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Showing posts from June, 2021

Astra goes public, becomes 1st launch company to trade on Nasdaq

Astra today (June 30) completed its previously announced merger with Holicity, a special purpose acquisition company backed by Bill Gates and billionaire telecom pioneer Craig McCaw, among others. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ybef9S

How rockets work: A complete guide

Rockets of all kinds are still our only way of reaching space — but how exactly do they work? from Space.com https://ift.tt/3h6YGtV

Solving a murder case with physics

In 2009, famed music producer Phil Spector was found guilty of the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead from a single gunshot to her mouth at close range in Spector's California mansion. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h5SXVi

5-minute breathing workout lowers blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs

A new study shows that a breathing exercise known as Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training can reduce blood pressure in weeks, with benefits on par with daily exercise or medication. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qE24zJ

Employed individuals more likely to contract the flu, study shows

Researchers found that employed individuals, on average, are 35.3% more likely to be infected with the flu virus. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3AdRkwg

Better method to predict offshore wind power

Researchers have developed a machine learning model using a physics-based simulator and real-world meteorological data to better predict offshore wind power. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3hpPIXC

Mixing it up: A low-cost way to make efficient, stable perovskite solar cells

By using a fluid mixing process instead of expensive, high-temperature fabrication methods, researchers may have demonstrated a pathway to producing flexible, printed solar cells on a cost effective, industrial scale. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Uc3mpp

New research lifts the clouds on land clearing and biodiversity loss

A new mathematical model has been developed to uncover land clearing when satellite imagery is obstructed by clouds. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3hjnuhj

Embryo freezing for IVF appears linked to blood pressure problems in pregnancy

A large cohort study drawn from the national IVF registry of France, which included almost 70,000 pregnancies delivered after 22 weeks gestation between 2013 and 2018, has found a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension in pregnancies derived from frozen-thawed embryos. This risk was found significantly greater in those treatments in which the uterus was prepared for implantation with hormone replacement therapies. The results confirm with real-life data what has been observed in sub-groups of patients in other studies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qDlHI5

The Southern diet - fried foods and sugary drinks - may raise risk of sudden cardiac death

Participants in a large-scale study who more commonly consumed a Southern-style diet - high in added fats, fried foods, processed meats and sugary drinks - had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death than people who had lower adherence to a Southern-style diet. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3y85Ljv

Slowing down grape ripening can improve fruit quality for winemaking

Wine grapes are particularly finicky when it comes to their environment. For instance, heatwaves and droughts lead to earlier berry ripening and lackluster wine. And these types of episodes are expected to intensify as Earth's climate changes. Now, researchers have tweaked growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to slow down their ripening, which increased the levels of compounds associated with wine's characteristic floral and fruity notes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qCaMhI

Scientists intensify electrolysis, utilize carbon dioxide more efficiently with magnets

A promising approach captures atmospheric carbon dioxide and then through CO2 electrolysis converts it into value-added chemicals and intermediates, like ethanol. Reducing the energy consumption of this high-power process has been underexplored. Researchers report a new opportunity to use magnetism to reduce the energy required for CO2 electrolysis by up to 60% in a flow electrolyzer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2TeFQrX

Discovery of the role of a key gene in the development of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, attacks nerve cells known as motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to paralysis. The loss of function of an important gene, C9orf72, may affect communication between motor neurons and muscles in people with this disease. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2TeFPnT

Jackdaws don't console traumatized mates

Male jackdaws don't stick around to console their mate after a traumatic experience, new research shows. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3y75cGQ

Thermal waves observed in semiconductor materials

A study published in Science Advances reports on the unexpected observation of thermal waves in germanium, a semiconductor material, for the first time. This phenomenon may allow a significant improvement in the performance of our electronic devices in a near future. The study is led by researchers from the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC) in collaboration with researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and the University of Cagliari. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3jIb7yj

Where are the foreigners of the first international age?

The Bronze Age in the eastern Mediterranean has long been considered by researchers to have been the 'first international age,' especially the period from 1600-1200 BC, when powerful empires from Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt set up large networks of subordinate client kingdoms in the Near East. These empires fought, traded, and corresponded with one another, and ancient texts from the period reveal rich economic and social networks that enabled the movement of people and goods. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qBG08M

Behavioral study on common marmosets provides new insights into the evolution of language

Language distinguishes us humans; we learn it through experience and social interactions. Especially in the first year of life, human vocalizations change dramatically, becoming more and more language-like. In our closest relatives, non-human primates, language development was previously thought to be largely predetermined and completed within the first few weeks after birth. In a behavioral study now published, researchers from the German Primate Center, the University of Tübingen and the Rockefeller University New York were able to show that the infantile development of vocalizations in common marmosets also includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. The common marmoset is therefore a suitable animal model to better understand the evolution of early infant speech development. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dqUove

Streetonomics: using street names to quantify a city's cultural values

A city's street names can provide a glimpse into its cultural value system and a way to quantify cultural indicators, according to a study published June 30, 2021 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Melanie Bancilhon from Washington University in Saint Louis, U.S., and colleagues. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h4GfpS

Astronauts demonstrate CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in space

Researchers have developed and successfully demonstrated a novel method for studying how cells repair damaged DNA in space. Sarah Stahl-Rommel of Genes in Space and colleagues present the new technique in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on June 30, 2021. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2UfLTMZ

Digging into the molecules of fossilized dinosaur eggshells

Dinosaurs roamed the Earth more than 65 million years ago, and paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters are still unearthing traces of them today. The minerals in fossilized eggs and shell fragments provide snapshots into these creatures' early lives, as well as their fossilization processes. Now, researchers have analyzed the molecular makeup of fossilized dinosaur eggshells from Mexico, finding nine amino acids and evidence of ancient protein structures. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3x98zgo

Fecal records show Maya population affected by climate change

A new study has shown that the size of the Maya population in the lowland city of Itzan (in present-day Guatemala) varied over time in response to climate change. The findings show that both droughts and very wet periods led to important population declines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3duLmO1

Floods may be nearly as important as droughts for future carbon accounting

In a 34-year global analysis, researchers found that photosynthesis -- an important process for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in soil -- was controlled by extreme wet events nearly as often as droughts in certain locations. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3hpNTKa

Apollo landing sites: An observer's guide on how to spot them on the moon

Gaze upon the lunar surface tonight, and you’ll see where astronauts, rovers, and landers stepped onto another world. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3jv5NhC

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule

A reverse approach to making halichondrin B is the shortest route to what it referred to as a rather complex and important molecule and the parent compound of eribulin, the latter being used to treat breast cancer and liposarcoma. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2TmUqgN

Scientists mine the rich seam of body wearable motion sensors

Body movement can be identified through clothing by passing a low voltage through a seam sewn from conductive yarn. Seam-based fitness trackers hold promise for tracking subtle movements (yoga, Pilates, rehabilitation, etc) -- something today's fitness watches struggle with. Stretching conductive seams reduces voltage, and the increase in resistance broadly indicates the level of stretch. Changes in voltage are recorded using a microcontroller. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3y4I8s5

Just enough information will motivate young children to learn, drive curiosity

Preschool children are sensitive to the gap between how much they know and how much there is to learn, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w3vacY

A new kind of visual illusion uncovers how our brains connect the dots

A new class of illusion, developed by a visual artist and a psychology researcher, underscores the highly constructive nature of visual perception. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3doYi84

Antibodies help identify women protected from placental malaria

Six antibody characteristics could help scientists identify which pregnant women are at risk of placental malaria infections. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vZBCBG

Identifying a topological fingerprint

Australian theoretical physics study just out has identified a 'smoking gun' in long search for the topological magnetic monopole referred to as the Berry curvature. This breakthrough in search for topological effects in non-equilibrium systems opens paths towards low-energy topological electronics viable for large-scale, room-temperature operation. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yk8W8b

Parasites manipulate praying mantis's polarized-light perception, causing it to jump into water

Researchers have revealed that praying mantis (mantids) infected with parasitic hairworms are attracted to horizontally polarized light that is strongly reflected off the surface of water, which causes them to enter the water. These results demonstrate that parasites can manipulate the host's specific light perception system to their advantage, causing the host to behave in an abnormal manner. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3AbiyDE

Diversity of tiny bobtail squid driven by ancient biogeographic events, finds new study

Researchers took a close look at bobtail and bottletail squids to establish their evolutionary relationships and the timing of the divergence of different species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3juKmwW

Managing attention deficit disorder by training the brain

Scientists explored a technique called 'neurofeedback,' which enables ADHD patients to train their attention, based on instant feedback from the level of their brain activity. The team of neuroscientists found that not only did the training have a positive effect on patients' concentration abilities, but also that the attention improvement was closely linked to an enhanced response from the brain -- the P3 wave -- which is known to reflect integration of information in the brain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3y1fZSI

Human molecule blocking toxic forms of Parkinson's-related protein identified

Researchers have identified a human peptide found in the brain that blocks the alpha-synuclein aggregates involved in Parkinson's disease and prevents their neurotoxicity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3x7csm2

Researchers investigate whether exposure to vaporized THC might mellow lobsters bound for the cooking pot

This lobster tale begins a few years ago when the proprietor of a northeastern seafood restaurant publicly asserted that exposing lobsters to a little cannabis prior to cooking produced notable changes in their behavior and a less dramatic scene in the kitchen for all concerned, which was the Maine thing. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3jr9cxV

How a COVID-19 infection changes blood cells in the long run

Using real-time deformability cytometry, researchers at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in Erlangen were able to show for the first time: COVID-19 significantly changes the size and stiffness of red and white blood cells—sometimes over months. These results may help to explain why some affected people continue to complain of symptoms long after an infection (long COVID). from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qApaHs

