Search Posts

nyheder2021januar26

Tegn abonnement på BioNyt!

Vil du hjælpe med at finde nyheder? DO YOU WANT TO HELP FINDING SCIENCE NEWS? Email: bionyt@gmail.com Phone-sms: (45)21729908

Experiments show people with contrasting views more respected if they use personal experiences rather than facts
A team of researchers with the University of Koblenz-Landau, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Wharton School of Business has found that people looking for more respect from others with contrasting viewpoints are more likely to get it if they argue using personal anecdotes rather than facts. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the grou
4h
Sponsored

LATEST

Extreme black holes have hair that can be combed
Black holes depend on only three parameters (mass, angular momentum, and charge), a uniqueness property known as the "no-hair" theorem. In a Letter published in the Physical Review D , researchers announce finding an exception: a class of black holes, known as extreme black holes, that has classical hair in the vaccuum Einstein theory. The newly discovered hair depends on how the black hole formed
4min
LSD may offer viable treatment for certain mental disorders
Researchers from McGill University have discovered, for the first time, one of the possible mechanisms that contributes to the ability of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to increase social interaction. The findings, which could help unlock potential therapeutic applications in treating certain psychiatric diseases, including anxiety and alcohol use disorders, are published in the journal PNAS.
4min
Mangroves threatened by plastic pollution from rivers, new study finds
Mangrove ecosystems are at particular risk of being polluted by plastic carried from rivers to the sea. Fifty-four per cent of mangrove habitat is within 20 km of a river that discharges more than a tonne of plastic waste a year into the ocean, according to a new paper published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Mangroves in southeast Asia are especially threatened by river-borne pl
4min
New study: Malaria tricks the brain's defence system
Malaria is one of the most common causes of death in children in Africa. When the parasite builds up in the blood vessels of the brain, it develops into one of the most dangerous forms of the disease, cerebral malaria. Though it wasn't certain if the parasite was able to penetrate the brain tissue, now researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found parasites can do that and have mapped t
4min
Cholesterol starvation kills lymphoma cells
Scientists have developed a novel therapy to trick cancer cells into gobbling up what they think is their favorite food – cholesterol — which actually triggers their destruction. What appears to them as a cholesterol-loaded particle is actually a synthetic nanoparticle that binds to the cancer cells and starves them to death. The study was in lymphoma cells but could be effective in ovarian and k
4min
Astronomers Discover Solar System With Six Stars
Cosmic Crowd Scientists have found a star system unlike any other: six stars paired up into three binary systems, all orbiting one another as a gigantic cluster. There are a handful of other sextuple star systems out there, according to The New York Times , but none in the incredible triple-binary arrangement of the new system, dubbed TIC 168789840. The system, which was spotted by NASA’s exoplan
23min
How Michael Jones Changed Our Daily Lives
Last week, at his home in Sunnyvale, California, a man named Michael T. Jones died of cancer, at age 60. This past weekend the local San Jose Mercury-News ran an appreciation of him and summary of his career, which you can read here . He is mourned by the many friends he made over the decades, of course most of all by his wife, June, with whom he recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary
27min
Solar hydrogen: Photoanodes promise high efficiencies
Photoanodes made of metal oxides are considered to be a viable solution for the production of hydrogen with sunlight. α-SnWO4 has optimal electronic properties for photoelectrochemical water splitting with sunlight, but corrodes easily. Protective layers of nickel oxide prevent corrosion, but reduce the photovoltage and limit the efficiency. Now a team at HZB has investigated at BESSY II what happ
32min
A benchmark for single-electron circuits
Manipulating individual electrons with the goal of employing quantum effects offers new possibilities in electronics. In order to gain new insights into the physical origin and into metrological aspects of the small, but inevitable fundamental uncertainties governed by the rules of quantum mechanics, scientists from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt(PTB) and the University of Latvia have c
47min
Biodegradable displays for sustainable electronics
Increasing use of electronic devices in consumables and new technologies for the internet of things are increasing the amount of electronic scrap. To save resources and minimize waste volumes, an eco-friendlier production and more sustainable lifecycle will be needed. Scientists of KIT have now been the first to produce displays, whose biodegradability has been checked and certified by an independ
47min
Heed blame for extreme weather
Nature, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/d41586-021-00185-x Now that specific floods, heatwaves and more can be attributed to our actions, decision makers can act.
