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Showing posts from December, 2021

The 10 strangest space structures discovered in 2021

The closer we look at the universe, the more beautiful and baffling it becomes. Here are the 10 most epic space structures discovered in 2021. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pIvRIx

Heavy snows to hit Colorado after wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes

A powerful storm system bringing heavy snowfall was blowing into Colorado on Friday, a day after devastating wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands to flee. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32LS9QK

Watch 9 awesome moments with NASA astronauts in space in 2021

In-flight education downlinks are chances for students to interact with astronauts on the International Space Station. Here are the nine most memorable downlink moments of 2021, as ranked by NASA. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zlOHbJ

Lego Star Wars helmet sets are up to $14 off with these year-end deals!

Lego Star Wars helmet building sets that feature Scout Trooper and Darth Vader headgear are currently on sale. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3HnvadO

2021: a year physicists asked, 'What lies beyond the Standard Model?'

The Standard Model explains the physics of how the world works. But in 2021, physicists started probing fundamental gaps in this long-established concept. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3HtJPnA

These Lego Star Wars 'The Mandalorian' sets are up to $12 off in Walmart/Target deals

The holiday season may be almost over, but Star Wars streaming has just begun! from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zcqKUl

2021 was an epic year for Mars exploration

During this very eventful year, two nations joined the Mars club, a robot plied Red Planet skies for the first time ever and humanity kicked off an ambitious interplanetary sample-return campaign. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zgokDS

Rare leopard captured in northern Iraq

An endangered leopard captured in Iraq's mountainous north had its hind leg amputated on Friday following a trap-inflicted wound, an AFP photographer said. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32NqgaY

Top 10 spaceflight stories of 2021

From landing on Mars to launching private citizens into space, and everything in between, this year has seen many historic milestones and giant leaps. from Space.com https://ift.tt/345KMnL

9 things we learned about aliens in 2021

A bombshell UFO report, the "alien junk" in our solar system, and more new clues about extraterrestrial life. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ECm7UA

The 10 biggest exoplanet discoveries of 2021

These are some of the top exoplanet discoveries made in 2021. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FQJXgU

Here's 7 things the International Space Station taught us in 2021

From stem cells to blue jets to 'made in space' concrete, this is the best of 2021 International Space Station research. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3eAPHPw

More hurricanes likely to slam Connecticut and region due to climate change, says study

More hurricanes are likely to slam Connecticut and the region as the planet continues warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study led by Yale University researchers. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EBvUKp

How DNA is preserved in archaeological sediments for thousands of years

The analysis of ancient DNA preserved in sediments is an emerging technology allowing for the detection of the past presence of humans and other animals at archaeological sites. Yet, little is known about how DNA is preserved in sediment for long periods of time. Scientists have now shed light on the matter by isolating DNA from solid blocks of undisturbed sediment that are embedded in plastic resin. The study reveals that ancient human and animal DNA is concentrated in small 'hot spots', particularly in microscopic particles of bone or feces. Micro-sampling of such particles can recover substantial amounts of DNA from ancient humans, such as Neanderthals, and other species and link them to archaeological and ecological records at a microscopic scale. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3JqnkSF

Nibiru: The Nonexistent Planet

Nibiru has been linked to NASA, and is also sometimes referred to or confused with Planet X, another supposed world for which there is no evidence. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3HroiMj

Officials declare California oil spill cleanup complete

Nearly three months after an undersea pipeline spilled thousands of gallons of crude oil into the waters off Southern California, authorities have announced that coastal cleanup efforts are now complete. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31aMfYT

Darkness caused by dino-killing asteroid snuffed out life on Earth in 9 months

After an asteroid struck at the end of the Cretaceous period, debris from wildfires filled the atmosphere and blocked sunlight across Earth, causing ecosystem collapse and extinctions. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3sLAFib

This Lego Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid building set is now on sale

Save $14 on the Lego Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid building toy, available at Target and Walmart. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ezbvLt

Lego to launch NASA-inspired moon sets in time for Artemis 1 launch

Lego is launching a new series of building toys themed around NASA's Artemis program. The Rocket Launch Center and Lunar Research Base are scheduled for a release on March 1, 2022. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3HkiXq5

James Webb Space Telescope extends its tower assembly to make way for sunshield deployment

The James Webb Space Telescope is one step closer to finishing the deployment of its massive sunshield. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pCx8AO

SpaceX fires up Starship SN20 prototype again ahead of landmark test flight

The Starship SN20 vehicle performed a "static fire" test today (Dec. 29) at the company's South Texas site, briefly igniting its Raptor engines while remaining anchored to the ground. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qwuWtX

New Mexico tribes concerned about plan to power nuclear lab

New Mexico Indigenous leaders are concerned about a proposed multimillion-dollar transmission line that would cross what they consider sacred lands. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EGXMwK

Celestron's SkyMaster Giant 15x70 binoculars are 10% off in these year-end deals

If you're hoping to get a head start on stargazing in 2022, this deal on Celestron's Skymaster Giant 15x70 binoculars may be for you. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qvZFaF

'We lost everything': Brazil floods leave thousands destitute

Carlos Batista da Silva holds his hand above his head, indicating on a wall the level where floodwaters reached inside his northern Brazil home. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qALpxb

Secrets of regulatory T cell development reveal clinical possibilities

Immunologists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified biochemical "switches" that control development of regulatory T cells and offer a novel strategy for treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The research appeared earlier this month in the journal Cell Reports. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3zbzf1D

1st orbital test flight of SpaceX's Starship Mars rocket pushed to March at the earliest

SpaceX had been aiming to launch Starship on its first orbital test flight in January or February, but a required FAA review won't be done until Feb. 28. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32NhucQ

Microglial methylation 'landscape' in human brain

Recent studies have shown variation in the gene-expression profile and phenotype of microglia across brain regions and between different age and disease states. But the molecular mechanisms that contribute to these transcriptomic changes in the human brain are not well understood. Now, a new study targets the methylation profile of microglia from human brain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qvcvpt

Researchers develop structural blueprint of nanoparticles to target white blood cells responsible for acute lung inflammation

A potential new route to the diagnosis and treatment of ARDS comes from studying how neutrophils -- the white blood cells responsible for detecting and eliminating harmful particles in the body -- differentiate what materials to uptake by the material's surface structure, and favor uptake of particles that exhibit 'protein clumping,' according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qzPIZB

Newly published research examines Mimbres immigration

For the past century, Southwestern archaeologists have debated what happened to the Mimbres people of southwestern New Mexico after AD 1150, a group known for their vibrant pottery with its distinctive geometric and animal designs. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32MDpRO

China launches mineral survey and science outreach satellites

China launched the Ziyuan 1 (02E) Earth resources observation satellite and a small amateur radio satellite on Saturday, Dec. 25. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3eyhznr

Spacewalking Chinese astronauts add camera to Tiangong space station module

China's Shenzhou 13 astronauts ventured outside the orbiting Tianhe module on Sunday and installed a new panoramic camera for monitoring the space station. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FCZrF5

James Webb Space Telescope begins unfolding delicate, massive sunshield

NASA's massive new space observatory has entered its most perilous phase yet as it begins the careful process of unfurling its delicate sunshield. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3mE80rQ

The strategy of plants: It's all about balancing traits

Just like every other organism on Earth, plants' ultimate goal is to survive and reproduce. In order to achieve this, they must make trade-offs between where and how to allocate their finite set of resources. Whether they put their resources and energy into their growth, reproduction or maintenance, is all part of their so-called plant strategy. With a new framework, Ph.D. candidate Jianhong Zhou and her supervisors found that not all of the currently known strategies represent a plant strategy in real life. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3JrVLbi

Whisky bottled for 2022 moon milestones: NASA's Artemis 1 and Apollo 17

The Whisky Barrel, an online spirits merchant, is celebrating the past and future of NASA missions to the moon with limited scotch whisky offerings for 2022. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32prnhq

Antarctic oceanographers use seals to do research where ships fear to go

Oceanographers have great difficulty conducting investigations by ship in Antarctic continental shelf areas where ice is attached to the shore, so a team of researchers have replaced these boat-based studies with sensors attached to seals, which have far less trouble navigating such waters. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32KoGqt

NASA clears Axiom crew for 1st private mission to International Space Station

The astronauts launching with the first private crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) next year have cleared all their medical evaluations. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32xkhqT

Communication between cells plays a major role in deciding their fate

Scientists have found a way to prove that biochemical signals sent from cell to cell play an important role in determining how those cells develop, findings that can help explain how stem cells differentiate and how cancer arises and proliferates, possibly leading to new treatments. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3HfInFn

Clues to treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder found in recently evolved region of the ‘dark genome’

Scientists investigating the DNA outside our genes - the 'dark genome' - have discovered recently evolved regions that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3eq0hJk

Record-setting isotope of magnesium

Researchers have created an extraordinarily light version, or isotope, of magnesium. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3puBlXp

The future of 3D display and the emergence of holographic television

The pioneers of holography (Gabor, Leith, Upatnieks, and Denisyuk) predicted very early that the ultimate 3D display will be based on this technique. This conviction was rooted in the fact that holography is the only approach that can render all optical cues interpreted by the human visual system. Holographic 3D displays have been a dream chased after for many years, facing challenges on all fronts: Computation, transmission, and rendering. With numbers such as 6.6 × 1015 flops required for calculations, 3 × 1015 b/s data rates, and 1.6 × 1012 phase pixels, the task has been daunting. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3sDVcFG

Transmissive-detected laser speckle imaging for blood flow monitoring in thick tissue

Blood flow velocity is an important parameter reflecting vascular function. Abnormal vascular function is closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases, such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and so on. Therefore, the monitoring of flow velocity is not only an important research target, but also an important clinical indicator. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3eqH6yW

Team develops kilohertz label-free non-contact quantitative mapping of optical properties for strongly turbid media

