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Bumble bees damage plant leaves and accelerate flower production when pollen is scarce
3dMaintaining phenological synchrony with flowers is a key ecological challenge for pollinators that may be exacerbated by ongoing environmental change. Here, we show that bumble bee workers facing pollen scarcity damage leaves of flowerless plants and thereby accelerate flower production. Laboratory studies revealed that leaf-damaging behavior is strongly influenced by pollen availability and that
Simultaneous observation of nuclear and electronic dynamics by ultrafast electron diffraction
3dSimultaneous observation of nuclear and electronic motion is crucial for a complete understanding of molecular dynamics in excited electronic states. It is challenging for a single experiment to independently follow both electronic and nuclear dynamics at the same time. Here we show that ultrafast electron diffraction can be used to simultaneously record both electronic and nuclear dynamics in is
Coherent optical clock down-conversion for microwave frequencies with 10-18 instability
3dOptical atomic clocks are poised to redefine the Système International (SI) second, thanks to stability and accuracy more than 100 times better than the current microwave atomic clock standard. However, the best optical clocks have not seen their performance transferred to the electronic domain, where radar, navigation, communications, and fundamental research rely on less stable microwave source
Ion transport and regulation in a synaptic vesicle glutamate transporter
3dSynaptic vesicles accumulate neurotransmitters, enabling the quantal release by exocytosis that underlies synaptic transmission. Specific neurotransmitter transporters are responsible for this activity and therefore are essential for brain function. The vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) concentrate the principal excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate into synaptic vesicles, driven by membr
Supramolecular attack particles are autonomous killing entities released from cytotoxic T cells
3dCytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) kill infected and cancerous cells. We detected transfer of cytotoxic multiprotein complexes, called supramolecular attack particles (SMAPs), from CTLs to target cells. SMAPs were rapidly released from CTLs and were autonomously cytotoxic. Mass spectrometry, immunochemical analysis, and CRISPR editing identified a carboxyl-terminal fragment of thrombospondin-1 as an
Horizontal gene transfer of Fhb7 from fungus underlies Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat
3dFusarium head blight (FHB), a fungal disease caused by Fusarium species that produce food toxins, currently devastates wheat production worldwide, yet few resistance resources have been discovered in wheat germplasm. Here, we cloned the FHB resistance gene Fhb7 by assembling the genome of Thinopyrum elongatum , a species used in wheat distant hybridization breeding. Fhb7 encodes a glutathione S-t
Social determinants of health and survival in humans and other animals
3dThe social environment, both in early life and adulthood, is one of the strongest predictors of morbidity and mortality risk in humans. Evidence from long-term studies of other social mammals indicates that this relationship is similar across many species. In addition, experimental studies show that social interactions can causally alter animal physiology, disease risk, and life span itself. Thes
Australian researchers claim world first in global race to develop better solar panels
3dExperimental cell using the potentially game-changing material perovskite passes a series of heat and humidity tests A team of Australian researchers are claiming a world first in a global race to develop cheaper, more flexible and more efficient solar panels after their experimental cell passed a series of heat and humidity tests. Using a type of crystal material known as perovskite, the group f
Measuring blood damage
3dRed blood cells sometimes rupture when blood is sent through faulty equipment, such as a dialysis machine. This is called hemolysis. Hemolysis also can occur during blood work when blood is drawn too quickly through a needle, leading to defective laboratory samples. Researchers have now developed a method to monitor blood damage in real-time.
VR and AR devices at 1/100 the cost and 1/10,000 the thickness in the works
3dMechanical and chemical engineers have developed moldable nanomaterials and a printing technology using metamaterials, which allows for the commercialization of inexpensive and thin VR and AR devices.
The European viper uses cloak-and-dazzle to escape predators
3dResearch of the University of Jyväskylä demonstrates that the characteristic zig-zag pattern on a viper's back performs opposing functions during a predation event. At first, the zig-zag pattern helps the snake remain undetected. But upon exposure, it provides a conspicuous warning of the snake's dangerous defense. Most importantly the zig-zag can also produce an illusionary effect that may hide t
Scientists finally crack nature's most common chemical bond
3dThe carbon-hydrogen bond — 2/3 of all bonds in hydrocarbons — has defied chemists' attempts to open it up and add new chemical groups. A UC Berkeley team has now cracked the strongest of C-H bonds, those on a molecule's terminal carbon. The reaction catalyst is an iridium atom to break the bond and a methyl group to add a boron compound. Boron is easily exchanged for other groups, allowing addit
Bumblebees Bite Plants to Force Them to Flower (Seriously)
3dThe behavior could be an evolutionary adaptation that lets bees forage more easily — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
UK needs contact strategy to prevent second wave of covid-19
3dThe latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic
Torrent Breaks Michigan Dam and Reveals Climate Risks
3dThe rising odds of extreme weather are putting strain on aging infrastructure — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Oil Companies Are Pumping Worthless Oil Back Underground
3dFor the first time in history, oil prices went negative last month due to plummeting demand and oil traders running out of space to store their oil. As a result, some oil and gas companies are now resorting to desperate measures. They've reportedly started to pay buyers to take oil off their hands — and in some instances, have even started pumping it back into the ground, the Texas Observer repor
VR and AR devices at 1/100 the cost and 1/10,000 the thickness in the works
3dMechanical and chemical engineers have developed moldable nanomaterials and a printing technology using metamaterials, which allows for the commercialization of inexpensive and thin VR and AR devices.
Don't forget dental health during the pandemic
3dDon't neglect your dental health during the pandemic, say experts. "If you up your oral hygiene game, that's going to help you get through this." While dentists and dental hygienists may remind us of the importance of six-month visits, regular checkups might not be a reality—at least not in the short term. Here, Deanne Wallaert, public health dental hygiene practitioner, and Mark Wolff, professor
How coronavirus lockdowns stopped flu in its tracks
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01538-8 Reported rates of influenza and other infections have fallen sharply, but some communicable diseases may see a rise.
Daily briefing: Astronomers capture the birth of a planet
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01545-9 See a baby planet forming at the heart of a spiralling disc of gas and dust. Plus: how coronavirus has cut carbon emissions, and why immunity passports are a bad idea.
The Pandemic Hasn't Changed Voters' Minds About Trump
3dFor all the focus on the gender gap, the diploma divide over Donald Trump is looming as an even greater factor in the 2020 presidential race—just as it was in 2016. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, women generally express more financial strain and more concern about returning to their normal routines than men do. And yet a wide array of recent polls shows that, especially among white voters, educat
Legal cannabis hemp oil effectively treats chronic neuropathic pain
3dResearchers examine the effectiveness of consuming hemp oil extracted from the whole cannabis plant using a chronic neuropathic pain animal model. Researchers showed that legal cannabis hemp oil reduced mechanical pain sensitivity 10-fold for several hours in mice with chronic post-operative neuropathic pain.
Emerging evidence on genetics of schizophrenia raises hopes for new treatment targets
3dIn recent years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many different genetic variants associated with schizophrenia. These genetic discoveries raise the promise of developing urgently needed new treatments targeting the underlying biology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia, according to a special article in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. The journal is published in
Coronavirus not under control in US, warn Imperial scientists
3dAbout half of all states still have reproduction rates above one, report shows
Nearly half of Twitter accounts pushing to reopen America may be bots
3dKathleen M. Carley and her team at Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Informed Democracy & Social Cybersecurity have been tracking bots and influence campaigns for a long time. Across US and foreign elections, natural disasters, and other politicized events, the level of bot involvement is normally between 10 and 20%, she says. But in a new study, the researchers have found that bots may acc
CO2 emissions have dropped 17% during pandemic
3dAs people shelter in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, daily carbon dioxide emissions have dropped by as much as 17% globally, according to a new study. The paper in Nature Climate Change compiles government policies and activity data to pinpoint where energy demand has dropped off the most and to estimate the impact on annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The study's findings showcase the
The Hypocrisy of Mike Pompeo
3dIn the few short years since his time in Congress, the secretary of state has conveniently reversed himself on multiple fronts.
A Famed Neuroscientist Is Investigating Near-Death Experiences
3dApproaching Light Historically, people who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) described them as blissful or peaceful — and neuroscientists still aren't sure why that is. But famed neuroscientist Christof Koch , president and chief scientist of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, has some ideas. In an article for Scientific American , Koch probes historical accounts of NDEs and the underlyi
What Does the Spiny Lobster Sound Like? Loud.
3dA new paper shows lobsters create sounds that travel more than a mile. spiny-lobster_cropped.jpg Image credits: Vladimir Wrangel/ Shutterstock Creature Thursday, May 21, 2020 – 12:45 Katharine Gammon, Contributor (Inside Science) — In 1956, Jacques Cousteau described underwater environments as silent worlds. These days, scientists are discovering exactly how incorrect that was: The oceans are p
The Psychological Importance of Extraordinary Experiences
3dPsychologists say feelings of awe go beyond good memories.
Adding a blend of spices to a meal may help lower inflammation
3dResearchers found that adding six grams of spices to a meal high in fat and carbohydrates resulted in lower inflammation markers hours later.
LIVE AT 2 PM TODAY | Personal finance in the coronavirus era
3dAdd event to calendar What should you be doing with your money during the coronavirus financial crisis? In this Big Think Live session, Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and co-founder of Ellevest , a financial advisory and investment platform for women, will discuss personal finance and wealth-building career strategies, moderated by Bob Kulhan, improv comedian and founder of Business Improv . Specifically,
COVID-19 patient antibodies may clarify immunity
3dNearly all people hospitalized with COVID-19 develop virus-neutralizing antibodies within six days of testing positive, new research indicates. The findings will be key in helping researchers understand protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and in informing vaccine development. The paper is available on medRxiv and has not yet undergone peer review. The test that researchers developed also could
How coronavirus dashed Ethiopia's dream of hosting Africa's first major AI conference
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01530-2 A meeting planned for Addis Ababa in April was meant to diversify artificial-intelligence conferences, but the push for greater participation continues.
SARS-CoV-2 Protein Hampers Innate Immune Reaction In Vitro
3dThe viral protein known as ORF3b limits the induction of the type I interferon response, which typically alerts other immune system components to the presence of a virus, in cultured cells.
MIPT biophysicists found a way to take a peek at how membrane receptors work
3dMIPT biophysicists explained ways to visualize membrane receptors in their different states. Detailed information on the structure and dynamics of these proteins will enable developing effective and safe drugs to treat many sorts of conditions.
Security guards and cleaners in demand as UK lockdown eases
3dJob postings suggest such roles will be in high demand as business life resumes
US forecasters predict 'above normal' Atlantic hurricane season
3dUS forecasters on Thursday predicted an "above normal" Atlantic hurricane season and emergency officials said they were factoring the coronavirus pandemic into potential relief efforts.
NASA, SpaceX bringing astronaut launches back to home turf
3dFor the first time in nearly a decade, U.S. astronauts are about to blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil. And for the first time in the history of human spaceflight, a private company is running the show.
A replaceable, more efficient filter for N95 masks
3dSince the outbreak of COVID-19, there's been a worldwide shortage of face masks—particularly, the N95 ones worn by health care workers. Although these coverings provide the highest level of protection currently available, they have limitations. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano have developed a membrane that can be attached to a regular N95 mask and replaced when needed. The filter has a smal
Video-Chat Juries and the Future of Criminal Justice
3dCould a trial by one's peers still work when all one's peers are WFH?
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
3dEngineers at Duke University and the New York University's Tandon School of Engineering have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called "DNA fingerprinting" remains secure against inadvertent mistakes or malicious attacks in the field.
NASA Renames Next-Generation Telescope after Nancy Grace Roman
3dThe pioneering astronomer and 'mother of Hubble' paved the way for revolutionary space observatories — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Do Humans Have a 'Mating Season'?
3dMost animals mate at a certain time of year. But humans do things a bit differently.
Scientists Predict 'Busy' Atlantic Hurricane Season Amid Virus Crisis
3dThis year's season is complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, which makes relief strategies like group shelters risky.
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
3dEngineers at Duke University and the New York University's Tandon School of Engineering have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called "DNA fingerprinting" remains secure against inadvertent mistakes or malicious attacks in the field.
The genome of chimpanzees and gorillas could help to better understand human tumors
3dA new study by researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint centre of UPF and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), shows that, surprisingly, the distribution of mutations in human tumours is more similar to that of chimpanzees and gorillas than that of other types of genetic mutations in humans.
World Bank pledges $500m to fight locust swarms in east Africa and Middle East
3dInitial funding for Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to tackle region's worst infestation in 70 years
Housing sales halve for April as lockdown froze market
3dData show a sharp fall in residential property deals but analysts warn worse is to come
Promoting temporary contracts fails to have the desired effect of increasing employment
3dA study by the UPV/EHU and University of Cambridge explores the actual effect of the labour reforms applied between 1988 and 2012 in countries throughout Europe. Far from meeting the aim of encouraging recruitment, these reforms were found to have caused the rate of temporary employment to increase and indefinite recruitment to fall. The current economic crisis of a health origin could prompt stat
The genome of chimpanzees and gorillas could help to better understand human tumors
3dA new study by researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint centre of UPF and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), shows that, surprisingly, the distribution of mutations in human tumours is more similar to that of chimpanzees and gorillas than that of other types of genetic mutations in humans.
First ancient cultivated rice discovered in Central Asia
3dRice has always been the most important food in Asia and the world. About half of the population on earth use rice as their main food source. The origin, spread, evolution, and ecological adaptation of cultivated rice are still one of the most important issues which currently concerned by global archaeologists, biologists, and agricultural scientists.
Measuring blood damage
3dRed blood cells sometimes rupture when blood is sent through faulty equipment, such as a dialysis machine. This is called hemolysis. Hemolysis also can occur during blood work when blood is drawn too quickly through a needle, leading to defective laboratory samples. University of Delaware mechanical engineer Tyler Van Buren and collaborating colleagues at Princeton University have developed a meth
A replaceable, more efficient filter for N95 masks
3dSince the outbreak of COVID-19, there's been a worldwide shortage of face masks — particularly, the N95 ones worn by health care workers. Although these coverings provide the highest level of protection currently available, they have limitations. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano have developed a membrane that can be attached to a regular N95 mask and replaced when needed. The filter has a s
Stroke rates among COVID-19 patients are low, but cases are more severe
3dThe rate of strokes in COVID-19 patients appears relatively low, but a higher proportion of those strokes are presenting in younger people and are often more severe compared to strokes in people who do not have the novel coronavirus, while globally rates for stroke hospitalizations and treatments are significantly lower than for the first part of 2019, according to four separate research papers pu
Researchers discover biomarkers of ALS in teeth
3dMount Sinai scientists have identified biological markers present in childhood that relate to the degenerative and often fatal neurological disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, according to a study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology in May.
Here's Why the Invasive Asian Giant Hornet's Identification Is Actually a Scientific Success Story
3dNotorious 'Murder' hornet finds home in Smithsonian collections
Hvert år dør 390 millioner vilde dyr: Huskatte er et stort problem for Australiens natur
3dHerhjemme udgør tamkatte i naturen et minimalt problem, siger professor.
Mud volcanoes on Mars hint at ancient water reservoirs
3dArsia Mons once spewed molten rock across the surface of Mars, but some smaller volcanic features may have come from another source. (NASA/JPL/USGS/) Mars's northern lowlands are dotted with tens of thousands of what appear to be run-of-the-mill volcanoes, given the lava-like ripples and fingers that appear around them. But geologists debate whether these bumpy landforms are really frozen magma.
Free NHS antibody tests on way after Roche and Abbott Labs deals
3dAnd trials of 20-minute swab test to determine coronavirus infection will start next week
Science superpowers after COVID-19 lockdowns lift: a letter of hope from China to the United States
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01544-w Scientists from both countries must rise above political rhetoric for the sake of all, says Xiao-Nong Zhou.
Study identifies the mechanism by which eating fish reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
3dResearchers of Universitat Rovira I Virgili and Harvard Medical School have demonstrated the association between the consumption of omega 3 and the reduction in the risk of suffering cardiovascular events through the analysis of lipoprotein samples from 26,034 women, the largest and most detailed study ever carried out.
Tick-borne encephalitis spread across Eurasia with settlers and their pets and prey
3dResearchers from Sechenov University together with colleagues from several Russian institutes analysed data on the RNA structure of tick-borne encephalitis virus. Much larger than in previous studies, the data volume of the new study allowed them to estimate the age of the virus subtypes and track its spread in Eurasia. The results of the study were published in the journal Viruses.
NUI Galway study compares the health of Irish children to those across Europe and Canada
3dA new report, Spotlight on Adolescent Health and Well-being, published today by WHO Regional Office for Europe, compiles extensive data on the physical health, social relationships and mental well-being of 227 441 schoolchildren aged 11, 13 and 15, from 45 countries. Irish children rank low on substance use such as smoking and drinking alcohol and high on physical activity. Ireland also ranks high
Promoting temporary contracts fails to have the desired effect of increasing employment
3dA study by the UPV/EHU and University of Cambridge explores the actual effect of the labour reforms applied between 1988 and 2012 in countries throughout Europe. Far from meeting the aim of encouraging recruitment, these reforms were found to have caused the rate of temporary employment to increase and indefinite recruitment to fall. The current economic crisis of a health origin could prompt Stat
Some patients with bladder cancer 'can't wait' for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
3dBladder cancer is associated with significant illness and mortality, particularly if treatment is delayed. Writing in the journal Bladder Cancer, researchers have outlined recommendations for treatment of both muscle invasive (MIBC) and non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) bladder cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic based on data from trials and prior studies, and taking into account the current strains on
How Will COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps Work in the U.S.?
3dEngineers build privacy into the design of U.S. contact tracing smartphone apps.
Environmental contaminants alter gut microbiome, health
3dThe microbes that inhabit our bodies are influenced by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skin, and most of us are chronically exposed to natural and human-made environmental contaminants. Scientists review the research linking dozens of environmental chemicals to changes in the gut microbiome and associated health challenges.