1h
Roadblocks to success for PhD grads could mean missed opportunities for Canada
Canada could be sitting on a significant untapped resource, as the number of Ph.D. holders in this country rises, but persistent barriers make it hard for them to put their skills to work. According to a new expert panel report from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), Ph.D. graduates play a critical role in the Canadian economy, but many are missing out on important opportunities to contribut
1h
Holocaust Remembrance Day: COVID-19 changed how we remember
As the world prepares to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, communities and memorials around the world are addressing how to meaningfully commemorate the day while protecting public health and safety. The day marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is ordinarily commemorated with hundreds of individual memorial events across the globe. This year, mo
1h
Solar hydrogen: Photoanodes made of alpha-SnWO4 promise high efficiencies
Photoanodes made of metal oxides are considered to be a viable solution for the production of hydrogen with sunlight. Alpha-SnWO4 has optimal electronic properties for photoelectrochemical water splitting with sunlight, but corrodes easily. Protective layers of nickel oxide prevent corrosion, but reduce the photovoltage and limit the efficiency. Now a team at HZB has investigated at BESSY II what
1h
Reef fish futures foretold
An international group of scientists is predicting markedly different outcomes for different species of coral reef fishes under climate change—and have made substantial progress on picking the 'winners and losers'.
1h
Topology 101: The Hole Truth
If you’re looking to pick a fight, simply ask your friends, “Is Pluto a planet?” Or “Is a hotdog a sandwich?” Or “How many holes does a straw have?” The first two questions will have them arguing yay or nay, while the third yields claims of two, one and even zero. These questions all hinge on definitions. What is the precise definition of a planet? A sandwich? A hole? We will leave the first two
1h
Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells
Researchers have invented a smartphone-controlled soft brain implant that can be recharged wirelessly from outside the body. It enables long-term neural circuit manipulation without the need for periodic disruptive surgeries to replace the battery of the implant. Scientists believe this technology can help uncover and treat psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as addiction, de
1h
Dramatic increase in microplastics in seagrass soil since the 1970s
Large-scale production of vegetables and fruit in Spain with intensive plastic consumption in its greenhouse industry is believed to have leaked microplastic contaminants since the 1970s into the surrounding Mediterranean seagrass beds. This is shown in a new study where researchers have succeeded in tracing plastic pollution since the 1930s and 1940s by analyzing seagrass sediments.
1h
The President of Mexico Said Religious Amulets Would Protect Him Against COVID. Then He Caught It.
