

In preparation for cell division, cells need to replicate the DNA that they contain. A team of researchers from TU Delft, collaborating with investigators from the Francis Crick Institute in London, has now shown that the protein building blocks involved in the initial steps of DNA replication are mobile but reduce their speed at specific DNA sequences on the genome. Their findings, which were published in the open-access journal Nature Communications on 26 March, were facilitated using an integrated approach involving biophysics and biochemistry that will propel new discoveries in the field. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ubEBqd

Climate explained: How particles ejected from the sun affect Earth's climate

When we consider the sun's influence on Earth and our climate, we tend to think about solar radiation. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2O6jPJb

A remnant of a protoplanet may be hiding inside Earth

A protoplanet called Theia crashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3sCIsMr

Mars' dark streaks are probably caused by dry landslides

A recent study found that these dark marks, known as recurring slope lineae, surged following the massive 2018 dust storm that killed NASA's Mars rover Opportunity. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cAORT2

The curious case of northeast Brazil's cross-breeding sea turtles

Sea turtles have been around since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, stretching back about 110 million years. Yet now their existence is at risk, with six of today's seven species classified as threatened or endangered. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/39sgdIL

Ecuador policeman held over 185 baby tortoises in suitcase

An Ecuadorian policeman has been arrested after airport officials in the Galapagos Islands discovered 185 baby giant tortoises stuffed in a suitcase to be trafficked, prosecutors said Monday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2QHVHgM

In Tunis, flamingos wade past waste in key Africa wetlands

Hundreds of flamingos wade past waste in the murky waters of the vast Sijoumi lagoon, a critical wetland in the heart of Tunisia's capital threatened by overexpansion. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31y4B2x

The truth about Christ lies in contradiction, philosopher finds

While the quest to explain how Christ can be both fully human and fully divine enjoys a long, fascinating history, Jc Beall, the O'Neill Family Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, believes that the quest should end. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2PGLHUq

When parole, probation officers choose empathy, returns to jail decline

Heavy caseloads, job stress and biases can strain relations between parole and probation officers and their clients, upping offenders' likelihood of landing back behind bars. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3sv6itz

Scientists identify molecular pathway that helps moving cells avoid aimless wandering

Working with fruit flies, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have identified a new molecular pathway that helps steer moving cells in specific directions. The set of interconnected proteins and enzymes in the pathway act as steering and rudder components that drive cells toward an "intended" rather than random destination, they say. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/39qlroG

Jordan's worsening water crisis a warning for the world

Prolonged and potentially destabilizing water shortages will become commonplace in Jordan by 2100, new research finds, unless the nation implements comprehensive reform, from fixing leaky pipes to desalinating seawater. Jordan's water crisis is emblematic of challenges looming around the world as a result of climate change and rapid population growth. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cAvIQM

Protein rewires metabolism to block cancer cell death, may allow cancer spread

One specific protein may be a master regulator for changing how cancer cells consume nutrients from their environments, preventing cell death and increasing the likelihood the cancer could spread, a study has shown. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sDSBZw

Researchers notice pattern on surface of leaves, uncover new clue about plant evolution

A doctoral student has identified a long-overlooked pattern in how plants evolved their equivalent of lungs -- tiny pores on the surfaces of leaves called stomata. Using specialized imaging techniques and a plant species not often found in laboratories, researchers say this discovery reveals a key difference in the evolution of plants that live on land versus those that can grow in water. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ubJxvj

Drug coupons and vouchers cover only a sliver of prescription drugs

Use of vouchers and coupons offered by pharmaceutical companies to defray patients' out-of-pocket drug costs is concentrated among a small number of drugs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dgQiVD

Researchers discover how animals grow their pointy body parts

An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life, including teeth, horns, claws, beaks, animal shells, and even the thorns and prickles of plants. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31sicIM

Air pollution and physical exercise: When to do more or less

Physical activity is important in preventing heart and blood vessel disease in young people so long as they don't undertake very strenuous activity on days when air pollution levels are high, according to a nationwide study of nearly 1.5 million people published in the European Heart Journal. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fpeEPH

New research provides insights into the process of diffusion in living systems

Adrop of food coloring slowly spreading in a glass of water is driven by a process known as diffusion. While the mathematics of diffusion have been known for many years, how this process works in living organisms is not as well understood. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fnwa6R

International team uncovers mystery behind 'coffee ring' formation

An international research team, led by Monash University, has discovered for the first time the mystery behind the formation of 'coffee rings' by examining the contact angle of droplets onto a surface, and how they dry. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cy4pGZ

Close-up of coronaviruses on the attack

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg are using electron microscopy images of SARS-CoV-2 to generate images that for the first time provide a highly detailed impression of the infection process. The new method relies on machine learning. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31t3scD

People with severe gum disease may be twice as likely to have increased blood pressure

Research shows that periodontitis, severe gum disease, is linked to higher blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals. This study of 500 adults with and without gum disease found that approximately 50% of adults could have undetected hypertension. Promotion of good oral health could help reduce gum disease and the risk of high blood pressure and its complications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31s7L7U

Artificial intelligence as a co-driver

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in many branches of industry and online retailing. Traditional lines of work, such as transport logistics and driving, are developing in a similar direction. Scientists have now investigated how efficient the use of AI is in the commercial management of trucks. Their answer: the best option is an intelligent combination of human decision-making and AI applications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fkPAJL

Cells rely on their crampons to avoid slipping

Scientists have highlighted the key role of a protein called paxillin, which enables cells to perceive their environment and anchor at the right place with the help of cellular 'crampons'. Indeed, without functional paxillin, the cell is unable to attach properly and slips continuously. These results shed new light on how cells adhere or migrate, mechanisms essential to the good functioning of our organs, but also involved in the development of metastatic tumors. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3szgwJw

Carried with the wind: Mass migration of Larch Budmoth to the Russian High Arctic

In the summer of 2020, hundreds of Larch Budmoths were observed on Vize Island, in the Russian High Arctic, likely transported over 1,200 km by air currents from Siberia. This is the first and only terrestrial invertebrate to ever be discovered on the island. This finding could mean that Vize island is less isolated from insect migrants than was commonly thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sKJiah

Forests on caffeine: Coffee waste can boost forest recovery

A new study finds that coffee pulp, a waste product of coffee production, can be used to speed up tropical forest recovery on post agricultural land. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3u2ghXv

Laser lights the way

Despite the enormous amount of research over the decades into lasers and their applications, there have been few ways to accurately, efficiently, and directly observe fine details of their interactions with materials. For the first time, researchers have found a way to acquire such data from a production laser using low-cost equipment that could vastly improve the accuracy of items cut or etched with lasers. Given the ubiquity of lasers, this could have wide-ranging implications in laboratory, commercial and industrial applications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w9kECg

Long-term space travelers will need high-intensity exercise to protect heart health

Sustained low-intensity exercise does not completely counteract the effects of weightlessness on the heart muscle, which will atrophy over time in a gravity-free environment. Short bursts of repeated high-intensity activity during shorter space missions may be more successful in keeping the heart healthy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dicnmG

Microtransitions: What makes working from home so frustrating

Working from home increases frustration and can lead to potential conflicts between live-in partners. Sound familiar? In the working paper "Mitigation of Work-Family Frustration in Dual-Earner Couples during COVID-19: The Role of ICT Permeability, Planning, and Gender Effect," Bocconi's Massimo Magni, Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Technology, shows how the "work-life shock event" of COVID-19 creates a difficult dynamic in the home. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fnuOJj

Stellar eggs near galactic center hatching into baby stars

Astronomers found a number of baby stars hiding around the center of the Milky Way using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Previous studies had suggested that the environment there is too harsh to form stars because of the strong tidal forces, strong magnetic fields, high energy particles, and frequent supernova explosions. These findings indicate that star formation is more resilient than researchers thought. These observations suggest there is ubiquitous star formation activity hidden deep in dense molecular gas, which may allow for the possibility of a future burst of star formation around the galactic center. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3u6bhS2

Study sheds more light on the nature of binary system 2M06464003+0109157

Astronomers have investigated orbital and stellar parameters of an eclipsing binary known as 2M06464003+0109157. Results of the study shed more light on the nature of this peculiar system. The findings were presented in a paper published March 18 on the arXiv pre-print repository. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31wdcmm

Object classification through a single-pixel detector

Machine vision systems have many applications, including self-driving cars, intelligent manufacturing, robotic surgery and biomedical imaging, among many others. Most of these machine vision systems use lens-based cameras, and after an image or video is captured, typically with a few megapixels per frame, a digital processor is used to perform machine-learning tasks, such as object classification and scene segmentation. Such a traditional machine vision architecture suffers from several drawbacks. First, the large amount of digital information makes it hard to achieve image/video analysis at high speed, especially using mobile and battery-powered devices. In addition, the captured images usually contain redundant information, which overwhelms the digital processor with a high computational burden, creating inefficiencies in terms of power and memory requirements. Moreover, beyond the visible wavelengths of light, fabricating high-pixel-count image sensors, such as what we have in our m...