'One-way' electronic devices enter the mainstream
3dEngineers are the first to build a high-performance non-reciprocal device on a compact chip with a performance 25 times better than previous work. The new chip, which can handle several watts of power (enough for cellphone transmitters that put out a watt or so of power), was the leading performer in a DARPA SPAR program to miniaturize these devices and improve performance metrics.
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
3dEngineers have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called "DNA fingerprinting" remains secure against inadvertent mistakes or malicious attacks in the field. The technique relies on introducing genetic "barcodes" to DNA samples as they are collected and securely sending information crucial to identifying these barcodes to technicians
To Fight Plastic Pollution, These Researchers Want Your Pictures of Beach Trash
3dEvery year, 8 million tons of plastic get dumped into the ocean. Scientists want your help tracking where it comes from and where it goes.
Mechanism behind upper motor degeneration revealed
3dScientists have pinpointed the electrophysiological mechanism behind upper motor neuron disease, unlocking the door to potential treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Primary Lateral Sclerosis.
Adding a blend of spices to a meal may help lower inflammation
3dPenn State researchers found that adding six grams of spices to a meal high in fat and carbohydrates resulted in lower inflammation markers hours later.
Lighting the way for a new fluorination methodology
3dResearchers from the Muñiz group have published a paper in Angewandte Chemie — International Edition presenting a new metal-free methodology for the photo-catalysed nucleophilic fluorination of aliphatic hydrocarbon bonds. Daniel Bafaluy, first author of the paper shares the story behind it:
Surrey reveals its implantable biosensor that operates without batteries
3dResearchers from the University of Surrey have revealed their new biodegradable motion sensor — paving the way for implanted nanotechnology that could help future sports professionals better monitor their movements to aid rapid improvements, or help caregivers remotely monitor people living with dementia.
Deep learning: A new engine for ecological resource research
3dDeep learning is driven by big data, which brings new opportunities for target classification, detection, semantic segmentation, instance segmentation, and regression in ecological resource research. However, there are still great challenges in the standardization and sharing of data, the universality and interpretability of algorithms, and the enrichment and intelligence of applications. A recent
Weight loss surgery may alter gene expression in fat tissue
3dNew findings published in the Journal of Internal Medicine reveal altered gene expression in fat tissue may help explain why individuals who have regained weight after weight loss surgery still experience benefits such as metabolic improvements and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
The genome of chimpanzees and gorillas could help to better understand human tumors
3dA new study by researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint center of UPF and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), shows that, surprisingly, the distribution of mutations in human tumors is more similar to that of chimpanzees and gorillas than that of humans.
Immunity to coronaviruses: What do we know so far?
3dWritten by top UK virologists, the article discusses the existing knowledge about immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, and how this could be used to inform virus control strategies. The review, which is free to read in the Journal of General Virology (JGV), collates the available scientific evidence in a number of key areas, including how long immunity to coronaviruses lasts and
Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
3dA new study has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colorful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer 'coral bleaching' — a condition which can devastate reefs and is caused by ocean warming. The scientists behind the research think this phenomenon is a sign that corals are fighting to survive.
Scientists identify gene linked to thinness that may help resist weight gain
3dResearchers used a genetic database of more than 47,000 people in Estonia to identify a gene linked to thinness that may play a role in resisting weight gain in metabolically healthy thin people. They show that knocking out this gene results in thinner flies and mice and find that expression of it in the brain may be involved in regulating energy expenditure.
Domestic coastal and marine tourism could contribute to rebooting activity in sector
3dResearchers have released a report that presents estimates of the value of domestic coastal and marine tourism in the Republic of Ireland.
UK's first coronavirus contact-tracing group warns of difficulties
3dRetired doctors in Sheffield say their struggles show challenges government's system will face Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A group of retired doctors who set up the UK's first Covid-19 contact-tracing scheme has warned that the government system faces major challenges after they struggled to persuade health and care workers to self-isolate. Dr Bing Jones, a retir
Iron ore rises to nearly $100 a tonne as China eases custom checks
3dMandatory quality assessments to be replaced with an inspection request system
Q&A: How synthetic biology will change us
3dJohn Cumbers is founder and CEO of SynBioBeta, a global network of biological engineers and entrepreneurs in a promising new scientific field known as "synthetic biology." The San Francisco Bay Area is a leader in this little-known but fast-growing industry, which reassembles the building blocks of life in imaginative and diverse ways.
Q&A: How synthetic biology will change us
3dJohn Cumbers is founder and CEO of SynBioBeta, a global network of biological engineers and entrepreneurs in a promising new scientific field known as "synthetic biology." The San Francisco Bay Area is a leader in this little-known but fast-growing industry, which reassembles the building blocks of life in imaginative and diverse ways.
Short Attention Spans Make Movies Popular
3dOriginally published in January 1917 — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Scientists discover more than 200 genetic factors causing heart arrhythmias
3dHundreds of new links have been found between people's DNA and the heart's electrical activity, according to a study of almost 300,000 people led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints
3dEngineers have demonstrated a method for ensuring that an increasingly popular method of genetic identification called "DNA fingerprinting" remains secure against inadvertent mistakes or malicious attacks in the field. The technique relies on introducing genetic "barcodes" to DNA samples as they are collected and securely sending information crucial to identifying these barcodes to technicians in
First ancient cultivated rice discovered in Central Asia
3dRice has always been one of the most important food in Asia and the world. The spread of rice agriculture is an important part during the early crop globalization process. Recently, researchers have first discovered the carbonized rice remain in Central Asia archaeological sites, providing a new evidence to explain how rice further spreads westward, the local ethnic dietary systems and dietary cul
Sex bias in pain research
3dMost pain research remains overwhelmingly based on the study of male rodents, continuing to test hypotheses derived from earlier experiments on males. This points to an important blind spot in pain research, particularly as it relates to advancing research into new pain medications.
NUI Galway research show blood pressure lowering reduces risk of developing dementia
3dResearch completed in NUI Galway has shown that lowering blood pressure by taking blood pressure medications reduces the risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment by 7%. The findings are published today in a leading international medical journal, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
A 'switch' that turns autoimmunity drugs into powerful anti-cancer treatments
3dScientists from the Antibody and Vaccine group at the University of Southampton have discovered a way to transform antibody drugs previously developed to treat autoimmunity into antibodies with powerful anti-cancer activity through a simple molecular 'switch'.
UBC scientist identifies a gene that controls thinness
3dWhy can some people eat as much as they want, and still stay thin? In a study published today in the journal Cell, Life Sciences Institute Director Dr. Josef Penninger and a team of international colleagues report their discovery that a gene called ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) plays a role in resisting weight gain.
A clue as to why it's so hard to wake up on a cold winter's morning
3dDo you remember the challenge of waking up on winter's cold, dark days? Northwestern University neurobiologists have uncovered a clue to what's behind this behavior. In a study of the fruit fly, the researchers have identified a 'thermometer' circuit that relays information about external cold temperature from the fly antenna to the higher brain. They show how, through this circuit, seasonally col
Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak in independent/assisted living facility
3dThe implementation of surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 is examined in this case series that describes symptoms of COVID-19 among residents and staff of an independent/assisted living community.
Brain's 'updating mechanisms' may create false memories
3dThe research, published in Current Biology, is one of the first comprehensive characterizations of poorly formed memories and may offer a framework to explore different therapeutic approaches to fear, memory and anxiety disorders. It may also have implications for accuracy of some witness testimony.
Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
3dA new study by the University of Southampton has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colorful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer 'coral bleaching' — a condition which can devastate reefs and is caused by ocean warming. The scientists behind the research think this phenomenon is a sign that corals are fighting to survive.
Marine biology: Spiny lobster noises may be heard up to 3 km away
3dNoises produced by European spiny lobsters — known as antennal rasps — may be detectable up to 3 km underwater, according to a study in Scientific Reports.
Scientists identify gene linked to thinness that may help resist weight gain
3dIn a study publishing May 21 in the journal Cell, researchers use a genetic database of more than 47,000 people in Estonia to identify a gene linked to thinness that may play a role in resisting weight gain in metabolically healthy thin people. They show that knocking out this gene results in thinner flies and mice and find that expression of it in the brain may be involved in regulating energy ex
How non-religious worldviews provide solace in times of crisis
3dThe saying "There are no atheists in foxholes" suggests that in stressful times people inevitably turn to God (or indeed gods). In fact, non-believers have their own set of secular worldviews which can provide them with solace in difficult times, just as religious beliefs do for the spiritually-minded.
Sturgeon sets out cautious lockdown easing plan for Scotland
3dRoute map broadly matches steps for England but takes a markedly different approach to schools
Domestic coastal and marine tourism could contribute to rebooting activity in the sector
3dNUI Galway's Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU) has released a report that presents estimates of the value of domestic coastal and marine tourism in the Republic of Ireland.
Will Trump White House tear down journal paywalls? Many anxiously await a decision
3dAdministration mulls major changes to open-access policies
Short Attention Spans Make Movies Popular
3dOriginally published in January 1917 — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Why a 17% emissions drop does not mean we are addressing climate change
3dThe global COVID-19 quarantine has meant less air pollution in cities and clearer skies. Animals are strolling through public spaces, and sound pollution has diminished, allowing us to hear the birds sing.
Former grad student faked cancer research data, says federal watchdog
3dA former graduate student at the University of Cincinnati falsified data in a published article, since retracted, and an unpublished manuscript, according to government investigators. The U.S. Office of Research Integrity (ORI) said Logan Fulford doctored images while working at the university on experiments supported by two federally funded grants. Fulford, who is now a … Continue reading
Britain's tracing army sits idle as lockdown deadline looms
3dPM promised 'world-beating' scheme by June 1 but tech glitches and disjointed planning have held it back
Enrichment programs help children build knowledge
3dHow we organize information plays an integral role in memory, reasoning and the ability to acquire new knowledge. In the absence of routine education programs, the pandemic is exacerbating the disparities in educational opportunities available for children to develop new skills. While children of higher socio-economic means often benefit from enrichment programs, these opportunities are unfortunat
Domestic coastal and marine tourism could contribute to rebooting activity in the sect
3dNUI Galway's Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU) has released a report that presents estimates of the value of domestic coastal and marine tourism in the Republic of Ireland.
Journal of Dental Research special issue explores a new era for the oral microbiome
3dThe June 2020 issue of Journal of Dental Research brings together a collection of the latest research on the oral microbiome. This issue includes reviews and reports of new tools for analyzing microbial communities and for cultivating microbial species
Environmental contaminants alter gut microbiome, health
3dThe microbes that inhabit our bodies are influenced by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skin, and most of us are chronically exposed to natural and human-made environmental contaminants. In a new paper, scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign review the research linking dozens of environmental chemicals to changes in the gut microbiome and associated health
Russian scientists improved the way of treatment of phenylketonuria
3dA person affected by this disease has to follow a low-protein diet all his life. Otherwise, phenylalanine will accumulate in the body and can lead to severe damage to the central nervous system.
Mount Sinai research helps explain why COVID-19 may be less common in children than adults
3dLower levels of ACE2 nasal gene expression in children may explain why children have a lower risk of Covid-19 infection and mortality. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses ACE2 to enter the host. ACE2 nasal gene expression could potentially be used as a biomarker to evaluate Covid-19 susceptibility.
Turtles get boost as Malaysian state to ban egg trade
3dA Malaysian state that is a major nesting site for turtles will ban the trade in their eggs, authorities said Thursday, in a boost for the threatened creatures.
Spiny lobster noises may be heard up to 3 kilometers away
3dNoises produced by European spiny lobsters—known as antennal rasps—may be detectable up to 3 kilometers underwater, according to a study in Scientific Reports. The sound, created when lobsters rub an extension of their antenna against a 'file' below their eyes, may be used for communication or to deter predators. Its detection could help conservation efforts, the study suggests.
Online COVID-19 Dashboard Calculates How Risky Reopenings and Gatherings Can Be
3dA new tool gauges the danger that someone may be infected with COVID-19 in groups of different sizes — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Out-of-Sync 'Loners' May Secretly Protect Orderly Swarms
3dDense clouds of starlings dip and soar, congregating in undulating curtains that darken the sky; hundreds of thousands of wildebeests thunder together across the plains of Africa in a coordinated, seemingly never-ending migratory loop; fireflies blink in unison; entire forests of bamboo blossom at once. Scientists have studied these mesmerizing feats of synchronization for decades, trying to teas
How to meaningfully reconnect with those who have dementia | Anne Basting
3dBy incorporating art and creativity into elder care settings, gerontologist Anne Basting helps families reconnect with loved ones who have dementia. In this moving talk, she shares how asking "beautiful questions" — questions that don't have a right or wrong answer — opens up a shared path of discovery, imagination and wonder. "If we can infuse creativity into care, caregivers can invite a partn
Turtles get boost as Malaysian state to ban egg trade
3dA Malaysian state that is a major nesting site for turtles will ban the trade in their eggs, authorities said Thursday, in a boost for the threatened creatures.
Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
3dA new study by the University of Southampton has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colourful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer 'coral bleaching' – a condition which can devastate reefs and is caused by ocean warming. The scientists behind the research think this phenomenon is a sign that corals are fighting to survive.
COVID-19 could reduce wildfire risk this season, says expert
3dCOVID-19 may cause a drop in spring wildfires as people are still being asked to self-isolate throughout May, Alberta's riskiest fire month, says a University of Alberta expert.
Spiny lobster noises may be heard up to 3 kilometers away
3dNoises produced by European spiny lobsters—known as antennal rasps—may be detectable up to 3 kilometers underwater, according to a study in Scientific Reports. The sound, created when lobsters rub an extension of their antenna against a 'file' below their eyes, may be used for communication or to deter predators. Its detection could help conservation efforts, the study suggests.
Cyclone toll hits 95 as Bangladesh and India start mopping up
3dIndia and Bangladesh began a massive clean-up Thursday after the fiercest cyclone since 1999 killed at least 95 people, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Online COVID-19 Dashboard Calculates How Risky Reopenings and Gatherings Can Be
3dA new tool gauges the danger that someone may be infected with COVID-19 in groups of different sizes — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Thoughts that the young are not much affected by SARS-CoV-2 look wrong
3dIt seems to manifest as a rare syndrome called Kawasaki disease
When is reading your partner's emotions beneficial, and when harmful?
3dAre you good at reading your partner's emotions? Your perceptiveness may very well strengthen your relationship. Yet when anger or contempt enter the fray, little is to be gained and the quality of your relationship tanks, researchers found.
How fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth
3dAs the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient.
Laser-based technique captures 3D images of impressionist-style brushstrokes
3dResearchers have developed a new strategy that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to acquire both the surface and underlying details of impressionist style oil paintings. This information can be used to create detailed 3D reconstructions to enhance the viewing experience and offer a way for the visually impaired to experience paintings.
9 states sue EPA for 'blanket waiver' as nation fights pandemic
3dNine states have sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for curtailing enforcement of rules on air and water pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the pullback puts the public at even greater risk.
NASA Will Pay You to Chill in a Fake Mars Mission for 8 Months
3dSpaceman Simulator NASA is looking for participants to spent eight months together inside a spaceflight simulator at the Russian Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow. The goal is to study the effects of spending time in isolation and confinement — sound familiar? — while on lengthy space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. "Participants will experience environmental aspects similar to
Great potential in regulating plant greenhouse gas emissions
3dNew discoveries on the regulation of plant emissions of isoprenoids can help in fighting climate change – and can become key to the production of valuable green chemicals.
Do religious men watch more pornography?
3dA new study at the University of Southern Alabama investigates the pornography viewing habits of religious, heterosexual men. Those expressing high degrees of scrupulosity feel more guilt and shame when watching porn. The researchers found no correlation with viewing frequency and religiosity, however. Pornhub is one of the most insightful data companies on the planet. Every year, the website rel
Mapping dry wildfire fuels with AI and new satellite data
3dAs California and the American West head into fire season amid the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are harnessing artificial intelligence and new satellite data to help predict blazes across the region.
UK's top 1 percent received a sixth of the nation's income pre-crisis due to hidden rise of capital gains
3dThe top 1 percent received a far greater, and faster growing, share of the nation's income pre-crisis than previously thought, if capital gains are included in official statistics, according to major new research published today (Thursday).
Study: Spotlight shines bright (perhaps too bright) on entrepreneurs
3dEvery year, thousands of motivated entrepreneurs launch new businesses. While led by determined and ambitious individuals, half won't make it past the fourth year.
Pop-up bike lanes and grassroots playgrounds: How COVID-19 will change cities
3dRunning through the middle Berlin's vibrant Kreuzberg neighborhood, busy Kottbusser Damm has always been a nightmare for cyclists. For years, double-parked cars forced those brave enough to tackle the street to dodge in and out of rushing car traffic.
Trust in medical scientists has grown in the US, but mainly among Democrats
3dAmericans' confidence in medical scientists has grown since the coronavirus outbreak first began to upend life in the United States, as have perceptions that medical doctors hold very high ethical standards, according to a new Pew Research Center report. But there are growing partisan divisions over the risk the coronavirus poses to public health, as well as public confidence in the scientific and
After the bushfires, we helped choose the animals and plants in most need. Here's how we did it
3dNo other event in our lifetimes has brought such sudden, drastic loss to Australia's biodiversity as the last bushfire season. Governments, researchers and conservationists have committed to the long road to recovery. But in those vast burnt landscapes, where do we start?
Julian Perry Robinson (1941–2020)
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01450-1 Chemist and lawyer who shaped international weapons conventions.
Researchers breaking new ground in materials science
3dA new study could usher in a revolutionary development in materials science, leading to big changes in the way companies create modern electronics.
Microplastics found in Florida's birds of prey for first time
3dA new study has confirmed and quantified, for the first time, the presence of microplastics in terrestrial and aquatic birds of prey in Florida, including hawks, ospreys and owls. The research is important because birds of prey are critical to a functioning ecosystem. The accumulation of microplastics in their digestive systems could lead to poisoning, starvation and death.