Speedy nanorobots could someday clean up soil and water, deliver drugs

University of Colorado Boulder researchers have discovered that minuscule, self-propelled particles called "nanoswimmers" can escape from mazes as much as 20 times faster than other passive particles, paving the way for their use in everything from industrial clean-ups to medication delivery. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dryqIz

Research rebuttal paper uncovers misuse of Holocaust datasets

Aerospace engineering faculty member Melkior Ornik is also a mathematician, a history buff, and a strong believer in integrity when it comes to using hard science in public discussions. So, when a story popped up in his news feed about a pair of researchers who developed a statistical method to analyze datasets and used it to purportedly refute the number of Holocaust victims from a concentration camp in Croatia, it naturally caught his attention. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3hi82C1

Research team turns up the heat on 3D printing inks

A process that uses heat to change the arrangement of molecular rings on a chemical chain creates 3D-printable gels with a variety of functional properties, according to a Dartmouth study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3w65fkH

How plants become good neighbors in times of stress

Scientists have discovered how plants manage to live alongside each other in places that are dark and shady. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3x4RrII

Hunting dark energy with gravity resonance spectroscopy

Dark Energy is widely believed to be the driving force behind the universe's accelerating expansion, and several theories have now been proposed to explain its elusive nature. However, these theories predict that its influence on quantum scales must be vanishingly small, and experiments so far have not been accurate enough to either verify or discredit them. In new research published in EPJ ST, a team led by Hartmut Abele at TU Wien in Austria demonstrates a robust experimental technique for studying one such theory, using ultra-cold neutrons. Named "Gravity Resonance Spectroscopy" (GRS), their approach could bring researchers a step closer to understanding one of the greatest mysteries in cosmology. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2ULYsjb

Study provides first genome-wide evidence for functional importance of unusual DNA structures

Some regions of the human genome where the DNA can fold into unusual three-dimensional structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) show signs that they are preserved by natural selection. When G4s are located in the regulatory sequences that control how genes are expressed, or in other functional but non-protein coding regions of the genome, they are maintained by selection, are more common, and their unusual structures are more stable, according to a new study. Conversely, the structures are less common, less stable, and evolve neutrally outside of these regions, including within the protein-coding regions of genes themselves. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2Tc9D4w

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule: Lab makes synthesis of halichondrin B more efficient

The story of halichondrin B, an inspirational molecule obtained from a marine creature, goes back to the molecule's discovery in an ocean sponge in 1986. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3jsbSuU

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo ship departs space station to begin new mission in orbit

A Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft successfully undocked from the International Space Station Tuesday, more than four months after it arrived in orbit. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3dql7rZ

SpaceX to launch 88 satellites on Transporter 2 rideshare mission today. Here's how to watch live.

SpaceX is preparing one of its veteran rockets to launch dozens of small satellites into space on Tuesday afternoon (June 29). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3w62rUS

Half the country is facing an apocalyptic summer

A severe drought going into the summer is setting up the western United States for water rationing and nasty wildfires. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35Yf7mb

Could there be a link between interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua and unidentified aerial phenomena?

If some UAP turn out to be extraterrestrial technology, they could be dropping sensors for a subsequent craft to tune into. What if ‘Oumuamua is such a craft? from Space.com https://ift.tt/3A6NSUl

Plant physiology: A tale of three proteins

Biologists have shown that 'supervisor' and 'motivator' proteins are required to enable a third factor to perform its function in photosynthesis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dnRK9C

China's president calls Shenzhou 12 astronauts on space station

China's president made a call to the Tianhe space station module on Wednesday (June 23) to give his support to the Shenzhou 12 astronauts. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3A8h8dm

US Space Force has new guidelines for working at and around the moon

The U.S. Space Force has a new primer for activities beyond Earth orbit amid increased NASA and international interest in lunar activities. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3jojq20

New molecule found in chestnut leaves disarms dangerous staph bacteria

Scientists have isolated a molecule, extracted from the leaves of the European chestnut tree, with the power to neutralize dangerous, drug-resistant staph bacteria. Frontiers in Pharmacology has published the finding, led by scientists at Emory University. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2U6ZHJt

Weird warbler reveals genetics of its mismatched colors

An incredibly rare hybrid warbler with mismatched color patterns has allowed researchers to disentangle the genetic drivers of two traits that usually come as a package deal—the black face mask and the black throat patch in blue-winged and golden-winged warblers. A new study describing the peculiar bird and pinpointing the location in the genome that controls the face mask and throat patch appears online in the journal Ecology. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dlNdUY

Mangrove forest study has takeaways for coastal communities

A new paper published by an East Carolina University researcher in the Department of Coastal Studies shines light on the effect human-made infrastructure and natural topography has on coastal wetlands after major storm events. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h1OtPF

Plant physiology: A tale of three proteins

LMU biologists have shown that "supervisor" and "motivator" proteins are required to enable a third factor to perform its function in photosynthesis. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2UHxadH

Unique exoplanet photobombs Cheops satellite study of nearby star system

While exploring two exoplanets in a bright nearby star system, ESA's exoplanet-hunting Cheops satellite has unexpectedly spotted the system's third known planet crossing the face of the star. This transit reveals exciting details about a rare planet "with no known equivalent," say the researchers. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dn1W29

U.S. Presidents' narcissism linked to international conflict

The most narcissistic U.S. presidents since 1897 preferred to instigate conflicts with other great power countries without seeking support from allies, a new study suggests. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vWZSV2

Astronomers uncover evidence that there could be many more Earth-sized planets than previously thought

Some exoplanet searches could be missing nearly half of the Earth-sized planets around other stars. New findings from a team using the international Gemini Observatory and the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory suggest that Earth-sized worlds could be lurking undiscovered in binary star systems, hidden in the glare of their parent stars. As roughly half of all stars are in binary systems, this means that astronomers could be missing many Earth-sized worlds. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3w0SCYk

Mangrove forest study has takeaways for coastal communities

A new article shines light on the effect human-made infrastructure and natural topography has on coastal wetlands after major storm events. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dnx4Pb

DNA data and modelling reveal potential spread of invasive species

Scientists have found that a marine invasive species - a sea squirt that lives on rocky shores - could spread along 3,500 kilometers of South American coastline if climate change or human activities alter sea conditions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3h3baCS

DNA data and modeling reveal potential spread of invasive species

Scientists at the University of Southampton have found that a marine invasive species—a sea squirt that lives on rocky shores—could spread along 3,500 kilometers of South American coastline if climate change or human activities alter sea conditions. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dl3GJm

Hotels offering rooms to homeless in pandemic reap reputational reward

Hotels that opened their doors to homeless people in their community during lockdown generated greater positive word-of-mouth marketing than those that offered free accommodation to frontline healthcare workers, finds new university research. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dmX7pI

COVID-19's socio-economic fallout threatens global coffee industry

COVID-19's socio-economic effects will likely cause another severe production crisis in the coffee industry, according to a Rutgers University-led study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3jqPEcO

Shock find brings extinct mouse back from the dead

An Australian mammal thought to have been wiped out over 150 years ago can now be crossed off our list of extinct animals, following a new study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3jkni3R

Unusual prey: Spiders eating snakes

There are spiders that eat snakes. Observations of snake-eating spiders have been reported around the world. Researchers consolidated and analyzed over 300 reports of this unusual predation strategy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w3dYnU

Striking gold: Synthesizing green gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy with biomolecules

Scientists have designed an eco-friendly protocol for synthesizing gold nanoparticles with optimized morphology for near-infrared light absorption using a biomolecule called B3 peptide. They report the synthesis of triangular and circular gold nanoplates and their effectiveness in killing cancer cells by converting the absorbed light into heat, providing useful insights for the development of non-invasive cancer therapy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3he4iBv

Deep machine learning completes information about the bioactivity of one million molecules

A newly developed tool predicts the biological activity of chemical compounds, key information to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Using artificial neural networks, scientists have inferred experimental data for a million compounds and have developed a package of programs to make estimates for any type of molecule. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/35VvBv1

Blood stem cells make brain tumors more aggressive

Scientists have discovered stem cells of the hematopoietic system in glioblastomas, the most aggressive form of brain tumor. These hematopoietic stem cells promote division of the cancer cells and at the same time suppress the immune response against the tumor. This surprising discovery might open up new possibilities for developing more effective immunotherapies against these malignant brain tumors. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w0PNX5

Love: How the feeling of power determines happy relationships

Want to have a happy relationship? Make sure both partners feel they can decide on issues that are important to them. Objective power measured by income, for example, doesn't seem to play a big role, according to a new study. Instead, how lovers perceive power dynamics in their relationship is most important for relationship satisfaction. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xZZ4jA

Up in the air! US government's UFO report stirs range of reactions

The release of the U.S. government's highly anticipated UFO report has whipped up a blend of reactions, from UFO groups to individuals in military, academic and scientific circles. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35Z5mnG

Wow! NASA photographer spots space station crossing the sun during spacewalk (video)

The International Space Station was photographed crossing the disk of the sun just as astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Shane Kimbrough worked outside to install the second Roll-Out Solar Array. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3w1Zjt5

Researchers develop compact, intense XUV laser

An international team of researchers has demonstrated a new concept for the generation of intense extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) radiation by high-harmonic generation (HHG ). Its advantage lies in the fact that its footprint is much smaller than currently existing intense XUV lasers. The new scheme is straightforward and could be implemented in many laboratories worldwide, which may boost the research field of ultrafast XUV science. The detailed experimental and theoretical results have been published in Optica. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xYCxni