The ability to quantify optical properties (i.e., absorption and scattering) of strongly turbid media has major impacts on the characterization of biological tissues, fluid fields, and many others. However, the task of quantitative imaging of optical properties for strongly turbid media is intrinsically challenging, as photon scattering hinders direct measurement over length scales larger than the mean free path. Few current imaging technologies can quantify absorption and scattering properties of strongly turbid media in a wide-field non-contact format, and none have been shown to map quantitative optical properties with high-speed (e.g., kHz) capabilities. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3sSpg0r

Harnessing 'big data' via meta-analysis of commercial Pt/C measurements for oxygen reduction reaction

Developing low-cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to replace commercial Pt/C has always been desired to greatly reduce the cost of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The parameter of half-wave potential (E1/2) obtained from linear-sweep voltammetry (LSV) in O2-saturated acid/alkaline medium on a rotating disk electrode (RDE) is commonly used for characterizing the ORR performance of all kinds of new electrocatalysts. With higher value of E1/2, the ORR performance becomes better. For comparison, the E1/2 value of Pt/C is extensively used as a benchmark. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3Eyr5Sn

Cochlear implant in deaf children with autism can improve language skills and social engagement, study finds

Restoring hearing through cochlear implantation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help them understand spoken language and enhance social interactions, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qwld6W

You can still save 20% on Lego Star Wars The Child (aka 'Baby Yoda') building set with this deal

This cute and posable build-and-display model of "Baby Yoda" is now on sale. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3oQPFYO

Lego Star Wars deals: Savings on vehicles, ships, helmets and more

We've managed to get these Lego Star Wars deals past the Galactic Empire's blockade. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2Zvh1KN

Why are certain heavy metals okay to eat? (video)

Heavy metals have a reputation for being dangerous, but some are essential nutrients that you can't live without. In this week's episode of Reactions, we explore why: from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3z1ESQb

Exploring the genetic basis of the root economics spectrum

By analyzing the acquisition-conservation tradeoff in root systems among different plants, ecologists have put forward the root economics spectrum (RES) hypothesis. Some plant species have finer and cost-effective absorptive roots that contribute to rapid nutrient uptake but have shorter lifespans, whereas others have thicker and less cost-effective absorptive roots marked by slower nutrient acquisition but longer lifespans. The RES hypothesis reflects the correlations among different root traits, which can facilitate the adaptation of plants to the local environment. The RES is one of the core issues in root ecology, but its adaptive role and genetic basis remains largely elusive. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3Hh49Zm

Fluorescence lifetime imaging for studying DNA compaction and gene activities

Studies of the genomic DNA compaction in the cell nucleus and dynamic reorganization during physiologic processes or disease development in live cell environments are exceedingly challenging. This complexity stems from a high degree of compaction required to accommodate ~2 meters of genomic DNA within the cell nucleus, which typically is 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. In addition, the chromatin compaction density is not static, but fluctuates over time accommodating for gene activities. Meanwhile, the 3D resolution of optical microscopy is not high enough even for sub-diffraction imaging modalities, thus limiting studies of the spatial geometry of complex genomic architecture and its dynamic transformations. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3z4w63C

Lipid droplets as endogenous intracellular microlenses

With the demand in real-time monitoring of endoplasmic variations and rapid detection of extracellular signals, a great number of approaches to bioimaging have been developed. The past few decades have witnessed a dramatic progress in optical imaging, especially with the emerging of microsphere-assisted techniques that have the excellent ability of signal collection and enable real-time and super-resolution imaging with conventional optical microscopic systems. However, as most of the microspheres in current strategies are in solid and artificially synthetic materials, they are of very low biocompatibility. Fortunately, lessons from nature have shown that some bio-components and already-existing objects can interact with light and are able to take the same functions as the real optical elements. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qsQ6sZ

Allying meta-structures with diverse optical waveguides for integrated photonics and more

Comprised of judiciously engineered microscopic photonic structures with subwavelength features, the concepts of metasurface and metamaterials have proven fruitful results in the realm of meta-optics. Previous research attentions are mainly devoted to applying meta-structures to tailor light in free space and develop relevant devices and applications. However, recent research is revealing the prominent potential of leveraging subwavelength meta-structured waveguides to enable exotic waveguiding phenomena and design novel waveguide-based devices. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3FNyTkF

Research team demonstrates angular-spectrum-dependent interference

Optical interference is not only a fundamental phenomenon that has enabled new theories of light to be derived, but it has also been used in interferometry for the measurement of small displacements, refractive index changes, and surface irregularities. The Michelson interferometer is a commonly used interferometer, by which the equal-inclination and equal-thickness interference fringes of light can be easily observed. Historically, this interferometer has been used in many famous physical experiments, such as the Michelson-Morey experiment and gravitational wave detection. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3HgJZPf

Cylindrical vector beam multiplexer/demultiplexer using off-axis polarization control

Cylindrical vector beam (CVB) multiplexing has emerged as a powerful technique to boost signal channels. Coupling and separating CVBs are two pivotal elements in CVB multiplexing communication. Although off-axis control technologies such as miniature Dammann vortex gratings have been investigated to couple and separate light beams, it is usually limited to light beams with homogeneous polarization due to its phase-only grating structure. For CVBs with inhomogeneous polarization, a gradient phase device is required to create a gradient phase difference between the left- and right-handed circularly polarized (LHCP/RHCP) components, so that the CVBs with off-axis incident angles can coaxially propagate and carry different phase structures. Despite considerable efforts of off-axis control technologies, the off-axis polarization control of CVBs still remains a challenge. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3FBBGgG

Ring in the New Year with less food waste

While fighting food waste is a year-round mission, it's more important than ever around the holidays. This is something to consider during this year's festivities, typically known for an abundance of food. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EweOhb

Indestructible 'Black Box' will record our planet's demise in minute detail

The disaster recorder aims to set us on a better path by watching our every move. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pvSqQQ

Disney Plus deals to stream 'The Book of Boba Fett' this week

The Book of Boba Fett promises to pack plenty of sci-fi punch. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32Dl754

Philippines typhoon death toll rises to 388: govt

The death toll from one of the most destructive typhoons to hit the Philippines in recent years rose to 388 on Monday, the government said, as disease outbreaks threatened some of the stricken areas. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3HfjVnD

Large Israel bird flu outbreak kills 2,000 wild cranes

A bird flu outbreak has killed more than 2,000 wild cranes on a reserve in northern Israel, an unusually high toll for the seasonal flu, the parks authority said Sunday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/341cYby

Ancient DNA study reveals large-scale migrations into Bronze Age Britain

A major new study of ancient DNA has traced the movement of people into southern Britain during the Bronze Age. In the largest such analysis published to date, scientists examined the DNA of nearly 800 ancient individuals. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3mB4NZP

Climate crisis puts oil in the crosshairs, but dependence persists

The climate crisis has put the end of oil onto the agenda, but achieving that is a colossal task given the world economy's deep dependence on petroleum. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3psaATi

Heavy rains displace thousands in northeast Brazil

More than 11,000 people have been displaced in the Brazilian state of Bahia due to flooding, with authorities scrambling Saturday to provide relief to residents without alternate housing. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32uO5UR

Louisiana researchers ID 14 new shrew species on Sulawesi

Louisiana researchers have identified 14 new species of shrews on an Indonesian island where seven in that genus were previously known. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3mzBQgN

'29 days on the edge:' What's next for NASA's newly launched James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is finally aloft, but it'll be a while before it starts its highly anticipated science mission. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FwmXTY

Largest collection of free-floating planets found in the Milky Way

Using observations and archival data from several of NSF's NOIRLab's observatories, together with observations from telescopes around the world and in orbit, astronomers have discovered at least 70 new free-floating planets—planets that wander through space without a parent star—in a nearby region of the Milky Way. This is the largest sample of such planets found in a single group and it nearly doubles the number known over the entire sky. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3entl4f

5 space missions to look forward to now that Webb has launched

The James Webb Space Telescope was a decade late and $10 billion over budget, but it has finally launched.  from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FxGa7K

'Wind' from Earth's middle layer blows through a secret passage beneath Panama

The mysterious presence of mantle materials more than 1,000 miles (1,609 km) from where they originated may be explained by a 'window' 62 miles (100 kilometers) below the Earth's surface. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3mv5SCE

Rare wispy ice formations streak across the sea near Antarctica in beautiful satellite images

Recent satellite images captured by Landsat 8 show a rare windswept sea ice formation over water in Antarctica. from Space.com https://ift.tt/30XqyeK

James Webb Space Telescope notches crucial maneuver to set its path

The James Webb Space Telescope is truly on its way. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3prtUjG

'It's truly Christmas:' James Webb Space Telescope's yuletide launch has NASA overjoyed

The James Webb Space Telescope received a faultless send-off by Europe's Ariane 5 rocket in what has been described as the best Christmas gift to the world's astronomers. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3z5aFzB

Spanish eruption's end brings 'emotional relief,' rebuilding

Authorities on one of Spain's Canary Islands declared a volcanic eruption that started in September officially finished Saturday following 10 days of no lava flows, seismic activity or significant sulfur dioxide emissions. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/33MOpPk

In photos: The Christmas launch of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

On Dec. 25, 2021, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched into space to peer farther back into the universe's history than ever before. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pqImbw

Space telescope launched on daring quest to behold 1st stars

The world's largest and most powerful space telescope rocketed away Saturday on a high-stakes quest to behold light from the first stars and galaxies and scour the universe for hints of life. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3pq9iYY

Mustard, fries in short supply due to Canada climate woes

A mix of drought in Canada's prairies and flooding on its Pacific coast have brought about crop production and shipping woes now leading to international shortages of fries and mustard. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qrFx9p

NASA's Webb telescope launches to see first galaxies, distant worlds

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched Dec. 25 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, South America. The Webb observatory's mission is to seek the light from the first galaxies in the early universe and to explore our own solar system, as well as planets orbiting other stars, called exoplanets. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3HcEyAM