NASA wants to help private space stations get off the ground

NASA held an online industry briefing Tuesday (March 23) to discuss its plans to help private space stations get up and running in Earth orbit. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3rwbj3P

NASA joins White House Climate Task Force

NASA has joined the White House National Climate Task Force, another step in the agency's continued study of climate change and global warming. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3sBr2jl

A mission to Uranus and Neptune could act as massive gravitational-wave detector

What if one mission could study the gravitational ripples triggered by some of the most violent events in the universe — on the way to observing the least-known planets of our solar system? from Space.com https://ift.tt/3danXQQ

'Animal-stress' signal improves plant drought resilience

A team of Australian and German researchers has discovered a novel pathway that plants can use to save water and improve their drought tolerance. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31uK3Iu

Study reports six novel variants for CRISPR-Cas12a in plants, expanding genome engineering

In a new publication in Nature Communications, associate professor of Plant Science at the University of Maryland Yiping Qi continues to innovate genome editing and engineering in plants, with the ultimate goal of improving the efficiency of food production. His recent work contributes six novel variants of CRISPR-Cas12a that have never before been proven in plants, testing them first in rice as a major global crop. In addition to allowing for a much broader scope of possible gene editing targets, these new tools can edit many different sites in the genome at once, or even repress gene expression to tone down undesirable traits. These patent-pending tools greatly expand the scope of what CRISPR-Cas12a can do in plants, which can help to produce food more effectively to feed a growing global population. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fkglOo

Racial diversity within a church is associated with higher average attendance over time

United Methodist churches—whether the congregation is white or not—have higher attendance when located within white neighborhoods. But racial diversity within a church is associated with higher average attendance over time, according to a new study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3fuURhE

Carried with the wind: Mass migration of Larch Budmoth to the Russian High Arctic

Arctic habitats have fascinated biologists for centuries. Their species-poor insect faunas, however, provide little reward for entomologists—scientists who study insects—to justify spending several weeks or even months in the hostile environments of tundra or polar deserts. As a result, data on insects from the High Arctic islands are often based on occasional collecting and remain scarce. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cxxS3M

Scientists identify virus-cell interaction that may explain COVID-19's high infection rate

Bioengineering researchers at Lehigh University have identified a previously unknown interaction between receptors in human cells and the spike, or "S," protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This new information could aid in the development of new strategies to block SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/39p25jt

Forests on caffeine: coffee waste can boost forest recovery

A new study finds that coffee pulp, a waste product of coffee production, can be used to speed up tropical forest recovery on post agricultural land. The findings are published in the British Ecological Society journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ddHXlv

How can some planets be hotter than stars? We've started to unravel the mystery.

Until the early 2000s, the only known planets were located in our own neighborhood, the Solar System. from Space.com https://ift.tt/39paZ0m

How asteroid dust helped us prove life’s raw ingredients can evolve in outer space

Scientists have long known that certain ingredients are needed to support life, especially water and key organic chemicals like carbon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2PbTVEc

The Paschal full moon of 2021 rises tonight to make way for Easter

Palm Sunday, March 28 brings us the first full moon of the new spring season: the Paschal full moon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cuLih6

Legacy of shattered alien-seeking Arecibo telescope will live on for millions of years

Arecibo Observatory's collapse on Dec. 1, 2020 was a devastating blow for science, but its decades of observations will inform research for years to come. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3dgaLtx

Cities worldwide turn off their lights to mark Earth Hour

Cities around the world were turning off their lights Saturday for Earth Hour, with this year's event highlighting the link between the destruction of nature and increasing outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cpiZR4

Oil and natural gas production emit more methane than previously thought

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is underestimating methane emissions from oil and gas production in its annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, according to new research. The research team found 90 percent higher emissions from oil production and 50 percent higher emissions for natural gas production than EPA estimated in its latest inventory. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2P5UD6a

Uranium compound achieves record anomalous Nernst conductivity

New research has demonstrated that a magnetic uranium compound can have strong thermoelectric properties, generating four times the transverse voltage from heat than the previous record in a cobalt-manganese-gallium compound. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3stAXrl

Eat me: The cell signal of death

Scientists have revealed molecular mechanisms involved in eliminating unwanted cells in the body. A nuclear protein fragment released into the cytoplasm activates a plasma membrane protein to display a lipid on the cell surface, signalling other cells to get rid of it. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wfxpLA

Signals from muscle protect from dementia

Scientists are studying how signals sent from skeletal muscle affect the brain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rn52Y8

Ancient genomes trace the origin and decline of the Scythians

Generally thought of as fierce horse-warriors, the Scythians were a multitude of Iron Age cultures who ruled the Eurasian steppe, playing a major role in Eurasian history. A new study analyzes genome-wide data for 111 ancient individuals spanning the Central Asian Steppe from the first millennia BCE and CE. The results reveal new insights into the genetic events associated with the origins, development and decline of the steppe's legendary Scythians. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31vFflP

How teeth sense the cold

An ion channel called TRPC5 acts as a molecular cold sensor in teeth and could serve as a new drug target for treating toothaches. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31m4bfG

Controlling bubble formation on electrodes

A new study finds the wettability of porous electrode surfaces is key to making efficient water-splitting or carbon-capturing systems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fkFp7O

Plasmon-coupled gold nanoparticles useful for thermal history sensing

Researchers have demonstrated that stretching shape-memory polymers embedded with clusters of gold nanoparticles alters their plasmon-coupling, giving rise to desirable optical properties. One potential application for the material is a sensor that relies on optical properties to track an object or environment's thermal history. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rqFr0f

Hypnosis changes the way our brain processes information

In a new study, researchers showcased that the way our brain processes information is fundamentally altered during hypnosis. The research helps to understand how hypnosis produces changes in a hypnotized person's behavior and subjective experiences. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39hTH5y

Correcting altered brain circuit could tackle coinciding obesity and depression

Researchers have identified and characterized a novel neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal control of obesity and depression in mouse models, and a potential therapy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fjlKFn

The persistent danger after landscape fires

Every year, an estimated four percent of the world's vegetated land surface burns, leaving more than 250 megatons of carbonized plants behind. A study has now recorded elevated concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in these charcoals - in some cases even up to five years after the fire. These EPFR may generate reactive substances, which in turn harm plants and living organisms. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fk9jZZ

Spurred by lockdown, Spain gives 4-day week a try

After years of waiting tables, Danae De Vries is one step closer to achieving her lifetime dream of becoming a theater coach. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lUMGg5

A general approach to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a general methodology for the reproducible fabrication of high efficiency perovskite solar cells. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w2WMA3

2021 Full Moon Calendar

The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2sIzP4o

A 'lump' of dark matter may be ripping apart Taurus' face

The Hyades — the closest star cluster to our sun — is being stretched by an invisible 'lump,' researchers say. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3vZNKUB

The Space Force sounds like a joke thanks to pop culture. That could be a problem for an important military branch.