Have cats become more affectionate in lockdown? New research shows the impact of the pandemic on pets

For many, their pets have proved to be a positive companion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as a more 'normal' life resumes on the road out of lockdown, new research has been published examining whether the mental health of owners has affected the welfare of their pets. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3x1w6jm

Edible coating for seabass preservation

Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is one of the most commonly consumed food fish by Singaporeans. Seabass is loved by many consumers because of its high protein, low fat and ideal fatty acids composition. However, seabass is highly perishable due to the presence of endogenous enzymes and micro-organisms. Storing seabass at 4 degrees Celsius could help preserve the quality and freshness to some extent. However, the loss in the food quality is inevitable and the fish will eventually become unfit for consumption during storage. With increasing demand by consumers for fresh and safe seabass, new preservation strategies are needed to prolong the shelf life of fresh fish while maintaining high food quality. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qxYaZ9

Social distancing for birds? Kentucky takes steps, investigates after bird mortality event

Social distancing is now for the birds, too. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qvSsqA

'Transmitted down the leash': Anxious owners, anxious dogs

(HealthDay)—Dog obedience trainer Cindy Leung has a very anxious client who loves a very anxious breed, the Shetland Sheepdog. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h7Iis0

No quick fix for Hubble Space Telescope's computer glitch, NASA says

NASA is still investigating the computer glitch that has left the Hubble Space Telescope offline after an unsuccessful attempt to turn on its backup computer for the first time in space. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2Td3iWl

New ultra-high energy gamma-ray source detected

Using the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), astronomers have performed a search for new high-energy gamma-ray sources. As a result, they have identified a new ultra-high energy gamma-ray source, which received designation LHAASO J2108+5157. The finding is reported in a paper published June 18 on the arXiv pre-print repository. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3x2nZmy

Researchers perform metabolomic profiling of individual enlarged lysosomes

In a study published in Nature Methods, a team led by Prof. Xiong Wei and Prof. CANG Chunlei from University of Science and Technology of China of the Chinese Academy of Sciences realized lysosome typing for the first time based on single lysosome metabonomic information by establishing a single lysosome metabonomic mass spectrometry detection technology, and explored the heterogeneity changes of lysosome metabonomics in the process of cellular senescence. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3hgYFCw

Data from boreholes in plate boundaries could explain slow earthquakes

Slow earthquakes are long-period earthquakes that are not so dangerous alone, but are able to trigger more destructive earthquakes. Their origins lie in tectonic plate boundaries where one plate subsides below another. Though the causal mechanism is already known, there has been a lack of data to accurately model the life cycle of slow earthquakes. For the first time, researchers use deep-sea boreholes to gauge pressures far below the seafloor. They hope data from this and future observations can aid the understanding of earthquake evolution. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3y5Bli7

Giant comet found in outer solar system by Dark Energy Survey

A giant comet from the outskirts of our solar system has been discovered in six years of data from the Dark Energy Survey. Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein is estimated to be about 1000 times more massive than a typical comet, making it arguably the largest comet discovered in modern times. It has an extremely elongated orbit, journeying inward from the distant Oort Cloud over millions of years. It is the most distant comet to be discovered on its incoming path, giving us years to watch it evolve as it approaches the Sun, though it's not predicted to become a naked-eye spectacle. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3hftqrw

Smart wound dressings with built-in healing sensors

Researchers have developed smart wound dressings with built-in nanosensors that glow to alert patients when a wound is not healing properly. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gXE0Vk

An atlas of the bumblebee brain

The buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris is one of the most common bumblebee species in Europe. It is not only active in nature as a pollinator—humans also use it in greenhouses and foil tunnels to get good harvests of tomatoes or strawberries. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3w4UIGq

Deep machine learning completes information about one million bioactive molecules

The Structural Bioinformatics and Network Biology laboratory, led by ICREA Researcher Dr. Patrick Aloy, has completed the bioactivity information for a million molecules using deep machine-learning computational models. It has also disclosed a tool to predict the biological activity of any molecule, even when no experimental data are available. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2ThrhUd

Could life exist in the atmosphere of a sub-Neptune planet?

Earth is perfectly suited for organic life. It stands to reason then that similar worlds orbiting distant stars might also be rich with life. But proving it will be a challenge. One of the better ways to discover extraterrestrial life will be to study the atmospheres of inhabited exoplanets, but Earth is fairly small for a planet and has a thin atmosphere compared to larger worlds. It will be much easier to study the atmospheres of gas planets, but could such worlds harbor life? A new paper in Universe argues it could. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gYAM3S

Advances in intracellular spaces with de novo designed peptide

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have set out to harness the potential of self-assembling peptides (SAPs) in intracellular spaces. They present a de novo designed peptide, Y15, which displays a strong tendency to assemble in cellular environments. The addition of Y15-tagged bioactive proteins can functionalize these assemblies, enhancing their utility and relevance by leaps and bounds. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3doRzuO

History of Antarctic ice sheets holds clues for our future

A new study from researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) on how the world's largest ice sheet developed also provides vital clues about climate change tipping points. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2U8YyRy

Synthesizing green gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy with biomolecules

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have designed an eco-friendly protocol for synthesizing gold nanoparticles with optimized morphology for near-infrared light absorption using a biomolecule called B3 peptide. In their paper, they report the synthesis of triangular and circular gold nanoplates and their effectiveness in killing cancer cells by converting the absorbed light into heat, providing useful insights for the development of non-invasive cancer therapy. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/35UIJAG

Boiling 'baby bubble' where stars are born comes into view

A gorgeous new image of Westerlund 2 shows a birthplace of new stars in the Milky Way in unprecedented detail. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3htp0O7

Earth has a 'pulse' of 27.5 million years

Most major geological events in Earth's recent history have clustered in 27.5-million-year intervals — a pattern that scientists are now calling the "pulse of the Earth." from Space.com https://ift.tt/3hho0MV

None of the alien planets we know of could sustain life as we know it, study finds

Conditions for the emergence of more complex forms of life as we know it on Earth on exoplanets orbiting stars in the Milky Way seem to be rare, a new study has found. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3h74EKc

Mars may have dozens of lakes beneath its south pole

Much more liquid water may lie beneath Mars' south pole than scientists had thought — or there may be something going on down there that they don't fully understand. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2TgoV8f

Elephants solve problems with personality

This study makes connections between two sources of individual variation, personality and cognition, in threatened species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2T4W2fi

Backscatter breakthrough runs near-zero-power IoT communicators at 5G speeds everywhere

Researchers have found a low-cost way for backscatter radios to support high-throughput communication and 5G-speed Gb/sec data transfer using only a single transistor when previously it required expensive and multiple stacked transistors. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3h43Q8I

World's smallest hog released into wild in India by conservationists

A dozen of the world's smallest pigs have been released into the wild in northeastern India as part of a conservation programme to boost the population of a species once thought to have become extinct. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3A1ZurB

Portland records hottest day ever amid Northwest scorcher

Utility workers and wildlife managers across the Pacific Northwest were trying to keep people and animals safe Saturday as a historic heat wave scorched the region, toppling records and sending residents searching for relief. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h7WAZO

Hear the 1st sounds from China's Mars rover Zhurong and watch it drive in new video

China's first Mars rover has captured its first sounds of the Red Planet and beamed back stunning views of a drive on the dusty world. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3hbbWfZ

Lego unveils epic Imperial Light Cruiser and more new Star Wars Mandalorian sets coming in August

Three new Lego Star Wars spaceships were released Saturday (June 26) at the first-ever Lego Con. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3x2gKLg

'Observation' video game shows how an AI solves problems in space

After we dug into the game, we spoke with the creative director to learn more about its inspiration and development. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3h9yKwG

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Panda: Adorable cartoon shows astronaut life on Chinese space station

A new Chinese animated cartoon shows a sample of what the country's astronauts will experience in space on the new Tiangong space station. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35Xkl1f

This 'charming' particle could have saved the universe

Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider obtained the result by analyzing over 30.6 million particle decays, and are aiming to look with more precise detectors when the atom smasher powers up again in September. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2UDDP8N

Dramatic images capture rapid slide of Antarctic glacier

Scientists studied the acceleration using high-res radar images, captured by satellites. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3xXuM0N

Potential new CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma

Researchers are studying a potential new chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) treatment for multiple myeloma. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3jgGsrn

Differences in human, mouse brain cells have important implications for disease research

A study comparing brain cells known as astrocytes in humans and mice found that mouse astrocytes are more resilient to oxidative stress, a damaging imbalance that is a mechanism behind many neurological disorders. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3w0ZCEt

Sleeper cells: Newly discovered stem cell resting phase could put brain tumors to sleep

Biomedical engineering researchers developed a new cell classifier tool that takes a higher-resolution look at the life cycle of neuroepithelial stem cells, which led to the discovery and exploration of a new resting phase called Neural G0. This knowledge could help scientists to better understand glioma brain tumors and develop new methods of treatment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3A1OJFH

Optical tweezer technology tweaked to overcome dangers of heat

Researchers have created a new version of optical tweezer technology that fixes a heating problem, a development that could open the already highly regarded tools to new types of research and simplify processes for using them today. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xSOElR

Unbroken: New soft electronics don't break, even when punctured

A team of researchers has created a new type of soft electronics, paving the way for devices that are self-healing, reconfigurable, and recyclable. These skin-like circuits are soft and stretchy, sustain numerous damage events under load without losing electrical conductivity, and can be recycled to generate new circuits at the end of a product's life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dk2llR

Scientists use NASA satellite data to track ocean microplastics from space

Scientists have developed an innovative way to use NASA satellite data to track the movement of tiny pieces of plastic in the ocean. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xWA0Kl