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope: The ultimate guide

Everything you need to know about the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA's Big Bang-probing space observatory. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3jCZRSN

NASA telescope set for launch on million-mile voyage

The world's most powerful space telescope is set to blast off on Saturday to its outpost 1.5 million kilometres (930,000 miles) from Earth, after several delays caused by technical hitches. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3Fnqcgx

Astronauts on International Space Station send Christmas video message to Earth

Astronauts on the International Space Station shared a festive message for people on Earth as they prepare to spend the holidays in orbit. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pnz4gC

James Webb Space Telescope's rocket begins fueling up for launch

The rocket that will finally launch NASA's James Webb Space Telescope today (Dec. 25) has begun fueling for liftoff. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3mwg2Tu

Here's the space weather forecast for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launch

Space weather could derail the James Webb Space Telescope launch tomorrow. But so far, all seems in favour for tomorrow's big day. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qmcgwY

The Christmas night sky: A 2021 Yuletide stargazing guide

December is the month of the winter solstice, which a large part of the world associates with such celebrations as Nativity festivals. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2sVER2i

Scientists invent lead-free composite shielding material for neutrons and gamma-rays

Dr. Huo Zhipeng and his student Zhao Sheng from the Hefei Institutes of physical science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently developed a lead-free neutron and gamma ray composite shielding material that has high shielding properties and is environmentally friendly. Their results were published in Nuclear Materials and Energy. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3plcB3O

Earth's first giant

The two-meter skull of an enormous new ichthyosaur species, Earth's first known giant creature, reveals how both the extinct marine reptiles and modern whales became giants. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/30VpAQn

DeepMind cracks 'knot' conjecture that bedeviled mathematicians for decades

The artificial intelligence (AI) program DeepMind has gotten closer to proving a math conjecture that's bedeviled mathematicians for decades. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ekusBv

Scientists identify genes key to microbial colonization of plant roots

Some microbes can form thin films called biofilms. These biofilms give them an advantage over other microbes by protecting them from stresses such as a lack of nutrients or the presence of harmful substances in the environment. Researchers often focus on the biofilms that pathogens use to resist antibiotics. However, some biofilms can be helpful to plants and other host organisms. In previous work, researchers found that Pantoea sp. YR343, a bacterium that promotes plant growth, forms robust biofilms along the root surface of Populus, the genus which includes willow and cottonwood trees. Scientists know relatively little about the mechanisms behind the formation of biofilms on plant roots, particularly at the genetic level. However, research has found that enzymes called diguanylate cyclases are key to biofilm formation. This new research has identified a diguanylate cyclase, DGC2884, that is expressed specifically in the presence of plants when bacteria colonize roots and form biofilm...

James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for Christmas liftoff

After more than two decades of development, NASA's next-generation space telescope is on the launch pad. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32ygUzB

Research enlightens ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Fagaropsis in Africa

The genus Fagaropsis Mildbr. ex Siebenl. belongs to the Rutaceae family. It consists of four accepted species: F. hildebrandtii, F. angolensis, F. glabra, and F. velutina. The plants of this genus are trees and shrubs found in Africa and Madagascar. Fagaropsis species have been used in folkloric medicine for the treatment and management of various diseases, such as malaria, cancer and chronic joint pain. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ppN8WI

Tuning a magnetic fluid with an electric field creates controllable dissipative patterns

Researchers at Aalto University have shown that a nanoparticle suspension can serve as a simple model for studying the formation of patterns and structures in more complicated non-equilibrium systems, such as living cells. The new system will not only be a valuable tool for studying patterning processes but also has a wide range of potential technological applications. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3pl3H6v

Brain mechanisms involved in learning also drive social conformity

Some of the same brain systems known to play a role in learning from trial and error also are engaged when people conform to social norms, scientists report in a new study. The findings are important, the researchers said, because changing one's behavior to align with one's peers can contribute to community-building or -- depending on the goals and values of the group -- societal breakdown. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EijMxP

Solar storm may amp up northern lights before Christmas

A solar storm that erupted from the sun on Monday (Dec. 20) may boost northern lights displays around the north pole just ahead of Santa's trip this weekend. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3mrCBIT

Intelligence, religious and political beliefs are connected to the accuracy of UK adults' population estimates

British people tend to overestimate the prevalence of different minority demographics, beliefs, and behaviors among the public, according to a study publishing December 22 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3pjvbsU

Quantum marbles in a bowl of light

Which factors determine how fast a quantum computer can perform its calculations? Physicists at the University of Bonn and the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology have devised an elegant experiment to answer this question. The results of the study are published in the journal Science Advances.  from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/30Pktku

Best beginner drones

We've tried, tested and ranked all of this year's best beginner drones. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3sxJXi1

People with high-risk prediabetes benefit from intensive lifestyle intervention

Intensive lifestyle intervention with plenty of exercise helps people with prediabetes improve their blood glucose levels over a period of years and thus delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes. In particular, individuals with prediabetes at highest risk benefited from intensive lifestyle intervention. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3H2FMhX

Scientists create mind-blowing tool to 'see' millions of brain cell connections in mice

To solve the mysteries of how learning and memory occur, scientists have created a system to track millions of connections among brain cells in mice -- all at the same time -- when the animals' whiskers are tweaked, an indicator for learning. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/30N2KKv

How regular exercise can protect against fatty liver associated diseases

Exercise not only trains the muscles but can also prevent the development of fatty liver. A new study shows which molecular adaptations, in particular of the liver mitochondria, can be observed in this process. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Flspcb

Sneezes, rain clouds and ink jets: Optical microscopes to measure the volume of microdroplets

By improving the calibration of a conventional optical microscope, researchers have for the first time measured the volume of individual droplets smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter with an uncertainty of less than 1%. That is a tenfold improvement over previous measurements. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pfkLe0

3D printed nanomagnets unveil a world of patterns in the magnetic field

Researchers have created DNA-like magnetic nanostructures that form strong inter-helix magnetic bonds. These produce topological textures in the magnetic field, opening the door to the next generation of magnetic devices, and patterning magnetic fields on the nanoscale. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yL9FR6

Birds' dazzling iridescence tied to nanoscale tweak of feather structure

The iridescent shimmer that makes birds such as peacocks and hummingbirds so striking is rooted in a natural nanostructure so complex that people are only just beginning to replicate it technologically. The secret to how birds produce these brilliant colors lies in a key feature of the feather's nanoscale design, according to a study led by Princeton University researchers and published in the journal eLife. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3eumPc1

'Outbursts' from Comet Leonard spotted by NASA satellite (video)

NASA's STEREO-A satellite caught this view of Comet Leonard as it continued to streak into the inner solar system in December. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3smbcMl

Chicago's winter officially arrives in record-setting fashion; Still no measurable snow

Tuesday at 9:58 a.m. marked the arrival of winter, and with it came a weather record. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3efOzks

Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' could meet its doom within 3 years

Thwaites Glacier is roughly the size of Florida, and holds enough ice to raise sea levels over two feet. New research shows that the collapse of its ice shelf may be just a few years away. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FiFgMd

Houston, you are go for a spacewalk: 'The Infinite' launches VR space station tours

There is a moment in The Infinite where you can find yourself in front of NASA astronaut Drew Morgan as he tries to describe what it's like to enter the International Space Station for the first time. from Space.com https://ift.tt/329XMZe

Study finds that not even the largest lakes in the world are safe from salt

Tourist towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline love to proclaim the giant body of water "Unsalted and Shark-Free." The slogan is plastered on t-shirts, magnets and bumper stickers—but, according to a new study, only one of those claims holds water. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3mnYAR7

Parasitic worms in dogs, cats may jump into people

Parasitic worms that infect companion animals such as dogs and cats are more likely to make the leap into humans than other worm species, according to new research from the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3qhEWaw

Bits of asteroid Ryugu are among 'most primordial' materials ever examined

Two new studies reveal surprising features of the asteroid Ryugu. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ml9Ihy

'The Expanse' is back on Amazon Prime for sixth and final season

The sixth and final season of "The Expanse" is currently showing on Amazon Prime Video and it's a show not to miss. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3qav16E

Breakthrough identification of proteins necessary for muscle regeneration

A researcher at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy has identified the proteins necessary for efficient regeneration of skeletal muscles after acute injury and in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Ashok Kumar, Else and Philip Hargrove Endowed Professor of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is reporting his findings in eLife. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EaVTrX

Earthquake depth impacts potential tsunami threat

Earthquakes of similar magnitude can cause tsunamis of greatly varying sizes. This commonly observed, but not well-understood phenomenon has hindered reliable warnings of local tsunamis. This research provides new insight that connects the characteristics of earthquakes -- magnitude, depth where two tectonic plates slip past each other and the rigidity of the plates involved -- with the potential size of a resulting tsunami. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GZgukP

NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission slips to spring 2022 after engine issue

Rocket woes have again delayed NASA's return to the moon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3e87ugT

Step forward in quest to develop living construction materials

Some engineered living materials can combine the strength of run-of-the-mill building materials with the responsiveness of living systems. Think self-healing concrete, paint that changes color when a specific chemical is detected or material that could reproduce and fill in a crack when one forms. This would revolutionize construction and maintenance, with wide-reaching economic and environmental implications. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3Fh9z6f

Wear and tear in vulnerable brain areas lead to lesions linked to cognitive decline

As our brains age, small lesions begin to pop up in the bundles of white matter that carry messages between our neurons. The lesions can damage this white matter and lead to cognitive deficits. Now, researchers not only provide an explanation for the location of these lesions but also how they develop in the first place. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GWUc3e

You can watch SpaceX launch NASA supplies to space station early Tuesday

SpaceX will launch a Dragon spacecraft packed with NASA cargo to the International Space Station early Tuesday (Dec. 21) and you can watch it live. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3EjdspH

Realistic model of mouse hippocampus uncovers new mechanism for pattern separation