On Sunday, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that he’d tested positive and was already being treated for a minor case of COVID-19, according to the Associated Press . His diagnosis was ironic. Throughout the pandemic, López Obrador has been criticized for not setting a particularly good example. He’s rarely been seen wearing a protective mask and has continued to take commer
1h
Corona vaccination: Approach receives approval
Anyone who belongs to a risk group, lives in a nursing home or works in healthcare is first entitled to a vaccination against the novel coronavirus. The order for vaccination protection is regulated by the national vaccination strategy. As the results of the 27th edition of the BfR-Corona-Monitor, a regular survey conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), show, the major
1h
Roadblocks to success for PhD grads could mean missed opportunities for Canada
Canada could be sitting on a significant untapped resource, as the number of PhD holders in this country rises, but persistent barriers make it hard for them to put their skills to work. According to a new expert panel report from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), PhD graduates play a critical role in the Canadian economy, but many are missing out on important opportunities to contribute th
1h
Scientists developed energy saving ceramic phosphors for high power LED systems
Materials scientists of Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), in collaboration with an international research team, have advanced the design of composite ceramic materials (Ce3+:YAG-Al2O3), i.e. solid-state light converters (phosphors) that can be applied in ground and aerospace technologies. The LED systems based on the developed materials to save 20-30 percent more energy compared to commercial
1h
Myeloid immune cells in the blood tied to severe COVID-19
Individual variations in how the immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 appear to impact the severity of disease. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have now been able to show that patients with severe COVID-19 have significantly elevated levels of a certain type of immune cells in their blood, called myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Invest
1h
French self-esteem hit after Pasteur Institute abandons Covid vaccine
Politicians say project, halted after disappointing trials, a ‘national humiliation’ and a ‘sign of decline’ French politicians have reacted with dismay to news that the prestigious Pasteur Institute is abandoning its main coronavirus vaccine after disappointing test results. Researchers at the institute said clinical trials on its vaccine had shown it was less successful in combatting the virus
1h
EU means business over Covid vaccine exports, says Von der Leyen
Commission president says firms must deliver on orders after AstraZeneca warns of shortfall Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The EU “means business”, Ursula von der Leyen has said, as the bloc doubled down on plans for tighter monitoring of vaccine exports to countries outside of the union, such as the UK. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the president of the Eur
1h
Et jordnært kig på fremmed liv
PLUS. Sci-fi-dokumentarserien ‘Alien Worlds’ er en rejse til liv på fiktive exoplaneter. Serien er dog ganske jordbunden, og det er en god ting, mener astrobiolog Uffe Gråe Jørgensen.
1h
Climate change in antiquity: Mass emigration due to water scarcity
The absence of monsoon rains at the source of the Nile was the cause of migrations and the demise of entire settlements in the late Roman province of Egypt. This demographic development has been compared with environmental data for the first time by professor of ancient history, leading to a discovery of climate change and its consequences.
1h
Competition among human females likely contributed to concealed ovulation
Humans are among the few species that lack overt physical indicators of female fertility. One explanation for concealed ovulation in human females is that hiding fertility from males helps females secure resources from males for raising children. A new model developed by a team of evolutionary scientists casts doubt on this idea, showing that females might have evolved to conceal ovulation from on
1h
Holocaust Remembrance Day: COVID-19 changed how we remember
Educators have successfully leveraged new forms of Holocaust remembrance using social media tools. Included have been a series of memory related hashtags in use on Twitter and Facebook, "live" Instagram stories from memorial sites and concentration camps as well as Zoom discussions with Holocaust survivors across the globe. This transition was described by the author as particularly important beca
1h
First direct band gap measurements of wide-gap hydrogen using inelastic X-ray scattering
Utilizing a newly developed state-of-the-art synchrotron technique, a group of scientists led by Dr. Ho-kwang Mao, Director of HPSTAR, conducted the first-ever high-pressure study of the electronic band and gap information of solid hydrogen up to 90 GPa. Their innovative high pressure inelastic X-ray scattering result serves as a test for direct measurement of the process of hydrogen metallization
1h
Nuclear physicist's voyage towards a mythical island
Theories were introduced as far back as the 1960s about the possible existence of superheavy elements. Their most long-lived atomic nuclei could give rise to a so-called "island of stability" far beyond the element uranium. However, a new study, led by nuclear physicists at Lund University, shows that a 50-year-old nuclear physics manifesto must now be revised.
2h
Chronic Lateness: Can It Be Cured?
We all know that one person who always runs late. Maybe you are that person. While it’s easy to write off these individuals for their disregard for other’s time, science shows there's more at play.