More intense predation in the tropics can limit marine invasions

Marine biologists tested predictions about biological invasions, first in Panama and then in an experiment of unprecedented geographic scale. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qrahHk

Engineered yeast could expand biofuels' reach

Researchers found a way to reduce cellulosic feedstocks' toxicity to yeast, making it feasible to use these abundant feedstocks to produce ethanol, biodiesel, or bioplastics. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qrUloh

Nanotech OLED electrode liberates 20% more light, could slash display power consumption

A new electrode that could free up 20% more light from organic light-emitting diodes has been developed. It could help extend the battery life of smartphones and laptops, or make next-gen televisions and displays much more energy efficient. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xW3Dvb

One 'ring' to rule them all: Curious interlocked molecules show dual response

Scientists design polymers infused with a stress-sensitive molecular unit that respond to external forces by switching on their fluorescence. The researchers demonstrate the fluorescence to be dependent on the magnitude of force and show that it is possible to detect both, reversible and irreversible polymer deformations, opening the door to the exploration of new force regimes in polymers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/35Ve1aA

Having the same nurse for home health visits may prevent rehospitalization for people with dementia

People with dementia receiving home health care visits are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital when there is consistency in nursing staff, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ActUaK

Mysterious flashes of radio light come in two 'flavors,' new survey finds

Astronomers have tracked 500 fast radio bursts to their locations in the sky, and found they come in two flavors. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qqHHpD

Barbarella will launch on wild space adventures in new Dynamite comic series

Dynamite Entertainment is releasing a thrilling new "Barbarella" space fantasy miniseries in July written by Sarah Hoyt and art by Madibek Musabekov. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zYZHvF

UFO sightings remain mysterious, US government report says

The U.S. government needs some more time to get to the bottom of the UFO mystery. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3jfybnF

Environmental impact of hydrofracking vs. conventional gas/oil drilling: Research shows the differences may be minimal

Researchers have developed a new machine learning technique to holistically assess water quality data in order to detect groundwater samples likely impacted by recent methane leakage during oil and gas production. Using that model, the team concluded that unconventional drilling methods like hydraulic fracturing do not necessarily incur more environmental problems than conventional oil and gas drilling. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dynWr5

Leopard gecko skin tumors traced to cancer gene

In a rare gecko color variety known as Lemon Frost, scientists have traced an unusual coloring and tendency to form tumors to a gene linked to human melanoma. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3jeoaHf

Scientists can predict and design single atom catalysts for important chemical reactions

Guided by quantum chemical calculations, scientists design and test a new single atom catalyst that converts propane to propylene with 100% efficiency, with little deactivation by coking. If adopted by industry, the catalyst could save billions of dollars and stop millions of tons of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xSLdLV

Glial cells help mitigate neurological damage in Huntington's disease

Glia affected by Huntington's disease respond by tuning down synapse genes, which has a protective effect. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dhbewx

Study confirms the low likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 on hospital surfaces is infectious

A new study confirms the low likelihood that coronavirus contamination on hospital surfaces is infectious. The study is the original report on recovering near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences directly from surface swabs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zXxDsz

Ethane proxies for methane in oil and gas emissions

Measuring ethane in the atmosphere shows that the amounts of methane going into the atmosphere from oil and gas wells and contributing to greenhouse warming is higher than suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to an international team of scientists who spent three years flying over three areas of the U.S. during all four seasons. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3jc6ImH

Membrane proteins of bacteria and humans show surprising similarities

The cells of simple organisms, such as bacteria, as well as human cells are surrounded by a membrane, which fulfills various tasks including protecting the cell from stress. Researchers have now discovered that a membrane protein found in bacteria has a similar structure and function as a group of proteins that are responsible for remodeling and rebuilding the cell membrane in humans. No connection between the two protein groups was known before. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3h4hDwh

Are zebra mussels eating or helping toxic algae?

While invasive zebra mussels consume small plant-like organisms called phytoplankton, researchers discovered during a long-term study that zebra mussels can actually increase Microcystis, a type of phytoplankton known as 'blue-green algae' or cyanobacteria, that forms harmful floating blooms. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gUgDvB

Natural history and conservation importance of Chinese mountain cat

In a large study of Chinese cats, genetic detectives highlight the evolutionary uniqueness and premier conservation importance of the elusive Chinese mountain cat (Felis silvestris bieti), found only in the Tibetan plateau of China. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gW9ew3

A 'tasty' protein may lead to new ways to treat metabolic and immune diseases

The same taste-sensing molecule that helps you enjoy a meal from your favorite restaurant may one day lead to improved ways to treat diabetes and other metabolic and immune diseases. TRPM5 is a specialized protein that is concentrated in the taste buds, where it helps relay messages to and from cells. It has long been of interest to researchers due to its roles in taste perception and blood sugar regulation. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/35SQ0B4

New CRISPR 3.0 system for highly efficient gene activation in plants

Biologists have introduced a new and improved CRISPR 3.0 system in plants, focusing on gene activation. This third generation system focuses on multiplexed gene activation that can boost the function of multiple genes simultaneously. This system boasts four to six times the activation capacity of current state-of-the-art CRISPR technology, demonstrating high accuracy and efficiency in up to seven genes at once. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zZY2Wz

How neurons get past 'no'

A new study shows that inhibitory neurons do more than just inhibit neuron activity like an off-switch; paradoxically, they actually increase the amount of information transmitted through the nervous system. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dy6rqT

People with fibromyalgia are substituting CBD for opioids to manage pain

As the ravages of the opioid epidemic lead many to avoid these powerful painkillers, a significant number of people with fibromyalgia are finding an effective replacement in CBD-containing products, finds a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gW1Kcj

Spacewalking astronauts deploy second new solar array for space station

For the third time in less than two weeks, two astronauts ventured outside of the International Space Station to augment the orbiting outpost's power system with new solar arrays. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qyh8yL

Virgin Galactic can fly passengers to suborbital space, FAA says

The FAA has updated Virgin Galactic's spaceflight operator license, allowing it to fly paying customers in addition to crewmembers, company representatives announced today (June 25). from Space.com https://ift.tt/35RFcTF

COVID-linked multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children diagnosed more in Black and Latino children

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) significantly affected more Black and Latino children than white children, with Black children at the highest risk, according to a new study. Researchers also found cardiac complications, including systolic myocardial dysfunction and valvular regurgitation, were more common in MIS-C patients who were critically ill. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zTebx7

Never-before-seen colossal comet on a trek toward the sun

A new visitor is swinging by the solar system: a never-before-observed comet that hails from the Oort Cloud. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3vVdJLt

Chinese astronauts enjoying 120 dishes during space station stay

China's Shenzhou 12 astronauts will select their meals from more than 120 dishes during their three-month stay in orbit. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3deQMwk

Engineered yeast could expand biofuels' reach

Boosting production of biofuels such as ethanol could be an important step toward reducing global consumption of fossil fuels. However, ethanol production is limited in large part by its reliance on corn, which isn't grown in large enough quantities to make up a significant portion of U.S. fuel needs. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3x2k09y

Nanotech OLED electrode liberates 20% more light, could slash display power consumption

A new electrode that could free up 20% more light from organic light-emitting diodes has been developed at the University of Michigan. It could help extend the battery life of smartphones and laptops, or make next-gen televisions and displays much more energy efficient. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2SqWTX5

Common plant fiber gel doubled rate of tumor eradication

Many people don't realize that the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi residing within the gastrointestinal tract --collectively called the gut microbiome -- are connected to overall health, and specifically to cancer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/35PyxcJ

Streptococcus pneumoniae sticks to dying lung cells, worsening secondary infection following flu

Researchers have found a further reason for the severity of dual infection by influenza and Streptococcus pneumonia -- a new virulence mechanism for a surface protein on the pneumonia-causing bacteria S. pneumoniae. This insight comes 30 years after discovery of that surface protein, called pneumococcal surface protein A. This mechanism had been missed in the past because it facilitates bacterial adherence only to dying lung epithelial cells, not to living cells. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zSqZDQ

Scientists may need to rethink which genes control aging, study suggests

Researchers fed fruit flies antibiotics and monitored the lifetime activity of hundreds of genes that scientists have traditionally thought control aging. To their surprise, the antibiotics not only extended the lives of the flies but also dramatically changed the activity of many of these genes. Their results suggested that only about 30% of the genes traditionally associated with aging set an animal's internal clock while the rest reflect the body's response to bacteria. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xKhh4u

Non-invasive potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Ultrasound can overcome some of the detrimental effects of ageing and dementia without the need to cross the blood-brain barrier, researchers have found. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zTFWFN

20 sci-fi movies and TV shows to binge watch on Netflix right now

Time to catch up on some long overdue sci-fi, so here's our handy guide to what's on. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2WVmWpa

Pacific Northwest braces for record-breaking heat wave

Record-high heat is forecast in the normally mild-weathered Pacific Northwest this weekend, raising concerns about wildfires and the health of people in a region where many people don't have air conditioning. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qqbNJC

Gastrulation research reveals novel details about embryonic development

Scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum München are revising the current textbook knowledge about gastrulation, the formation of the basic body plan, during embryonic development. Their study in mice has implications for cell replacement strategies and cancer research. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2U1tzH2

Vegetation growth in Northern Hemisphere is stunted by water constraints in warming climate

A first-of-its-kind large-scale study of vegetation growth in the Northern Hemisphere over the past 30 years has found that vegetation is becoming increasingly water-limited as global temperatures increase. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vUy7fV

Real cheese, no animals: More than 70% of consumers want breakthrough cheese

Precision-fermentation company Formo and the University of Bath have co-published the first large-scale study of consumer acceptance for animal-free dairy products. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2TYOOJQ