Our brains can distinguish highly similar patterns, thanks to a process called pattern separation. How exactly our brains separate patterns is, however, not full,y understood yet. Using a full-scale computer model of the dentate gyrus, a brain region involved in pattern separation, researchers found that inhibitory neurons activated by one pattern suppress all their neighboring neurons, thereby switching off 'competing' similar patterns. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yIRxXO

Nanoparticle therapeutic enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered that a nanoparticle therapeutic enhances cancer immunotherapy and is a possible new approach in treating malignant pleural effusion (MPE). MPE is the accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and lungs and is accompanied by malignant cells and/or tumors. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/30FG2E3

1,500 endangered languages at high risk of being lost this century

A new study warns 1,500 endangered languages could no longer be spoken by the end of this century. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3J5wLXq

Bird flu outbreak in French foie gras region

An outbreak of bird flu has been detected in a duck farm in France's Landes region, the heart of foie gras production, local officials said Sunday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3sgXrOL

Marine life can cling together to buy time in the face of climate warming

Some marine species can help protect others from climate change by shielding them from heat, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q8Aniv

New potential treatment for graft-versus-host-disease and other inflammatory disorders

Researchers have shown that blocking IL-6 and TNF cytokines provides a more effective approach to preventing life-threatening graft-versus-host-disease, an inflammatory condition that develops in patients after their allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pa9HPj

California Academy of Sciences researchers describe 70 new species in 2021

Researchers describe 70 new species in 2021 from the lowland forests of Madagascar to Easter Island's coral reefs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3F6KDhD

Study questions widely used race-based formula to define lung disease

New results from a long-term epidemiologic study reveal that one of the oldest racially based diagnostic formulas in medicine is no better than a race-neutral equation. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3FaIemc

Fabricating stable, high-mobility transistors for next-generation display technologies

The trade-off between carrier mobility and stability in amorphous oxide semiconductor-based thin film transistors (TFTs) has been finally overcome by researchers in an ingeniously fabricated indium tin zinc oxide TFT. This could pave the way for the design of display technologies that are cheaper than current silicon-based technologies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/30Ht3Sl

New smart-roof coating enables year-round energy savings

Scientists have developed an all-season smart-roof coating that keeps homes warm during the winter and cool during the summer -- without consuming natural gas or electricity. Research findings point to a groundbreaking technology that outperforms commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32e3dpw

A new way to find genetic variations removes bias from human genotyping

Since the first sequencing of the human genome more than 20 years ago, the study of human genomes has relied almost exclusively on a single reference genome to which others are compared to identify genetic variations. Scientists have long recognized that a single reference genome cannot represent human diversity and that using it introduces a pervasive bias into these studies. Now, they finally have a practical alternative. Researchers have introduced a new tool, called Giraffe, that can efficiently map new genome sequences to a 'pangenome' representing many diverse human genome sequences. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ec9zZ2

Baboons can reproduce social conventions to problem solve: study

French researchers have observed non-human primates developing social conventions to work together to obtain a reward, in an experiment set up with a group of baboons. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yEIIhK

Fire and ice: The puzzling link between western wildfires and Arctic sea ice

Researchers uncover the mechanics behind dwindling Arctic sea ice and its influence on wildfire weather in the western United States. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32gWzyX

Weird quantum objects known as Q balls could explain why we exist

Bizarre quantum objects called Q balls could explain why the universe if filled with matter and ultimately why we exist. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3FchUrM

Watch the first full trailer for the new 'Halo' TV series coming to Paramount Plus

The first proper footage from the eagerly-awaited "Halo" TV series has arrived, the live-action adaptation of the famous first-person shooter Xbox games. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3GXDZL2

New space tourist videos show Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa's life in orbit

The space tourist has beamed home videos showing his many orbital adventures. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3e4vcuj

Japanese billionaire space tourist Yusaku Maezawa and two crewmates return to Earth tonight. Watch it live.

The trio will wrap up their 12-day orbital trip on Sunday (Dec. 19). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3skULjg

James Webb Space Telescope vs. Hubble: How will their images compare?

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is currently poised to launch and become the most powerful telescope in space. But how will its photos compare to Hubble's? from Space.com https://ift.tt/3mebUHu

Firm transforms waste as Morocco faces trash 'time bomb'

Recycling in Morocco may be in its infancy, but the North African kingdom is making steady progress, helped by a Swiss firm that specialises in processing organic waste. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3p8eyQN

Tunisia recyclers struggle to tackle mountains of waste

"When I see plastic, I see money," says Tarek Masmoudi, owner of one of the few recycling companies in Tunisia, where a waste crisis is threatening widespread social unrest. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32f2p3G

Russia ready to 'fight' for space tourism supremacy

After a decade-long hiatus, Russia is relaunching an ambitious bid for dominion over the world's budding space tourism industry, jostling with zealous billionaires, the United States, and rising China. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3p7oc6r

SpaceX lofts Turkish communications satellite to orbit in 2nd Falcon 9 rocket launch of the day

SpaceX launched its second rocket in less than 24 hours on Saturday night (Dec. 18), delivering a Turkish communications satellite into orbit before capping off the successful mission with a landing at sea. from Space.com https://ift.tt/32jJftl

Beneath La Palma volcano, scientists collect lava 'to learn'

As soon as he heard that La Palma's volcano had erupted, Australian geologist Matt Pankhurst loaded his microscope into his car and raced to catch a ferry to the Spanish island. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32dImCI

SpaceX launches 52 Starlink satellites from California base

A SpaceX rocket carried 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California early Saturday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yFkDY7

Moderate earthquake shakes Milan; no reports of injuries

A moderate earthquake rattled Italy's financial capital of Milan on Saturday morning. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3F9tFz3

New space telescope to uncover secrets of Universe's origins

The NASA-led James Webb Space Telescope, which includes hardware designed and built at UCL and which will image the very first stars to shine in the Universe, is scheduled to be launched into space later this month. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GRFSZK

Coast redwood and sequoia genome sequences completed

Scientists have completed the sequences for the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. The research helps better explain the genetic basis for these species' ability to adapt to their changing environments. The findings indicate that the coast redwood genome evolved from a single ancestral species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yBRYDv

Far-right using COVID-19 theories to grow reach, study shows

The mugshot-style photos are posted on online message boards in black and white and look a little like old-fashioned "wanted" posters. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32em43z

New discovery on how omega-3 fatty acids can reduce atherosclerosis

A receptor activated by substances formed from omega-3 fatty acids plays a vital role in preventing inflammation in blood vessels and reducing atherosclerosis, a new study reports. The discovery can pave the way for new strategies for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/326GSdN

Geocentric model: The Earth-centered view of the universe

The geocentric model is a debunked theory that the Earth is the center of the universe, with the sun and planets revolving around it. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3q8Uj4K

Using drones to capture coastal heritage before it's lost

Improved understanding is a necessary first step in the process of managing the loss of an archaeological site, and the Seaford Head Project is trialing ways of achieving this including 3D modeling and surveying the site with drones. The project will also trial the use of podcasts and videos to engage local communities in a conversation about coastal change and how they feel about the eventual, inevitable loss of historic sites. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3q8U61s

Unraveling a puzzle to speed the development of fusion energy

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed an effective computational method to simulate the crazy-quilt movement of free electrons during experimental efforts to harness on Earth the fusion power that drives the sun and stars. The method cracks a complex equation that can enable improved control of the random and fast-moving moving electrons in the fuel for fusion energy. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/33FCpzd

NASA confirms next Friday for Webb Space Telescope launch

NASA is shooting for next Friday to launch its newest space telescope. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3q8yuCn

FAA: Georgia spaceport decision near, but more study needed

A federal agency expects to announce its decision Monday on whether to allow a launchpad that would send commercial rockets into space from coastal Georgia. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/32a2oOJ

Since 1980s US chances of a white Christmas melt a bit

A white Christmas seems to be slowly morphing from a reliable reality to a dream of snowy holidays past for large swaths of the United States in recent decades. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3E3Oivh

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate 'precancerous' ones

Normal epithelial cells show the ability to push out precancerous ones present in the epithelium, by means of 'cell competition.' But the exact molecular mechanism of this recognition by normal epithelial cells was unknown. Now, researchers have unraveled the interactions and cellular pathways leading to this extrusion, allowing them to identify a candidate for a therapeutic target for future cancer prevention research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Fbb7yw

Is time travel possible?

You are time travelling right now, but how does real time travel differ to that of science fiction? Here, we explore some of the theories behind time travel and the science that supports time-bending. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3yAeZWi

Seed microorganisms override soil microorganisms when colonizing plants

New research shows that when it comes to colonizing plants, microorganisms from seeds have more staying power than microorganisms from the soil. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IT17fz

Scientists find new details about how immune system builds long-term memory

Experts in Japan have identified a fundamental part of the immune system's long-term memory, providing a useful new detail in the pursuit to design better vaccines for diseases, ranging from COVID-19 to malaria. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q3hY6P

SpaceX faces sexual harassment allegations from five former employees

Several former employees have gone public with allegations of sexual harassment experienced at SpaceX. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3sbvR5r

A new way to find genetic variations removes bias from human genotyping

Since the first sequencing of the human genome more than 20 years ago, the study of human genomes has relied almost exclusively on a single reference genome to which others are compared to identify genetic variations. Scientists have long recognized that a single reference genome cannot represent human diversity and that using it introduces a pervasive bias into these studies. Now, they finally have a practical alternative. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3saAxbT

Diverse plant water-use strategies make forests more resilient to extreme drought

To paint a clearer picture of how global climate change will affect Earth's ecosystems, a team of 80 international research scientists set out to complete an unparalleled experiment: forcing the world's only enclosed rainforest—housed in the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2—through a four-month-long controlled drought and recovery. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3oYJ5AI