Hunting threatens one of the world's most amazing wildlife migrations
3dAs the world looks to tighten up the illegal capture of wildlife, migratory birds are being threatened by widespread and unsustainable hunting across the Asia-Pacific region. New research has revealed that three quarters of migratory shorebird species in the region have been hunted since the 1970s.
Great potential in regulating plant greenhouse gas emissions
3dNew discoveries on the regulation of plant emissions of isoprenoids can help in fighting climate change – and can become key to the production of valuable green chemicals.
'One-way' electronic devices enter the mainstream
3dColumbia engineers are the first to build a high-performance non-reciprocal device on a compact chip with a performance 25 times better than previous work. The new chip, which can handle several watts of power (enough for cellphone transmitters that put out a watt or so of power), was the leading performer in a DARPA SPAR program to miniaturize these devices and improve performance metrics.
New model shows how cells that cause liver cancer are created
3dScientists have discovered how liver cancer spreads, but they haven't yet learned how liver cancer cells are born. A team of Okayama University scientists has now established a model that demonstrates how, given the right body environment and without genetic mutation, normal stem cells can convert into cancer stem cells, which in turn proliferate and cause the cancer tumor to grow. Their model cou
Ultrasonic technique discloses the identity of graphite
3dA group of researchers, led by Osaka University, created a high-quality defect-free monocrystalline graphite, and measured the elastic constant, demonstrating that the determined value of monocrystalline graphite was above 45 gigapascal (GPa), which was higher than conventionally believed. Applying ultrasonic measurement techniques to this multilayer defect-free monocrystalline graphite thin film
Cell-culture based test systems for anticancer drug screening
3dAs we know, a malignant tumor is a complex system of mutated cells which constantly interacts with and involves healthy cells in the body. This specificity of malignant neoplasms greatly complicates the process of therapy, since the tumor quickly becomes resistant to chemotherapy drugs. Thus, there is a growing demand not only for new drugs, but also for new in vitro test systems that take into ac
High doses of vitamin D supplementation has no current benefit in preventing or treating COVID-19
3dScientists from the UK, Europe and the USA, led by the University of Surrey have published a vitamin D consensus paper warning against high doses of vitamin D supplementation as current research shows it has no benefit in preventing or treating Covid-19. Scientists advise that the population adhere to Public Health England guidance on supplementation.
Urgent call to protect 7 million high-risk older US adults from COVID-19
3dNew research calls for more support for older adults in community settings with respiratory illnesses against COVID-19, and not just those in care homes, as around 7 million US adults fall into this category.
After the bushfires, we helped choose the animals and plants in most need. Here's how we did it
3dNo other event in our lifetimes has brought such sudden, drastic loss to Australia's biodiversity as the last bushfire season. Governments, researchers and conservationists have committed to the long road to recovery. But in those vast burnt landscapes, where do we start?
Recessions scar young people their entire lives, even into retirement
3dIt is well-established that recessions hit young people the hardest.
The strange physics of why blue jays look blue even though they aren't
3dWatching birds is great entertainment, and there's fascinating physics behind how some get their colours, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Implantable biosensor that operates without batteries
3dResearchers from the University of Surrey have revealed their new biodegradable motion sensor—paving the way for implanted nanotechnology that could help future sports professionals better monitor their movements to aid rapid improvements, or help caregivers remotely monitor people living with dementia.
The self-synthesizing ribosome
3dAs the cell's protein factory, the ribosome is the only natural machine that manufactures its own parts. That is why understanding how the machine, itself, is made, could unlock the door to everything from understanding how life develops to designing new methods of drug production. An intensive, long research effort at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now demonstrated the self-synthesis and a
The Politics of Counting Things Is About to Explode
3dWith contested vote tallies, concerns over Census data, and now the Covid-19 death toll, 2020 marks the ugly climax of a long dispute.
How crime dramas expose our anxieties about those on the frontline
3dBeing a parent and a police officer is a dangerous mix, or so crime dramas continuously tell us. In particular danger, it seems, are the children of these fictional police officers, who are either neglected by their parents or are in harm's way because they risk becoming victims of the criminals their parents are chasing. They may be abducted, even murdered, as criminals strike back at law enforce
Surging numbers of first-generation learners being left behind in global education
3d'First-generation learners'—a substantial number of pupils around the world who represent the first generation in their families to receive an education—are also significantly more likely to leave school without basic literacy or numeracy skills, a study suggests.
The self-synthesizing ribosome
3dAs the cell's protein factory, the ribosome is the only natural machine that manufactures its own parts. That is why understanding how the machine, itself, is made, could unlock the door to everything from understanding how life develops to designing new methods of drug production. An intensive, long research effort at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now demonstrated the self-synthesis and a
Life, death, and the litter layer: The war on drugs in the Amazon rainforest
3dThe canopy is thick, the air heavy. The Amazon rainforest pulsates with life, sustaining an estimated 10 million species on a few centimeters of arable soil. It's also the site of war. Paramilitary groups, coca growers, narcotraffickers, insurgent groups, and government agencies all vie for control over this space. In the midst of this struggle—assassinations, aerial herbicide spraying, and crop e
Can new technologies help Europe get a taste for insects?
3dEven though insects are consumed by at least 2 billion people, most Europeans turn their noses up at the idea.
How long do viruses survive in dead bodies?
3dThere's no easy answer to how long viruses survive in dead bodies, but we've learned lessons from the past, says virologist Matt Koci. Some of the many questions about today's COVID-19 pandemic revolve around what happens to viruses in the remains of humans or animals. For example, could people get sick from digging up decades-old bodies? Or could future scientists get more information about COVI
Quantum leap: Photon discovery is a major step toward at-scale quantum technologies
3dA team of physicists has developed the first integrated photon source with the potential to deliver large-scale quantum photonics. The development of quantum technologies promises to have a profound impact across science, engineering and society. Quantum computers at scale will be able to solve problems intractable on even the most powerful current supercomputers, with many revolutionary applicati
A new understanding of everyday cellular processes
3dWe use cells to breathe, to moderate body temperature, to grow and many other every day processes, however the cells in these processes are so complex its left scientists perplexed into how they develop in different environments. Researchers say future research needs to look into the bioelectrical composition of cells for answers.
Parents with degrees give their children significant advantage in math
3dChildren of parents with a degree are almost a year of schooling ahead in math by the age 11 than peers whose parents have just GCSEs, a new study has discovered.
Ecosystem diversity drives the origin of new shark and ray species
3dBiologists how different oceanographic conditions in the Gulf of California and the Baja California Peninsula influenced formation of new species of sharks and rays.
Virus prevalence associated with habitat
3dLevels of virus infection in lobsters seem to be related to habitat and other species, new studies of Caribbean marine protected areas have shown.
Virus prevalence associated with habitat
3dLevels of virus infection in lobsters seem to be related to habitat and other species, new studies of Caribbean marine protected areas have shown.
Why bats don't get sick from the viruses they carry, but humans can
3dOne of the first questions scientists ask when a new disease appears is, "Where did this come from?"
Weizmann Institute scientists develop 'sniff test' that predicts recovery of consciousness in brain
3dIf an unconscious person responds to smell through a slight change in their nasal airflow pattern — they are likely to regain consciousness. This is the conclusion from a new study conducted by Weizmann Institute scientists and colleagues at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Israel.
The self-synthesizing ribosome
3dAs the cell's protein factory, the ribosome is the only natural machine that manufactures its own parts. That is why understanding how the machine, itself, is made, could unlock the door to everything from understanding how life develops to designing new methods of drug production.
Selfie stick and fishing rod shed first light on ancient reptile
3dThe skeleton of an extinct 'fish lizard' locked in a glass case over 16 feet from the ground for the last 100 years has finally been studied, thanks to a selfie stick on a fishing rod.
Trust in medical scientists has grown in the US, but mainly among Democrats
3dA new Pew Research Center report examines how Americans' confidence in scientists have shifted amid the COVID-19 outbreak and their views on whether scientists should play an active role in policy discussions about science-related topics.
New mobile health tool measures hemoglobin without drawing blood
3dResearchers have developed a way to use smartphone images of a person's eyelids to assess blood hemoglobin levels. The ability to perform one of the most common clinical lab tests without a blood draw could help reduce the need for in-person clinic visits, make it easier to monitor patients who are in critical condition, and improve care in low- and middle-income countries where access to testing
Scientists find evidence of link between diesel exhaust, risk of Parkinson's
3dA new UCLA study in zebrafish identified the process by which air pollution can damage brain cells, potentially contributing to Parkinson's disease.
Why bats don't get sick from the viruses they carry, but humans can
3dOne of the first questions scientists ask when a new disease appears is, "Where did this come from?"
5,000 rare and unique maps are now available online
3dOver 5,000 unique maps from the Asia-Pacific Map Collection are now available online as part of an ongoing project by The Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.
Genetic study suggests domestic goats got pathogen-resistant gene from wild relatives
3dAn international team of researchers has found evidence that suggests wild relatives of domestic goats passed on a gene to their domesticated relatives that boosts their pathogen resistance. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their study of goat genetic history and what they learned from it.
'Vampire fish' gorged on Great Lakes trout until the invasive species was subdued
3dA sea lamprey has no jaw, no proper teeth and no bones. Yet this predator can attach like a suction cup to a fish 100 times its size, use its tongue to burrow a hole into its side, liquefy its tissues and eat it.
Saving The Scream with science
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01531-1 Storing Edvard Munch's masterpiece at low humidity will help to preserve its colours, analysis shows.
Tiny plankton drive processes in the ocean that capture twice as much carbon as scientists thought
3dThe ocean plays a major role in the global carbon cycle. The driving force comes from tiny plankton that produce organic carbon through photosynthesis, like plants on land.
Producing ethane from methane using a photochemical looping strategy
3dA team of researchers from the University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University of Artois, in France, and Keele University in the U.K has developed a way to produce ethane from methane using a photochemical looping strategy. In their paper published in the journal Nature Energy, the group describes their process. Fumiaki Amano with the University of Kitakyushu in Japan has published a News &
Green and social policies help businesses weather COVID-19 crash
3dBusinesses with strong environmental and social credentials are more resilient in times of economic crisis, according to research into the COVID-19 stock market crash.
Genetic study suggests domestic goats got pathogen-resistant gene from wild relatives
3dAn international team of researchers has found evidence that suggests wild relatives of domestic goats passed on a gene to their domesticated relatives that boosts their pathogen resistance. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their study of goat genetic history and what they learned from it.
India's treatment of Muslims and migrants puts lives at risk during COVID-19
3dIn India, the second most populous country in the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed pre-existing fault lines of inequality and communalism, exposing current problems with the country's political and social structures.
'Vampire fish' gorged on Great Lakes trout until the invasive species was subdued
3dA sea lamprey has no jaw, no proper teeth and no bones. Yet this predator can attach like a suction cup to a fish 100 times its size, use its tongue to burrow a hole into its side, liquefy its tissues and eat it.
Giant armored fish moseyed with its mouth open
3dThe prehistoric fish Titanichthys fed by swimming through water slowly with its mouth open wide to capture high concentrations of plankton, researchers report. Their new study digs into the jaw mechanics of Titanichthys , a giant armored fish that roamed the seas and oceans of the late Devonian period 380 million years ago. The findings suggest it ate like modern-day basking sharks do. The Morocc
Reading your partner's emotions can backfire
3dThe ability to read your partner's emotions can weaken the relationship when anger or contempt enter the fray, research finds. A team of psychologists aimed to figure out under what circumstances the ability to read another person's emotions—"empathic accuracy"—is beneficial for a relationship and when it could be harmful. The study examined whether the accurate perception of a romantic partner's
NASA Proposes New Rules for Moon-Focused Space Race
3dThe Artemis Accords could ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for lunar exploration—if everyone agrees to them — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Experts issue recommendations for a green COVID-19 economic recovery
3dGreen COVID-19 recovery packages could boost economic growth and help stop climate change, a Cardiff University academic says.
Platinum-free catalysts could make cheaper hydrogen fuel cells
3dThe high cost of platinum catalysts used in hydrogen fuel cells limits the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles. Scientists are studying alternative catalysts to increase cost-effectiveness and maintain efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells.
Spring 2020 could even break summer sun records
3dThis year's 'lockdown spring' is likely to be the sunniest on record in parts of the UK, and may even rank among the sunniest seasons ever recorded—including all the summers.
3 Major Materials Science Breakthroughs—and Why They Matter for the Future
3dFew recognize the vast implications of materials science. To build today's smartphone in the 1980s, it would cost about $110 million, require nearly 200 kilowatts of energy (compared to 2kW per year today), and the device would be 14 meters tall , according to Applied Materials CTO Omkaram Nalamasu. That's the power of materials advances. Materials science has democratized smartphones, bringing t
Scientists alter genes of innate immune cells with DNA-snipping tool
3dA UCLA research team has successfully used the powerful gene-editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the DNA of mature innate immune cells, some of the body's first responders to infections. These blood cells have been notoriously difficult to genetically engineer in the past.
Covid-19 track and trace: what can UK learn from countries that got it right?
3dPledge of 'world-beating' system will have to look to likes of South Korea and Germany Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Boris Johnson's insistence that the UK will be able to roll out a "world-beating" coronavirus test, track and trace regime by 1 June has inevitably drawn comparisons with countries around the world that have already set up effective Covid-19 tracing
Just 7.3% of Stockholm had Covid-19 antibodies by end of April, study shows
3dOfficial findings add to concerns about Sweden's laissez-faire strategy towards the pandemic Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Just 7.3% of Stockholm's inhabitants had developed Covid-19 antibodies by the end of April, according to a study , raising concerns that the country's light-touch approach to the coronavirus may not be helping it build up broad immunity. The re
Bayesiansk analyse sætter værdi på livets tilfældighed
3dPLUS. Britisk astronom kommer med ny vurdering af sandsynligheden for, at intelligent liv opstod på Jorden. Det er ikke ubetinget givet, at vi ville være her i dag, hvis der blev foretaget en genindspilning af udviklingshistorien.
Is Covid-19 a nosocomial infection?
3dThe preponderance of deaths linked to care homes and hospitals raises the question of whether Covid-19 is a nosocomial infection.
How will children with disabilities fare when school resumes in the fall?
3dWith the school year coming to a close at districts across the country, education leaders fear that many students have struggled with online classrooms and fallen behind in their learning. As a result, they expect the so-called "summer slide"— the erosion of academic gains made over the prior year—to be far worse than usual and especially pronounced for children with disabilities.
Retail therapy is now retail anxiety: Keeping customers calm will be key to moving forward from pandemic
3dSo you finally hit the shops and cafes after weeks of lockdown.
Immunity passports could help end lockdown, but risk class divides and intentional infections
3dIf you've already recovered from the coronavirus, can you go back to the workplace carefree?
New mobile health tool measures hemoglobin without drawing blood
3dResearchers have developed a way to use smartphone images of a person's eyelids to assess blood hemoglobin levels. The ability to perform one of the most common clinical lab tests without a blood draw could help reduce the need for in-person clinic visits, make it easier to monitor patients who are in critical condition, and improve care in low- and middle-income countries where access to testing
A simple way of describing friction—by making it complicated
3dIf you even bother to think about friction at all, you might think about rubbing your hands together to warm them up.
Searching for scalar dark matter using compact mechanical resonators
3dResearchers at University of Delaware, University of Arizona and Haverford College have recently introduced the idea of searching for scalar dark matter using compact acoustic resonators. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, theoretically demonstrates the potential of mechanical systems in searching for dark matter.
Towable sensor free-falls to measure vertical slices of ocean conditions
3dThe motion of the ocean is often thought of in horizontal terms, for instance in the powerful currents that sweep around the planet, or the waves that ride in and out along a coastline. But there is also plenty of vertical motion, particularly in the open seas, where water from the deep can rise up, bringing nutrients to the upper ocean, while surface waters sink, sending dead organisms, along wit
Scientists alter genes of innate immune cells with DNA-snipping tool
3dA UCLA research team has successfully used the powerful gene-editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the DNA of mature innate immune cells, some of the body's first responders to infections. These blood cells have been notoriously difficult to genetically engineer in the past.
Surging numbers of first-generation learners being left behind in global education
3d'First-generation learners' — a substantial number of pupils around the world who represent the first generation in their families to receive an education – are also significantly more likely to leave school without basic literacy or numeracy skills, a study suggests.
Sex as stress management in microbes
3dWhy is sex so popular in nature? A new article in Genome Biology and Evolution suggests that the molecular mechanisms underlying sex and the stress response may be more tightly coupled than previously appreciated, providing a new explanation for the widespread prevalence of sex in nature.
Before COVID-19 100+ experts identified top threats & opportunities for global health
3dJust a few weeks before the first cases of COVID-19 were made public, a group of more than 100 leaders in health and medicine was imagining the future of health innovation and factors that could determine its success or failure,This hypothetical series of events, now beginning to play out in real time, is described — alongside other future-oriented scenarios — in a new report released today by t
The ins and outs of sex change in medaka fish
3dScientists could gain insight into atypical sex development in vertebrates, including humans, by studying how nutrition affects sex changes in fish larvae.
First month of data shows children at low risk of COVID-19 infection, no hospitalizations
3dIn the first 30 days since seeing their first patient, the number of children testing positive to COVID-19 at an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital has been low and none who contracted the virus required in-hospital treatment, according to a new study.
Just read my face, baby
3dAre you good at reading your partner's emotions? Your perceptiveness may very well strengthen your relationship. Yet when anger or contempt enter the fray, little is to be gained and the quality of your relationship tanks, researchers found.
NASA Proposes New Rules for Moon-Focused Space Race
3dThe Artemis Accords could ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for lunar exploration—if everyone agrees to them — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Scientists unravel challenge in improving fusion performance
3dA team at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility led by a William & Mary physicist has made a significant advancement in physics understanding that represents a key step toward practical fusion energy.