Rude behavior at work is not an epidemic, new study shows

Rude behavior at work has come to be expected, like donuts in the breakroom. Two decades of research on employee relationships shows that 98 percent of employees experience rude behavior at work, but now a new study suggests a large majority of workplace relationships are not characterized by rudeness. Isolated incidents of rude behavior at work, although somewhat common, do not point to widespread incivility between employees and their colleagues, according to a new UCF study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xKdqV4

A 'tasty' protein may lead to new ways to treat metabolic and immune diseases

The same taste-sensing molecule that helps you enjoy a meal from your favorite restaurant may one day lead to improved ways to treat diabetes and other metabolic and immune diseases. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gZ23TX

Research connects air pollution to worst Taiwanese drought in nearly 60 years

A new study co-published by researchers at the University at Albany and National Central University (NCU) has linked air pollution to the worst drought that Taiwan has experienced in more than a half-century. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wVmKpe

Pac-Man and Picasso: Researcher pushes the boundaries of learning in mathematics education

Earth is a round planet where flat surfaces and perfect shapes are scarce, but assignments in many geometry courses are completed on grid paper with simplified line segments and symmetrical polygons. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/35NwjdZ

International research provides insight into how fibrosis can start and become devastating in different body tissues

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities worldwide have been forced to reduce in-person interactions, altering how we connect and work with one another. The transition to a "virtual world" has been eye-opening, proving to many that research and innovation can continue, even in a remote setting.  from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2U42iUn

A new type of Homo unknown to science

The bones of an early human, unknown to science, who lived in the Levant at least until 130,000 years ago, were discovered in excavations at the Nesher Ramla site, near the city of Ramla. Recognizing similarity to other archaic Homo specimens from 400,000 years ago, found in Israel and Eurasia, the researchers reached the conclusion that the Nesher Ramla fossils represent a unique Middle Pleistocene population, now identified for the first time. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3j9hme7

Preventing the break-in of the toxoplasmosis parasite

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite which, to survive, must absolutely penetrate its host's cells. Understanding how the parasite manages to enter host cells offers opportunities to develop more prevention. A team has now identified the key role of RON13, which is essential for the invasion process. The three-dimensional structure and the site of action of this enzyme are atypical, thus offering the possibility of designing specific inhibitors to stop the infection. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gXANno

Plant Protector: How plants strengthen their light-harvesting membranes against environmental stress

An international study has revealed the structure of a membrane-remodeling protein that builds and maintains photosynthetic membranes. These fundamental insights lay the groundwork for bioengineering efforts to strengthen plants against environmental stress, helping to sustaining human food supply and fight against climate change. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xNWrRQ

Children's beat gestures predict the subsequent development of their oral skills

New research shows that the early production of beat gestures with the hands (i.e., gestures normally associated with emphasis that do not represent the semantic content of speech) by infants between 14 and 58 months of age in natural interactions with their carers predicts that in their later development, nearing the age of five, these children obtain better results insofar as their oral narrative skills. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wWq8A2

Cyclone study improves climate projections

Migrating storms and local weather systems known as cyclones and anticyclones were thought to contribute to behaviors and properties of our global weather system. However, the means to probe cyclones and anticyclones were limited. Researchers demonstrated a new three-dimensional analytical methodology that can quantify the way individual cyclones and anticyclones impact broader weather systems. This study aids longer-term circulation and climate studies, including how storm characteristics may change in the future. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zY31H8

'Rosie the Rocketeer' dummy buckles up for Boeing's 2nd Starliner launch test

Although the next flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule won't carry any astronauts, it will ferry one passenger to and from the International Space Station. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3h4bDmZ

Nesher Ramla Homo: New fossil discovery from Israel points to complicated evolutionary process

Analysis of recently discovered fossils found in Israel suggest that interactions between different human species were more complex than previously believed, according to a team of researchers including Binghamton University anthropology professor Rolf Quam. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/363Kc85

Scientists can predict and design single atom catalysts for important chemical reactions

Researchers at Tufts University, University College London (UCL), Cambridge University and University of California at Santa Barbara have demonstrated that a catalyst can indeed be an agent of change. In a study published today in Science, they used quantum chemical simulations run on supercomputers to predict a new catalyst architecture as well as its interactions with certain chemicals, and demonstrated in practice its ability to produce propylene—currently in short supply—which is critically needed in the manufacture of plastics, fabrics and other chemicals. The improvements have potential for highly efficient, "greener" chemistry with a lower carbon footprint. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wUPKNT

Battle of the Pleiades against plant immunity

Mythological nymphs reincarnate as a group of corn smut proteins to launch a battle on maize immunity. One of these proteins appears to stand out among its sister Pleiades, much like its namesake character in Greek mythology. The research carried out at GMI—Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences—is published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xRe0k4

Wild bees need deadwood in the forest

How many tree species are there in the forest? How are the trees scattered throughout? How high are the individual tree crowns? Are there fallen trees or hollowed-out tree trunks? Forest scientists characterize forests according to structural factors. "Structural richness is very important for biodiversity in forests. But forests used for forestry are generally poor in terms of structure," says Tristan Eckerter from the Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology at the University of Freiburg. Therefore, together with research teams from the Chair of Silviculture and the Black Forest National Park, he investigated whether structures such as standing timber in forests help to promote the diversity of wild bees. In addition, the researchers analyzed which other natural features of the spruce-dominated forest help wild bees survive. They found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests is a promising restoration measure to promote the abundance of aboveground nesting be

Study: Environmental risks exacerbated for vulnerable populations in small towns

A new study of small Iowa towns found that vulnerable populations within those communities face significantly more public health risks than statewide averages. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gQqNxj

Being Anglo-Saxon was a matter of language and culture, not genetics

A new study from archaeologists at University of Sydney and Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, has provided important new evidence to answer the question "Who exactly were the Anglo-Saxons?" from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2TYVt6N

East Antarctic summer cooling trends caused by tropical rainfall clusters

Our planet is warming due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, but the warming differs from region to region, and it can also vary seasonally. Over the last four decades, scientists have observed a persistent austral summer cooling on the eastern side of Antarctica. This puzzling feature has received world-wide attention, because it is not far away from one of the well-known global warming hotspots—the Antarctic Peninsula. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2UreA9z

Where did Sierra snow go this spring? Not into California rivers and water supplies

California's severe drought was made worse this year by a shocking surprise. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d9awBr

Pandemic air quality due to weather, not just lockdowns

Headlines proclaiming COVID lockdowns drastically reduced pollution were mostly referring to nitrogen dioxide, NO2, a reactive gas emitted from burning fuel. There had been less understanding of how lockdowns affected PM2.5, tiny particulate matter that can penetrate a person's lungs, leading to a host of health problems, including increased risk for heart attack and cancer. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gVQ9sB

Greater Yellowstone area expected to become warmer, drier

Temperature has significantly increased and snowfall decreased in the iconic Greater Yellowstone Area since 1950 because of climate change, and these trends will likely continue through the rest of the century, according to a climate report published today. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3heS3ov

Cat-born parasite Toxoplasma induces fatally bold behavior in hyena cubs

Best known for its presence in house cats and a tendency to infect and alter the behaviors of rodents and humans, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is also associated with bold behavior among wild hyena cubs and risk of death during interactions with lions, finds new research from the University of Colorado Boulder. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3j3LoQo

'Lady Luck': Does anthropomorphized luck drive risky financial behavior?

A new study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research posits that increased accessibility to anthropomorphized luck (i.e., "Lady Luck") can lead consumers to be more likely to pursue higher-risk financial behavior. In "Lady Luck: Anthropomorphized Luck Creates Perceptions of Risk-Sharing and Drives Pursuit of Risky Alternatives," authors Katina Kulow, Thomas Kramer, and Kara Bentley propose that preferences for higher-risk options (like lottery tickets with worse odds or investment opportunities with a low chance of return) are driven by shared risk perceptions that might engender feelings of security provided by the idea of "Lady Luck." This behavior, the authors note, "bodes ill for consumer welfare, given that many financial maladaptive activities arise from repeated behaviors." from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2TXDSfk

These sea anemones eat ants

The giant plumose anemone is an animal, but it looks a bit like an underwater cauliflower. Its body consists of a stalk-like column that attaches to rocks and other surfaces on one end, and to a crown of tentacles on the other. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vVGbwB

Tiny ancient bird from China shares skull features with Tyrannosaurus rex

Researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a 120-million-year-old partial fossil skeleton of a tiny extinct bird that fits in the palm of the hand and preserves a unique skull with a mix of dinosaurian and bird features. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3zS6XJB

Addressing inequity in air quality

Air quality varies greatly within regions and cities around the world, and exposure to air pollution can have severe health impacts. In the U.S., people of color are disproportionately exposed to poor air quality. A cover story in Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, highlights how scientists and community activists are using new technologies to gather data that could help address this inequity. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3zLtdoB

Magneto-thermal imaging brings synchrotron capabilities to the lab

Coming soon to a lab tabletop near you: a method of magneto-thermal imaging that offers nanoscale and picosecond resolution previously available only in synchrotron facilities. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d7vf8y

Machine learning aids earthquake risk prediction

Our homes and offices are only as solid as the ground beneath them. When that solid ground turns to liquid—as sometimes happens during earthquakes—it can topple buildings and bridges. This phenomenon is known as liquefaction, and it was a major feature of the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, a magnitude 6.3 quake that killed 185 people and destroyed thousands of homes. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/35K0QZV