Researchers describe 70 new species in 2021

In 2021, researchers at the California Academy of Sciences added 70 new plant and animal species to the tree of life, enriching our understanding of Earth's complex web of life and strengthening our ability to make informed conservation decisions. The new species include 14 beetles, 12 sea slugs, nine ants, seven fish, six scorpions, five sea stars, five flowering plants, four sharks, three spiders, two sea pens, one moss, one pygmy pipehorse, and one caecilian. More than a dozen Academy scientists—along with several dozen international collaborators—described the new species discoveries.  from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3H5sUrF

New research finds supermarket business model is on knife edge

In the run-up to Christmas, supermarkets and their supply chains will be top-of-mind for many consumers. A new report from the Food Research Collaboration, based on analysis by Professor Lisa Jack from the University of Portsmouth, shows that the supermarkets' business model is surprisingly fragile. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3p1GLcj

Despite cleaner air, pollution disparities for people of color remain across the US

Researchers investigated disparities in exposure to six major air pollutants in 1990, 2000 and 2010 by comparing models of air pollution levels to census data. While overall pollutant concentrations have decreased since 1990, people of color are still more likely to be exposed to all six pollutants than white people, regardless of income level, across the continental United States. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3m7fGlN

Building a better bat box: Temperature variation in rocket box designs

Bat box designs vary widely, but many commercial varieties remain untested and risk cooking the animals they're designed to shelter. Often small and painted dark colors, these boxes may rise to dangerous temperatures on sunny days in summer, putting mom and pup in harm's way. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3E1ns7c

Shifting conferences online cuts carbon footprint 94%

The COVID-19 global pandemic—unexpectedly—has shown humanity a new way to reduce climate change: Scrap in-person meetings and conventions. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/30wSzJY

Watching the blink of a star to size up asteroids for NASA's Lucy Mission

Gathering near Las Vegas recently, dozens of astronomers spread throughout the region, pointed their telescopes at the sky and waited for the moment on Oct. 20 that the light from a faraway star blinked out. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yvJNbC

Marine life can cling together to buy time in the face of climate warming

Some marine species can help protect others from climate change by shielding them from heat, according to a new study by a Texas A&M University at Galveston professor. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3E038Tx

A pioneering visual system for assessment of student competencies

When a student obtains a university qualification, they are deemed to have acquired with a set of skills, abilities and knowledge learned throughout the courses and years. But what exactly do they know? What competencies lie behind that qualification? To what degree have they acquired them? The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) is taking a leap forward in competency-based assessment by launching GRAF, a system that shows students' progress graphically. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3F2vEoN

Exclusive Q&A: Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney on his colorful new sci-fi comic book series 'The Adventures of Adrienne James'

Strap in for a full-throttle ride to hunt down a legendary cosmic treasure. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3E2AW2i

60 years of children's books reveal persistent overrepresentation of male protagonists

An analysis of thousands of children's books published in the last 60 years suggests that, while a higher proportion of books now feature female protagonists, male protagonists remain overrepresented. Stella Lourenco of Emory University, U.S., and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on December 15, 2021 and explore the factors associated with representation. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/30sZyUc

Identifying schools with high lead levels in drinking water

Consuming lead can cause health problems for anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable because the element can interfere with their growth and development. While water systems will soon be required to measure lead levels in school tap water, it's not clear how these measurements should be interpreted. Researchers have now used real-world data to determine an approach for identifying schools likely to have problematic lead levels. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q1vAzj

Seagrass is not a miracle solution against climate change

Through the resettlement of seagrass meadows on the coasts, large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are to be removed in the future to combat climate change. Be aware, however: Seagrass meadows can, under certain conditions, release more carbon dioxide than they absorb, as is now shown by a Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon study published in the scientific journal Science Advances. Whether the recultivation of sea grass meadows makes sense ultimately depends on the location. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/30sYIXx

‘Forever chemicals’ latch onto sea spray to become airborne

When ocean waves break, microscopic particles break free into the air. For beachgoers, aerosolized sea salts contribute to the tousled 'beach hair' look. But other compounds found in seawater, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), could become airborne as bubbles pop at the water's surface. Now, researchers have observed in a thorough field study that sea spray pollutes the air in coastal areas with these potentially harmful chemicals. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DWDTl1

Perceived police bias, community violence amplify youth firearm carriage, study shows

Nearly two-thirds of all violence-related deaths among adolescents and young adults across the United States are caused by firearms. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ysxqNw

Study clarifies nitrogen's impact on soil carbon sequestration

Soil organic carbon is a cornerstone of soil health. It improves soil structure while enhancing water- and nutrient-holding capacity, key factors for any agricultural production system. To build it up, farmers incorporate crop residues into soils. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3s8TkEp

Crocodile fossils found in Portsmouth seawalls

A group of students who headed to the beach last year for some fresh air amid the gloom of the pandemic, chanced upon a crocodile bone in the old seawall that led to the discovery of other fossils. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yqQk7C

Astronomers just got better at finding 'bright' black holes

Astronomers have a new way of detecting active black holes in the Universe and measuring how much matter they are sucking in. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/33nXtKh

Researchers develop platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds

A new high-throughput platform screens for drug compounds that hit a target found in human and bat coronaviruses and could be used to develop future treatments. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dRvEfw

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has a shiny giant mirror made of gold hexagons. Here's why.

The James Webb Space Telescope is relying on its iconic, gold mirror to do groundbreaking science. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3oSYkLf

Experiments riding 24th SpaceX cargo mission to space station study bioprinting, crystallization, laundry

The 24th SpaceX cargo resupply services mission, targeted to launch in late December from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carries scientific research and technology demonstrations to the International Space Station. The experiments aboard include studies of bioprinting, crystallization of monoclonal antibodies, changes in immune function, plant gene expression changes, laundering clothes in space, processing alloys, and student citizen science projects. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3oW4CK4

Earliest adorned female infant burial in Europe significant in understanding evolution of personhood

Ten thousand years ago, a group of hunter-gatherers buried an infant girl in an Italian cave with a rich selection of their treasured beads and pendants, showing that even the youngest females were recognized as full persons in their society. The excavations and analysis of the discovery offer insight into the early Mesolithic period, from which few recorded burials are known. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3oW8riM

Scientists connect diet and temperature to metabolism in opaleye fish

Whether it's warm outside or cold, people generally eat about the same amount. But a fish's appetite can vary enormously with the temperature. As coldblooded animals, their metabolism is governed by external conditions: It's slow going for a cold fish, but high temperatures kick them into high gear. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ISm3TO

China is building the world's largest national park system

This autumn, without much fanfare, China established a new government initiative that could have a profound impact on the nation's increasingly threatened biodiversity. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EYWYEI

Technique speeds up thermal actuation for soft robotics

Researchers have come up with a new design for thermal actuators, which can be used to create rapid movement in soft robotic devices. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3oQK4mh

Einstein's theory of general relativity passes one of its toughest tests yet

Scientists tested seven different predictions, in one of the most ambitious and involved challenges to general relativity ever undertaken — and the theory passed with flying colors. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3DMoe7H

Banned decades ago, PCBs still posing threat to wildlife

Navigating her boat toward a wooden platform floating in an idyllic New Hampshire lake where "On Golden Pond" was filmed, biologist Tiffany Grade spotted what she had feared. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GETbN1

Gunfire or plastic bag popping? Trained computer can tell the difference

Engineering researchers have developed a gunshot detection algorithm and classification model that can discern similar sounds such as gunfire or a plastic bag popping. Discerning between a dangerous audio event like a gun firing and a non-life-threatening event, such as a plastic bag bursting, can mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, it also can determine whether or not to deploy public safety workers. Humans, as well as computers, often confuse the sounds of a plastic bag popping and real gunshot sounds. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ERFUAr

The best sci-fi movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix in December

A veritable treasure trove of sci-fi is available at your fingertips. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2WVmWpa

Melatonin exacerbates asthma, study finds

Asthma sufferers generally find their condition gets worse at night. Now researchers may understand why. Melatonin, a sleep hormone that is sometimes prescribed to treat insomnia, exasperates the constriction of the bronchus -- the pathway that moves air to and from your lungs, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rXVI0C

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? New study points the way

Researchers have identified rare, naturally occurring T cells that are capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and a range of other coronaviruses. The findings suggest that a component of this protein, called viral polymerase, could potentially be added to COVID-19 vaccines to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants of the virus. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dIbF2K

Satellite images, expert suggest Iranian space launch coming

Iran appears to be preparing for a space launch as negotiations continue in Vienna over its tattered nuclear deal with world powers, according to an expert and satellite images. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yivG9J

Spanish island volcano eruption hits local record of 85 days

A volcanic eruption in Spain's Canary Islands shows no sign of ending after 85 days, becoming the island of La Palma's longest eruption on record Sunday. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3oM2Jzz

Severe weather 'new normal,' US emergency chief warns after tornadoes

More powerful, destructive, and deadlier storms will be the "new normal" as the effects of climate change take root, the top US emergency management official said Sunday after massive tornadoes ravaged six states. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ylrLZR

Race to rescue survivors as US tornadoes kill at least 94

US rescuers desperately searched for survivors Sunday after tornadoes killed at least 94 and left towns in ruin, with emergency crews racing against time to find dozens still missing from a collapsed Kentucky factory. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GB2D3T

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin aims to help the next generation reach for the stars

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin is working to help the next generation reach the same lofty heights that he did. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3ygLxpf

Vienna exhibition tests ethics of displaying human remains

A vast, bloated liver. An infant with lacerated skin. The deformed skeleton of a young girl. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/33daQwO

EXPLAINER: Was tornado outbreak related to climate change?