Project aims to create first 4-D maps of Earth's mantle
3dUniversity of Liverpool scientists are part of an ambitious research project to map conditions underneath the surface of the Earth in unprecedented detail.
Mammoths, mastodons and the fruit they left behind at Fermilab
3dScientists at the Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are constantly pushing at the boundaries of the unknown in their attempt to understand the origin and physical properties of the universe. Yet Fermilab is more than a gateway to the subatomic world: It's also home to rare and endangered ecosystems, such as grassland prairies and riparian forests, which are becoming incr
Huge boost to dam removal movement in new EU biodiversity strategy
3dThe European Commission's new biodiversity strategy is a potential game-changer for the continent's rivers—and for all the people and nature that depend on them.
Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate
3dThe explosive growth and success of human society over the past 10,000 years has been underpinned by a distinct range of climate conditions. But the range of weather humans can encounter on Earth—the "climate envelope"—is shifting as the planet warms, and conditions entirely new to civilization could emerge in the coming decades. Even with modern technology, this should not be taken lightly.
Finding new bio-based products from lignin could help shift from plastics
3dIn daily life we are surrounded by fossil raw materials, from products in our cars, insulations in buildings to kitchenware, like pan handles. Society needs to find new ways to unlock the hidden potential of renewable raw materials.
Ultrasonic technique discloses the identity of graphite
3dA group of scientists from Osaka University, in cooperation with Kaneka Corporation, evaluated the interplanar bond strength of graphene by measuring the elastic constant of graphite, demonstrating that the elastic constant of monocrystalline graphite (Figure 1, top) was above 45 gigapascal (GPa), which was higher than conventionally believed. Their research results were published in Physical Revi
New device quickly detects lithium ions in blood of bipolar disorder patients
3dA group of Hokkaido University researchers has developed a paper-based device that can easily and cheaply measure lithium ion concentration in blood, which could greatly help bipolar disorder patients.
Mammoths, mastodons and the fruit they left behind at Fermilab
3dScientists at the Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are constantly pushing at the boundaries of the unknown in their attempt to understand the origin and physical properties of the universe. Yet Fermilab is more than a gateway to the subatomic world: It's also home to rare and endangered ecosystems, such as grassland prairies and riparian forests, which are becoming incr
New device quickly detects lithium ions in blood of bipolar disorder patients
3dA group of Hokkaido University researchers has developed a paper-based device that can easily and cheaply measure lithium ion concentration in blood, which could greatly help bipolar disorder patients.
NUS researchers create novel device that harnesses shadows to generate electricity
3dNUS researchers have created a device called a 'shadow-effect energy generator' that makes use of the contrast in illumination between lit and shadowed areas to generate electricity. This novel concept opens up new approaches in harnessing indoor lighting conditions to power electronics.
New velvet gecko discovered on one of Australia's northern islands
3dScientists from Queensland Museum, Griffith University, University of Melbourne and the Northern Territory Government have described a colorful new velvet gecko from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
New model predicts the spread of COVID-19—and how to manage financial and economic risks
3dUniversity of Technology Sydney mathematician, Professor Eckhard Platen, has shown that mathematical models normally reserved for the world of finance, very accurately predict the spread of COVID-19. Importantly, they hold clues that can be used to understand the timing of lifting control measures, he says.
New velvet gecko discovered on one of Australia's northern islands
3dScientists from Queensland Museum, Griffith University, University of Melbourne and the Northern Territory Government have described a colorful new velvet gecko from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
Fear not parents: Kids can learn lots while at home, expert says
3dAs parents adjust to the announcement that in-school classes will not resume in Ontario for the rest of the school year, a Brock University expert says several key steps can be taken to keep kids learning until the end of June and throughout the summer.
Will antibody tests be our passport to normality?
3dDavid Crow on the complications — and consequences — of testing for coronavirus immunity
Membrane nanopore transport gets picky
3dTrying to determine how negatively charged ions squeeze through a carbon nanotube 20,000 times smaller than a human hair is no easy feat.
Study describes how external forces drive the rearrangement of individual particles in disordered solids
3dNew research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences describes how external forces drive the rearrangement of individual particles and shape microlevel structures in disordered materials. The study, conducted by graduate student Larry Galloway, postdoc Xiaoguang Ma, and faculty members Paulo Arratia, Douglas Jerolmack, and Arjun Yodh, provides new insights into how the mic
A nanostructure that stimulates growth of stem cells for Parkinson's disease treatment
3dResearchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) have invented a nanostructure that can stimulate neural stem cells to differentiate into nerve cells. They found that the transplantation of these nerve cells into rats with Parkinson's disease progressively improved their symptoms, with the new cells replacing damaged nerve cells around the transplantation site. This novel invention provides pr
ATLAS telescope discovers first-of-its-kind asteroid with a comet-like tail
3dWe often think of asteroids and comets as distinct types of small bodies, but astronomers have discovered an increasing number of "crossovers." These objects initially appear to be asteroids, and later develop activity, such as tails, that are typical of comets.
Is honey as sweet by another name?
3dCan direct advertising work for leading brands in an emerging market such as India. The question is answered with respect to the marketing of honey in the International Journal of Comparative Management.
Physicists exploring use of Blu-ray disc lasers to kill COVID-19, other viruses
3dA new weapon in the arsenal against the coronavirus may be sitting in your home entertainment console. A team led by physicist Chris Barty of the University of California, Irvine is researching the use of diodes from Blu-ray digital video disc devices as deep-ultraviolet laser photon sources to rapidly disinfect surfaces and the indoor air that swirls around us.
The ins and outs of sex change in medaka fish
3dLarval nutrition plays a role in determining the sexual characteristics of Japanese rice fish, also called medaka (Oryzias latipes), report a team of researchers led by Nagoya University. The findings, published in the journal Biology Open, could further understanding of a rare condition in humans and other vertebrates, where they genetically belong to one sex but also have characteristics of the
Physicists exploring use of Blu-ray disc lasers to kill COVID-19, other viruses
3dA new weapon in the arsenal against the coronavirus may be sitting in your home entertainment console. A team led by physicist Chris Barty of the University of California, Irvine is researching the use of diodes from Blu-ray digital video disc devices as deep-ultraviolet laser photon sources to rapidly disinfect surfaces and the indoor air that swirls around us.
The ins and outs of sex change in medaka fish
3dLarval nutrition plays a role in determining the sexual characteristics of Japanese rice fish, also called medaka (Oryzias latipes), report a team of researchers led by Nagoya University. The findings, published in the journal Biology Open, could further understanding of a rare condition in humans and other vertebrates, where they genetically belong to one sex but also have characteristics of the
Capture the fugitive gas: Two ideas to design more effective policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
3dIn a step toward a more sustainable, zero-carbon future, McCourt School assistant professor Raphael Calel and UC Santa Barbara assistant professor Paasha Mahdavi propose two ideas that would encourage companies to capture methane gas flared during the oil extraction process.
How galaxies and black holes grow together
3dOver the past two decades, astronomers have concluded that most, if not all, galaxies host massive black holes at their centers—and the masses of a black hole and its host galaxy are correlated. But how are the two connected? Now, a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Institute for Astronomy (IfA) student participating in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (
NASA telescope named for 'Mother of Hubble,' Nancy Grace Roman
3dNASA is naming its next-generation space telescope currently under development, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx ready for touchdown on asteroid Bennu
3dNASA's first asteroid sample return mission is officially prepared for its long-awaited touchdown on asteroid Bennu's surface. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security—Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission has targeted Oct. 20 for its first sample collection attempt.
Coronavirus Vaccine Trials Have Delivered Their First Results–but Their Promise Is Still Unclear
3dScientists urge caution over hints of success emerging from small human and animal studies — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Sex as stress management in microbes
3dWhy is sex so popular? The question of why so many organisms reproduce sexually has mystified evolutionary biologists since before Darwin, who wrote, "The whole subject is as yet hidden in darkness." In a recent article in Genome Biology and Evolution titled "What's genetic variation got to do with it? Starvation-induced self-fertilization enhances survival in Paramecium," the authors suggest that
Plant virus-like particles as vehicles for therapeutic antibodies
3dMonoclonal antibodies are those that originate from identical immune cells having a common origin. They are highly effective, non-toxic and can specifically target diseased cells, and are therefore used in immunotherapy to treat diseases such as psoriasis, cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, since antibodies are unable to cross the cell membrane, they have mainly been used against antigens p
Should tomatoes go in the fridge?
3dThere is much debate about the correct storage of tomatoes. There are two main options available to consumers: Storage in the refrigerator or at room temperature. A research team from the University of Göttingen has now investigated whether there are differences in the flavor of ripe tomatoes depending on how they are stored and taking into account the chain of harvesting from farm to fork. No per
The genome of jojoba: The only plant to store wax in its seeds
3dThe seeds of jojoba are one of the only known sustainable sources of liquid wax esters. They have been used as an eco-friendly replacement for similar oils that were once harvested from the spermaceti organ of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which nearly drove it to extinction. "Jojoba is the only plant to store wax in its seeds. Such a vegetable oil has heretofore been unavailable," say
Grasshoppers are perfectly aware of their own coloration when trying to camouflage
3dA research team from the Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, led by Pim Edelaar, from the institution's Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, has carried out an experimental study that shows that grasshoppers are perfectly aware of their own coloration when choosing the place that provides them with better camouflage. The research findings, published in the journal Proce
A large moon might be hugging an object in the outer solar system
3dA trans-Neptunian object known as 2002 TC302 appears to have a large moon at an unusually close orbit
All-Girl Robotics Team In Afghanistan Works On Low-Cost Ventilator … With Car Parts
3dAutomated ventilators are expensive. Hand-operated ventilators require a lot of labor. So these teens are on a quest to create a mechanized bag-valve-mask that'll do the job. (Image credit: The Digital Citizen Fund)
Researchers report new method for characterizing materials that might eventually help store energy
3dRenewable technologies are a promising solution for addressing global energy needs in a sustainable way.
WISE J135501.90-825838.9 is a young, extremely low-mass substellar binary, study finds
3dUsing data from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), astronomers have investigated a nearby binary system designated WISE J135501.90-825838.9. The new research reports that the studied object is a young, extremely low-mass substellar binary. The finding is detailed in a paper published May 13 on the arXiv pre-print repository.
Sex as stress management in microbes
3dWhy is sex so popular? The question of why so many organisms reproduce sexually has mystified evolutionary biologists since before Darwin, who wrote, "The whole subject is as yet hidden in darkness." In a recent article in Genome Biology and Evolution titled "What's genetic variation got to do with it? Starvation-induced self-fertilization enhances survival in Paramecium," the authors suggest that
Plant virus-like particles as vehicles for therapeutic antibodies
3dMonoclonal antibodies are those that originate from identical immune cells having a common origin. They are highly effective, non-toxic and can specifically target diseased cells, and are therefore used in immunotherapy to treat diseases such as psoriasis, cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, since antibodies are unable to cross the cell membrane, they have mainly been used against antigens p
High variability is consequence of complex data workflows, study finds
3dA new Tel Aviv University-led study published on May 20 in Nature offers new evidence that the complexity of contemporary analytical methods in science contributes to the variability of research outcomes.
Should tomatoes go in the fridge?
3dThere is much debate about the correct storage of tomatoes. There are two main options available to consumers: Storage in the refrigerator or at room temperature. A research team from the University of Göttingen has now investigated whether there are differences in the flavor of ripe tomatoes depending on how they are stored and taking into account the chain of harvesting from farm to fork. No per
The genome of jojoba: The only plant to store wax in its seeds
3dThe seeds of jojoba are one of the only known sustainable sources of liquid wax esters. They have been used as an eco-friendly replacement for similar oils that were once harvested from the spermaceti organ of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which nearly drove it to extinction. "Jojoba is the only plant to store wax in its seeds. Such a vegetable oil has heretofore been unavailable," say
Grasshoppers are perfectly aware of their own coloration when trying to camouflage
3dA research team from the Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, led by Pim Edelaar, from the institution's Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, has carried out an experimental study that shows that grasshoppers are perfectly aware of their own coloration when choosing the place that provides them with better camouflage. The research findings, published in the journal Proce
Cancer researchers gain valuable insights through a comprehensive review of Clioquinol
3dResearchers at Karmanos Cancer Institute of Wayne State University compiled the latest cancer research on clioquinol (CQ), an anti-fungal/anti-protozoal hydroxyquinoline family drug. The authors reported that although CQ isn't suitable for cancer therapy currently, using CQ derivatives or analogues such as nitroxoline as well as combining CQ with other drugs, including docahexaenooic acid or disul
Patients with COVID-19 may develop thyroid infection
3dCOVID-19 infection may cause subacute thyroiditis, according to a new case study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Low rate of COVID-19 found in women admitted for childbirth at Cedars-Sinai
3dA study conducted by investigators at Cedars-Sinai suggests that universal testing of asymptomatic pregnant women in labor may not be necessary at every hospital. The investigation was prompted by reports from several large hospitals in New York City that nearly 14% of asymptomatic women admitted for childbirth had tested positive for COVID-19 during the early weeks of the pandemic. The women did
Virus prevalence associated with habitat
3dLevels of virus infection in lobsters seem to be related to habitat and other species, new studies of Caribbean marine protected areas have shown. The findings will support efforts to safeguard Caribbean spiny lobsters, which are a vital food source for communities across the region and world. They also boost our understanding of how viruses spread — disease dynamics — and of the ecology of frag
Giant Kazakhstan oilfield threatened by surge in coronavirus cases
3dWarning at Tengiz field underscores danger posed by pandemic to remote energy projects
Facebook Messenger Adds Safety Alerts—Even in Encrypted Chats
3dBy using metadata instead of content to spot suspicious behavior, the social network can keep privacy intact.
I desperately miss human touch. Science may explain why | Diana Spechler
3dFor people who live alone, lockdown means 'touch starvation' as we go days without hugs, handshakes or other contact Coronavirus – live US updates Live global updates My friend Hannah tells me her therapist said: "A person should be hugged 10 times a day." For many of us, that's now unsafe. It was even unlikely before. Pre-quarantine, I was one of 35.7 million Americans who lived alone. My daily
Enrichment programs help children build knowledge
3dExperience is the cement that holds the building blocks of knowledge together. New research suggests enrichment programs help children solidify the information they have added to their wall of knowledge.
Eleven ways you can use VR to escape your home
3dBefore putting your visor on, make some room. Bumping into your coffee table will surely break the illusion that you're in the Grand Canyon. ( Hammer & Tusk / Unsplash/) Virtual reality is not nearly as popular as video game consoles or smartphones , but the technology is improving rapidly. Software is getting better, hardware is getting cheaper, and fewer people are coming away from these experi
What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about the Brain
3dA close brush can leave a lasting mental legacy—and may tell us about how the mind functions under extreme conditions — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about the Brain
3dA close brush can leave a lasting mental legacy—and may tell us about how the mind functions under extreme conditions — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
'Heat resistant' coral developed to fight bleaching
3dA team of scientists has successfully produced in a laboratory setting a coral that is more resistant to increased seawater temperatures.
Hearts that drum together beat together
3dResearchers have found that in a structured group drumming task aspects of participants' heart function synchronized. In a subsequent improvisational drumming task, groups with high physiological synchrony in the structured task showed more coordination in drumming. The data show that behavioral synchronization and enhanced physiological synchronization while drumming each uniquely predicts a heig
These Labs Rushed to Test for Coronavirus. They Had Few Takers.
3dThe fragmented U.S. health care system has hampered efforts to expand coronavirus testing, by making it difficult for hospitals to switch to new labs with ample capacity.
AstraZeneca could supply potential coronavirus vaccine from September
3dFirm has capacity to make 1bn doses of Oxford University drug undergoing trials Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage AstraZeneca has said it has the capacity to manufacture 1bn doses of the University of Oxford's potential Covid-19 vaccine and will begin supply in September if clinical trials are successful. The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said it had signed the first agreeme
US jobless claims keep climbing to hit 38.6m since lockdowns began
3dData show there were 2.4m first-time benefit applications last week in line with forecasts
Antibody from SARS patient blocks coronavirus in lab
3dAn antibody first identified in a blood sample from someone who recovered from SARS in 2003 inhibits related coronaviruses, including one behind COVID-19, researchers say. Researchers have put the antibody, called S309, on a fast-track development and testing path at Vir Biotechnology in the next step toward possible clinical trials. "We still need to show that this antibody is protective in livi
What The Great Reveals About Trump's Pandemic Denial
3dThis article contains spoilers for all 10 episodes of Hulu's The Great . Russia in the 18th century stood on the verge of disaster, with a war raging against Sweden and its cultural and intellectual progress failing to keep pace with Western Europe's. Yet in Hulu's historical satire The Great , Emperor Peter III (played by Nicholas Hoult) appears untroubled. Surrounded by the comforts of royalty
Building a Mouse Squad Against COVID-19
3dA Maine laboratory is on the verge of supplying a much-needed animal for SARS-CoV-2 research
These brain regions are the stomach's master controllers
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01508-0 Rabies virus helps to trace the nerve network that keeps the stomach in good form.
Localizing Executive Function
3dWhere in the brain is a specific ability located? This is a more complex question than it may at first seem, mainly because we first have to define each specific ability. Some are obvious, like the ability to voluntarily move your right hand. The motor strip in the cortex physically maps to the body, and it is relatively easy to correlate a specific part of the brain to weakness of any specific b
Is our food system broken?
3dPandemic has opened up discussions about the resilience of global supply chains
On Earth, the Economy Is Tanking. In the Cloud, It's Fine
3dAmid the pandemic, life has moved online. That's good news for the tech giants that run data centers, and the companies that supply them.
A 'Hyperactive' Hurricane Season Is About to Strike
3dGiven the pandemic, how will emergency experts cope with evacuating people who might fear shared shelters, refuse to wear masks, and distrust authorities?
ShinyHunters Is a Hacking Group on a Data Breach Spree
3dIn the first two weeks of May, they've hit the dark web, hawking 200 million stolen records from over a dozen companies.