Use of additional data improves regional weather forecasts

Modern weather forecasts rely heavily on data retrieved from numerical weather prediction models. These models continue to improve and have advanced considerably throughout more than half a century. However, forecast reliability depends on the quality and accuracy of initialization data, or a sample of the current global atmosphere when the model run is started. This process of bringing surface observations, radiosonde data, and satellite imagery together to create a picture of the initial atmospheric state is called data assimilation. Satellite upgrades have significantly improved this process, providing more data than ever before. Several recent studies show that passive microwave (PMW) radiance observations from polar orbiting satellites are critical to input into both global and regional weather prediction models. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xLuUQT

10 keys to integrating health into urban and transport planning

As much as 20% of premature mortality can be attributed to poor urban and transport planning. Nevertheless, quantitative indicators to guide the integration of health components into urban design have been lacking. To address this gap, a team from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the 'la Caixa' Foundation, has identified 10 principles—and corresponding indicators—to help urban planners incorporate public health into their work. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qkVlKQ

The origins of farming insects

A beetle bores a tree trunk to build a gallery in the wood in order to protect its lay. As it digs the tunnel, it spreads ambrosia fungal spores that will feed the larvae. When these bore another tree, the adult beetles will be the transmission vectors of the fungal spores in another habitat. This mutualism among insects and ambrosia fungi could be more than 100 million years old—more than what was thought to date—according to an article published in the journal Biological Reviews. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gRBGh6

A study of more than 3,000 sharks has identified the most common South Florida species

The bull shark, a fearsome predator that could kill you with a single bite, turns out to be the fourth-most abundant shark species in South Florida, according to a new study of the region's sharks. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gXohEz

AI to track cognitive deviation in aging brains

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-based brain age prediction model to quantify deviations from a healthy brain-aging trajectory in patients with mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. The model has the potential to aid in early detection of cognitive impairment at an individual level. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3da789k

How to make lithium-ion batteries invincible

Scientists have made significant progress in developing battery cathodes using a new class of materials that provide batteries with the same if not higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries but can be made of inexpensive and abundant metals. Known as DRX, which stands for disordered rocksalts with excess lithium, this novel family of materials was invented less than 10 years ago and allows cathodes to be made without nickel or cobalt. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3j7SIL0

Protein linked to heart health, disease a potential therapeutic target for dementia

Researchers have found that high levels of a normal protein associated with reduced heart disease also protect against Alzheimer's-like damage in mice, opening up new approaches to slowing or stopping brain damage and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gVJH4Y

Tuckered out: Early Antarctic explorers underfed their dogs

New research analyzing a century-old dog biscuit suggests early British Antarctic expeditions underfed their dogs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2ST2TIC

Space calendar 2021: Rocket launches, sky events, missions & more!

Here's a guide to all the rocket launches and astronomical events in 2021, as well as milestones for space missions, anniversaries and conferences. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2raTgBU

Illuminating the mechanism behind how plants regulate starch synthesis

Biologists have used rice to successfully illuminate the mechanism by which plants regulate the amount of starch produced via photosynthesis. This knowledge could contribute towards improving the quality and yield of agricultural crops. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2TRT0ec

Sports: Men and women react differently to a missing audience

Without an audience, men run slower and women faster: The lack of spectators during the coronavirus pandemic appears to have had a noticeable effect on the performance of athletes at the 2020 Biathlon World Cup, a new study shows. According to the new analysis, women also performed better in complex tasks, such as shooting, when an audience was present while men did not. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xHd5T9

Secretin hormone induces satiation by activating brown fat

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism controlling satiation. According to the recently published study, the hormone secretin induces satiation by activating brown adipose tissue. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xK6yaa

Former astronaut Pam Melroy sworn in as NASA deputy chief

Former astronaut Pam Melroy was sworn in as NASA deputy administrator on Monday (June 21), four days after being confirmed for the post by the U.S. Senate. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3xWG8lZ

Exclusive Q&A: Sci-fi author Martha Wells talks about her latest Murderbot novella, 'Fugitive Telemetry'

Nebula and Hugo Award-winning writer Martha Wells adds to the "Murderbot Diaries" with "Fugitive Telemetry," starring the soap opera-loving cyborg named Murderbot. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3xCFuts

NASA picks 3 new science experiments for commercial moon missions

Behind the scenes, NASA's Artemis program relies on Commercial Lunar Payload Services partners to deliver science equipment to the moon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zNKJZ8

Build a Mars rover or an 'Infinity Gauntlet' with littleBits Inventor Kits, up to 40% off for Prime Day

Aspiring coders will want to move quickly on these space-inspired littleBits Prime Day deals ending Tuesday (June 22). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3iZCgw9

Flash mob in the nucleus: Study clarifies why some proteins 'flock together'

Almost all cells in our body contain a nucleus: a somewhat spherical structure that is separated from the rest of the cell by a membrane. Each nucleus contains all the genetic information of the human being. It serves as a kind of library—but one with strict requirements: If the cell needs the building instructions for a protein, it won't simply borrow the original information. Instead, a transcript of it is made in the nucleus. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3h1dA3U

Synthetic tree enhances solar steam generation for harvesting drinking water

About 2.2 billion people globally lack reliable access to clean drinking water, according to the United Nations, and the growing impacts of climate change are likely to worsen this reality. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d6bFd7

Did the ancient Maya have parks?

The ancient Maya city of Tikal was a bustling metropolis and home to tens of thousands of people. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2UonODz

Nature bites back: Animals push human boundaries

The pandemic and climate change is testing as never before the delicate balance of human co-habitation with the natural world. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qigWn6

Perovskite memory devices with ultra-fast switching speed

A research team has successfully developed halide perovskite-based memory with an ultra-fast switching speed. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3j4gRSG

AR can improve the lives of older adults, so why are apps designed mainly for youngsters?

Older people affected by memory loss have much to gain from AR technology, yet a study exploring the use of augmented reality to support older adults at home finds the user interface is sometimes confusing for those aged 50+. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qgOL8h

Producing hydrogen using less energy

The way in which a compound inspired by nature produces hydrogen has now been described in detail. These findings are the foundation for the energy-efficient production of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gNsAU3

Childhood trauma can make people like morphine more

People who have experienced childhood trauma get a more pleasurable 'high' from morphine, new research suggests. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xGZLhr

Improving asphalt road pavement with nano-engineered particles

New research suggests fumed silica nanoparticles (FSNs) can be used to help improve the performance of warm mix asphalt (WMA). from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gTP6cL

The humidity of flowers acts as an invisible attractor for bumblebees

As well as bright colors and subtle scents, flowers possess many invisible ways of attracting their pollinators, and a new study shows that bumblebees may use the humidity of a flower to tell them about the presence of nectar. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wQOxXI

Open learning spaces do not increase children's physical activity

According to a recent study, open learning spaces are not directly associated with the physical activity of students in grades 3 and 5, even though more breaks from sedentary time were observed in open learning spaces compared to conventional classrooms. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xHC3lh

No northern escape route for Florida's coral reefs

Warming seas are driving many species of marine life to shift their geographic ranges out of the tropics to higher latitudes where the water is cooler. Florida's reefs will not be able to make that northward move, however, as they will be caught between intolerably hot tropical waters and increasingly frequent water-cooling cold snaps, according to new findings. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2TXnw6h

Play Trouble and Operation with Baby Yoda in Hasbro's Mandalorian Edition Games For Prime Day

Save nearly 50% on Amazon on these two classic games repurposed for the hit show from Space.com https://ift.tt/3gX7ots

June full moon 2021: See the 'Strawberry supermoon' shine

June's full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, will come a day after the moon reaches the closest point in its orbit around the Earth, making it the second and last "supermoon" of the year. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3gOO2Ia

National Space Society's annual conference goes virtual — here's how to watch it

The National Space Society (NSS) will hold its flagship annual event virtually this year, starting on Thursday (June 24) — and you can watch most of it live, for free. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3gNncQy

I bought these Estes model rockets for Prime Day so I can launch all summer long

Estes' Nike-X and Mars Ascent Vehicle model rockets are on sale for Prime Day for a summer of rocket launches at home. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3d5o4xL

'Flashed' nanodiamonds are just a phase, research team finds

Diamond may be just a phase carbon goes through when exposed to a flash of heat, but that makes it far easier to obtain. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qmIY0P

Vegetation of planet Earth: Researchers publish unique database as open access

It's a treasure trove of data: The global geodatabase of vegetation plots "sPlotOpen" is now freely accessible. It contains data on vegetation from 114 countries and from all climate zones on Earth. The database was compiled by an international team of researchers led by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Researchers around the world finally have a balanced, representative dataset of the Earth's vegetation at their disposal, as the team reports in the journal Global Ecology & Biogeography. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3iZPpFm

Physicists create platform to achieve ultra-strong photon-to-magnon coupling

A team of scientists from NUST MISIS and MIPT have developed and tested a new platform for realization of the ultra-strong photon-to-magnon coupling. The proposed system is on-chip and is based on thin-film hetero-structures with superconducting, ferromagnetic and insulating layers. This discovery solves a problem that has been on the agenda of research teams from different countries for the last 10 years, and opens new opportunities in implementing quantum technologies. The study was published in the highly ranked journal Science Advances. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2TOXySA

New research unlocks the mystery of New England's beaches

Millions of Americans will visit New England's beaches this summer to cool off, play in the waves and soak up the sun. Until now, the factors governing which beaches slope gradually to the sea and which ones end abruptly in a steep drop-off have been largely unknown. However, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals, with unprecedented detail, how the grain size of beach sand relates to the slope of the beach itself. These new findings are critical to understanding how New England's beaches will respond to both rising sea levels and increased storm activity. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wR4SM8

'Preventing more, picking up less.' Proliferating plastic pollution sparks change in approach