The U.S. Space Force has a serious role to play in the modern world. Its stated mission is to train and equip personnel to defend U.S. interests in space. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2QLDLC3

March full moon 2021: Catch the big 'Worm Moon' (and 1st 'supermoon' of the year) on Sunday

The full moon of March, called the Worm Moon, will occur on Sunday (March 28), two days before the moon reaches perigee, its closest point to Earth. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2vJ1J47

Chemists achieve breakthrough in the production of three-dimensional molecular structures

A research team has succeeded in converting flat nitrogen-containing molecules into three-dimensional structures. These now significantly expand the range of molecules that chemists can draw on in their search for new active ingredients. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2NXydU1

Researchers harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices

From microwave ovens to Wi-Fi connections, the radio waves that permeate the environment are not just signals of energy consumed but are also sources of energy themselves. An international team of researchers has developed a way to harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31pL9F6

Cholesterol may be key to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes

A researcher examined the role of cholesterol in both Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes to identify a small molecule that may help regulate cholesterol levels in the brain, making it a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w6NsLp

Fast-acting, color-changing molecular probe senses when a material is about to fail

Materials that contain special polymer molecules may someday be able to warn us when they are about to fail, researchers said. Engineers have improved their previously developed force-sensitive molecules, called mechanophores, to produce reversible, rapid and vibrant color change when a force is applied. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fjczoA

California's diesel emissions rules reduce air pollution, protect vulnerable communities

Since 1990, California has used its authority under the federal Clean Air Act to enact more aggressive rules on emissions from diesel vehicles and engines compared to the rest of the U.S. Extending these standards to the rest of the U.S. could dramatically improve the nation's air quality and health, particularly in lower income communities of color, finds a new analysis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3su0zEf

Seeing the invisible: How Nobel laureate Andrea Ghez found the supermassive black hole in the Milky Way's center

Astrophysicist Andrea Ghez has spent her scientific career peering at the center of the Milky Way, trying to see the invisible. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3tTAsac

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

Water scarcity is often understood as a problem for regions experiencing drought, but a new study led by Tufts University researchers finds that not only can localized water shortages impact the global economy, but changes in global demand can have positive and negative ripple effects in river basins across the globe. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lU1Q5h

New problems arise for crop storage as planet gets warmer

For generations, Brian Sackett's family has farmed potatoes that are made into chips found on grocery shelves in much of the eastern U.S. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rlSKiB

Intensity of tropical cyclones is probably increasing due to climate change

Many tropical cyclone-prone regions of the world are expected to experience storm systems of greater intensity over the coming century, according to a review of research published today in ScienceBrief Review. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dc8mQE

Even small increases in NO2 levels could be linked to heightened risk of heart and respiratory death

Even small increases in nitrogen dioxide levels in the air may be linked to increases in cardiovascular and respiratory deaths, according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lRIqOc

Ocean currents predicted on Saturn's moon Enceladus

New research could inform where to one day search for signs of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lRxboS

Turning wood into plastic

Plastics are one of the world's largest polluters, taking hundreds of years to degrade in nature. A research team has created a high-quality bioplastic from wood byproducts that they hope can solve one of the world's most pressing environmental issues. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3d5QB5I

Narcissism driven by insecurity, not grandiose sense of self

Narcissism is driven by insecurity, and not an inflated sense of self, finds a new study, which may also explain what motivates the self-focused nature of social media activity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dbAXpc

Exposure to flame retardants early in pregnancy linked to premature birth

Expectant women are more likely to give birth early if they have high blood levels of a chemical used in flame retardants compared with those who have limited exposure, a new study finds. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lTNOQN

Ocean's mammals at crucial crossroads

The ocean's mammals are at a crucial crossroads - with some at risk of extinction and others showing signs of recovery, researchers say. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w0NUuH

Changes in ocean chemistry show how sea level affects global carbon cycle

A new analysis of strontium isotopes in marine sediments has enabled scientists to reconstruct fluctuations in ocean chemistry related to changing climate conditions over the past 35 million years. The results provide new insights into the inner workings of the global carbon cycle and, in particular, the processes by which carbon is removed from the environment through the deposition of carbonates. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sn8Gm0

Moderate daily caffeine intake during pregnancy may lead to smaller birth size

Pregnant women who consumed the caffeine equivalent of as little as half a cup of coffee a day on average had slightly smaller babies than pregnant women who did not consume caffeinated beverages, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rp6gSw

New documentation: Old-growth forest carbon sinks overestimated

The claim that old-growth forests play a significant role in climate mitigation, based upon the argument that even the oldest forests keep sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere, is being refuted. Researchers document that this argument is based upon incorrectly analyzed data and that the climate mitigation effect of old and unmanaged forests has been greatly overestimated. Nevertheless, they reassert the importance of old-growth forest for biodiversity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31lUoq6

Wisdom, loneliness and your intestinal multitude

Scientists have taken the connection between wisdom, loneliness and biology one step further, reporting that wisdom and loneliness appear to influence -- and/or be influenced by -- microbial diversity of the gut. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Pu2Dxs

Soft robotic dragonfly signals environmental disruptions

Engineers have developed an electronics-free, entirely soft robot shaped like a dragonfly that can skim across the water and react to environmental conditions such as pH, temperature or the presence of oil. The proof-of-principle demonstration could be the precursor to more advanced, autonomous, long-range environmental sentinels for monitoring a wide range of potential telltale signs of problems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31nF63O

'Climbing droplets' could lead to more efficient water harvesting

Researchers have discovered that a novel surface they developed to harvest water from the air encourages tiny water droplets to move spontaneously into larger droplets. When researchers placed microdroplets of water on their liquid-lubricant surface, the microdroplets propelled themselves to climb, without external force, into larger droplets along an oily, ramp-shaped meniscus that forms from the lubricant around the larger droplets. The 'coarsening droplet phenomenon' formed droplets large enough for harvesting. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lZ4BSH

Ancient megafaunal mutualisms and extinctions as factors in plant domestication

The development of agriculture is often thought of as a human innovation in response to climate change or population pressure. A new manuscript challenges that concept, suggesting that plants that had already evolved adaptive traits for life among large-bodied grazing and browsing animals were more likely to prosper on a highly disturbed anthropogenic landscape. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31qmfFj

The very first structures in the Universe

The first moments of the Universe can be reconstructed mathematically even though they cannot be observed directly. Physicists have greatly improved the ability of complex computer simulations to describe this moment, discovering that a complex network of structures can form in the first trillionth of a second after the Big Bang. These microscopic clumps have masses of only a few grams and fit into volumes much smaller than particles. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vUshwd

Arctic sponge survival in the extreme deep-sea

Researchers from the SponGES project collected year-round video footage and hydrodynamic data from the mysterious world of a deep-sea sponge ground in the Arctic. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rhOZe8

New insights into close encounters between albatross and fishing vessels

A novel analysis of encounters between albatross and commercial fishing vessels across the North Pacific Ocean is giving researchers important new understanding about seabird-vessel interactions that could help reduce harmful encounters. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tXyCVY

Revealing nano big bang: Scientists observe the first milliseconds of crystal formation

Scientists recruited a world-leading microscope to capture atomic-resolution, high-speed images of gold atoms self-organizing, falling apart, and then reorganizing many times before settling into a stable, ordered crystal. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vZwlv8

Want a longer, healthier life? Resolve your arguments by day's end

A recent study found that when people feel they have resolved an argument, the emotional response associated with that disagreement is significantly reduced and, in some situations, almost entirely erased. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2QBa3Q1

Greenland caves: Time travel to a warm Arctic

An international team of scientists presents an analysis of sediments from a cave in northeast Greenland, that cover a time period between about 588,000 to 549,000 years ago. This interval was warmer and wetter than today, the cave deposits provide an outlook in a possible future warmer world due to climate change. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39xOEy3

Major Earth satellite to track disasters, effects of climate change

Designed to spot potential natural hazards and help researchers measure how melting land ice will affect sea level rise, the NISAR spacecraft marks a big step as it takes shape. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rlOobd

New research confirms presence of highly invasive apple snail in Kenya

New research published today by scientists at CABI and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirms that the apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) has been discovered in Kenya for the first time. Widely considered to be one of the most invasive invertebrates of waterways and irrigation systems, the apple snail threatens Kenya's rice production and raises the questions: How much damage will it cause in Kenya, and will it spread further? from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2P3KIOc

New light on baryonic matter and gravity on cosmic scales

Scientists estimate that dark matter and dark energy together are some 95% of the gravitational material in the universe while the remaining 5% is baryonic matter, which is the "normal" matter composing stars, planets and living beings. However, for decades, almost one-half of this matter has not been found. Now, using a new technique, a team including researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has shown that this "missing" baryonic matter fills the space between galaxies as hot, low-density gas. The same technique also gives a new tool that shows that the gravitational attraction experienced by galaxies is compatible with the theory of general relativity. This research is published today in three articles in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rmX2pQ