Katastrofe gav ny viden om bekæmpelse af olieforurening
3dPLUS. Sollys i forbindelse med fotooxidation har større betydning for forvitring af olie på havet end hidtil antaget. Supermikrobe nedbryder olie i sandet.
America's Next Crisis Is Already Here
3dT he coronavirus pandemic has eviscerated state and local finances. The country's roughly 90,000 nonfederal-government entities provide and pay for most of the government services that Americans receive. Factor out federal defense spending and the federal government's contributions to health care, and state and local governments do most of the government spending too: $4 trillion worth , or more
Uber uses Covid-19 as cue to take stock of strategy
3dMany former employees see job cuts as a way to keep promises about becoming profitable
Why Is This Chocolate Shimmering Like a Rainbow?
3dThis tasty treat is additive free, and it turns iridescent with a little help from physics.
Loo roll heist highlights Hong Kong's curious police state
3dIn its response to Covid-19, Carrie Lam's government seems not to know where it stands
UK economic downturn shows signs of slowing down
3dPMI survey reveals some improvement in sentiment after easing of lockdown but reading is still second worst ever
COVID-19 Threatens Endangered Species in Southeast Asia
3dThe coronavirus has created a survival crisis for rural communities and, consequently, for wildlife — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
How White Backlash Controls American Progress
3dT he word backlash gained popularity in the summer of 1963, when, after dallying on the issue for the first two years of his presidency, President John F. Kennedy proposed significant civil-rights legislation. In response, the word, which had primarily denoted the recoil of a fishing line, was repurposed, usually as "white backlash," to refer to opposition to the increased pace of African America
JAMA journal retracts well-publicized paper linking doctor burnout to patient safety
3dA JAMA journal has retracted a 2018 paper linking physician burnout to poor patient care, after a misconduct inquiry found evidence of shoddy work but not data fabrication. The article, "Association between physician burnout and patient safety, professionalism, and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis," was published in JAMA Internal Medicine by a group … Continue reading
A Virtual DJ, a Drone, and an All-Out Zoom Wedding
3dThe bride and groom had a month and a half to move their ceremony online. Here's how they did it, from the AV setup to instructions for guests.
Polio Is Nearly Wiped Out. Covid-19 Could Halt That Progress
3dThe disease once paralyzed 350,000 children each year; vaccination campaigns brought it down to just a few hundred cases. Then, the pandemic struck.
Covid-19 Is Causing a Spike in Sales for Bane Masks
3dOnline costume retailers and Etsy are doing what they can to keep up with demand. In other Bat-adjacent news, HBO Max is going to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut of 'Justice League'.
Hydroxychloroquine: NHS staff to take drug as part of global trial
3dParticipating hospitals begin enrolling volunteers to test drug's impact on coronavirus Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A major trial to see whether the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, taken by Donald Trump to protect himself against Covid-19, can prevent health workers from getting the disease is beginning in the UK and other countries. Trump's revelation that he w
COVID-19 Threatens Endangered Species in Southeast Asia
3dThe coronavirus has created a survival crisis for rural communities and, consequently, for wildlife — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The System Failed the Test of Trump
3dHave you ever known anyone swindled by a scam? It's remarkable how determined they remain to defend the swindler, and for how long—and how they try to shift the blame to those who tried to warn them of the swindle. The pain of being seen as a fool hurts more than the loss of money; it's more important to protect the ego against indignity than to visit justice upon the perpetrator. We human beings
How the Coronavirus Has Changed Animals' Landscape of Fear
3dThe pandemic lockdowns are providing a window into how a wariness of humans uniquely shapes other species' behavior — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
How the Coronavirus Has Changed Animals' Landscape of Fear
3dThe pandemic lockdowns are providing a window into how a wariness of humans uniquely shapes other species' behavior — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Half a billion children miss out on education due to lockdowns, says UN
3dLack of internet has cut off access to learning during pandemic, finds report
Lockdown countdown: a fitness club CEO and a playground manager can't wait to reopen
3dIn this FT series, people share their stories of this extraordinary time
Earliest known man with Native American DNA ancestry lived in Siberia
3dA man who lived in Siberia about 14,000 years ago is the earliest known person in the world to have the specific mix of genes seen in people with Native American ancestry, analysis of DNA from a fossilised tooth has revealed
4 Rules for Identifying Your Life's Work
3dEditor's Note: " How to Build a Life " is a biweekly column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness. My oldest son graduates from college this month. Graduation is a leap into uncertainty even during ordinary times, and COVID-19 times are far from ordinary. It's a scary moment to be heading out into the world. But my advice to my son—and to all graduates—remains the same as
Hong Kong's Revolutionary Anthem Is a Challenge to China
3dHONG KONG—Twin crises have jolted this city: one of disease, the other of dissent. Over the past year, millions of people flooded city streets, defying China's government as they demanded that Beijing honor Hong Kong's civil rights and grant the territory democracy. Those same agitators worked together this winter, at times in opposition to the territory's leaders, to limit a widespread outbreak
This ominous image shows the birth of a planet
3dThis image shows the disc around the young AB Aurigae star, where ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has spotted signs of planet birth. (ESO/Boccaletti et al./) 520 light-years away from Earth, a baby planet is born. While thousands of exoplanets have been identified so far, researchers at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, or VLT, in Chile, have captured the birth of a plane
Pompeo and America's end of times diplomacy
3dSecretary of state has abandoned both diplomacy and logic in his quest to succeed Trump
Brazil emerges as a top global coronavirus hotspot
3dExperts predict death toll will top 100,000 in the coming months
IMF chief: halt bank dividends and buybacks now
3dShareholders who sacrifice now will prosper when growth restarts
Pluto's Weird Atmosphere Just Collapsed
3dThe dramatic fall in atmospheric pressure on Pluto is much larger than astronomers expected.
Structure of replicating SARS-CoV-2 polymerase
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2368-8
Ten reasons why immunity passports are a bad idea
3dNature, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01451-0 Restricting movement on the basis of biology threatens freedom, fairness and public health.
Density-dependence tips the change of plant–plant interactions under environmental stress
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16286-6 Density-dependence is rarely accounted for in plant-plant facilitation studies. Here the authors develop a framework that incorporates density-dependence in the stress-gradient hypothesis, and test it first through modeling and then empirically on Arabidopsis thaliana along salt stress gradients.
Formation of stable and responsive collective states in suspensions of active colloids
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16161-4 Living organisms, like fish and bacteria, frequently change their pattern as a group to cope with environment. Here, Bäuerle et al. reproduce this phenomenon using a synthetic system of controllably interactive colloids to show their collective motions that indicates being close to a critical point.
FoxO1–Dio2 signaling axis governs cardiomyocyte thyroid hormone metabolism and hypertrophic growth
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16345-y Disease stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy is a major mechanism of pathological cardiac remodeling. Here, the authors unveil a previously unrecognized role of a FoxO1–Dio2 signaling axis in maladaptive, afterload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and intracellular thyroid hormone homeostasis.
Multi-ancestry GWAS of the electrocardiographic PR interval identifies 202 loci underlying cardiac conduction
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-15706-x On the electrocardiogram, the PR interval reflects conduction from the atria to ventricles and also serves as risk indicator of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Here, the authors perform genome-wide meta-analyses for PR interval in multiple ancestries and identify 141 previously unreported genetic loci.
Gravitational-wave asteroseismology with fundamental modes from compact binary inspirals
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-15984-5 Independently measuring the tidal deformability and the fundamental oscillation mode (fmode) frequency enables tests of gravity and the nature of compact binaries. Here, the authors constrain the f-mode frequencies of the companions of GW170817 from direct measurements, demonstrating gravitational wave asteroseis
Coronavirus Live News and Updates
3dImposing restrictions even a week earlier could have saved lives, researchers found. A Census Bureau household survey suggests income loss is widespread.
Vision-based tracking system for augmented reality to localize recurrent laryngeal nerve during robotic thyroid surgery
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65439-6
The use of spectrograms improves the classification of wheezes and crackles in an educational setting
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65354-w
Detection of avian influenza virus: a comparative study of the in silico and in vitro performances of current RT-qPCR assays
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64003-6
Levels of heavy metals in wastewater and soil samples from open drainage channels in Nairobi, Kenya: community health implication
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65359-5
Geometrical Constraints on the Tangling of Bacterial Flagellar Filaments
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64974-6
Selection of Endogenous Control Reference Genes for Studies on Type 1 or Type 2 Endometrial Cancer
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64663-4
Bioinformatic analysis reveals the importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the development of endometriosis
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65606-9
Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the nomadic free-grazing duck production system in Viet Nam
3dScientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65413-2
New gravitational-wave model can bring neutron stars into even sharper focus
3dGravitational-wave researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new model that promises to yield fresh insights into the structure and composition of neutron stars.
Hearts that drum together beat together
3dResearchers from Bar-Ilan University found that in a structured group drumming task aspects of participants' heart function synchronized. In a subsequent improvisational drumming task, groups with high physiological synchrony in the structured task showed more coordination in drumming. The data show that behavioral synchronization and enhanced physiological synchronization while drumming each uniq
Unique hole-accepting carbon-dots promoting selective carbon dioxide reduction nearly 100% to methanol by pure water
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16227-3 Solar-driven CO2 reduction by abundant water to alcohols is hindered by the sluggish water oxidation reaction. Here, the authors demonstrate that the microwave-synthesized carbon-dots possess unique hole-accepting nature, allowing stoichiometric oxygen and methanol production from water and CO2 with nearly 100% s
Rapidly sequence-controlled electrosynthesis of organometallic polymers
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16255-z The controllable synthesis of organometallic polymers that can be used in ultrahigh information storage and anti-counterfeiting security has been an unsolved challenge. Here, the authors show sequence-controlled electrosynthesis of organometallic polymers with exquisite insertion of multiple and distinct monomers
Inferring multimodal latent topics from electronic health records
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16378-3 Electronic Health Records (EHR) are subject to noise, biases and missing data. Here, the authors present MixEHR, a multi-view Bayesian framework related to collaborative filtering and latent topic models for EHR data integration and modeling.
Long-term alterations in brain and behavior after postnatal Zika virus infection in infant macaques
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16320-7 The consequences of postnatal Zika infection are not fully understood. Here, the authors show that postnatal Zika infection in infant rhesus macaques alters neurodevelopment resulting in social, cognitive and motor impairments, as well as structural and functional changes in the brain.
Constructing chiral bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes via palladium-catalyzed asymmetric tandem Heck/carbonylation desymmetrization of cyclopentenes
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16221-9 Tandem Heck/carbonylation reaction gives access to ubiquitous carbonyl molecules, however the asymmetric version is rarely studied. Here, the authors synthesize chiral bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes with a palladium-catalyzed asymmetric tandem Heck/carbonylation desymmetrization of cyclopentenes with alcohols, phenols and
Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract during influenza A virus infection
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16429-9 Influenza A virus (IAV) infection can be exacerbated by bacterial co-infections but the effect of IAV on the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome remains unclear. Here, the authors compare the dynamics of the UTR microbiome in IAV-infected ferrets and humans, finding similar trends at the ecosystem and indivi
Real-time terahertz imaging with a single-pixel detector
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16370-x Terahertz imaging is promising in many applications, but still relies on complex equipment. Here, the authors develop a simplified solution that enables terahertz real-time imaging using a single-pixel detector and rapid reconstruction methods.
Glycopeptide epitope facilitates HIV-1 envelope specific humoral immune responses by eliciting T cell help
3dNature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16319-0 T cells recognize peptide antigens presented in the context of MHC but can additionally recognize non-conventional ligands. Here the authors show T cells specific for a HIV-1 associated glycopeptide antigen presented by MHC class II help envelope (Env) trimer induced humoral immune responses.
What are complex adaptive systems?
3dOrganizations aren't just organizations—they're complex adaptive systems. Thinking of them this way, says Nathan Rosenberg, founding partner of management consulting firm Insigniam , can give your organization a competitive advantage. In complex adaptive systems, there is no cause and effect. Rules, or laws, have no causal efficacy. The system is constantly changing and adapting. But patterns in
Technology and the Missing Celebrity Dissident
3dThe pro-democracy dissident as a global celebrity was a defining invention of the late 20th century. But today, critics of authoritarian governments are easily identified and suppressed on internet forums. Typewriters were simply better advocates than laptops. But it doesn't have to stay that way.
New gravitational-wave model can bring neutron stars into even sharper focus
3dGravitational-wave researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new model that promises to yield fresh insights into the structure and composition of neutron stars.
Cyclone batters India and raises fears of coronavirus surge
3dShelters struggle to cope after 500,000 people are evacuated
I'm an NHS doctor – and I've had enough of people clapping for me
3dThe health service is not a charity and it is not staffed by heroes. It has been run into the ground by successive governments Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage I work for the NHS as a doctor. I don't work "on the frontline" because there isn't one; I'm not in the army and we aren't engaged in military combat. But I do work as a consultant on a ward where we have had C
Downturn in economic activity starts to ease across eurozone
3dActivity falls at slower pace after bloc's largest economies relax lockdown measures
Healthcare rationing could see 'unlawful deaths' from COVID-19, researchers claim
3dCurrent medical guidelines risk unlawful deaths of patients — with doctors, hospitals, and even the government potentially liable — if a second peak forces hard choices due to shortages of ventilators and other critical care resources.
World can likely capture and store enough carbon dioxide to meet climate targets
3dThe world is currently on track to fulfil scenarios on diverting atmospheric CO2 to underground reservoirs, according to a new study by Imperial.
World can likely capture and store enough carbon dioxide to meet climate targets
3dThe capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) underground is one of the key components of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) reports on how to keep global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
Kronik: Kan vi udelukke, at coronavirusset stammer fra et laboratorium? Nej, ikke endnu
3d[no content]
AstraZeneca books orders for 400m doses of Oxford vaccine
3dDrugmaker also secures $1bn in funding from US government to aid development
Here's what traveling could be like after COVID-19
3dCOVID-19 has upended global travel and brought the world to a standstill. For the first time in history, close to 90% of the world's population now lives in countries with travel restrictions. Airlines, travel companies and the tourism sector as a whole are among the most affected businesses. An estimated 25 million aviation jobs and 100 million travel and tourism jobs are at risk. Between five a
EasyJet to resume flights next month
3dLow-cost carrier will start limited services in UK and France amid new guidelines
Coronavirus UK map: the latest deaths and confirmed cases in each region
3dLatest figures from public health authorities on the spread of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom. Find out how many confirmed cases have been reported in each of England's local authorities Coronavirus – live news updates Find all our coronavirus coverage here How to protect yourself from infection Please note: these are government figures on numbers of confirmed cases – some people who report sympt
Coronavirus in China: New Outbreak Brings Wuhan-Style Lockdown
3dInfections in the northeast have led officials to sequester hundreds of thousands at home. "China doesn't want to take any chances," one expert said.
Rapport: Global opvarmning gør sneen grøn på Antarktis
3dEt nyt studie på Antarktis finder store området med alger, der tager til, i takt med at temperaturen stiger.
For godt til at være sandt: Flere klinikker i udlandet tilbyder udokumenteret kræftbehandling
3dBåde i Tyskland, USA og Mexico ligger kontroversielle klinikker, der bekymrer danske læger.
Michigan flood displaces thousands, threatens Superfund site
3dFloodwaters surging through Central Michigan on Wednesday were mixing with containment ponds at a Dow Chemical Co. plant and could displace sediment from a downstream Superfund site, though the company said there was no risk to people or the environment.
Pacific hurricane forecast complicated by coronavirus
3dThe Central Pacific basin including Hawaii should expect to see between two and six tropical storms or hurricanes this year, federal forecasters said Wednesday.
22 killed as 'super cyclone' ravages Bangladesh, India
3dAt least 22 people died as the fiercest cyclone to hit parts of Bangladesh and eastern India this century sent trees flying and flattened houses, with millions crammed into shelters despite the risk of coronavirus.
Public transport struggles to cater for the few
3dMaintaining social distancing and running full services poses financial and practical problems
Study reveals ancient ocean oxygen levels associated with changing atmospheric carbon dioxide
3dWhy do carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere wax and wane in conjunction with the warm and cold periods of Earth's past? Scientists have been trying to answer this question for many years, and thanks to chemical clues left in sediment cores extracted from deep in the ocean floor, they are starting to put together the pieces of that puzzle.
Chemical recycling makes useful product from waste bioplastic
3dA faster, more efficient way of recycling plant-based "bioplastics" has been developed by a team of scientists at the Universities of Birmingham and Bath.
Development of heat-tolerant annual ryegrass germplasm
3dThroughout the southeastern U.S., forage production is a critical pillar of agriculture and livestock production, particularly for the cattle industry. Annual ryegrass serves as the primary forage for many late winter and early spring production systems, but grazing time is often limited due to late fall planting to avoid high soil temperatures that cause secondary seed dormancy.
Möt universums spökpartiklar – neutrinerna
3dNeutriner utmanar partikelfysiken med sin massa och kan ge ledtrådar till universums okända gåtor. De rör sig obehindrat genom nästan allt och är fysikens hetaste forskningsområde. Möt spökpartiklarna som redan belönats med fyra Nobelpris – och fler kan det bli.
Development of heat-tolerant annual ryegrass germplasm
3dThroughout the southeastern U.S., forage production is a critical pillar of agriculture and livestock production, particularly for the cattle industry. Annual ryegrass serves as the primary forage for many late winter and early spring production systems, but grazing time is often limited due to late fall planting to avoid high soil temperatures that cause secondary seed dormancy.
Terrifying Medical Case Reveals What Can Happen if You Overdose on Caffeine
3dNo wonder the powders are widely banned.