2h
People Who’ve Gotten Both Shots Simply Aren’t Getting COVID
Israel has been at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccinations, with more than 2.6 million residents — out of a population of around nine million — having received at least a single dose of the vaccine, Reuters reports . And just as experts had hoped, according to preliminary Israeli data, the vaccines are every bit as effective as they were initially promised to be. Out of 128,600 Israelis who have r
2h
500 sourdough starters from 4 continents yield surprises
A study of 500 sourdough starters from four continents offers new insights into the environmental factors that contribute to each sourdough starter’s microbial ecosystem. The findings, which also shed light on how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough’s aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises, may surprise sourdough enthusiasts. “We didn’t just look at which microbes were growi
2h
Sony’s pro-grade Alpha 1 is the first in a whole new category of cameras
Sony's Alpha 1 is a monster of a camera. (Sony /) Digital cameras built for shooting fast action typically prioritize speed over resolution. Cameras like Sony’s action-oriented A9, Canon’s 1D X Mark II, and Nikon’s D6 all boast megapixel counts in the 20s because high burst-rates and fast transmission times in the field are crucial. Today, however, Sony has announced its new Alpha 1 camera and it
2h
Children cannot ignore what they hear when detecting emotions
Children determine emotion by what they hear, rather than what they see, according to new research. The first-of-its-kind study, by Durham University's Department of Psychology, looked at how children pick up on the emotions of a situation. They found that whilst adults prioritised what they see, young children showed an auditory dominance and overwhelmingly prioritised what they could hear. The r
2h
A research team from Denmark discovers new control mechanism in the innate immune system
Although the protein ITIH4 is found in large amounts in the blood, its function has so far been unknown. By combining many different techniques, researchers from Aarhus University have discovered that ITIH4 inhibits proteases in the innate immune system via an unknown mechanism. The research results have just been published in the prestigious scientific journal Science Advances.
2h
Air purifiers may do more harm than good in confined spaces with airborne viruses
The positions of air inlets and outlets in confined spaces, such as elevators, greatly affect airborne virus transmission. In Physics of Fluids, researchers show air purifiers may actually increase the spread. They use ultraviolet radiation to kill viruses and other microbes, but they also circulate air, sucking it in and exhausting cleaned air. This adds to overall circulation.
2h
Neonatal antibiotic use associated with reduced growth in boys
Exposure to antibiotics in the first few weeks of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to the age of six, but not girls, reports a paper in Nature Communications. The study, led by Prof. Omry Koren, of Bar-Ilan University, together with Prof. Samuli Rautava, of the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, suggests that this effect may be due to changes in the deve
2h
Microwaves used to deactivate coronavirus, flu, other aerosolized viruses
As the pandemic continues, scientists are increasingly focused on developing methods to assist in decontaminating surfaces and spaces. In Review of Scientific Instruments, researchers report on experimental tools capable of presenting electromagnetic waves to an aerosol mixture with the capability to vary power, energy, and frequency of the electromagnetic exposure. The researchers seek to better
2h
At three days old, newborn mice remember their moms
For mice, the earliest social memories can form at three days old and last into adulthood, scientists report on January 26 in the journal Cell Reports. They show that mouse pups prefer their mothers to unfamiliar mouse mothers as newborns and remember them after up to 100 days apart–although they prefer unfamiliar mouse mothers as adults.