Revealing complex behavior of a turbulent plume at the calving front of a Greenlandic glacier

For the first time, scientists have succeeded in continuous monitoring of a subglacial discharge plume, providing a deeper understanding of the glacier-fjord environment. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tWPOun

A disposable living laser printed on chip for drug screening

Scientists have created a new way to monitor subtle drug interactions between bacteria and antibiotics. By using a common office inkjet printer, researchers from NTU Singapore and China developed a disposable living laser on chip by encapsulating living bacteria inside. Strong laser emissions generated from bacteria inside the droplet will be dramatically enhanced during drug interactions. This breakthrough could enable more sensitive and high-throughput testing using micro-nano laser technology in the near future. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d3tjgN

Inhibiting the energy transmission impact of dust aerosols on eastern Pacific tropical cyclones

The thermodynamic state of the tropical atmosphere plays an important role in the development of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity. A TC imports thermodynamic energy from ocean-air heat and moisture fluxes and exports heat aloft at the much colder upper troposphere, through a radially and vertically directed overturning circulation in a TC. The work done through this cycle drives the TC's winds. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lXw0oc

Researchers develop 15-minute test to assess immune response

Researchers from Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP) have developed a new label-free immune profiling assay that profiles the rapidly changing host immune response in case of infection, in a departure from existing methods that focus on detecting the pathogens themselves, which can often be at low levels within a host. This novel technology presents a host of advantages over current methods, being both much faster, more sensitive and accurate. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tSpJN5

Division and growth of synthetic vesicles

One big challenge for the production of synthetic cells is that they must be able to divide to have offspring. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a team from Heidelberg has now introduced a reproducible division mechanism for synthetic vesicles. It is based on osmosis and can be controlled by an enzymatic reaction or light. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31f4bhl

Old-growth forest carbon sinks overestimated

The claim that old-growth forests play a significant role in climate mitigation, based upon the argument that even the oldest forests keep sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere, is being refuted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. The researchers document that this argument is based upon incorrectly analyzed data and that the climate mitigation effect of old and unmanaged forests has been greatly overestimated. Nevertheless, they reassert the importance of old-growth forest for biodiversity. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lNT60c

Firefly Aerospace readies Alpha rocket for 2021 debut launch, ramps up operations

Though Firefly Aerospace missed its own 2020 deadline to launch its Alpha rocket into space, the company says it's confident a 2021 debut is in the cards. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31gVIdJ

World's oldest meteor crater isn't what it seems

The world's oldest meteor impact crater is not a crater at all, say scientists of a new study suggesting natural forces put the giant indent into Earth's surface. But the jury is still out. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3chbpb3

NASA astronauts get up-close look at SpaceX's Starship SN11 prototype (photo)

NASA astronauts recently toured SpaceX's South Texas facility, where the company is building and testing prototypes for its Starship deep-space transportation system. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3lQglXz

The 1st few seconds of the Big Bang: What we know and what we don't

Believe it or not, physicists are attempting to understand the universe when it was only a handful of seconds old. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3tYaF0F

LA's biggest quake threat sits on overlooked part of San Andreas, study says. That may be good

Scientists have pinpointed a long-overlooked portion of the southern San Andreas Fault that they say could pose the most significant earthquake risk for the Greater Los Angeles area—and it's about 80 years overdue for release. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d6LUZ7

Australia begins 'long haul' to recovery as floodwaters recede

Thousands of flood-stricken residents along Australia's east coast began a massive clean up effort Thursday, as waters receded revealing damaged homes, piles of debris and mud-caked roads. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cgIjsl

Russia launches more UK telecom satellites into space

A Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia's Far East on Thursday carrying 36 UK telecommunications and internet satellites, the Roscosmos space agency said. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vWjUQE

Technology uses 'single' approach to develop electronics, acoustics

A Purdue University innovator has developed a new approach to creating popular thin films used for devices across a broad range of fields, including optics, acoustics and electronics. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2QCW10p

Genome sequenced for pesky pumpkin pathogen

Pumpkin growers dread the tiny tan scabs that form on their fruit, each lesion a telltale sign of bacterial spot disease. The specks don't just mar the fruit's flesh, they provide entry points for rot-inducing fungus and other pathogens that can destroy pumpkins and other cucurbits from the inside out. Either way, farmers pay the price, with marketable yields reduced by as much as 90%. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cm4MUM

Once-in-a-century UK wildfire threats could happen most years by end of century

Extremely hot and dry conditions that currently put parts of the UK in the most severe danger of wildfires once a century could happen every other year in a few decades' time due to climate change, new research has revealed. A study, led by the University of Reading, predicting how the danger of wildfires will increase in future showed that parts of eastern and southern England may be at the very highest danger level on nearly four days per year on average by 2080 with high emissions, compared to once every 50-100 years currently. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rmsDIv

Soyuz rocket launches 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit for modified satellite internet constellation

A Soyuz rocket successfully sent 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit Wednesday (March 24) as the London-based company continues its recovery from a tough 2020. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3rtk12V

Lawyers used sheepskin as anti-fraud device for hundreds of years to stop fraudsters pulling the woo

Medieval and early modern lawyers chose to write on sheepskin parchment because it helped prevent fraud, new analysis suggests. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ck8TRy

Dow-like index for energy prices might help smooth transition to clean power

Since the early industrial revolution in the mid-1700s, fossil fuels have acquired an ever-growing footprint in energy production. However, the environmental concerns of fossil fuels use and their inevitable depletion have led to a global shift toward renewable energy sources. These transitions, however, raise questions about the best choice of renewables and the impact of investing in these resources on consumer cost. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39dpLr5

Waste from making purple corn chips yields a natural dye, supplements, kitty litter

The more colorful a food, the more nutritious it probably is. For example, purple corn contains compounds associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. The cobs contain the same compounds but are typically thrown out. Now, researchers report a step-wise biorefinery approach that uses the whole cob, producing a dye and a possible nutraceutical with the pigments, and an animal litter with the left-overs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rmgkMd

Pandora mission would expand NASA's capabilities in probing alien worlds

In the quest for habitable planets beyond our own, NASA is studying a mission concept called Pandora, which could eventually help decode the atmospheric mysteries of distant worlds in our galaxy. One of four low-cost astrophysics missions selected for further concept development under NASA's new Pioneers program, Pandora would study approximately 20 stars and exoplanets—planets outside of our solar system—to provide precise measurements of exoplanetary atmospheres. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rbljiM

Gender bias in the workplace starts with communication during recruitment

Eighty percent of jobs are communicated to people informally and these communications are often riddled with gender bias, providing a female (versus male) candidate with a less positive description of a leadership position, especially when the decision maker is more conservative. These are the findings of a new study by Ekaterina Netchaeva, of Bocconi University's Department of Management and Technology, looking at the role gender bias may play in the leadership gap between men and women. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vTO2vT

Ignoring climate change will lead to unprecedented, societally disruptive heat extremes in the Middle East

The Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) is a climate change hot spot where summers warm much faster than in the rest of the world. Some parts of the region are already among the hottest locations globally. A new international study led by scientists from the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center of the Cyprus Institute and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry predicts that ignoring the signals of climate change and continuing business as usual with increasing greenhouse gas emissions will lead to extreme, life-threatening heatwaves in the region. Such extraordinary heat events will have a severe impact on the people of the area. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3shpF9v

Scientists assemble new reference genomes of mosquitoes to fight malaria

A research team from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), George Washington University and ITMO University has presented new data for studying the behavior and physiology of two types of malaria mosquitoes. This information will help find regions of the genome that are responsible for connection with the pathogen and for their feeding behavior. Research was published in GigaScience . from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rd9sR7

The importance of love language on Mars — Commander's report: sol 14

The Valoria 2 analog Mars mission at HI-SEAS ended successfully thanks to close bonds that developed amongst the crewmembers. Getting to know each other's love languages was vital for the crewmembers. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3f7nRfh