UK coronavirus live: launch test and trace or risk second wave, NHS leaders warn
3dGovernment told it is running out of time to kick off testing system Fewer young adults sticking to lockdown rules, study shows Boohoo and biotech firm develop saliva home testing kit Coronavirus global updates – live Coronavirus latest: at a glance See all our coverage 7.55am BST My esteemed colleague Sarah Boseley has written a very good explainer on the government's test, track and trace strat
Exclusive: US has three months to rebuild medical supplies stockpile, Obama administration scientists warn
3dA seven-page report from the former president's science advisers is an implicit criticism of Donald Trump's handling of the pandemic Nine top scientists who advised Barack Obama in the White House are warning that the US has just three months to rebuild its national stockpile of emergency medical supplies or risk further drastic shortages of testing kits and protective gear should coronavirus str
Coronavirus latest: at a glance
3dA summary of the biggest developments in the global coronavirus outbreak Follow our latest coronavirus blog for live news and updates Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include: Continue reading…
Coronavirus Live News Tracker
3dWarning of a potential "big explosion" in cases, China is locking down one region even as it opens others. Elsewhere, the virus and natural disasters have dealt a one-two punch.
Scientists Reveal a Proof-of-Concept Bionic Human Eye
3dIt could be more sensitive than the real deal.
Covid-19: the inventor hoping to bring air hoods to frontline medics
3dLockdown has forced professor Mike Bradley to work out of his garden shed
NewsGuard identifies social media "super-spreaders" of COVID-19 misinformation
3dNewsGuard has identified "super-spreaders" of COVID-19 misinformation on Facebook and Twitter, including Dr. Joseph Mercola, the NVIC, Rush Limbaugh, and Ty Bollinger.
r/STEMmajors is a brand new place for STEM majors to discuss courses, textbooks, and everything else related to undergraduate STEM. Come hang!
3dsubmitted by /u/laconicflask [link] [comments]
'How Could the CDC Make That Mistake?'
3dEditor's Note: The Atlantic is making vital coverage of the coronavirus available to all readers. Find the collection here . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is conflating the results of two different types of coronavirus tests, distorting several important metrics and providing the country with an inaccurate picture of the state of the pandemic. We've learned that the CDC is making
Development of heat-tolerant annual ryegrass germplasm
3dResearchers develop new annual ryegrass for earlier fall planting in the southeastern US.
What Xi knew: pressure builds on China's leader over coronavirus response
3dLeader faces scrutiny over early pandemic management as Beijing weighs resetting economic targets
The emotional rollercoaster of adolescent dogs – podcast
3dIt's an experience many dog owners have been through – their adolescent pooches appear to be more moody and rebellious. Now researchers have shown that dogs really do mimic human teenagers' behaviour, becoming less responsive to instructions from their carer. To find out more about the difficult teenage doggy-years, Nicola Davis talks to Dr Lucy Asher about the study Continue reading…
The emotional rollercoaster of adolescent dogs
3dIt's an experience many dog owners have been through – their adolescent pooches appear to be more moody and rebellious. Now researchers have shown that dogs really do mimic human teenagers' behaviour, becoming less responsive to instructions from their carer. To find out more about the difficult teenage doggy-years, Nicola Davis talks to Dr Lucy Asher about the study. Help support our independent
What to know about America's newly unemployed
3dA clearer picture emerges about how coronavirus lockdowns have damaged the US labour market
Spanish minister suggests foreign visitors could return this summer
3dTeresa Ribera says free movement for citizens by July should open door for international tourists
How coronavirus turned the business of trading at banks on its head
3dAs lockdowns begin easing, banks are wrestling with how many traders to send back to the office
Mexico reopens without knowing if pandemic is under control
3dUS manufacturers have piled on the pressure to restart cross-border supply chains
Italy's record casts shadow over hopes of post-Covid recovery
3dHistory shows Italian economy has failed to regain lost ground after previous crises
Social media is helping us pay tribute to 'ordinary' lives
3d'Converting Covid-19 from statistical barrage into individual tragedies has political consequences'
Åtta veckors träning gav stor hälsoeffekt
3dTvå månaders intensiv träning förändrade hälsan hos alla de åtta deltagarna i SVT:s träningsexperiment Bästa träningen.
NASA Names The Next Space Telescope After The Brilliant 'Mother of Hubble'
3dNancy Grace Roman was NASA's first Chief of Astronomy.
Global stocks slip as US-China tensions add to economic concerns
3dFalls come despite Wall Street finishing higher on hopes of more Fed support
Lawyers see work-life changes beyond the pandemic
3d'New normal' will mean more camaraderie, less travel and more fitting in with the family
Coronavirus has transformed work but threatens creative spark
3dWe adapted fast to remote working — now we must fight for moments that drive innovation
London's hospitals aim to double intensive-care bed capacity
3dCapital's NHS draws up plans for navigating a second wave of coronavirus without mass cancellation of other treatment
Trump's Vaccine Chief Has Vast Ties to Drug Industry, Posing Possible Conflicts
3dMoncef Slaoui, a former pharmaceutical executive, is now overseeing the U.S. initiative to develop coronavirus treatments and vaccines. His financial interests and corporate roles have come under scrutiny.
Video Shows Boston Dynamics' Robot Dog Herding Sheep And Checking Crops
3dThe sheep seem a bit confused.
Effects of climate and land-use changes on fish catches across lakes at a global scale
3dNature Communications, Published online: 20 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-14624-2 Lake fisheries are vulnerable to environmental changes. Here, Kao et al. develop a Bayesian networks model to analyze time-series data from 31 major fisheries lake across five continents, showing that fish catches can respond either positively or negatively to climate and land-use changes.
Remote sensing reveals Antarctic green snow algae as important terrestrial carbon sink
3dNature Communications, Published online: 20 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16018-w Snow algae bloom along the coast of Antarctica and are likely to be biogeochemically important. Here, the authors produced the first map of such blooms, show that they are driven by warmer temperatures and proximity to birds and mammals, and are likely to increase given projected climate changes.
Red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers for sodium-ion batteries and liquefaction of red phosphorus
3dNature Communications, Published online: 20 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16077-z Red phosphorus is a promising anode for Na-ion batteries but suffers from large volume change upon cycling. Here the authors show a red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofiber design in which the sodiated red phosphorus is featured by a "liquid-like" behavior and ultra-stable electrochemical performance is realiz
Transition between solid and liquid state of yield-stress fluids under purely extensional deformations [Applied Physical Sciences]
3dWe report experimental microfluidic measurements and theoretical modeling of elastoviscoplastic materials under steady, planar elongation. Employing a theory that allows the solid state to deform, we predict the yielding and flow dynamics of such complex materials in pure extensional flows. We find a significant deviation of the ratio of the…
Epstein-Barr virus co-opts TFIIH component XPB to specifically activate essential viral lytic promoters [Microbiology]
3dEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with epithelial and lymphoid malignancies, establishes latent infection in memory B cells, and intermittently produces infectious virions through lytic replication. Released virions play a key role in latent reservoir maintenance and transmission. Lytic EBV transcription differs from cellular transcription in requiring a virus-encoded preinitiation complex…
Protein phosphatase 2A promotes stomatal development by stabilizing SPEECHLESS in Arabidopsis [Plant Biology]
3dStomatal guard cells control gas exchange that allows plant photosynthesis but limits water loss from plants to the environment. In Arabidopsis, stomatal development is mainly controlled by a signaling pathway comprising peptide ligands, membrane receptors, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, and a set of transcription factors. The initiation of…
Untangling the sequence of events during the S2 -> S3 transition in photosystem II and implications for the water oxidation mechanism [Biophysics and Computational Biology]
3dIn oxygenic photosynthesis, light-driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen is carried out by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PS II). Recently, we reported the room-temperature structures of PS II in the four (semi)stable S-states, S1, S2, S3, and S0, showing that a water molecule is inserted during…
Viral infection impacts transposable element transcript amounts in Drosophila [Genetics]
3dTransposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites that are found in all genomes, some of which display sequence similarity to certain viruses. In insects, TEs are controlled by the Piwi-interacting small interfering RNA (piRNA) pathway in gonads, while the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is dedicated to TE somatic control and…
Induction of defense in cereals by 4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid suppresses insect pest populations and increases crop yields in the field [Agricultural Sciences]
3dSynthetic chemical elicitors, so called plant strengtheners, can protect plants from pests and pathogens. Most plant strengtheners act by modifying defense signaling pathways, and little is known about other mechanisms by which they may increase plant resistance. Moreover, whether plant strengtheners that enhance insect resistance actually enhance crop yields is…
Enzyme-mediated depletion of serum l-Met abrogates prostate cancer growth via multiple mechanisms without evidence of systemic toxicity [Medical Sciences]
3dExtensive studies in prostate cancer and other malignancies have revealed that l-methionine (l-Met) and its metabolites play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that systemic restriction of serum l-Met, either via partial dietary restriction or with bacterial l-Met–degrading enzymes exerts potent antitumor effects. However, administration…
Turning the body into a clock: Accurate timing is facilitated by simple stereotyped interactions with the environment [Neuroscience]
3dHow animals adapt their behavior according to regular time intervals between events is not well understood, especially when intervals last several seconds. One possibility is that animals use disembodied internal neuronal representations of time to decide when to initiate a given action at the end of an interval. However, animals…
Multiple areas of the cerebral cortex influence the stomach [Neuroscience]
3dThe central nervous system both influences and is influenced by the gastrointestinal system. Most research on this gut–brain connection has focused on how ascending signals from the gut and its microbiome alter brain function. Less attention has focused on how descending signals from the central nervous system alter gut function….
CD5 signalosome coordinates antagonist TCR signals to control the generation of Treg cells induced by foreign antigens [Immunology and Inflammation]
3dCD5 is characterized as an inhibitory coreceptor with an important regulatory role during T cell development. The molecular mechanism by which CD5 operates has been puzzling and its function in mature T cells suggests promoting rather than repressing effects on immune responses. Here, we combined quantitative mass spectrometry and genetic…
Opinion: The unintended consequences of antiflaring policies—and measures for mitigation [Environmental Sciences]
3dOil reservoirs contain significant quantities of methane, which can leak out when the oil is extracted. At oil wells around the world, more than 140 billion cubic meters (bcm) of this methane is burned off ("flared") every year, transforming it into carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Just as…
As diversity increases, people paradoxically perceive social groups as more similar [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences]
3dWith globalization and immigration, societal contexts differ in sheer variety of resident social groups. Social diversity challenges individuals to think in new ways about new kinds of people and where their groups all stand, relative to each other. However, psychological science does not yet specify how human minds represent social…
Altered photoreceptor metabolism in mouse causes late stage age-related macular degeneration-like pathologies [Neuroscience]
3dAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. While the histopathology of the different disease stages is well characterized, the cause underlying the progression, from the early drusen stage to the advanced macular degeneration stage that leads to blindness, remains unknown. Here, we show that…
DCyFIR: a high-throughput CRISPR platform for multiplexed G protein-coupled receptor profiling and ligand discovery [Pharmacology]
3dMore than 800 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest class of membrane receptors in humans. While there is ample biological understanding and many approved drugs for prototypic GPCRs, most GPCRs still lack well-defined biological ligands and drugs. Here, we report our efforts to tap the potential of understudied GPCRs…
Caring for the future can turn tragedy into comedy for long-term collective action under risk of collapse [Environmental Sciences]
3dWe will need collective action to avoid catastrophic climate change, and this will require valuing the long term as well as the short term. Shortsightedness and uncertainty have hindered progress in resolving this collective action problem and have been recognized as important barriers to cooperation among humans. Here, we propose…
US health chief warns of virus flare-up this year
3dExclusive: Comments by CDC's Robert Redfield raise spectre of more lockdowns in colder months
After 17 Years of Quiet, an Army of Cicadas Are About to Emerge in Parts of The US
3dReady or not, here they come.
It's Not Over: WHO Just Marked The Highest Count of New COVID-19 Cases in a Single Day
3d"We still have a long way to go in this pandemic."
Astronomer calculates the odds of intelligent alien life emerging
3dA Columbia University astronomer calculates the odds of extraterrestrial life emerging. The probability comes out in favor of aliens existing. The search for life in space should be encouraged, concludes the scientist. The sheer amount of space boggles the mind and makes one wonder, where are all the aliens? Surely, we aren't the only ones who made it out onto a cosmic rock alive. Of course, ther
The Atlantic Daily: America Is Stuck in a Patchwork Pandemic
3dEvery weekday evening, our editors guide you through the biggest stories of the day, help you discover new ideas, and surprise you with moments of delight. Subscribe to get this delivered to your inbox . Joan Wong The national COVID-19 curve tells one story. The state-by-state numbers tell another, far more nuanced one. This outbreak is waning in some places (New York and New Jersey), while growi
Ancient ocean oxygen levels associated with changing atmospheric carbon dioxide
3dWhy do carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere wax and wane in conjunction with the warm and cold periods of Earth's past? Scientists have been trying to answer this question for many years, and thanks to chemical clues left in sediment cores extracted from deep in the ocean floor, they are starting to put together the pieces of that puzzle.
How cosmic rays may have shaped life
3dPhysicists propose that the influence of cosmic rays on early life may explain nature's preference for a uniform 'handedness' among biology's critical molecules.
Cognitive behavioural therapy reduces the impact of dissociative seizures
3dScientists have found that adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to standardized medical care gives patients with dissociative seizures longer periods of seizure freedom, less bothersome seizures and a greater quality of life, in a study published in Lancet Psychiatry today and by the Cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with dissociative seizures (CODES) study group funded by National Inst
The Health Clinic Crisis on Main Street – Issue 85: Reopening
3dThings have been different at the Tumwater Family Practice Clinic since COVID-19 came. Its patients in Washington state are being triaged over the phone, tested at the curbside, and treated by the doorstep. Many patients, afraid of contracting the disease, do not come in. Revenue for the private practice has plummeted almost 50 percent. When it came time for Jennifer Tyler, Tumwater's clinic admi
Welcome Back, Animals! – Issue 85: Reopening
3dThe shelter-in-place orders and the massive drop in human activity in our cities, designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, have given us surprising and unexpected sightings of wildlife species across cities around the world. But beyond general awe—and a brief respite from the gloominess of the news—what can seeing all of this wildlife tell us about human-deprived spaces? Although the media has ma
A Vision of Our Post-Lockdown Future – Issue 85: Reopening
3dXu Jiao was anxious to get back in the gym. Living in Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province, she had gone through two months of lockdown. The pandemic hadn't been particularly bad in the city. To date there have been 144 confirmed cases and three deaths, according to official statistics. Still, as with much of China, the lockdown had been severe. Almost everything had been closed and X
Coronavirus live news: global cases near 5m as EU health chief warns of second wave
3d'The question is when and how big,' says Europe CDC chief; world sees largest daily rise in cases; Trump considers in-person G7. Follow the latest updates EU virus response chief: 'Europe should brace itself for second wave' Largest daily rise in Covid-19 cases prompts WHO warning Global cases near 5 million Australia coronavirus updates – live Coronavirus latest: at a glance 1.22am BST Mexico's
Why you're having freaky dreams during COVID-19
3dIf you're experiencing unusual or scary dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic, there's simple ways to get a better night's sleep, says neurologist Patrick McNamara. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some confess to crawling into bed at an earlier hour, while others have found themselves running on just a few hours of sleep to keep up with work and personal responsibilities. Whether you're getting a ful
How social media normalize hate and dehumanization
3dA recent analysis of discourse on Facebook highlights how social media and an individual's sense of identity can be used to dehumanize entire groups of people. "Fundamentally, we wanted to examine how online platforms can normalize hatred and contribute to dehumanization," says coauthor Jessica Jameson, a professor of communication at North Carolina State University. "And we found that an establi
Chemical recycling makes useful product from waste bioplastic
3dA faster, more efficient way of recycling plant-based 'bioplastics' has been developed by a team of scientists at the universities of Birmingham and Bath.
Covid-19: face mask rules more political than scientific, says UK expert
3dStudy reveals cloth coverings reduce airflow but Covid-19 effectiveness remains unproven Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The wearing of cloth face masks by the public was becoming more about politics than science, one expert has argued, as a new study reveals potential benefits and problems of the coverings. At present the UK government recommends the public wear fac
Ventilator challenge to cost government £450m despite cancellations
3dOnly 2,000 devices delivered after appeal to designers and manufacturers at height of crisis
DMT drug study investigates the 'entities' people meet while tripping
3dDMT is arguably the most powerful psychedelic drug on the planet, capable of producing intense hallucinations. Researchers recently surveyed more than 2,000 DMT users about their encounters with 'entities' while tripping, finding that respondents often considered these strange encounters to be positive and meaningful. The majority of respondents believed the beings they encountered were not hallu
Overcoming challenges of individuals with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic
3dDr. Adrien Eshraghi and Miller School coauthors published a new correspondence titled COVID-19: overcoming the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families in The Lancet Psychiatry. In this commentary, the authors address specific challenges patients with autism and their families might encounter during the pandemic, as well as what healthcare providers should know and do to ensu
Global study finds women less likely to have heart disease — and die of it — than men
3dThe information came from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study which followed the participants an average of 10 years.
Small risk of muscle and bone problems in babies of mothers who took common thrush treatment
3dPregnant women who take the thrush treatment fluconazole orally appear to have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with muscle and bone malformations, suggests research published by The BMJ today.
Doctors should be cautious when using current warning system for patient's worsening health
3dThe current system for checking on a patient's health and how likely it is to worsen while in hospital is based on weak evidence and using poor scores may harm patients, suggests research published by The BMJ today.
Tackling alcohol harms must be an integral part of the nation's recovery from COVID-19
3dAs the UK and most other countries went into lockdown, the need to save lives from the coronavirus rightly took priority over longer term health issues. But experts writing in The BMJ today warn that 'if we don't prepare for emerging from the pandemic, we will see the toll of increased alcohol harm for a generation.'
Bolivia's health minister arrested over ventilator purchases
3dPresident vows to investigate reports that the government overpaid for equipment
New research shows that increasing number of lost pregnancies is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
3dNew research published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [EASD]) shows that the higher the number of pregnancy losses a woman has, the higher her risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study is by Dr. Pia Egerup, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, and colleagues.