2h
First Entirely-Private Mission to Space Station Names Its Crew
Private Crew Axiom Space, the company that wants to build its own space station , just announced the crew for Ax-1: the world’s first entirely-private mission into orbit. The four-man crew, which will be launched in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, looks a bit different from the typical off-world mission. As Space.com notes , members of the crew will become the second and third-oldest people to ente
2h
‘Quality control’ system problems may explain food allergies
The exaggerated activation of our internal food quality control system may be to blame for food allergies, researchers propose. The internal food quality control system is a complex and highly evolved biological mechanism designed to prevent us from eating harmful foods. Food allergies have been increasing dramatically across the developed world for more than 30 years. For instance, as many as 8%
2h
Development of rapid method for extraction of natural blue chromophore from cyanobacteria
Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is a natural blue chromophore found in cyanobacteria. PCB is expected to be applied as a food colorant and to pharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PCB also functions as the chromophore of photoswitches that control biological functions in synthetic biology. PCB is covalently bound to phycocyanin, a component of photosynthetic antenna protein, and
2h
New research: Monitoring online posts by consumers could help improve food safety
An estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness are contracted in the United States every year, causing about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In some instances, the source is well known, such as a batch of tainted ground beef that infected 209 people with E. Coli in 2019. But 80 percent of food poisoning cases are of unknown origin,
2h
Development of rapid method for extraction of natural blue chromophore from cyanobacteria
Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is a natural blue chromophore found in cyanobacteria. PCB is expected to be applied as a food colorant and to pharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PCB also functions as the chromophore of photoswitches that control biological functions in synthetic biology. PCB is covalently bound to phycocyanin, a component of photosynthetic antenna protein, and
2h
Millionaire Couple Steals COVID Vaccine Meant for Indigenous Community
In a rage-inducing act of distilled self-entitlement, Canadian casino mogul Rodney Baker and wife Ekaterina Baker decided to skip the line to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a remote community deep inside Canada’s Yukon northwest territory. Worst of all, the shots were meant to go to members of the White River First Nation. Getting vaccines distributed in some of the most remote Indigenous com
2h
Change of course on the journey to the island of stability
An international research team succeeded in gaining new insights into the artificially produced superheavy element flerovium, element 114, at the accelerator facilities of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. Under the leadership of Lund University in Sweden and with significant participation of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) as well as the Helmholtz
2h
Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells
Researchers have invented a smartphone-controlled soft brain implant that can be recharged wirelessly from outside the body. It enables long-term neural circuit manipulation without the need for periodic disruptive surgeries to replace the battery of the implant. Scientists believe this technology can help uncover and treat psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as addiction, de
2h
Iron-carrying extracellular vesicles are key to respiratory viral-bacterial co-infection
The mechanism by which acute viral respiratory infections promote secondary bacterial growth and infection in the airways depends on iron-carrying extracellular sacs secreted by the cells lining the host's airways, report researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in a paper published today in Cell Reports.
2h
At three days old, newborn mice remember their moms
For mice, the earliest social memories can form at three days old and last into adulthood, scientists report on January 26 in the journal Cell Reports. They show that mouse pups prefer their mothers to unfamiliar mouse mothers as newborns and remember them after up to 100 days apart—although they prefer unfamiliar mouse mothers as adults.
2h
Fighting racial inequity by funding Black scientists
Representatives from a network of women deans, chairs and distinguished faculty in biomedical engineering are calling upon the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies to address disparities in allocating support to Black researchers. The group made the call to action in the Jan. 26, 2021, issue of the journal Cell.
2h
The joy of shopping — and how to recapture it online | Nimisha Jain
Shopping is about more than just what you buy: it's a treasure hunt to discover something new, a negotiation to get a great deal, a time to catch up with friends and family. But for many, online shopping has turned the experience into an impersonal, unsatisfactory event. Is there a way to bring back the magic? With exciting examples from companies in India, Thailand and China, consumer expert Nimi
3h
Cancer research needs a better map
Nature, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/d41586-021-00182-0 It is time to move beyond tumour sequencing data to identify vulnerabilities in cancers.
3h
How does incident solar radiation affect urban canyons?
Jihui Yuan (Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology) proposed a numerical bead model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective (RR) material purposed for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and reducing energy consumption. It revealed that the retro-reflectivity of glass bead RR material gradua
3h
Crunch! Underwater acoustics expose 'shell-crushing' sounds in a large marine predator
'Shell-crushing'—exactly what it sounds like—is a predatory mode used by numerous marine life from crabs to octopuses to large fishes and mammals when they eat hard-shelled mollusks like clams, oysters and conchs. These predators have to break apart the shell using robust claws or fortified jaws to access the prey's soft tissues.
3h
Catnip is for both pleasure and protection, according to a new study
For centuries, humans have observed that cats exhibit strange behaviors when exposed to catnip and silver vine. A new study examined how the main bioactive compound in these plants affects cats' opioid systems and protects them against mosquito bites. The findings suggest that the compound nepetalactol could be used to develop new mosquito repellents for humans. Why does catnip have such a strong
3h
Using machine learning to identify ancient RNA viruses in the human genome
A team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in Japan has used machine learning algorithms to help them identify ancient RNA virus remnants in the human genome. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes how they taught their AI system to recognize RNA virus remnants and then used it to scan the human genome.