Russian Soyuz rocket launches 38 satellites on first fully commercial mission

A Soyuz rocket sent 38 satellites into space Monday (March 22), marking a historic rideshare mission for Russian company GK Launch Services. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2PlnyD0

To be declassified: UFO broke sound barrier with no sonic boom

Former Trump intelligence director John Ratcliffe told Fox News that more unexplained sightings of flying objects will soon be declassified. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31fKTsc

One degree of global warming causes a 50% increase in population displacement risk

A new study shows that if the population were fixed at current levels, the risk of population displacement due to river floods would rise by ~50% for each degree of global warming. However, if population increases are taken into account, the relative global flood displacement risk is significantly higher. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lSZVhi

SpaceX launches 60 new Starlink internet satellites, nails latest rocket landing at sea

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a new batch of 60 Starlink internet satellites into orbit early Wednesday (March 24) and nailed a landing at sea. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31cXBYP

Australians warned of deadly spider 'plague' after floods

A "plague" of the world's most venomous spiders could swarm Sydney after torrential rain and flooding, the Australian Reptile Park said Wednesday, warning that the deadly arachnids could seek refuge in homes as they escape the deluge. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cfNKry

NASA will attempt first off-world flight in early April

NASA is targeting early April for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to make the first attempt at powered, controlled flight on another planet, the space agency said Tuesday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tTT223

Australia's 'Big Wet' eases, but thousands still isolated

Rescue teams raced emergency supplies to flood-hit Australians Wednesday, as trapped residents waited for still-swollen rivers to ebb, so the long, hard clean-up can begin. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rlIxTb

California groups track face masks, gloves bound for ocean

Disposable masks, gloves and other types of personal protective equipment are safeguarding untold lives during the coronavirus pandemic. They're also creating a worldwide pollution problem, littering streets and sending an influx of harmful plastic and other waste into landfills, sewage systems and oceans. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31cOwPL

Part of Wright brothers' 1st airplane on NASA's Mars chopper

A piece of the Wright brothers' first airplane is on Mars. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cgJpUV

Study finds foster youth lack critical financial skills

Most people rely on family members to help them learn how to open a bank account, find a job or create a budget, but that's often not an option for youth in foster care, according to a recent study in Child & Family Social Work. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2P5Cfdk

How blockchain and machine learning can deliver the promise of omnichannel marketing

Researchers from University of Minnesota, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, BI Norwegian Business School, University of Michigan, National Bureau of Economic Research, and University of North Carolina published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that examines how advances in machine learning (ML) and blockchain can address inherent frictions in omnichannel marketing and raises many questions for practice and research. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vW1saY

Deforestation, forest conversion and palm oil plantations linked to disease outbreaks

Deforestation, certain types of reforestation and commercial palm plantations correlate with increasing outbreaks of infectious disease, shows a new study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. This study offers a first global look at how changes in forest cover potentially contribute to vector-borne diseases—such as those carried by mosquitos and ticks—as well as zoonotic diseases, like COVID-19, which jumped from an animal species into humans. The expansion of palm oil plantations in particular corresponded to significant rises in vector-borne disease infections. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cglCET

Light pollution drives increased risk of West Nile virus

Florida has experienced a relatively mild winter, which typically translates to more mosquitoes in the summer and more birds on which they can feast. If history repeats itself, it's likely there will be an uptick in West Nile virus cases this year, especially in the outer fringes of the suburbs where much of the nighttime illumination emanates from the skyglow of nearby cities. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31d7Xbe

Snappy evolution was behind the success of ancient crocodiles

New research led by the University of Bristol has revealed that crocodiles once flourished on land and in the oceans as a result of fast evolution. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lGNG7m

Rugby study identifies new method to diagnose concussion using saliva

A study of top-flight UK rugby players has identified a method of accurately diagnosing concussion using saliva, paving the way for the first non-invasive clinical test for concussion. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3fdcK4z

Researchers hunt for drugs that keep HIV latent

When the human immunodeficiency virus infects cells, it can either exploit the cells to start making more copies of itself or remain dormant -- a phenomenon called latency. Keeping these reservoirs latent is a challenge. A new paper has found a way to look for chemicals that can keep the virus suppressed into its dormant state. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3d1uXPV

BMI1, a promising gene to protect against Alzheimer's disease

A molecular biologist discovers a new function for BMI1, which is known to counteract brain aging. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tNaLYF

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, study finds

It's not just your legs and heart that get a workout when you walk briskly; exercise affects your brain as well. A new study shows that when older adults with mild memory loss followed an exercise program for a year, the blood flow to their brains increased. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vQw11E

Saturn's summer season ends as Hubble telescope watches (photos)

Saturn takes roughly seven Earth years to begin and end one of its seasons. from Space.com https://ift.tt/397d3u0

Mars is leaking water into space during dust storms and warmer seasons

Water is leaking from Mars' atmosphere through changing seasons and swirling Martian storms, scientists found in two new studies. from Space.com https://ift.tt/316aELI

Paraguay's 1st satellite is in orbit after launch from space station

On March 14, Paraguay's first-ever satellite entered orbit around Earth. from Space.com https://ift.tt/397UXrJ

Newly discovered bacteria on space station could help astronauts grow plants on Mars

Researchers have discovered three new strains of bacteria that they think could one day help astronauts to grow their own food. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31mTPwh

New result from the LHCb experiment challenges leading theory in physics

The LHCb Collaboration at CERN has found particles not behaving in the way they should according to the guiding theory of particle physics—the Standard Model. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rhQfh7

'Catastrophic' Australia floods prompt helicopter rescues

Military helicopters, jet skis and rubber boats were deployed to rescue people stranded by "catastrophic" floods along Australia's populous east coast Tuesday, with thousands of homes damaged. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lHTAFg

US weather model upgraded to better forecast extreme events

The National Weather Service has turbocharged its lagging forecast model to better predict extreme weather events such as hurricanes, blizzards and downpours, as well as day-to-day weather. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3c8NYke

A leader's gender plays a role in local government sustainability policymaking

When it comes to local government, does the gender of a mayor or county executive matter in sustainability policymaking? Yes, but only in certain ways, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d2cQZY

Study outlines testing strategies for safer air travel during the pandemic

Almost 90 percent of infectious travelers could be detected with rapid SARS-CoV-2 tests at the airport, and most imported infections could be prevented with a combination of pre-travel testing and a five-day post-travel quarantine that would only lift with a negative test result, according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tK7kSx

High vitamin D levels may protect against COVID-19, especially for Black people, study suggests

In a retrospective study of individuals tested for COVID-19, vitamin D levels above those traditionally considered sufficient were associated with a lower risk of COVID-19. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/393T0wA

Long-haul COVID: Physicians review what's known

With more patients complaining of lingering and chronic effects from COVID-19, experts review what's known and why care for long-haulers requires an interdisciplinary approach. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3f6pvxK

As more are vaccinated, it makes economic sense to gradually open the economy, study finds

Researchers conducted a data analysis that has found that as a larger portion of the population gets vaccinated against COVID-19, it becomes economically advantageous to start relaxing social distancing measures and open businesses. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vZkRYH

Refining the hunt for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

A new study determines the best method yet for finding signs of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in municipal wastewater. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2NGThOm

Study identifies concerning delays in TB diagnoses in the United States

Most delays ranged between 10 and 45 days, with a median of 24 days, after a visit to a doctor, which exceeds current World Health Organization recommendations of diagnosing and treating TB within two to three weeks of symptom onset. Delays were linked to greater risk for disease complications, transmission of infection to household members Older individuals and those with compromised immunity were at greater risk for delayed diagnoses from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3riHGmA

Fans prefer teams that built success over time more than teams that bought wins with purchased superstars, research finds

A new study shows people were willing to root more for the teams built over time than those assembled from free agency and deep-pocketed owners. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3s7BEWZ

A strong coffee half an hour before exercising increases fat-burning

In the afternoon, the effects of the caffeine are more marked than in the morning. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cc6t7u

Fruit fly egg takes an active hand in its own growth, highlighting parallels to mammals

Scientists discover bidirectional communication between the Drosophila oocyte and nurse cells, challenging the long-held view that the oocyte plays a passive role in development. These findings have implications for understanding development in mammals. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3f08Pbk