As plastic pollution soars—filling waterways, air, soil and living things with the material—some in St. Louis are joining efforts to confront the crisis through new approaches. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cZUbPg

Major ocean-observing satellite starts providing science data

After six months of check-out and calibration in orbit, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will make its first two data streams available to the public on June 22. It launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Nov. 21, 2020, and is a U.S.-European collaboration to measure sea surface height and other key ocean features, such as ocean surface wind speed and wave height. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dixcPZ

New study on climate change impacts on plants could lead to better conservation strategies

The loss of plant species that are especially vulnerable to climate change might lead to bigger problems than previous studies have suggested, according to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. If confirmed, the findings can help inform conservation strategies and lead to more accurate predictions about what ecosystems will look like in the future. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3d05kjg

Slamming political rivals may be the most effective way to go viral—revealing social media's 'perverse incentives'

Social media posts about the "political outgroup"—criticizing or mocking those on the opposing side of an ideological divide—receive twice as many shares as posts that champion people or organizations from one's own political tribe. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3j5llIJ

'Pack ice' tectonics reveal Venus' geological secrets

A new analysis of Venus' surface shows evidence of tectonic motion in the form of crustal blocks that have jostled against each other like broken chunks of pack ice. The movement of these blocks could indicate that Venus is still geologically active and give scientists insight into both exoplanet tectonics and the earliest tectonic activity on Earth. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gXa8Hw

Changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2036

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory participated in a study that shows innovation in technologies and agricultural practices could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from grain production by up to 70 percent within the next 15 years. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3vGqUjb

Women who lose close elections are just as likely to run again as men

Women who lose local or state elections are just as likely to run for office again as men, suggesting the recent surge in women running for office may have a long-term impact on women's political representation, according to a new study by researchers from Harvard and the University of California, Davis. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gLQajU

Best telescopes 2021: Top picks for beginners, viewing planets, astrophotography and all-arounders

Whatever your budget, experience in astronomy or targets that interest you most, there’s a great telescope out there just for you — we’ve rounded up the very best from Space.com https://ift.tt/3vNNW7X

National Geographic's Mega Science STEM kits for kids are 30% off for Prime Day

From erupting volcanoes to launching rockets and fizzing chemical reactions, the Mega Science kits from National Geographic, now on sale for Prime Day, have it all. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35Gd85B

Twilight Imperium, a cosmic board game space opera, is 36% off for Prime Day

Twilight Imperium is a sweeping board game that has thrilled space fans for more than 20 years and its 36% off for Prime Day. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35IU86K

Computers help researchers find materials to turn solar power into hydrogen

Researchers report that they have taken a step toward overcoming the challenge of inexpensive hydrogen production by using supercomputers to find materials that could help accelerate hydrogen separation when water is exposed to light, a process called photocatalysis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2SmdTOo

Engineers create 'seeds' for growing near-perfect 2D perovskite crystals

Engineers have created microscopic seeds for growing remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals that are both stable and highly efficient at harvesting electricity from sunlight. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qhkN3G

There's more to genes than DNA: How Mum and Dad add something extra, just for you

Biologists have discovered 71 new 'imprinted' genes in the mouse genome, a finding that takes them a step closer to unravelling some of the mysteries of epigenetics - an area of science that describes how genes are switched on (and off) in different cells, at different stages in development and adulthood. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3d2mDjA

New modeling technique shows greater likelihood, frequency of urban extreme heat events

This model addresses the fact that most traditional climate models effectively ignore cities entirely, causing them to underestimate the frequency and severity of urban heat waves. Urban areas make up only 2-3% of the earth's land, so their effect on global models is negligible, but more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, so their impact is significant. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zLLAK4

A bright future: Using visible light to decompose CO2 with high efficiency

To tackle the challenge of global warming, scientists have been looking into green and sustainable methods of breaking down carbon dioxide in emissions and in the atmosphere. Now, a group of researchers have developed a novel, easy to synthesize composite compound that enables the efficient use of solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide, taking us one step closer to achieving a green economy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3iZC7IY

A tiny device incorporates a compound made from starch and baking soda to harvest energy from movement

Scientists have used a compound made from a starch derivative and baking soda to help convert mechanical to electrical energy. The approach is cost-effective and biocompatible, and can help charge low-energy electronics like calculators and watches. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/35GGktj

Osmo's Little Genius Starter Kit is 45% off for Prime Day

Save 45% on Osmo's Little Genius Starter Kit, a preschool educational game set for kids ages 3 to 5 in this Amazon Prime Day sale. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3iYKcO9

The edge of the solar system is a blob, 3D map reveals

Scientists used solar wind to make the first 3D map of the heliosphere, which protects Earth from deadly cosmic radiation. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3j6Haau

Save 31% on Bill Nye's VR Science Kit for kids right now for Prime Day

Bill Nye's VR Science Kit for kids is $22 off for Amazon Prime Day 2021, making it a good find for parents of budding scientists. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2SQzS00

An at-risk species of fish has established itself in lochs across Scotland

An at-risk species of fish has established itself in lochs across Scotland with the help of conservation managers and by rapidly adapting to its new environment, resulting in changes to their DNA, their ecology, and body shape, according to a new study. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qictRA

Ramanome database can help mining microalgal cell factories for reducing carbon emissions

Microalgae are "simple" organisms of single cells, yet they pack a mighty potential punch when it comes to helping humanity achieve carbon neutrality, according to researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Their metabolic activities play fundamental roles in global carbon cycling and convert carbon dioxide into a wide variety of high-value macromolecules. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2Sg7xjv

Climate change may lead to more landfalling tropical cyclones in China

Tropical cyclones (TCs) can bring strong wind, heavy rain and storm surge. Meteorologists are concerned that the effects of global warming may change how these storms impact humans. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3zHDaDf

Researchers obtain new results on corrosion behavior of alloy materials under extreme environments

The service behavior of materials under extreme environments is one of the bottlenecks restricting the development of advanced nuclear energy systems. Researchers at the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have lately obtained new results on the corrosion behavior of alloy materials under strong irradiation, high temperature and coolant corrosive environments. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3iUDmt2

The end of Darwin's nightmare at Lake Victoria?

Lake Victoria, which came under the spotlight in 2004 by the documentary "Darwin's Nightmare," is not only suffering from the introduction and commercialisation of the Nile perch. A study lead researchers from the University of Liège (Belgium) has highlighted other worrying phenomena, particularly climatic ones, which have an equally important impact on the quality of the lake's waters. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gTleNB

Stronger together: How protein filaments interact

Just as the skeleton and muscles move the human body and hold its shape, all the cells of the body are stabilized and moved by a cellular skeleton. Unlike the vertebrate skeleton, this cellular skeleton is a very dynamic structure, constantly changing and renewing itself. It consists of different types of protein filaments, which include intermediate filaments and microtubules. Now, a research team from the University of Göttingen has observed a direct interaction between microtubules and intermediate filaments outside the cell, and quantitatively measured this interaction. The results of the study were published in Nature Communications. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cXyUWO

Astronomers inspect the formation of millisecond pulsar PSR J1946+3417

A team of Chinese astronomers has conducted a study aimed at inspecting formation scenarios for the millisecond pulsar PSR J1946+3417. They found that the pulsar was most likely formed as a result of a phase transition. The research was published June 10 on the arXiv pre-print server. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3gNP0mM

Pathogenic bacteria rendered almost harmless

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium present in many ecological niches, such as plant roots, stagnant water or even the pipes of our homes. Naturally very versatile, it can cause acute and chronic infections that are potentially fatal for people with weakened immune systems. The presence of P. aeruginosa in clinical settings, where it can colonize respirators and catheters, is a serious threat. In addition, its adaptability and resistance to many antibiotics make infections by P. aeruginosa increasingly difficult to treat. There is therefore an urgent need to develop new antibacterials. Scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, have identified a previously unknown regulator of gene expression in this bacterium, the absence of which significantly reduces the infectious power of P. aeruginosa and its dangerous nature. These results, to be published in the journal Nucleic Acid Research, could constitute an innovative target in the fight agai

Smaller bodies, longer wings, earlier migrations: Untangling the multiple impacts of climate warming

When a research team reported last year that North American migratory birds have been getting smaller over the past four decades and that their wings have gotten a bit longer, the scientists wondered if they were seeing the fingerprint of earlier spring migrations. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xIPwJP

New software for designing sustainable cities

By 2050, more than 70% of the world's population will live in cities. Researchers have developed software that shows city planners where to invest in nature to improve people's lives and save billions of dollars. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vTQSQF

Build to Launch: Lego Education to bring NASA's Artemis 1 mission into classrooms

As NASA assembles the final parts for its return to the moon, Lego is ready to launch into classrooms with a learning series themed around the space agency's Artemis 1 mission. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3gT8RRu

The risks of adopting 'body positivity' to make a sale

Instagram users who detect self-promotion or corporate marketing in a post embracing the body positivity movement may be turned off by that dual messaging, new research suggests. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qeoWFA

NASA's new moon rocket, the Space Launch System, takes shape in giant hangar

NASA's next megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS) is coming together ahead of its first planned launch later this year. from Space.com https://ift.tt/35J5nfn

Record breaker: Scientists spot earliest known supermassive black hole 'storm'

Scientists have found the earliest known "storm" generated by a supermassive black hole, a discovery that could shed considerable light on the coevolution of galaxies and their central black holes. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qcij6I

Earth's fifth ocean just confirmed

The Earth has finally attained popular recognition for its fifth ocean, with a decision by the National Geographic Society to add the Southern Ocean around Antarctica to the four it recognizes already. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qlicpB