The calendar said December but the warm moist air screamed of springtime. Add an eastbound storm front guided by a La Nina weather pattern into that mismatch and it spawned tornadoes that killed dozens over five U.S. states. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rZNxkI

Powerful tornadoes kill at least 78 in five US states

Dozens of devastating tornadoes ripped through five US states overnight, leaving more than 70 people dead Saturday in Kentucky—many of them workers at a candle factory—and inflicting deadly damage at a sprawling Amazon warehouse in Illinois. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IKtxIs

Bezos' Blue Origin completes third crewed space flight

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin company blasted its third private crew into space on Saturday and brought it back safely, this time including the daughter of the first American astronaut. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3yjp3nr

'I want to go back!' Michael Strahan can't get enough of space after Blue Origin launch

The former NFL star and "Good Morning America" co-anchor Michael Strahan launched into space on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket Saturday (Dec. 11) from Space.com https://ift.tt/3EMTLIf

Blue Origin launches necklace honoring 'Star Trek' actor Leonard Nimoy into space on New Shepard

The sterling silver necklace, bearing the LLAP symbol, went aloft on a Blue Origin flight with the personal items of Laura Shepard Churchley. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3GAe9N1

Exotic six-quark particle predicted by supercomputers

The predicted existence of an exotic particle made up of six elementary particles known as quarks by RIKEN researchers could deepen our understanding of how quarks combine to form the nuclei of atoms. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31GUb4C

New understanding of plant nutrient response could improve fertilizer management strategies

Green is a color that is almost universally associated with plants -- for good reason. The green pigment chlorophyll is essential to plants' ability to generate food; but what happens if they don't have enough of it? New work reveals the complex, interdependent nutrient responses underpinning a potentially deadly, low-chlorophyll state called chlorosis that's associated with an anemic, yellow appearance. It could usher in more environmentally friendly agricultural practices -- using less fertilizer and fewer water resources. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DLNiM2

'Don't Look Up' delivers a punch in comet-themed climate change film satire (review)

Science is perfectly at the forefront of this star-studded story, but will the jokes connect with a wide audience? from Space.com https://ift.tt/3DJ4BgQ

California's heavy-duty trucks don't have to get smog-checked. Why that's about to change

California motorists have been getting their vehicles smog-checked for decades. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GBfzXt

Scientists identify malfunctioning brain cells as potential target for Alzheimer's treatment

Scientists have identified a rare population of potentially toxic senescent cells in human brains that can serve as a target for a new Alzheimer's disease treatment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31QE6J0

Geminid meteor shower 2021: When, where & how to see it

The Geminid meteor shower peaks the night of Dec. 13-14. This guide tells you the best times and places to see these shooting stars (no equipment necessary). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3GwgR6f

Simulating matter on the nanoscale with AI

In a paper published today in the scientific journal Science, DeepMind demonstrates how neural networks can be used to describe electron interactions in chemical systems more accurately than existing methods. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/33hca1S

Circular economy: Researchers show how synthetic rubber raw material can be degraded

Enzymes are capable of degrading synthetic polyisoprene. The specific conditions for that have now been created and exploited. Polyisoprene is the principal component of natural rubber and of many types of rubber also used in car tires, for example. Up until now, it has only been possible to degrade polyisoprene, with a composition similar to naturally occurring rubber. The present research could provide important insights toward a circular economy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31BN2CD

Best space and sci-fi books for 2021

Space.com's editors present a reading list for space and sci-fi lovers, as well as children who are interested in astronomy and spaceflight. from Space.com https://ift.tt/2sjoLNL

Book excerpt: 'Space Forces' (Verso, 2021) examines spaceflight visions

Ideas about space exploration look different depending on who comes up with them, in what surroundings and for what purposes. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pFoMHv

New book 'Space Forces' examines the cultural drivers of space exploration

Space exploration doesn't happen in a vacuum. Instead, our ideas of space exploration are shaped by our cultural contexts, according to architecture and urban design professor Fred Scharmen. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3oFscuM

Scientists solve the grass leaf conundrum

Grass is cut regularly by our mowers and grazed on by cows and sheep, yet continues to grow back. The secret to its remarkable regenerative powers lies in part in the shape of its leaves, but how that shape arises has been a topic of longstanding debate. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IAFWih

Ethiopian monuments 1,000 years older than previously thought

Rising as high as 20 feet, ancient stone monoliths in southern Ethiopia are 1,000 years older than scientists previously thought, according to a new study. A research team used advanced radiocarbon dating to determine the often phallic-shaped monoliths, or stelae, at the Sakaro Sodo archeological site in Ethiopia's Gedeo zone were likely created sometime during the first century A.D. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pHa5E3

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Detecting the activity of CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms with the naked eye and an ultraviolet flashlight is now possible using technology developed at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EFo5nZ

Companies look better when workers have a say, even if input is more rhetoric than reality

The boss says your opinion matters on major decisions, and company leaders are using crowdsourcing software to solicit your input. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ICYKgC

UK professions supporting 'laundering of money & reputations' of post-Soviet elite

Despite much rhetoric and progress on paper, the UK remains a safe haven for dirty money, a great deal of which comes from Russia and Eurasia.  Failure to tackle this thriving billion-dollar industry is "materially and reputationally damaging for the UK's rule of law and to the UK's professed role as an opponent of international corruption," the report says and it calls for a new anti-kleptocracy strategy on the part of the British state. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31LNjmb

Citizen scientists find young-Jupiter-like object missed by previous exoplanet searches

Citizen scientists have discovered a new object orbiting a Sun-like star that had been missed by previous searches. The object is very distant from its host star—more than 1,600 times farther than the Earth is from the Sun—and is thought to be a large planet or a small brown dwarf, a type of object that is not massive enough to burn hydrogen like true stars. Details about the new world are published today in The Astrophysical Journal. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lKS4DB

Scientists show how bone-bordering cells may help shape a skull

A skull is not one single bone but rather a collection of bone plates joined together early in development. In a study of mice, scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai showed how the activity of one gene, turned on in a newly discovered group of bone-bordering cells, may play an important role in shaping the skull. The skulls of mice that were missing the gene were misshapen and were depleted of the cells in a manner that is reminiscent of craniosynostosis, a developmental disorder that affects about one out every 2,500 babies born in the United States. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3EIycbx

Seas are now rising higher than some buildings' underground garages

Sea level rise has more consistently pushed underground water closer to the surface—sometimes reaching underground levels of coastal buildings, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University's FIU Institute of Environment. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GqT47G

Warning signs of sight loss could be identified before vision deteriorates

A new study has shown that the signs of age related macular degeneration can set in earlier than previously thought -- even before patients begin to lose their sight. The findings open the door for research into earlier treatment that could help slow down the onset of the condition the most common cause of sight loss in the western world. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pK2Lr4

Blood from marathoner mice boosts brain function in their couch-potato counterparts

Researchers have shown that blood from young adult mice that are getting lots of exercise benefits the brains of same-aged, sedentary mice. A single protein in the blood of exercising mice seems largely responsible for that benefit. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31D5zhC

Will Smith explores planet Earth in new 'Welcome to Earth' series from Disney Plus, Nat Geo (exclusive clip)

Today (Dec. 8), National Geographic's new series "Welcome to Earth" drops on Disney Plus, showcasing Academy Award-nominated actor Will Smith in his latest role: explorer. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3IzxzUf

Liquid marbles: how this tiny, emerging technology could solve carbon capture and storage problems

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been touted, again and again, as one of the critical technologies that could help Australia reach its climate targets, and features heavily in the federal government's plan for net-zero emissions by 2050. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3oCFgB8

Hasbro unveils Star Wars The Black Series figures ahead of The Book of Boba Fett's release

The Book of Boba Fett hits Disney Plus on December 29, but you'll have to wait until next year for these tie-in Black Series figures. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3rNIy6g

Opinion: All fossil fuel advertisements should be banned

I think we should ban all fossil fuel advertisements, plain and simple. I know it sounds extreme, but it's imperative for the future of our planet. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/331YJma

Gravitational waves could be key to answering why more matter was left over after Big Bang

If researchers can detect Q-balls in gravitational waves, it could help explain why more matter than anti-matter was left over after the Big Bang. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rRCTfA

Anxiety drugs and antidepressants trigger post-surgery delirium, study finds

A new study finds that older people taking a drug used to treat anxiety and insomnia -- nitrazepam -- as well as those on antidepressants, are twice as likely to suffer postoperative delirium after hip and knee surgery. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IzcBVu

Early warning signals could help monitor disease outbreaks

New research suggests early warning signals (EWSs) could help in the monitoring of disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. The study found warnings could be detected weeks earlier than any rapid increase in cases. The findings could help governments and policy makers improve the accuracy of their decisions and allow timely interventions if needed. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DvxDk4

Neurotoxin from a black widow spider examined

Although many people lose their nerve and panic when they see a spider, only very few of the creatures are actually dangerous. The black widow, however, is a force to be reckoned with: it catches its prey by means of nerve poison -- to be precise, latrotoxins (LaTXs). Researchers have now investigated the substance -- also with a view to medical applications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EBOjHT

See the moon near Saturn in the night sky tonight as Venus shines bright

The moon will meet Saturn in the night sky today. Here is how to see it. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3rHFvwD

Urbanization improves out-group trust

It's a trope that's played out in many forms: an innocent villager goes to the big city, and their naivety in the ways of the world is immediately rewarded with someone taking advantage of their trust. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3GjB3bm

'Mystery Hut' spotted on the moon by Chinese rover is just a rock, scientist says

Before you request a reservation at the lunar "Mystery Hut," take note: It's just a rock. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3y4SvNK

Development of a transparent and flexible ultra-thin memory device

A two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-based flexible memory device is a critical element in the next-generation wearable market because it plays a crucial role in data storage, processing, and communication. An ultra-thin memory device materialized with a 2D nanomaterial of several nanometers (nm) can significantly increase the memory density, leading to the development of a flexible resistance-variable memory with the implementation of a 2D nanomaterial. However, memories using conventional 2D nanomaterials have limitations owing to the weak carrier trapping characteristics of the nanomaterials. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IqTc8Z

Japanese space tourist will join human health research effort in orbit

An upcoming 12-day mission to the space station will add to the information available about non-professional astronauts. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3oweASn

CRISPRing the microbiome is just around the corner

To date, CRISPR enzymes have been used to edit the genomes of one type of cell at a time: They cut, delete or add genes to a specific kind of cell within a tissue or organ, for example, or to one kind of microbe growing in a test tube. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31AUfT5