Explosive origins of 'secondary' ice and snow

Scientists publish new direct evidence that shattering drizzle droplets drive explosive 'ice multiplication' events. The findings have implications for weather forecasts, climate modeling, water supplies -- and even energy and transportation infrastructure. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/399vzSy

Starving tumors by blocking glutamine uptake

Scientists have identified a drug candidate that blocks the uptake of glutamine, a key food source for many tumors, and slows the growth of melanoma. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vPRbgq

What early-budding trees tell us about genetics, climate change

Late frosts have caused millions of dollars in losses for orchards over the years. Scientists are investigating the genes that tell trees when to bud out and blossom. A deep understanding of the genetics of bud-break enables scientists to modify or select crop varieties more resilient to late frost, warming winters, diseases and pests. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ccMup7

Inflammation and pressure-sensing leads to 'feed-forward' loop in osteoarthritis

An unfortunate biological 'feed-forward' loop drives cartilage cells in an arthritic joint to actually contribute to progression of the disease, say researchers. Excessive loading under inflammatory conditions can create a situation that can lead to progressive cartilage degeneration. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/392TbIb

Why commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration has failed and how it can work

There are 12 essential attributes that explain why commercial carbon capture and sequestration projects succeed or fail in the U.S., researchers say. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vOcQ8F

Ultra-sensitive flow microsensors

A team of scientists have developed the thinnest and most sensitive flow sensor, which could have significant implications for medical research and applications, according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2NIut8P

In both gorillas and humans, it takes a village to raise a child

A study by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund shows that gorilla families come together to support young gorillas that lose their mothers. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vPOtaA

'Hunger hormone' ghrelin affects monetary decision making

Higher levels of the stomach-derived hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, predict a greater preference for smaller immediate monetary rewards over larger delayed financial rewards, a new study finds. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vNSuML

Weekly insulin helps patients with type 2 diabetes achieve similar blood sugar control to daily insulin

A new once-weekly basal insulin injection demonstrated similar efficacy and safety and a lower rate of low blood sugar episodes compared with a daily basal insulin, according to a phase 2 clinical trial. The study results compared an investigational drug called basal insulin Fc (BIF) with insulin degludec, a commercially available long-lasting daily insulin, in patients with type 2 diabetes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/392Q7fb

A promising breakthrough for a better design of electronic materials

Scientists have demonstrated the role played by molecular vibrations on electron conductivity on crystals of such materials. This finding is important for applications of these molecular materials in electronics, energy and information storage. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c83D3l

Better batteries start with basics -- and a big computer

Researchers ran quantum simulations to understand glycerol carbonate, a compound used in biodiesel and as a common solvent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3r63y4b

How our microplastic waste becomes 'hubs' for pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers have shown that ubiquitous microplastics can become 'hubs' for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens to grow once they wash down household drains and enter wastewater treatment plants -- forming a slimy layer of buildup, or biofilm, on their surface that allows pathogenic microorganisms and antibiotic waste to attach and comingle. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3r8cXby

Medical cannabis can reduce essential tremor: Turns on overlooked cells in central nervous system

Medical cannabis can reduce essential tremor in mice. By injecting a specific synthetic cannabinoid into the spinal cord of mice suffering from essential tremor, researchers have shown that the drug can reduce involuntary shaking - as the cannabinoid activates a particular type of cell, the so-called astrocytes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cWVQ7p

Tropical species are moving northward in U.S. as winters warm

Climate change is reducing the number of sub-freezing days over much of the American South, providing an opportunity for cold-sensitive tropical species -- mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, trees, shrubs and grasses -- to move northward, potentially displacing temperate species. Mosquitoes could bring infectious diseases farther north. The southern pine beetle is already moving north and devastating pine forests. While some may welcome manatees and sea turtles, few look forward to the spread of Burmese pythons. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2OXwJJV

New antibiotic clears multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice in single dose

A new antibiotic compound clears infection of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice in a single oral dose, according to a new study. The compound targets a molecular pathway found in bacteria but not humans and could lead to new treatments for gonorrhea and infections from other bacteria, such as tuberculosis and MRSA. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2QjUsnO

Endocrine disruptors threatens semen quality

Epidemiologists analyzed the potential impact of endocrine disruptors on semen quality of men whose mothers were working at the early stages of their pregnancy. Their results show that men who have been exposed in utero to products known to contain endocrine disruptors are twice more likely to have semen volume and total sperm count per ejaculation below the reference values set by the WHO. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lBVNBU

Hidden genetic defects contain real risks for serious diseases

Researchers have gained insight into the 'hidden genetic defects' of the general European population. This is important because these defects, if inherited from both father and mother, can lead to all kinds of illnesses in their children. Research in the Dutch and Estonian population shows that every person has two to four such hidden genetic defects. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3d0p4Tg

How flashlight fish communicate with light signals in the school

Flashlight fish have the ability to generate situation-specific blink patterns resembling a visual Morse code. Researchers have shown in laboratory and field experiments that the animals use these light signals to coordinate their behavior in the school when visibility is limited. Both the light intensity and the blinking frequency affected the animals' behavior. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2OLwiCt

Health declining in Gen X and Gen Y, US study shows

Recent generations show a worrying decline in health compared to their parents and grandparents when they were the same age, a new national study reveals. Researchers found that, compared to previous generations, members of Generation X and Generation Y showed poorer physical health, higher levels of unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol use and smoking, and more depression and anxiety. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2PcawYq

Difficulty learning nonsense words may indicate a child's high risk of dyslexia

A combined brain-scanning and behavior study has explored dyslexia in 7 & 8-year-old children learning how to read. Dyslexic youngsters were shown to have different activation in the left hemisphere compared to the control group - the area of the brain that specializes in processing language and speech. A related study by the group also found that self-confidence in reading ability helps young readers overcome some of the symptoms of dyslexia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c808Kf

How RNA editing affects the immune system

Researchers offer new insight into how the immune system relates to cancer. A new articl looks at how an enzyme called ADAR1 operates in pathways associated with cancer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2PfGi6R

Solving 'barren plateaus' is the key to quantum machine learning

Many machine learning algorithms on quantum computers suffer from the dreaded 'barren plateau' of unsolvability, where they run into dead ends on optimization problems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c80bWr

Carbon uptake in regrowing Amazon forest threatened by climate and human disturbance

Large areas of forests regrowing in the Amazon to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, are being limited by climate and human activity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rbqzTo

Study shows stronger brain activity after writing on paper than on tablet or smartphone

A study of university students and recent graduates has revealed that writing on physical paper can lead to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later. Researchers say that the unique, complex, spatial and tactile information associated with writing by hand on physical paper is likely what leads to improved memory. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lD6X9D

Turns out altruism is for the fish

Through a series of prosocial choice tasks, researchers reveal prosocial and antisocial characteristics in male convict cichlid fish. The fish distinguish between female breeding partners, unknown females, and rival males by adjusting their actions to either provide food for both them and the females or avoid providing food for the rival males. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lDduRM

Research finds surprising electron interaction in 'magic-angle' graphene

New research describes a technique that weakens the repulsive force between electrons in 'magic-angle' graphene superconductors, providing physicists with exciting new details about this strange state of matter. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2PfqoZU

Combination therapy may provide significant protection against lethal influenza

A significant proportion of hospitalized patients with influenza develop complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Investigators have found that treatment with an immune receptor blocker in combination with an antiviral agent markedly improves survival of mice infected with lethal influenza and reduces lung pathology in swine-influenza-infected piglets. Their research also provides insights into the optimal timing of treatment to prevent acute lung injury. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vNMuDJ

Chemical cocktail creates new avenues for generating muscle stem cells

A research team has identified a chemical cocktail that enables the production of large numbers of muscle stem cells, which can self-renew and give rise to all types of skeletal muscle cells. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c79Mg4

Pancreatic cancer tumors use multiple mechanisms to avoid starvation: new target for treatment?