This Star Wars Baby Yoda Amazon Echo Dot Stand and Bundle is 35% off for Prime Day

Right now you can save 35% on a Amazon Echo Dot device complete with Baby Yoda ears thanks to its Mandalorian The Child Stand for Prime Day. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2TRRcSB

Researchers develop new software for designing sustainable cities

New technology could help cities around the world improve people's lives while saving billions of dollars. The free, open-source software developed by the Stanford Natural Capital Project creates maps to visualize the links between nature and human wellbeing. City planners and developers can use the software to visualize where investments in nature, such as parks and marshlands, can maximize benefits to people, like protection from flooding and improved health. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/2Untuhh

Smaller bodies, longer wings, earlier migrations: Untangling the multiple impacts of climate warming on birds

When a University of Michigan-led research team reported last year that North American migratory birds have been getting smaller over the past four decades and that their wings have gotten a bit longer, the scientists wondered if they were seeing the fingerprint of earlier spring migrations. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/35Iz7ZP

Best Lego space deals and gifts for Prime Day

We've scoured Amazon for Lego sets that are space or science-themed, as well as many science-fiction-themed sets. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zF4Clh

The best deals on Celestron telescopes and binoculars for Prime Day

Inspire others to look up by giving the gift of a telescope or astronomy binoculars. We've rounded up some of the best deals from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qbUH2h

Take 2: Spacewalking astronauts install new solar panel

Spacewalking astronauts equipped the International Space Station with the first in a series of powerful new solar panels Sunday, overcoming suit problems and other obstacles with muscle and persistence. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3wL5iUn

Save 32% on Amazon's Fire TV Stick in Star Wars Mandalorian Blue to stream your sci-fi this Prime Day

Amazon Prime's new sci-fi blockbuster "The Tomorrow War" comes out this summer, and you save up to 36% to stream it when you buy an Amazon Fire TV Stick on Prime Day. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3xDWXl8

Astronauts on spacewalk deploy first roll-out solar array to boost power for station

Astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet working outside the International Space Station successfully rolled out a new type of solar array from Space.com https://ift.tt/2SjJsIE

Stronger together: How protein filaments interact

Just as the skeleton and muscles move the human body and hold its shape, the cells of the body are stabilized and moved by a cellular skeleton. This cellular skeleton is a dynamic structure, constantly changing and renewing. It consists of different types of protein filaments, which include intermediate filaments and microtubules. Researchers have now observed and measured a direct interaction between microtubules and intermediate filaments outside the cell. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gFCqXS

One in 6 families in new study spent more than $5,000 to have a baby

When delivering moms require caesarians or their newborns need neonatal care, some families may spend as much as $10,000 out-of-pocket, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3iVQJZO

Summer solstice 2021 on Father's Day, the longest of the year, marks Earth's changing seasons

The official start of summer kicks off in the Northern Hemisphere today (June 20) to make Father's Day the longest day of the year. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zOYoPZ

King Grimlock rules in IDW's wild 'Transformers' summer comic series

Writer Steve Orlando and artist Agustin Padilla deliver a rousing sci-fi adventure in IDW's "Transformers: King Grimlock" miniseries. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3q9hV9e

100,000 star nurseries mapped in first-of-its-kind survey

The researchers say that they want to use the survey to better understand our own place in the universe. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3gMBakz

Astronauts will install a new solar array on the International Space Station in a spacewalk today. Here's how to watch.

Two astronauts plan to continue their solar array work after running out of time during a spacewalk last week. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2TItdFf

New technique allows for identification of potential drugs to fight resistant bacteria

Researchers from the Miami University in Ohio have optimized a new technique that will allow scientists to evaluate how potential inhibitors work on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This technique, called native state mass spectrometry, provides a quick way for scientists to identify the best candidates for effective clinical drugs, particularly in cases where bacteria can no longer be treated with antibiotics alone. This research will be presented at the American Society for Microbiology World Microbe Forum online conference on June 21, 2021. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3iUtrDV

New therapeutic target for C. difficile infection

A new study paves the way for the development of next generation therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), the most frequent cause of healthcare-acquired gastrointestinal infections and death in developed countries. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wHxbwD

Researchers review data on reputed toxins thought to cause neurodegeneration

Biologists and neuroscientists have published an update on the reputed environmental toxins that have been suspected of being involved in mammal neurodegeneration. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qdgdnq

Earlier flood forecasting could help avoid disaster in Japan

Researchers have revealed that a newly developed forecasting system can accurately predict flood locations 32 hours in advance. Extreme rainfall events are occurring increasingly frequently; such accurate and timely flood warnings will help to minimize their impact by providing time for measures to protect people and property. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3iXiiSC

Dragonflies: Species losses and gains in Germany

Over the past 35 years, there have been large shifts in the distributions of many dragonfly species in Germany. Those of standing water habitats have declined, probably due to loss of habitat. Running-water species and warm-adapted species have benefited from improved water quality and warmer temperatures. The study highlights the importance of citizen science and natural history societies for long-term data collection. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xyHdjE

Atomic-scale tailoring of graphene approaches macroscopic world

Properties of materials are often defined by imperfections in their atomic structure, especially when the material itself is just one atom thick, such as graphene. Researchers have now developed a method for controlled creation of such imperfections into graphene at length scales approaching the macroscopic world. These results, confirmed by atomically resolved microscope images, serve as an essential starting point both for tailoring graphene for applications and for the development of new materials. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qcWbJm

Phytoplankton: The discovery of a missing link

Biologists have identified a family of algae as a living missing link in the microscopic domain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gJzFUg

Climate warming can influence fungal communities on oak leaves across the growing season

Climate warming plays a larger role than plant genes in influencing the number and identity of fungal species on oak leaves, especially in autumn. This research by ecologists sheds light on how warming and tree genes affect the dynamics of fungal communities across the season. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zCfrVd

Imaging at the tip of a needle

Scientists have developed a new technique that could revolutionize medical imaging procedures using light. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cWEVD4

New cause for intensification of oyster disease

Researchers reveal that intensification of major oyster disease was due to evolving parasite, not just drought as previously thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zya0GR

New evidence to battle drug price increases

Two recent studies add new evidence to the impact of how drug price increases affect US patients and the overall cost of health care. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gGngSl

Use rewards effectively to boost creativity

To boost employees' creativity, managers should consider offering a set of rewards for them to choose from, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zE8hjf

Will reduction in tau protein protect against Parkinson's and Lewy body dementias?

Will a reduction in tau protein in brain neurons protect against Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementias? A new study suggests the answer is no. If this is borne out, that result differs from Alzheimer's disease, where reducing endogenous tau levels in brain neurons is protective for multiple models of the disease -- and thus suggests that the role of tau in the pathogenesis of Lewy body dementias is distinct from Alzheimer's disease. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xAknrE

Bio-inspired hydrogel protects the heart from post-op adhesions

A hydrogel that forms a barrier to keep heart tissue from adhering to surrounding tissue after surgery was developed and successfully tested in rodents. The team of engineers, scientists and physicians also conducted a pilot study on porcine hearts, with promising results. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gEsGgw

Start-stop system of hunting immune cells

Researchers decipher the basic biology of neutrophil swarming and now show that the cells also evolved an intrinsic molecular program to self-limit their swarming activity. The study elucidates how swarming neutrophils become insensitive to their own secreted signals that brought the swarm together in the first place. This process is crucial for the efficient elimination of bacteria in tissues. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cQCCRF

How cells 'read' artificial ingredients tossed into genetic recipe

Researchers discovered that the enzyme RNA polymerase II recognizes and transcribes artificially added base pairs in genetic code, a new insight that could help advance the development of new vaccines and medicines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q9m7G3

Major damage to Alabama mobile home park amid tropical storm

Authorities in Alabama say a suspected tornado spurred by Tropical Storm Claudette demolished or badly damaged at least 50 homes in a small town just north of the Florida border. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3cVJ0Y1

Memory helps us evaluate situations on the fly, not just recall the past

Scientists have long known the brain's hippocampus is crucial for long-term memory. Now a new study has found the hippocampus also plays a role in short-term memory and helps guide decision-making. The findings shed light on how the hippocampus contributes to memory and exploration, potentially leading to therapies that restore hippocampal function, which is impacted in memory-related aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, the study authors said. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xvaQCi

Animals' ability to adapt their habitats key to survival amid climate change

A research group of scientists from North America, Europe and Africa concluded that animals' ability to respond to climate change likely depends on how well they modify their habitats, such as nests and burrows. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zxRkah

How childhood exercise could maintain and promote cognitive function in later life

People who are physically active during childhood have higher cognitive functions in later life. Participants who exercised when they were children did better on cognitive tests regardless of their current age. However, no such relationship was found between task performance and post-childhood exercise -- suggesting that exercise during childhood is particularly important for brain development and long-term cognitive health. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wGQkyv

Footprints discovered from the last dinosaurs to walk on UK soil

Footprints from at least six different species of dinosaur -- thought to be the very last dinosaurs to walk on UK soil 110 million years ago -- have been found in Kent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2SfDPv2

Evolution: Two routes to the same destination

Fruit flies have found at least two solutions to the problem of sorting their sex chromosomes: a matter of life and death. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zvzapo

The Earth has a pulse -- a 27.5-million-year cycle of geological activity

Geologic activity on Earth appears to follow a 27.5-million-year cycle, giving the planet a 'pulse,' according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3cSpX0B

Scientists detect signatures of life remotely

It could be a milestone on the path to detecting life on other planets: Scientists detect a key molecular property of all living organisms from a helicopter flying several kilometers above ground. The measurement technology could also open up opportunities for remote sensing of the Earth. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3gJuOUx