Astra to launch mission for NASA from Florida next month

Astra will launch a NASA mission from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in January, the California rocket builder announced on Monday (Dec. 6). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3lFRGGa

Pen-side test for bovine respiratory disease may save cattle industry millions, reduce antibiotic use

Sous-vide cooking has inspired an idea that took promising technology out of the lab and into the barn. Researchers at Purdue University have successfully developed an on-site bovine respiratory disease test that provides results within an hour. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xWDw8M

People unknowingly group themselves together online, fueling political polarization across the US

As people curate their online news feeds, they may be unwillingly sorting themselves into polarized networks, according to a study led by researchers at Princeton University. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3oulxDv

The tipping point for legislative polarization

A predictive model of a polarized group, similar to the current U.S. Senate, demonstrates that when an outside threat—like war or a pandemic—fails to unite the group, the divide may be irreversible through democratic means. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences as part of a Dynamics of Political Polarization Special Feature, the model identifies such atypical behavior among the political elite as a powerful symptom of dangerously high levels of polarization. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rG33SD

Iron integral to the development of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets

Iron is an essential nutrient that almost all life requires to grow and thrive. Iron's importance goes all the way back to the formation of the planet Earth, where the amount of iron in the Earth's rocky mantle was 'set' by the conditions under which the planet formed and went on to have major ramifications for how life developed. Now, scientists at the University of Oxford have uncovered the likely mechanisms by which iron influenced the development of complex life forms, which can also be used to understand how likely (or unlikely) advanced life forms might be on other planets. The work was published today in PNAS. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dsSwSe

Fuel leak delays Atlas V rocket launch to early Tuesday morning: Watch it live

A U.S. military mission will get off the ground Tuesday morning (Dec. 7) after a two-day delay, and you can watch the liftoff live. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31yXydi

Watch the entire total solar eclipse of 2021 in just 1 minute! (time-lapse video)

A new video (available on YouTube in 4K) offers a stunning view of the 2021 solar eclipse that occurred on Saturday (Dec. 4). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3DtPpEc

Persistent gender bias found in scientific research and related course materials: A long-term linguistic analysis

Two companion research articles published in the current issue of Language point to persistent gender bias in both peer-reviewed journal articles and course materials used in the field of linguistics. The first study examined undergraduate textbooks commonly used for linguistics courses taught in English. The second study examined over 1,000 research articles published in top linguistics journals over the past 20 years. Further details about the findings of each article are presented separately below. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dnXH5Y

Fiber lasers poised to advance lab's development of practical laser-plasma accelerators

The next phase in the development of laser-plasma particle accelerators (LPAs)—potentially game-changing tools for research and practical applications—is underway at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). A new approach to high-power lasers—combining the pulses from many fast-acting but lower-energy optical fiber lasers—will energize these super-compact accelerators. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ot4L7P

Coral reefs of western Indian Ocean at risk of collapse: study

Rising sea temperatures and overfishing threaten coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean with complete collapse in the next 50 years, according to a groundbreaking study of these marine ecosystems. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3ovPvXT

New type of earthquake discovered

A research team has documented a new type of earthquake in an injection environment in British Columbia, Canada. The seismic events are slower than conventional earthquakes. Their existence supports a scientific theory that until now had not been sufficiently substantiated by measurements. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dmxCEu

Too dry, too hot, or too wet: Increasing weather persistence in European summer

Global warming makes long lasting weather situations in the Northern hemisphere's summer months more likely -- which in turn leads to more extreme weather events, a novel analysis of atmospheric images and data finds. These events include heatwaves, droughts, intense rainy periods. Especially in Europe, but also in Russia, persistent weather patterns have increased in number and intensity over the last decades with weather extremes occurring simultaneously at different locations. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GnYksR

Researchers crack the synthetic code of rare molecules sought after in drug development

A research team has succeeded in producing two molecules that are otherwise only formed by microorganisms from extremely contaminated wastewater in an abandoned mine in South Korea. The method, which took four years to develop, could pave the way for new types of drugs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rFWNdB

Long-range four-stranded DNA structures found to play a role in rare aging disease

A special form of four-stranded DNA, recently seen in human cells, has been found to interact with a gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Iqa93u

Liquid crystals for fast switching devices

An international team has investigated a newly synthesized liquid-crystalline material that promises applications in optoelectronics. Simple rod-shaped molecules with a single center of chirality self-assemble into helical structures at room temperature. Using soft X-ray resonant scattering at BESSY II, the scientists have now been able to determine the pitch of the helical structure with high precision. Their results indicate an extremely short pitch at only about 100 nanometres which would enable applications with particularly fast switching processes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IseH9k

Watch the moon shine near Venus tonight on its way toward Saturn and Jupiter

Venus and the moon make a dazzling duo in the night sky tonight (Dec. 6), starting the moon's multi-day journey past a slew of planets. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3IpGnff

Transcriptional control of mycobacterial DNA damage response by sigma adaptation

A recent study by the Weber-Ban and Ban groups (IMBB) published in Science Advances uncovers that the master regulator of the DNA damage response in mycobacteria, PafBC, leverages a unique mechanism of transcriptional activation to allow promoter recognition at promoters lacking the canonical -35 motif. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3pviTga

Gas bubbles in rock pores were a nursery for life on early Earth

Where and how did life begin on Early Earth more than 3.5 billion years ago from non-living chemicals? A key necessity for the first cells on Earth is the ability to make compartments and evolve to facilitate the first chemical reactions. Membraneless coacervate microdroplets are excellent candidates to describe protocells, with the ability to partition, concentrate molecules and support biochemical reactions. Scientists have not yet shown how those microdroplets could have evolved to start life on earth. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden and at the Center for NanoScience (CeNS) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich now demonstrate for the first time, that the growth and division of membraneless microdroplets is possible in an environment which is similar to gas bubbles within a heated rock pore on Early Earth. Suggesting that life may have had its origin there. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news ...

Visualising cell structures in three dimensions in mere minutes

Viral pathogens like the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus change the interior structure of the cells they infect. These changes occur at the level of individual cell components—the organelles—and can provide information on how viral diseases develop. Extremely powerful imaging techniques are needed to visualize them, but such methods are very data- and time-intensive. A German-American research team under the direction of Dr. Venera Weinhardt at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) of Heidelberg University recently optimized a special X-ray process—known as soft X-ray tomography—to deliver high-resolution three-dimensional images of entire cells and their molecular structure in just a few minutes. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31yaBMj

Male spiders are attracted by a female like planets orbiting a star

The tiny male golden orb-weaving spider faces a considerable challenge when searching for a mate. He is a fraction of the size of the massive female, but must carefully enter her web and approach her without being noticed, because the cannibalistic female will kill and eat him if he makes one wrong move on her web. Add to this gamble the competition he faces from other males also on the delicate arena of the web, and you have a complex optimization problem that even human analysts would find daunting. Yet these little spiders barely have what we would recognize as a brain. How then do they manage? from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DGtvOp

Minimal effort required: A ten-minute run can boost brain processing

Researchers found that as little as ten minutes of moderate-intensity running could benefit mental health. In study participants, both mood and cognitive functions improved, and the activation of bilateral prefrontal subregions associated with cognitive function and mood also increased. These results demonstrate the potential advantages of exercise prescriptions for various conditions including mental health treatment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EwazmC

Astronauts see only total solar eclipse of 2021 from space station (photos)

Astronauts at the International Space Station got a glimpse of the only total solar eclipse of 2021, which was otherwise only visible to a few lucky observers in Antarctica. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3Ew5smo

How the United Nations' new 'open science framework' could speed up the pace of discovery

Science, at its heart, is a collaborative effort. The eureka moments are headline-grabbing and enormously important, but they don't come out of the blue. They emerge from years or even decades of testing, rejecting and refining ideas, painstakingly building a body of knowledge. Progress would be extremely slow if we all had to start at the beginning, or unknowingly tread paths others have already been down. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lFTZJv

Red Sea bioregions show changing blooms

Red Sea phytoplankton blooms change seasonally and interannually in response to climatic events. A KAUST study has analyzed satellite data over two decades and its findings will underpin other investigations into how climate change could impact this marine ecosystem. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xX47Td

New type of earthquake discovered

A Canadian-German research team have documented a new type of earthquake in an injection environment in British Columbia, Canada. Unlike conventional earthquakes of the same magnitude, they are slower and last longer. The events are a new type of induced earthquake that have been triggered by hydraulic fracturing, a method used in western Canada for oil and gas extraction. With a network of eight seismic stations surrounding an injection well at distances of a few kilometers, researchers from the Geological Survey of Canada, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, and McGill University recorded seismic data of approximately 350 earthquakes. Around ten percent of the located earthquakes turned out to exhibit unique features suggesting that they rupture more slowly, similar to what has previously been observed mainly in volcanic areas. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dmCZnd

Making the tobacco industry pay for cigarette litter could stop 4.5 billion butts polluting the Australian environment

Cigarette butts with filters are the most commonly littered item worldwide, with a staggering 4.5 trillion of them tossed into the environment each year. This is a huge problem; many end up on beaches and in the ocean, and the tar from burnt tobacco in the filter can be toxic to wildlife. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rDIdmJ

Microplastic pollution aids antibiotic resistance

Microplastics dispersed in the environment may enhance antibiotic resistance. A study found the chemical-leaching plastics draw bacteria and other vectors and make them susceptible to antibiotic resistant genes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32Y1QeV

Trees are biggest methane ‘vents’ in wetland areas – even when they’re dry

Most of the methane gas emitted from Amazon wetlands regions is vented into the atmosphere via tree root systems -- with significant emissions occurring even when the ground is not flooded, say researchers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pCkIrM