Researchers describe how pancreatic cancer cells use an alternative method to find necessary nutrients, defying current therapies, to help them grow and spread. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vQ0yMS

Babies pay attention with down payment from immature brain region

Using an approach that uses fMRI (or functional magnetic resonance imaging) to scan the brains of awake babies, a team of university psychologists show that when focusing their attention infants under a year of age recruit areas of their frontal cortex, a section of the brain involved in more advanced functions that was previously thought to be immature in babies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/395JuZQ

Double duty: Gut's immune system helps regulate food processing, too

The small intestine is ground zero for survival of animals. It is responsible for absorbing the nutrients crucial to life and it wards off toxic chemicals and life-threatening bacteria. Researchers report the critical role played by the gut's immune system in these key processes. The immune system, they found, not only defends against pathogens but regulates which nutrients are taken in. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tFyoCy

Parsing dopamine's different pain sensitivity role in males, females

Males and females, generally speaking, experience and respond to pain differently, but scientists have yet to understand all the brain circuits involved in these differences. Now, new research shows how neurons use dopamine to regulate pain differently in male and female mice. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3s7uQZm

Twice as much carbon flowing from land to ocean than previously thought

A new study provides new estimates of this elusive component of the global carbon cycle. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tIIFOw

A leap forward in research on CAR T cell therapy

A study looked into how CAR T immunotherapy could be used to treat solid tumors in addition to leukemias. The programming of CAR T cells opens avenues for applying cell therapies to, for example, breast cancer or ovarian cancer in the future. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cXMxEe

Light it up: Practical metal nanostructures

Researchers have debunked the decade-old myth of metals being useless in photonics - the science and technology of light - with their findings, expected to lead to many applications in the field of nanophotonics. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c4FeeX

New material: Rapid color change

Smart glass can change its color quickly through electricity. A new material developed by chemists has now set a speed record for such a change. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sla74g

New analysis shows potential for 'solar canals' in California

Researchers published a new study that suggests covering California's 6,350 km network of public water delivery canals with solar panels could be an economically feasible means of advancing both renewable energy and water conservation. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lzcJt0

System detects errors when medication is self-administered

Researchers have developed a system that uses wireless radio signals and artificial intelligence to detect errors in patients' use of inhalers and insulin pens. The technology could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions caused by poor adherence to certain medication administration guidelines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vOspNK

Artificial neuron device could shrink energy use and size of neural network hardware

Neural network training could one day require less computing power and hardware, thanks to a new nanodevice that can run neural network computations using 100 to 1000 times less energy and area than existing CMOS-based hardware. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cSTuqr

Teamwork makes light shine ever brighter

Electrical current and laser light combine at a gold nanogap to prompt a dramatic burst of light. The phenomenon could be useful for nanophotonic switches in computer chips and for advanced photocatalysts. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/392kIK4

Common, serious gut disorder is under- and often misdiagnosed

Rumination syndrome is little known, but relatively common. It involves effortless, repeated regurgitation. This uncomfortable and embarrassing syndrome can be confused with other upper gastrointestinal disorders. Proper diagnosis is important because the treatment is very different from what is advised for similar gastrointestinal conditions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3f2rd3a

How gamblers plan their actions to maximize rewards

A study in biological psychology has shown that habitual gamblers use strategies during reinforcement learning that differ from those of the control group. This difference could be caused by changes in the dopamine system that influence strategic planning. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/315Q2D6

Anti-inflammatory therapies have potential to prevent heart disease in the elderly

Therapies that soothe inflammation could be effective at preventing heart disease in older people with a common blood condition, a new study suggests. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3r7sdWf

Dieting suppresses 'cellular engines', weight loss surgery gives boost to mitochondria

Dieting impairs the energy-producing machinery of fat tissue, potentially resulting in weight regain. In contrast, as indicated by a recent study, weight loss surgery gives a boost to mitochondria, improving the gene expression of these cellular engines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3s9KG5U

The hidden machinery of a photosynthetic giant revealed

Photosynthesis is the fundament of almost all live on earth, and yet it is not understood down to the last detail. An international research team has now unraveled one of its secrets. The researchers have successfully isolated a rare manifestation of photosystem I and studied it in detail. The study provided new insights into the transport of light-energy in this giant photosynthetic protein complex. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3155Yps

Large asteroid to (safely) zip past Earth

The largest asteroid to pass by Earth this year will swing closest on Sunday, giving astronomers a rare chance for a good look at a space rock that formed at the dawn of our solar system. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3f2ii1Y

Swiss kids suit up for 'Mission to Mars'

Leo pulls on a shiny, silver suit and places the helmet gingerly over his head before marching with the other budding astronauts towards their spaceship. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vOSagC

The biggest asteroid to visit Earth in 2021 zooms by our planet unusually fast today

The biggest asteroid to visit Earth this year will zoom by our planet today (March 21) and it's a real speed demon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3tHMiE6

Glowing 'dawn storm' auroras that blaze in Jupiter's morning skies are born in darkness

New images of Jupiter's polar auroras, captured by the Juno spacecraft, revealed the full cycle of intense and unusual polar light displays. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2NDd1CD

Asteroids named for diverse group of 27 trailblazing astronauts

A group of astronauts who are trailblazers for their respective ethnicities are now true "rock stars," having asteroids named for them. The International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center released a list of the asteroids designated for the 27 explorers. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3f1xLz2

Dark energy camera takes hyper-detailed images of nearby dwarf galaxies

New, stunningly detailed images of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the stars making up these two dwarf galaxies. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cPPaIw

A supermassive black hole is speeding through space, and astronomers don't know why

A supermassive black hole is racing across the universe at 110,000 mph (177,000 km/h), and the astronomers who spotted it don't know why. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3r47v9D

'By-the-wind sailor' jellies wash ashore in massive numbers after warmer winters

Thanks to 20 years of observations from thousands of citizen scientists, researchers have discovered distinct patterns in the mass strandings of by-the-wind sailors, also called Velella velella. Specifically, large strandings happened simultaneously from the northwest tip of Washington south to the Mendocino coast in California, and in years when winters were warmer than usual. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3c5sKDV

Christmas Island reptile-killer identified

With wild populations decimated, Lister's gecko and the blue-tailed skink only exist in captivity. Researchers have discovered a bacterium, which could cause their potential extinction. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Pg5qKr

Muscle cramp? Drink electrolytes, not water

If you reach for water when a muscle cramp strikes, you might want to think again. New research has revealed drinking electrolytes instead of pure water can help prevent muscle cramps. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2OKBFBX

Meteor streaks over Cuba, causes explosion

What is believed to be a meteor lit the sky over eastern Cuba and caused an explosion, scientists on the island said Saturday. There were no reports of damage or injury. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lA6dlx

Eruption of Iceland volcano easing, not affecting flights

The eruption of a long-dormant volcano that sent streams of lava flowing across a small valley in southwestern Iceland is easing and shouldn't interfere with air travel, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said Saturday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/313yibv

Spring returns with a not-so-equal vernal equinox of 2021

Spring will officially arrive on Saturday morning (March 20) with the occurrence of the vernal equinox. from Space.com https://ift.tt/38Z2XLM

Japan lifts tsunami advisory after strong quake off northeast

Japan's meteorological agency lifted a tsunami advisory around an hour after a strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the country's northeastern coast on Saturday, causing no immediate damage or injuries. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tH3QR4

How Finland embraced being 'world's happiest nation'

Once notorious for its bland food and long, harsh winters, Finland's repeated success in the annual happiness rankings has helped transform the country's global reputation, boosting tourism and business. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cPWC6r

An easy way to reduce socioeconomic disparities

Researchers from Columbia University and Temple University published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that examines how choice architecture can reduce socioeconomic disparities. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3s9arDh

Lava eruption from long-dormant Icelandic volcano

Glowing red lava spewed Saturday from a volcano that has erupted near Iceland's capital Reykjavik after being dormant for more than 900 years. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3r5y1zi

Iceland's main volcanic eruptions

A volcano erupted just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Iceland's capital Reykjavik on Friday, turning the sky crimson as streams of red lava spewed from the ground. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tIbHxp

Record rains, flooding prompt evacuations in Australia

Record rains and widespread flooding prompted evacuations along Australia's east coast Saturday and threatened the most serious overflow of Sydney's main reservoir in 30 years, officials said. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cUHBzY

Carbon pawprint: is man's best friend the planet's enemy?