NASA renames telescope after 'Mother of Hubble' Nancy Grace Roman
3dDr. Nancy Grace Roman was NASA's first chief astronomer, and the first female executive at the agency. Roman helped to usher in the era of space-based telescopes. Known as the "Mother of the Hubble," she was instrumental in making the Hubble Space Telescope a reality. Announced earlier today, NASA has renamed the Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFIRST) in honor of Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, who helped m
Tropical storm seasons keep getting worse, and 2020 should be no different
3dTropical Storm Arthur off the coast of Florida on May 16, 2020 (NASA Worldview, EOSDIS)/) Hurricane season is here. Arthur, the first named storm of 2020, swung along the North Carolina coast before heading back to sea. While officials didn't report any major impacts , it may be just the beginning of a busy year for tropical storms. Atmospheric scientists predict that this year will be "above nor
Why The Race For A Coronavirus Vaccine Will Depend On Global Cooperation
4dDeveloping and producing a vaccine is a complicated process — one that is heavily reliant on countries sharing supplies and a common goal, says Prashant Yadav of the Center for Global Development. (Image credit: Douglas Magno /AFP via Getty Images)
Holyrood passes emergency powers to intervene in care homes
4dPrivate operators claim scapegoating but legislation responds to concern over poor performance
Ecuador takes far-reaching measures to save economy
4dNational airline to be liquidated and embassies closed as coronavirus takes further financial toll
U.S. Department of Energy rushes to build advanced new nuclear reactors
4dNew program aims to have two prototype reactors running within 7 years
This Bionic Eye Is Better Than a Real One, Scientists Say
4dResearchers say they've created a proof-of-concept bionic eye that could surpass the sensitivity of a human one. "In the future, we can use this for better vision prostheses and humanoid robotics," researcher Zhiyong Fan, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, told Science News . The eye, as detailed in a paper published in the prestigious journal Nature today, is in essence a thr
'Power posing' also boosts confidence in children, new study shows
4dPower posing grew in prominence in 2012 after social psychologist Amy Cuddy's famous TED Talk. A new study found that power posing correlates with a positive boost in children's self-esteem and confidence. The debate over power posing remains heated in psychological circles, but there are plenty of other ways parents and teachers can boost children's self-esteem. Parents and teachers worry about
Study: Ancient ocean oxygen levels associated with changing atmospheric carbon dioxide
4dWhy do carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere wax and wane in conjunction with the warm and cold periods of Earth's past? Scientists have been trying to answer this question for many years, and thanks to chemical clues left in sediment cores extracted from deep in the ocean floor, they are starting to put together the pieces of that puzzle.
New insight into allergies could improve diagnosis and treatment
4dA study led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital point to a potential marker of these conditions and a new therapeutic strategy.
Potentially treatable genetic mutations revealed in subset of prostate cancer patients
4dProstate cancer patients resistant to PSMA-targeted therapy often have potentially treatable mutations in their DNA damage-repair genes, according to research published in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. In an exploratory study using a relatively new technique–targeted next-generation gene sequencing–researchers found mutations in six out of seven patients with metastatic castr
Tip of the iceberg: Existing racial inequalities in death from COVID-19 will soar
4dLifesaving innovations for COVID-19 will only markedly increase the already existing racial inequalities, if public health initiatives for equitable dissemination throughout all communities are not immediately developed. The introduction of drugs for HIV, respiratory distress syndrome, and hepatitis C resulted in racial inequalities. Moreover, before the introduction of the Salk polio vaccine in 1
Astronauts arrive for NASA's 1st home launch in decade
4dThe two astronauts who will end a nine-year launch drought for NASA arrived at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, exactly one week before their historic SpaceX flight.
Untangling a key step in photosynthetic oxygen production
4dPhotosystem II is a protein complex in plants, algae and cyanobacteria that is responsible for splitting water and producing the oxygen we breathe. Over the past few years, an international collaboration between scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and several other institutions have been able to observe various steps
Untangling a key step in photosynthetic oxygen production
4dPhotosystem II is a protein complex in plants, algae and cyanobacteria that is responsible for splitting water and producing the oxygen we breathe. Over the past few years, an international collaboration between scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and several other institutions have been able to observe various steps
Pier Paolo Pandolfi out of Harvard, spotted in Italy and Nevada
4dStar cancer researcher Pier Paolo Pandolfi left Harvard. The allegations are very serious, but do his new employers in Nevada and Italy mind?
Researchers show how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth
4dAs the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient.
Cyclone Amphan Slams India and Bangladesh
4dMillions fled, and several deaths have been reported, but for the moment, at least, residents say it appears it could have been much worse.
Researchers show how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth
4dAs the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient.
Cosmic rays may have left indelible imprint on early life, physicists say
4dBefore there were animals, bacteria or even DNA on Earth, self-replicating molecules were slowly evolving their way from simple matter to life beneath a constant shower of energetic particles from space.
Study indicates the need to revise the protocol for detecting Zika in placenta
4dBrazilian researchers show that the virus can infect different placental regions and that collection and storage methods should be taken into consideration to ensure that the results are trustworthy and representative.
Untangling a key step in photosynthetic oxygen production
4dResearchers zeroed in on a key step of photosynthetic oxygen production. What they learned brings them one step closer to obtaining a complete picture of this natural process, which could inform the next generation of artificial photosynthetic systems that produce clean and renewable energy from sunlight and water.
Fact-Checking And Assessing Trump's Letter Of Rebuke To WHO
4dIn his letter threatening to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization and halt all funding, Trump made a number of charges about WHO's handling of the coronavirus crisis. (Image credit: @realDonaldTrump / Twitter screengrab by NPR)
Astronomers: Ancient "Wolfe Disk" Should Never Have Existed
4dAstronomers say that a massive disk galaxy from the ancient universe, known as the "Wolfe Disk," should never have existed. "Most galaxies that we find early in the universe look like train wrecks because they underwent consistent and often 'violent' merging," Max Planck Institute for Astronomy researcher Marcel Neeleman said in a statement . "These hot mergers make it difficult to form well-orde
Nasa space treaty to allow establishment of lunar 'safety zones'
4dUS accused by Russia of trying to circumvent 1967 treaty banning ownership of areas of the moon Countries joining Nasa's exploration of the moon will be asked to sign up to a series of guiding principles known as the Artemis accords . Announced on 15 May, the accords are a set of broad themes that the agency hopes will form the basis of agreements to be negotiated with each country involved in th
Coronavirus World News: Brazil, India, China, France
4dXi Jinping hopes to rally national pride in the face of global ire as his People's Congress begins. Brazil allows doctors to treat coronavirus patients with hydroxychloroquine despite questions over its efficacy and side effects.
Live Coronavirus News Updates and Analysis
4dAll 50 states have begun to reopen to some degree, but rules vary. Flooding in Michigan forces residents to social distance in shelters after fleeing their homes.
Vets, farmers, and zookeepers can help prevent the next pandemic
4dThere have been multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in tigers at New York City's Bronx Zoo. Scientists there are now researching the origins of the big cats' infection. (A G/Unsplash/) Lynne Peeples writes about science, health, and the environment from her home office in Seattle. Her work has also appeared in Scientific American , Reuters , Popular Science , Environmental Health News , and Audu
The risk of severe covid-19 is not uniform
4dThat calls for a fine-tuning of measures to stop the disease spreading
UK gilts flash a negative sign for the Bank of England
4dMike Mackenzie's daily analysis of what's moving global markets
Primary care physicians experience more burnout and anxiety than other health professions
4dHealth care professionals experience high rates of anxiety and burnout, a growing public health concern, particularly in light of projected physician shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic. New research led by Dr. Debora Goldberg of George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services before the COVID-19 pandemic found that primary care physicians reported burnout at twice the rate of other
Blood test may help predict whose MS will get worse
4dA blood test may help predict which people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will get worse during the following year, according to a study published in the May 20, 2020, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Nasa SpaceX launch: Astronauts get to work ahead of historic flight
4dNasa's Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are a week away from their flight to the space station.
High blood pressure during exercise may be a serious warning sign
4dHigher blood pressure during exercise and delayed blood pressure recovery afterward associate with a higher risk of hypertension, preclinical and clinical heart disease, and death among middle-aged to older adults, researchers report. Blood pressure responses to exercise are significant markers of cardiovascular disease and mortality risk in young to middle-aged adults. However, few studies have
Ancient hanky panky gave modern goats their iron stomachs
4dGene that protects against gut parasites spreads at "unimaginable" speed
US sets $200bn fundraising goal for Fannie and Freddie
4dNew capital proposal envisages world's largest ever IPO next year for mortgage finance giants
In China, quarantine improves air and prevents thousands of premature deaths
4dA new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, finds that China's countrywide ban on traffic mobility from February 10 to March 14, 2020 greatly limited automobile emissions and sharply reduced the country's often severe air pollution. The improved air quality, in turn, prevented thousands of pollution-related deaths.
How cosmic rays may have shaped life
4dPhysicists propose that the influence of cosmic rays on early life may explain nature's preference for a uniform 'handedness' among biology's critical molecules.
Fish feed foresight
4dAs the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient.
Tel Aviv University-led study finds high variability is result of complex data workflows
4dA new Tel Aviv University-led study offers new evidence that the complexity of contemporary analytical methods in science contributes to the variability of research outcomes.
Pandemic likely to cause long-term health problems, Yale School of Public Health finds
4dThe coronavirus pandemic's life-altering effects are likely to result in lasting physical and mental health consequences for many people–particularly those from vulnerable populations–a new study led by the Yale School of Public Health finds.
T-cells could be made into better cancer killers by increasing their protein production
4dHollings Cancer Center researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a technique to quantify protein production in immune cells known as T-cells, which typically target and kill cancer cells. However, when near a tumor, most T cells produce little protein and lose their cancer-fighting ability, and the new technique could help clarify why. Interventions could then be devel
Device offers new way to detect blood clots
4dA new device offers a better way to detect blood clots, especially in pediatric patients, researchers report. Unlike what a biology textbook may show, blood vessels are not straight cylinders. They are tortuous, meaning they have complex curves, spirals, and bends. When the blood reaches these curves, it makes changes to its fluid mechanics and interactions with the vessel wall. In a healthy pers
Caves tell us that Australia's mountains are still growing
4dResearch shows Buchan Caves to be about 3.5 million years old and that Victoria's East Gippsland has remained tectonically active for long times, even into the present-day, which is why residents occasionally report earthquakes. Basically, the uplifting Southern Alps in New Zealand have made stress and strain on the Australian tectonic plate, stress that is then expressed as earthquakes and rising
Nanobowls serve up chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells
4dFor decades, scientists have explored the use of liposomes — hollow spheres made of lipid bilayers — to deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumor cells. But drugs can sometimes leak out of liposomes before they reach their destination, reducing the dose received by the tumor and causing side effects in healthy tissues. Now, researchers report a way to stabilize liposomes by embedding a stiff nanobowl
Every heart dances to a different tune
4dPlay the same piece of music to two people, and their hearts can respond very differently.
Optimism: Is It A Personality Trait, Or Could People Possibly Learn It?
4dResearch shows that optimism is correlated with various good outcomes: higher life expectancy, better recovery rates, success at work. But is optimism a personality trait, or could it be learned?
New Studies Show That Developing A Coronavirus Vaccine Should Be Possible
4dThree studies published Wednesday suggest it should be possible to come up with a coronavirus vaccine — tests performed on animals have shown the right results to prove a vaccine could be possible.
What It Would Take To Develop A Coronavirus Vaccine
4dNPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Prashant Yadav, senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, about why vaccines require global cooperation and how the U.S. is approaching the challenge.
Aggressive carbon taxation could help US meet targets in Paris agreement
4dA new study looked at US tax policy as it relates to carbon dioxide (CO2), from 2015 through 2030. The study found only limited short-term opportunities for decarbonization (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) outside the electricity sector. The result is substantial CO2 tax revenue. The findings shed light on future tax policy decisions.
RNA molecules in maternal blood may predict pregnancies at risk for preeclampsia
4dResearchers have identified small molecules in the blood of asymptomatic pregnant women that may predict risk for preeclampsia, responsible for a significant proportion of maternal and neonatal deaths, low birth weight and is a primary cause of premature birth.
Rapid screening method targets fatty acids in yeast; Key to sustainable bioproducts
4dScientists engineering valuable microbes for renewable fuels and bioproducts have developed an efficient way to identify the most promising varieties. Researchers have developed a high-throughput screening technique to rapidly profile medium-chain fatty acids produced in yeast — part of a larger group of free fatty acids that are key components in essential nutrients, soaps, industrial chemicals,
Galactic cosmic rays now available for study on Earth
4dTo better understand and mitigate the health risks faced by astronauts from exposure to space radiation, we ideally need to be able to test the effects of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) here on Earth under laboratory conditions.
Rapid screening method targets fatty acids in yeast; Key to sustainable bioproducts
4dScientists engineering valuable microbes for renewable fuels and bioproducts have developed an efficient way to identify the most promising varieties. Researchers have developed a high-throughput screening technique to rapidly profile medium-chain fatty acids produced in yeast — part of a larger group of free fatty acids that are key components in essential nutrients, soaps, industrial chemicals,
Galactic cosmic rays now available for study on Earth
4dTo better understand and mitigate the health risks faced by astronauts from exposure to space radiation, we ideally need to be able to test the effects of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) here on Earth under laboratory conditions.
New study finds 2 billion people without proper sanitation at high risk for coronavirus
4dWithout access to soap and clean water, more than 2 billion people in low- and middle-income nations — a quarter of the world's population — have a greater likelihood of acquiring and transmitting the coronavirus than those in wealthy countries. That's the conclusion of a new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington's School of Medicine.
Tiny robots can travel through rushing blood to deliver drugs
4dRobots smaller than a red blood cell can move against the flow of blood when directed by magnets, which could help deliver drugs directly to cancer cells
UK taps bank boss to boost tracing programme
4dPM vows system for tracking contacts of Covid-19 victims will be in place by June 1
Microsoft Built One of the Most Powerful Supercomputers in the World to Develop Human-Like AI
4dMicrosoft and OpenAI announced a partnership last year to develop new artificial intelligence technologies, and Microsoft just revealed the first product of this deal: a massively powerful supercomputer. The system is one of the top five most powerful computers in the world , and it's exclusively for training AI models. The companies hope this supercomputer will be able to create more human-like
This Startup is Building a Huge Magic Mushroom Farm in Jamaica
4dShroom Farm A Canadian startup called Anahit Therapeutics is nearly done constructing a large psilocybin cultivation farm in Jamaica, where it hopes to grow psychedelic mushrooms to use in new pharmaceuticals. The plan is to build modular cultivation facilities that not only grow the psychedelic mushrooms but extract their active ingredient , psilocybin. Doctors have investigated psilocybin's abi
Scientists: Climate Change Is Turning Parts of Antarctica Green
4dAlgae Blooms A British team of biologists from the University of Cambridge have created the first-ever large-scale map of algae blooming across the Antarctic — and turning parts of the continent green. So green, in fact, that the bright pigments can be seen from space, as detailed in a new study about the work published in the journal Nature Communications today. Green Antarctic While these "snow
Next generation of soft robots inspired by a children's toy
4dBuckling, the sudden loss of structural stability, is usually the stuff of engineering nightmares. But, as anyone who has ever played with a toy popper knows, buckling also releases a lot of energy. When the structure of a popper buckles, the energy released by the instability sends the toy flying through the air. Harvard researchers have harnessed that energy and used buckling to their advantage
Drug combination could eliminate side effects of once-popular diabetes treatment
4dA new UT Southwestern study shows how an effective but largely abandoned treatment for Type 2 diabetes could be used again in combination with another drug to eliminate problematic side effects.
A New Entry in the Race for a Coronavirus Vaccine: Hope
4dScientists are increasingly optimistic that a vaccine can be produced in record time. But getting it manufactured and distributed will pose huge challenges.
Why one US state will have two coronavirus tracing apps
4dThe news : North Dakota was one of the first American states to launch a coronavirus contact tracing app, in April. Now, several weeks into the process of reopening the state, the government in Bismarck says it will take advantage of the newly released Apple-Google exposure notification system —but that doing so will require it to run two separate apps. That even one of the lowest-population stat
Experts urge child vaccinations even during pandemic
4dRecent reports from the CDC show a decline in routine child vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has prompted medical experts to sound the alarm about the importance of these essential vaccines. Here, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School pediatricians, Joseph Schwab, an associate professor of pediatrics, and Hanan A. Tanuos, director of primary care and an associate professor of pediatric
COVID-19 patients may have lower stroke rates than previously suggested
4dFewer people than previously reported suffer from stroke as a result of COVID-19, a new analysis finds. However, strokes that accompany the pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2, appear to be more severe.
NASA satellites covering typhoon Amphan headed for landfall
4dNASA satellites have been providing forecasters with various types of imagery on Typhoon Amphan as it heads toward a landfall near the border of eastern India and Bangladesh on May 20.
New imaging analysis pipeline could aid in drug and vaccine development
4dFrom testing drugs to developing vaccines, the close study of the immune system is key to improving real-world health outcomes. T-cells are integral to this research, as these white blood cells help tailor the body's immune response to specific pathogens.
NHS and social care staff to get coronavirus antibody tests from next week
4dExclusive: experts warn of risk of positive results producing false sense of security Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage NHS and social care staff will be given antibody tests revealing whether they have had coronavirus from next week, ministers are to announce on Thursday. In a move designed to reduce frontline workers' anxiety and provide data on how many people have
New imaging analysis pipeline could aid in drug and vaccine development
4dFrom testing drugs to developing vaccines, the close study of the immune system is key to improving real-world health outcomes. T-cells are integral to this research, as these white blood cells help tailor the body's immune response to specific pathogens.
Humans Inoculated with Genetically Modified Malaria Parasites
4dEngineered Plasmodium parasites form the basis of two experimental malaria vaccines that showed safety and encouraging immune responses in clinical trials.