High-resolution mapping method for G4 DNA structures developed

While investigating the unusual G quadruplex DNA structure (G4), the Simon Elsässer group has developed a more accurate method for mapping these structures in the genome. G4 CUT&Tag revealed numerous G4s in the human and mouse genome that were previously not detected. The study has been published in Nucleic Acid Research. These findings may be used for drug development for cancer therapy and provide an important tool to evaluate drug action and safety. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IoNiFj

Discovering the hidden world of freshwater mussels with immersive technology

The freshwater mussel is an unassuming creature. It does not take up a lot of space in the world and it doesn't have the glamor of big aquatic creatures. It isn't a culinary delicacy and it doesn't inspire the creation of cartoon characters. Why bother giving it a second glance, even? from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3pxdkxK

How social dynamics influence the gut microbes of wild lemurs

Humans aren't the only species whose social behaviors can impact their health. New research from The University of Texas at Austin shows that Verreaux's sifaka, a species of wild lemur native to Madagascar, have gut microbes that are affected by those they socialize with. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3Dx3elk

Biomedical probe created from spoiled oranges

A University of Sydney Ph.D. researcher is developing a cancer and serious disease-detecting biomedical probe that can be made from the juice of rancid oranges. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3psQ8R3

Young peoples' rates of reporting online harassment and abuse are 'shockingly low'

Young people aged 12 to 18 are unlikely to report receiving, or being asked to share, non-consensual sexual images to their school, parents or social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, finds a major new report led by UCL. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31r4VnA

Military interest in the moon is ramping up

There is growing interest in protecting strategic assets in cislunar space, the realm between Earth and the moon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31xHmcH

'Potentially hazardous' asteroid worth nearly $5 billion will pass by Earth this week, NASA says

The mineral-rich asteroid has an estimated worth of $4.71 billion. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3dmN1Vl

Newborn star (unsuccessfully) plays 'hide-and-seek' in gas cloud

A big gas jet helped Hubble spot the youngster. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3drbMQ2

Massive simulation of the universe probes mystery of ghostly neutrinos

How do you test theories of the universe? By building gigantic supercomputers and simulating the evolution of the cosmos. from Space.com https://ift.tt/31y5AmS

Nobel Prizes awarded in pandemic-curtailed local ceremonies

Winners of the 2021 Nobel Prizes will start receiving their awards on Monday in scaled-down local ceremonies adapted for pandemic times. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rF19Bu

Taiwan rushes to contain sudden cane toad invasion

Toads are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Taiwan, but the unexpected discovery of an invasive species has officials and environmentalists scrambling to contain their spread. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3dqjBFC

Russia to send Japanese tycoon to ISS in return to space tourism

Russia on Wednesday will send Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to the International Space Station in a move marking Moscow's return to the now booming space tourism business after a decade-long break. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3xVVuIy

Yusaku Maezawa: irreverent billionaire fascinated by space

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who blasts off for the International Space Station this week, is an irreverent space enthusiast who has made headlines for splashing the cash on modern art. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3DuGwKF

Indonesia volcano erupts again, hampering rescue operations

Indonesia's Mount Semeru spewed more ash on Monday, hampering the search for survivors as aerial images showed the extent of the devastation unleashed by the volcano's deadly weekend eruption. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31onetC

Evidence emerges for dark-matter free galaxies

An international team of astronomers led by researchers from the Netherlands has found no trace of dark matter in the galaxy AGC 114905, despite taking detailed measurements over a course of fourty hours with state-of-the-art telescopes. They will present their findings in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3orSOiM

Trees are biggest methane 'vents' in wetland areas – even when they're dry

Most of the methane gas emitted from Amazon wetlands regions is vented into the atmosphere via tree root systems—with significant emissions occurring even when the ground is not flooded, say researchers at the University of Birmingham. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3opWCkm

Fortnite's Chapter 3 Battle Pass includes a moon-themed Ronin skin

Teasers suggest you will defend the multiverse in Season 3, Chapter 1 of the battle royale game. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3Eu93RJ

Here's what the only total solar eclipse of 2021 was like from a cruise ship near Antarctica

Clouds blocked the view of the only total solar eclipse for 2021 for 200 passengers on an Antarctic exploration cruise ship Dec. 4. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3GjgaNk

China's Yutu 2 rover spots cube-shaped 'mystery hut' on far side of the moon

China’s Yutu 2 rover has spotted a mystery object on the horizon while working its way across Von Kármán crater on the far side of the moon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3pvORbY

NASA will announce its next astronaut class on Monday and you can watch it live

NASA is ready to announce its next batch of astronaut candidates, and you can watch the event live on Monday, Dec. 6. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3y2Lm0z

NASA just ordered megarocket boosters for moon missions through 2031

NASA just awarded a contract worth $3.19 billion to build rocket boosters for future moon missions, meant for Artemis moon missions through 2031. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3lAzazb

Venus shines at its highest in the night sky this week. How to see it.

The planet will shine brightly in the evening for a few nights before sinking toward the horizon. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3xXhfaT

Curious Kids: What are the rings around planets made of?

Lots of us are familiar with pictures of the planet Saturn and its unmistakable ring. from Space.com https://ift.tt/3GdEnVs

Physics Nobel belies Italy's scientific brain drain

Italian physicist Giorgio Parisi will receive a shared Nobel prize at a ceremony Monday, but behind the celebrations is consternation at the brain-drain that for years has seen many young scientists leave to work abroad. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3onPjJT

Indonesia volcano eruption death toll rises to 13

Rescuers in Indonesia raced to find survivors in villages blanketed by molten ash Sunday after the eruption of Mount Semeru killed at least 13 people and left dozens injured, officials said. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lD9pOF

Nasal problem plagued long-nosed crocodile relatives

Research finds that humans have more in common with endangered crocodiles than we think -- namely, a deviated septum. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lCNg38

Probiotics improve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Researchers found that probiotics significantly improve the symptoms of pregnancy-related nausea, vomiting and constipation. Nausea and vomiting affect about 85% of pregnancies and can significantly impact quality of life, particularly during early pregnancy. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IopKQX

How you speak up at work can affect whether you’re picked for a team

Business leaders and management experts often encourage people to speak up in the workplace. Suggesting a creative idea or a more efficient way to work can help companies overcome challenges and meet goals. But new research shows another, more subtle and often overlooked form of speaking up has a big effect on the way work gets done and how teams come together. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3InDvzB

Breakthrough in understanding cosmic forces that shape Earth's heliosphere

Astrophysicists have made a breakthrough discovery in our understanding of the cosmic forces that shape the heliosphere. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xU11PG

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

Our understanding of how microscopic structure and changes in the shape of food affect food texture remains underdeveloped, so researchers from Denmark and Germany conducted a series of experiments relating food microstructure and rheology to texture. They used coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy to relate the molecular makeup of the fat in foods with the rheological and mechanical properties of the food. The foods in question: foie gras and pâté. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3diNK9V

Printing technique creates effective skin equivalent, heals wounds

Researchers have developed an approach to print skin equivalents, which may play a future role in facilitating the healing of chronic wounds. They used suspended layer additive manufacturing, creating a gel-like material to support the skin equivalent that can then support a second phase of gel injection. During printing, the skin layers are deposited within the support gel. After printing, the team washed away the support material, leaving behind the layered skin equivalent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31qumWd

3D fault information improves alert accuracy for earthquake early warning

Three-dimensional fault models are generally more accurate than two-dimensional line models at sending ground shaking alerts to the correct areas as part of an earthquake early warning system, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DoAQ4T

ALS therapy should target brain, not just spine

The brain is indeed a target for treating ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), scientists have discovered. This flips a long-standing belief the disease starts in the spinal motor neurons and any therapy would need to target the spine as the key focus. The new study shows the brain degenerates early in ALS, sends warning signals and shows defects very early in the disease. Degeneration of brain motor neurons is not merely a byproduct of the spinal motor neuron degeneration, as had been previously thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rzqRrd

Gene discoveries give new hope to people who stutter

Researchers describe a 'genetic architecture' for developmental stuttering and report the discovery of new genetic variations associated with the condition. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lCl93X

I just fought off alien spaceships, monsters and the Cube Queen in Fortnite's Chapter 2 finale 'The End'

Alien spaceships swarmed over the Fortnite island during the season finale of the battle royale game Saturday (Dec. 4). from Space.com https://ift.tt/3Gi2phU

Total solar eclipse plunges Antarctica into darkness

A total solar eclipse plunged Antarctica from summer into darkness early Saturday in a rare astronomical spectacle witnessed by a handful of scientists and thrill-seekers—and countless penguins. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3lVoOdx

EXPLAINER: Stuck jet stream, La Nina causing weird weather

America's winter wonderland is starting out this season as anything but traditional. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/31vS2Ie

Where did western honey bees come from? New research finds the sweet spot

For decades, scientists have hotly debated the origin of the western honey bee. Now, new research has discovered these popular honey-producing bees most likely originated in Asia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31yvI0D

Brain drain: Scientists explain why neurons consume so much fuel even when at rest

Pound for pound, the brain consumes vastly more energy than other organs, and, puzzlingly, it remains a fuel-guzzler even when its neurons are not firing signals called neurotransmitters to each other. Now researchers have found that the process of packaging neurotransmitters may be responsible for this energy drain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EBkF5q

How you speak up at work can affect whether you're picked for a team

Business leaders and management experts often encourage people to speak up in the workplace. Suggesting a creative idea or a more efficient way to work can help companies overcome challenges and meet goals. But new research shows another, more subtle and often overlooked form of speaking up has a big effect on the way work gets done and how teams come together. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3IjhdPl

Chemical pollutants disrupt reproduction in anemonefish, study finds

Ocean pollution is unfortunately becoming more commonplace, raising concerns over the effect of chemicals that are leaching into the water. In a new study, researchers have discovered how these chemicals can affect the reproduction in common anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris. from Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories https://ift.tt/3rFxR61

Immune system-stimulating nanoparticle could lead to more powerful vaccines

Researchers designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that may be more potent than others now in use. Studies in mice showed it significantly improved antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria and influenza. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xSdP9b