Is your adorable puppy as bad for the planet as a gas-guzzling SUV? from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/38Zj9MY

In the Space.com forums this week: The best space shows, can Elon Musk's SpaceX reach Mars and more!

This week, the Space.com community shares some of their favorite space TV shows and if Elon Musk's SpaceX can reach Mars. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cRksP5

NASA likely to stay the course to the moon under Bill Nelson, if confirmed

Don't expect big changes at NASA if Bill Nelson does end up leading the space agency. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2Nyjkao

Wow! This incredible image of the Milky Way took 12 years to create

Finnish astrophotographer J-P Metsavainio spent 1,250 hours over the course of about 12 years creating a single image that reveals the magnificent beauty of the entire Milky Way galaxy. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cNDKoE

Glynn Lunney, NASA flight director who led from 'trench' to the moon, dies at 84

Legendary flight director Glynn S. Lunney, who led Mission Control during some of NASA's most challenging and triumphant hours, has died at the age of 84. from Space.com https://ift.tt/391LH8C

The United Arab Emirates' Hope mission to Mars in photos

See photos of the historic Emirates Mars Mission, which will send the United Arab Emirates' Hope orbiter to the Red Planet. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2OqNdGB

Demonstrating the world's fastest spintronics p-bit

Tohoku University researchers have, for the first time, developed the technology for the nanosecond operation of the spintronics-based probabilistic bit (p-bit)—dubbed "the poor man's quantum bit" (q-bit). from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cTPg1Q

Ancient fish DNA provides a window back in time

The accidental discovery of fossilized three-spine stickleback bones dating back 12 thousand years, has enabled scientist to confirm parallel evolution, or evolutionary changes or adaptions which take place repeatedly. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3sfe76J

Researchers define new equation for doubly labeled water studies

The doubly labeled water (DLW) method can be used to measure the energy expenditure of individuals. It is based on the differential elimination of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. Individuals drink some dose water and then they can go about their daily lives. Periodic urine samples are taken to measure isotope washout rates. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lvUG6N

Scientists find new solid-state material for thermal regulation

About 90% of the world's energy use involves generation or manipulation of heat, while controlling thermal transport is yet a challenge in many fields, varying from the micro- and nano-scale electronic devices to aeronautics. Materials exhibiting abrupt transition between low and high thermal conductance states are strongly desired for rapidly developing thermal regulation applications. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/38Wm4G8

Foreign-born run greater risk of workplace bullying

The risk of being bullied at work in Sweden is twice as high if you were born outside Sweden. And if you come from a culture that is culturally dissimilar to Sweden's, the risk is even higher. These are the results of a study from Linköping University that was recently published in The International Journal of Human Resource Management. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2OMPek9

Galileo will help Lunar Pathfinder navigate around moon

ESA's Lunar Pathfinder mission to the moon will carry an advanced satellite navigation receiver, in order to perform the first ever satnav positioning fix in lunar orbit. This experimental payload marks a preliminary step in an ambitious ESA plan to expand reliable satnav coverage—as well as communication links—to explorers around and ultimately on the moon during this decade. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3bZSe5j

Researchers confirm accuracy of cosmological data analysis technique using mock data

Astronomers have played a game of guess-the-numbers with cosmological implications. Working from a mock catalog of galaxies prepared by a Japanese team, two American teams correctly guessed the cosmological parameters used to generate the catalog to within 1% accuracy. This gives us confidence that their methods will be able to determine the correct parameters of the real universe when applied to observational data. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/38ZlrLQ

Building knowledge of changes in uranium chemistry

"There are still a great many questions to be answered in uranium chemistry, particularly in the context of the nuclear fuel cycle; but when researchers combine their skills and expertise, pioneering and significant solutions can be found," said Dr. Zhaoming Zhang, Principal Research Scientist, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, ANSTO. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2Qphl9H

Elon Musk shows off SpaceX's 1st Starship Super Heavy booster

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk showed off the company's first Starship Super Heavy booster in a Twitter post on Thursday (March 18). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3lwAn9s

US military to keep wary eye on Chinese and Russian space ambitions under President Biden

The space ambitions of Russia and China will likely stay front and center for the U.S. military during the administration of President Joe Biden. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3cKCXEY

How do tiny pieces of space junk cause incredible damage?

Space junk moves at 10 times the speed of a bullet from an average gun. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3eSpZaM

Space station crew will take their Soyuz spacecraft for a spin today and you can watch it live

Crewmembers of the International Space Station will relocate a Soyuz spacecraft today (March 19) to make room for the arrival of Expedition 65 next month, and you can watch the whole thing live. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2P5W6J9

Carbon uptake in regrowing Amazon forest threatened by climate and human disturbance

Large areas of forests regrowing in the Amazon to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, are being limited by climate and human activity. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cRMSIC

Bioengineers learn the secrets to precisely turning on and off genes

In a recent study led by the University of Bristol, scientists have shown how to simultaneously harness multiple forms of regulation in living cells to strictly control gene expression and open new avenues for improved biotechnologies. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3bXmWMC

Researchers tailor the interaction of electrons in an atomically thin solid

Physicists in Regensburg and Marburg have tailored the mutual interaction of electrons in an atomically thin solid by simply covering it with a crystal featuring hand-picked lattice dynamics. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vJbRGC

New plutonium research helps distinguish nuclear power pollution from global fall out

Researchers looking at miniscule levels of plutonium pollution in our soils have made a breakthrough which could help inform future 'clean up' operations on land around nuclear power plants, saving time and money. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vGoDpz

Hong Kong's fragile coral reefs boosted by 3D printing

In jade waters off Hong Kong's eastern shoreline, scientists are thrilled to spot a cuttlefish protecting her eggs inside an artificial, 3D-printed clay seabed helping to restore the city's fragile coral reefs. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cNMYkz

Australia fires spewed as much smoke into stratosphere as volcano: study

The bushfires that ravaged Australia between 2019 and 2020 were so huge that they spewed as much smoke into the stratosphere as a large volcanic eruption, with serious consequences for the environment, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/30XihUC

NASA completes engine test firing of moon rocket on 2nd try

NASA completed an engine test firing of its moon rocket Thursday, after the first attempt in January ended prematurely. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2QgVpgF

Zoos, scientists aim to curb people giving virus to animals

The coughing among the western lowland gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in January was the first warning sign. Soon the fears were confirmed: A troop of gorillas became the first apes known to test positive for the coronavirus. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3tBXlio

Research finds surprising electron interaction in 'magic-angle' graphene

In 2018, physicists showed that something interesting happens when two sheets of the nanomaterial graphene are placed on top of each other. When one layer is rotated to a "magic angle" of around 1.1 degrees with respect to the other, the system becomes a superconductor—meaning it conducts electricity with zero resistance. Even more exciting, there was evidence that it was an unconventional form of superconductivity—a type that can happen at temperatures well above absolute zero, where most superconducting materials function. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3eUpRrb

Novel coronavirus circulated undetected months before first COVID-19 cases in Wuhan, China

Using molecular dating tools and epidemiological simulations, researchers estimate that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely circulated undetected for two months before the first human cases of COVID-19 were described in Wuhan, China in late-December 2019. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/30WerLp

Predicting canine pack patterns to understand how diseases spread through dogs

Human understanding of animal behavior is important not only from a purely scientific perspective but also from the perspective of disease prevention and control. This is especially poignant when considering those animals of vectors of disease that can be transmitted to humans and perhaps even underpin the emergence of novel pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus which has led to the current global COVID-19 pandemic. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3s0FQI7

Engineered microbe excels at 'breathing rubber,' could curb reliance on petroleum

Burning rubber? Tired. Breathing rubber? Inspired. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3f597xN

Mathematics professor creates critical discussions around COVID in new book

Ohio University mathematics professor Winfried Just's new book COVID-19 Unmasked: The News, the science and common sense tackles the persistent and sometimes controversial questions people have been asking about COVID in a new, conversational way. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2QdUmy1

Peering into a galaxy's dusty core to study an active supermassive black hole

Researchers using NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope will map and model the core of nearby galaxy Centaurus A. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lrwvXf

Astronomers spot a 'space jellyfish' in Abell 2877

A radio telescope located in outback Western Australia has observed a cosmic phenomenon with a striking resemblance to a jellyfish. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2QhmL6u