Canadian policy on corporate emissions translates to higher market value
4dConventional wisdom suggests that when a company generates more carbon emissions, investors should lower its stock price. After all, the company is generating a socially undesirable byproduct.
SpaceX now dominates rocket flight, bringing big benefits—and risks—to NASA
4dFirst commercial crew flight deepens ties between company and space agency
Variability in the analysis of a single neuroimaging dataset by many teams
4dNature, Published online: 20 May 2020; doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2314-9 The results obtained by seventy different teams analysing the same functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset show substantial variation, highlighting the influence of analytical choices and the importance of sharing workflows publicly and performing multiple analyses.
Simple question can lead to remedy for older adults' dizziness and impaired balance
4dDoes lying down or turning over in bed make you feel dizzy? This simple question effectively identifies whether a person suffers from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is harmless and treatable, recent research shows.
Exercise improves memory, boosts blood flow to brain
4dScientists have collected plenty of evidence linking exercise to brain health, with some research suggesting fitness may even improve memory. But what happens during exercise to trigger these benefits?
Canadian policy on corporate emissions translates to higher market value
4dA UC Davis study analyzes greenhouse gas emissions of Canadian companies over 12 years, finding that public disclosures translate to higher stock prices.
New imaging analysis pipeline could aid in drug and vaccine development
4dA new paper introduces a method to effectively analyze data from lattice light-sheet microscopy, used to closely examine individual cells, such as T-cells, in 4D.
NASA satellites covering typhoon Amphan headed for landfall
4dNASA satellites have been providing forecasters with various types of imagery on Typhoon Amphan as it heads toward a landfall near the border of eastern India and Bangladesh on May 20, 2020.
At the crossroads
4dIn the bone marrow, blood stem cells via precursor cells give rise to a variety of blood cell types with various functions: white blood cells, red blood cells, or blood platelets. In which cell type a cell develops depends on various factors. The correct dosage of the enzyme MOF at the right time triggers developmental programs in blood stem cells and precursor cells, and the cells differentiate i
First clinical trial with genetically modified malaria vaccine completed
4dIn an innovative study, Radboudumc and LUMC jointly tested a candidate vaccine based on a genetically weakened malaria parasite. The results of this clinical trial, published in Science Translational Medicine, show that the vaccine is safe and elicits a defense response against a malaria infection.
Malaria vaccines based on engineered parasites show safety, signs of efficacy
4dTwo vaccines for malaria based on genetically engineered malaria parasites have been found to be safe in humans and show preliminary signs of protection, according to a pair of new phase 1/2a clinical trials.
A sound treatment
4dUniversity of Utah biomedical engineering assistant professor Jan Kubanek has discovered that sound waves of high frequency (ultrasound) can be emitted into a patient's brain to alter his or her state. It's a non-invasive treatment that doesn't involve medications or surgery and has a unique potential to treat mental disorders including depression and anxiety and neurological disorders such as chr
Scientists find a new way to reverse symptoms of Fragile X
4dMIT scientists have identified a potential new strategy for treating Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that is the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism. In a study of mice, the researchers showed that inhibiting an enzyme called GSK3 alpha reversed many of the behavioral and cellular features of Fragile X.
Noninvasive brain stimulation with ultrasonic waves controls monkeys' choices
4dNoninvasive pulses of ultrasound waves aimed at specific regions in the brains of macaque monkeys can give some control over the monkeys' choices, scientists report. These findings indicate that ultrasonic brain stimulation could provide a noninvasive, drug-free avenue to study and potentially treat decision-making disorders such as addiction.
Insects' spiracular fluttering increases oxygen uptake
4dMany insects' breathing pores open and close rapidly during respiration; oxygen diffusion analysis suggests that this spiracle fluttering enables high oxygen intake and low water loss, according to a study publishing May 20, 2020 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by H. Frederik Nijhout and Michael C. Reed of Duke University, USA, and Sean D. Lawley of the University of Utah, USA.
World Bank names crisis expert as new chief economist
4dHarvard professor Carmen Reinhart will take over amid global economic fallout from pandemic
Government accepts schools may not open to more pupils on June 1
4dMore than 30 councils say varied Covid-19 infection rates mean some regions are not ready
Thousands evacuate due to 'historic' mid-Michigan flooding
4dFloodwaters have overtaken dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people from communities in central Michigan, where the governor warned that Dow Chemical Co.'s hometown could end up under 9 feet of water by Wednesday evening and said the state will investigate the dam operators.
Laser-based technique captures 3-D images of impressionist-style brushstrokes
4dResearchers have developed a new strategy that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to acquire both the surface and underlying details of impressionist style oil paintings. This information can be used to create detailed 3-D reconstructions to enhance the viewing experience and offer a way for the visually impaired to experience paintings.
People who've had COVID-19 show promising disease-fighting cells in their blood
4dResearchers observed that people who recover from COVID-19 carry immune cells in their blood called T cells that target the novel coronavirus. (Pexels /) One of the key mysteries surrounding the novel coronavirus is whether people who recover from COVID-19 develop lasting immunity that will protect them from becoming reinfected in the future. It's still going to be awhile before we can answer thi
3D-printed system speeds up solar cell testing from hours to minutes
4dTests on new designs for next-gen solar cells can now be done in minutes instead of days thanks to a new system.
Global CO2 Emissions Saw Record Drop During Pandemic Lockdown
4dThe decline shows how far there is to go to curtail greenhouse gases over the long term — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
NASA-NOAA satellite catches post-tropical storm Arthur's end
4dNASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite passed over the western North Atlantic Ocean and provided forecasters with a visible image of Post Tropical Storm Arthur.
Daily briefing: Long-acting injection protects against HIV infection
4dNature, Published online: 19 May 2020; doi:10.1038/d41586-020-01511-5 An antiretroviral injection given every two months prevents men and trans women from becoming infected with HIV, according to results that have not yet been peer-reviewed. Plus: the golden age of physical volcanology and the globe-straddling scientific endeavor to solve the structure of the coronavirus.
Steering valley-polarized emission of monolayer MoS2 sandwiched in plasmonic antennas
4dMonolayer transition metal dichalcogenides have intrinsic spin-valley degrees of freedom, making it appealing to exploit valleytronic and optoelectronic applications at the nanoscale. Here, we demonstrate that a chiral plasmonic antenna consisting of two stacked gold nanorods can modulate strongly valley-polarized photoluminescence (PL) of monolayer MoS 2 in a broad spectral range at room tempera
Dose-dependent functions of SWI/SNF BAF in permitting and inhibiting cell proliferation in vivo
4dSWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermenting) complexes regulate transcription through chromatin remodeling and opposing gene silencing by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins. Genes encoding SWI/SNF components are critical for normal development and frequently mutated in human cancer. We characterized the in vivo contributions of SWI/SNF and PcG complexes to proliferation-differentiation decisions, making use
Remote modulation of lncRNA GCLET by risk variant at 16p13 underlying genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer
4dThe biological effects of susceptibility loci are rarely reported in gastric tumorigenesis. We conducted a large-scale cross-ancestry genetic study in 18,852 individuals and identified the potential causal variant rs3850997 T>G at 16p13 significantly associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83 to 0.91, P = 2.13 x 10 –9 ]. This ri
Surface phase transitions and crystal habits of ice in the atmosphere
4dWith climate modeling predicting a raise of at least 2°C by year 2100, the fate of ice has become a serious concern, but we still do not understand how ice grows (or melts). In the atmosphere, crystal growth rates of basal and prism facets exhibit an enigmatic temperature dependence and crossover up to three times in a range between 0° and –40°. Here, we use large-scale computer simulations to ch
RALF1-FERONIA complex affects splicing dynamics to modulate stress responses and growth in plants
4dThe environmentally responsive signaling pathways that link global transcriptomic changes through alternative splicing (AS) to plant fitness remain unclear. Here, we found that the interaction of the extracellular rapid alkalinization FACTOR 1 (RALF1) peptide with its receptor FERONIA (FER) triggered a rapid and massive RNA AS response by interacting with and phosphorylating glycine-rich RNA bind
A micropeptide encoded by lncRNA MIR155HG suppresses autoimmune inflammation via modulating antigen presentation
4dMany annotated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) harbor predicted short open reading frames (sORFs), but the coding capacities of these sORFs and the functions of the resulting micropeptides remain elusive. Here, we report that human lncRNA MIR155HG encodes a 17–amino acid micropeptide, which we termed miPEP155 (P155). MIR155HG is highly expressed by inflamed antigen-presenting cells, leading to the
Chimeric antigen receptor signaling: Functional consequences and design implications
4dChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed the care of refractory B cell malignancies and holds tremendous promise for many aggressive tumors. Despite overwhelming scientific, clinical, and public interest in this rapidly expanding field, fundamental inquiries into CAR T cell mechanistic functioning are still in their infancy. Because CAR T cells are manufactured from donor T
Long-distance optical pulling of nanoparticle in a low index cavity using a single plane wave
4dOptical pulling force (OPF) can make a nanoparticle (NP) move against the propagation direction of the incident light. Long-distance optical pulling is highly desired for nano-object manipulation, but its realization remains challenging. We propose an NP-in-cavity structure that can be pulled by a single plane wave to travel long distances when the spherical cavity wrapping the NP has a refractiv
Remote, brain region-specific control of choice behavior with ultrasonic waves
4dThe ability to modulate neural activity in specific brain circuits remotely and systematically could revolutionize studies of brain function and treatments of brain disorders. Sound waves of high frequencies (ultrasound) have shown promise in this respect, combining the ability to modulate neuronal activity with sharp spatial focus. Here, we show that the approach can have potent effects on choic
Temporal expression of MOF acetyltransferase primes transcription factor networks for erythroid fate
4dSelf-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are orchestrated by the combinatorial action of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Here, we have explored the mechanism by which histone H4 lysine 16 acetyltransferase MOF regulates erythropoiesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing uncovered that MOF influences erythroid traject
Flexible low-voltage high-frequency organic thin-film transistors
4dThe primary driver for the development of organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) over the past few decades has been the prospect of electronics applications on unconventional substrates requiring low-temperature processing. A key requirement for many such applications is high-frequency switching or amplification at the low operating voltages provided by lithium-ion batteries (~3 V). To date, howeve
The origin of domestication genes in goats
4dGoat domestication was critical for agriculture and civilization, but its underlying genetic changes and selection regimes remain unclear. Here, we analyze the genomes of worldwide domestic goats, wild caprid species, and historical remains, providing evidence of an ancient introgression event from a West Caucasian tur-like species to the ancestor of domestic goats. One introgressed locus with a
Large-scale preparation for efficient polymer-based room-temperature phosphorescence via click chemistry
4dTo achieve efficient polymer-based room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, covalently embedding phosphors into the polymer matrix appeared as the most appealing approach. However, it is still highly challenging to fabricate RTP materials on a large scale because of the inefficient binding engineering and time-consuming covalent reactions. Here, we have proposed a scalable preparation ap
Horizontal gene transfer rate is not the primary determinant of observed antibiotic resistance frequencies in Streptococcus pneumoniae
4dThe extent to which evolution is constrained by the rate at which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows DNA to move between genetic lineages is an open question, which we address in the context of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae . We analyze microbiological, genomic, and epidemiological data from the largest-to-date sequenced pneumococcal carriage study in 955 infants from a ref
Argon constraints on the early growth of felsic continental crust
4dThe continental crust is a major geochemical reservoir, the evolution of which has shaped the surface environment of Earth. In this study, we present a new model of coupled crust-mantle-atmosphere evolution to constrain the growth of continental crust with atmospheric 40 Ar/ 36 Ar. Our model is the first to combine argon degassing with the thermal evolution of Earth in a self-consistent manner an
Gasdermin D in macrophages restrains colitis by controlling cGAS-mediated inflammation
4dThe functional relevance and mechanistic basis of the effects of the pyroptosis executioner Gasdermin D (GSDMD) on colitis remain unclear. In this study, we observed that GSDMD protein was activated during intestinal inflammation in a model of chemically induced colitis. GSDMD deficiency exacerbated experimental colitis independent of changes in the microbiota and without affecting the production
Linker-mediated self-assembly of mobile DNA-coated colloids
4dDeveloping construction methods of materials tailored for given applications with absolute control over building block placement poses an immense challenge. DNA-coated colloids offer the possibility of realising programmable self-assembly, which, in principle, can assemble almost any structure in equilibrium, but remains challenging experimentally. Here, we propose an innovative system of linker-
Chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer-based nanoparticles for quantum yield-enhanced cancer phototheranostics
4dChemiluminescence (CL) has recently gained attention for CL resonance energy transfer (CRET)–mediated photodynamic therapy of cancer. However, the short duration of the CL signal and low quantum yield of the photosensitizer have limited its translational applications. Here, we report CRET-based nanoparticles (CRET-NPs) to achieve quantum yield–enhanced cancer phototheranostics by reinterpreting t
Lead-free (Ag,K)NbO3 materials for high-performance explosive energy conversion
4dExplosive energy conversion materials with extremely rapid response times have broad and growing applications in energy, medical, defense, and mining areas. Research into the underlying mechanisms and the search for new candidate materials in this field are so limited that environment-unfriendly Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 still dominates after half a century. Here, we report the discovery of a previously undis
Conformable self-assembling amyloid protein coatings with genetically programmable functionality
4dFunctional coating materials have found broad technological applications in diverse fields. Despite recent advances, few coating materials simultaneously achieve robustness and substrate independence while still retaining the capacity for genetically encodable functionalities. Here, we report Escherichia coli biofilm-inspired protein nanofiber coatings that simultaneously exhibit substrate indepe
CRISPR-Cas12a delivery by DNA-mediated bioresponsive editing for cholesterol regulation
4dCRISPR-Cas12a represents an efficient tool for genome editing in addition to the extensively investigated CRISPR-Cas9. However, development of efficient nonviral delivery system for CRISPR-Cas12a remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate a DNA nanoclew (NC)–based carrier for delivery of Cas12a/CRISPR RNA (crRNA) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) toward regulating serum cholesterol levels. The DNA NC could
A single-cell view on alga-virus interactions reveals sequential transcriptional programs and infection states
4dThe discovery of giant viruses infecting eukaryotes from diverse ecosystems has revolutionized our understanding of the evolution of viruses and their impact on protist biology, yet knowledge on their replication strategies and transcriptome regulation remains limited. Here, we profile single-cell transcriptomes of the globally distributed microalga Emiliania huxleyi and its specific giant virus
Engineered algae: A novel oxygen-generating system for effective treatment of hypoxic cancer
4dMicroalgae, a naturally present unicellular microorganism, can undergo light photosynthesis and have been used in biofuels, nutrition, etc. Here, we report that engineered live microalgae can be delivered to hypoxic tumor regions to increase local oxygen levels and resensitize resistant cancer cells to both radio- and phototherapies. We demonstrate that the hypoxic environment in tumors is marked
Structural basis for distinct operational modes and protease activation in AAA+ protease Lon
4dSubstrate-bound structures of AAA+ protein translocases reveal a conserved asymmetric spiral staircase architecture wherein a sequential ATP hydrolysis cycle drives hand-over-hand substrate translocation. However, this configuration is unlikely to represent the full conformational landscape of these enzymes, as biochemical studies suggest distinct conformational states depending on the presence o
Primary cilium remodeling mediates a cell signaling switch in differentiating neurons
4dCellular differentiation leads to the formation of specialized cell types and complex morphological variations. Often, differentiating cells transition between states by switching how they respond to the signaling environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these transitions are poorly understood. Differentiating neurons delaminate from the neuroepithelium through the regulated process of api
Sir Richard Branson: Virgin Orbit hopes for rocket flight this weekend
4dUK businessman Sir Richard Branson is looking to Saturday to debut one of his new space systems.
Covid-19 news: UK aims to recruit 25,000 contact tracers by June
4dThe latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic
NASA's Artemis Accords aim to lay down the law of the land on the moon
4dThe US has announced the Artemis Accords, a set of agreements that aim to facilitate diplomacy and cooperation on the moon while encouraging mining and exploration
Mind-Melting AI Makes Frank Sinatra Sing "Toxic" by Britney Spears
4dAt the end of April, the artificial intelligence development firm OpenAI released a new neural net, Jukebox , which can create mashups and original music in the style of over 9,000 bands and musicians. Alongside it, OpenAI released a list of sample tracks generated with the algorithm that bend music into new genres or even reinterpret one artist's song in another's style — think a jazz-pop hybrid
Astronomers Detect a Suspiciously Shaped Galaxy Lurking in The Very Early Universe
4dHow did it get there?
The First Footprints on Mars Could Belong to This Geologist
4dNASA astronaut Jessica Watkins is at the forefront of a new crop of space explorers destined for the moon and maybe one day Mars — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Smart Speakers Could Detect Cardiac Arrest
4dA new skill for a smart speaker — Google Home or Amazon's Alexa may listen for signs of cardiac arrest. Smart Speakers Could Detect Cardiac Arrest Video of Smart Speakers Could Detect Cardiac Arrest Human Wednesday, May 20, 2020 – 13:45 Emilie Lorditch, Contributor (Inside Science) — A cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, and patients can become unresponsive and either stop breathing or gasp fo
Half of evangelicals believe Trump is anointed by God
4dEvangelical support of President Trump has baffled many who find his conduct at odds with core Christian values. A recent survey found that 49 percent of white evangelical Protestants believe Trump was chosen by God. Additional data found evangelicals are mixed on his moral character but view him as critical to political victories. For non-Trumpists, one of the most baffling qualities of his pres
NASA drafts a peace treaty for space
4dNASA proposes an updated treaty for peaceful cooperation in space. The Artemis Accords aim to address potential off-planet conflicts before they happen, modernizing previous agreements. The proposal was prompted by the U.S. effort to return to the Moon, India's attempts to establish a presence there, and China's current Chang'e-4 mission. We've really just taken baby steps into space, and already