3h
Using machine learning to identify ancient RNA viruses in the human genome
A team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in Japan has used machine learning algorithms to help them identify ancient RNA virus remnants in the human genome. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes how they taught their AI system to recognize RNA virus remnants and then used it to scan the human genome.
3h
Beauty in imperfection: How crystal defects can help convert waste heat into electricity
If we are to prevent the impending environmental crisis, it is imperative that we find efficient and sustainable ways to avoid being wasteful. One area with much room for improvement is the recycling of waste heat from industrial processes and technological devices into electricity. Thermoelectric materials are at the core of research in this field because they allow for clean power generation at
3h
Tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide breathes fresh air into catalyst technology
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide catalyst for breaking down harmful nitrogen oxides in industrial exhaust. Their new catalyst material works at lower temperatures and does not suffer major drops in performance when processing 'wet' exhaust, resolving a major drawback in conventional vanadium oxide catalysts. They found that the u
3h
Start of rainy season predicts food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa
The onset of the rainy season can affect food security as much as the amount of rain farmers receive overall, researchers report. When it comes to predicting famines, researchers and relief agencies would ideally like indicators that can signal potential food insecurity before the growing season even begins. The researchers’ new study makes this possible. The University of California, Santa Barba
3h
Biden Orders Government to Make All Federal Vehicles Electric
Electric Fleet U.S. President Joe Biden committed on Monday to replacing the entire federal fleet of vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs, with electric ones manufactured in the United States. It’s a massive undertaking. In 2019, the federal fleet was made up of more than 645,000 vehicles, including 224,000 passenger cars and more than 412,000 trucks, TechCrunch reports — including hundreds
3h
Development of rapid method for extraction of natural blue chromophore from cyanobacteria
A research group at Toyohashi University of Technology succeeded in developing an efficient and rapid extraction method for Phycocyanobilin (PCB) by treating cyanobacterial cells with alcohol under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. They also demonstrated that this method can be applied to the isotopic labeling of PCB and its reconstitution with photoswitch protein. This technique is e
3h
New research: Monitoring online posts by consumers could help improve food safety
An estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness are contracted in the U.S annually, causing about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to CDC. In some instances, the source is well known, but 80 percent of food poisoning cases are of unknown origin. In a new study published by the journal Risk Analysis, proposes a new Food Safety Monitoring System that utilizes consumer comments
3h
New neural network enables easy screening of sleep apnoea in patients with cerebrovascular disease
A new neural network developed by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital enables an easy and accurate assessment of sleep apnoea severity in patients with cerebrovascular disease. The assessment is automated and based on a simple nocturnal pulse oximetry, making it possible to easily screen for sleep apnoea in stroke units.
3h
The Political-Reform Movement Scores Its Biggest Win Yet
L isa Murkowski did not waste time, and she did not mince words. Just two days after former President Donald Trump provoked an insurrectionist mob to storm the Capitol on January 6, Alaska’s senior senator told her local newspaper : “I want him to resign. I want him out.” Murkowski was the first GOP senator to demand Trump’s exit after the deadly riot. The speed and bluntness with which she spoke
3h
Envisioning better health outcomes for all
The current covid-19 pandemic has shined the spotlight on longstanding health inequities for people of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared to the general United States population, African Americans are 1.4 times more likely to contract the coronavirus , and 2.8 times more likely to die from covid-19. Similarly, Native Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are ne
3h
Rare ‘blue jet’ lightning spotted and photographed from space
This enormous spike of lightning was spotted from the International Space Station. (European Space Agency/) Thunderstorms certainly treat surface-dwellers to light shows, but there’s also plenty of activity we don’t see here on the ground. Exhibit A: This photo of a projection of “blue lightning” out into space from the thunderclouds above the small Pacific island Nauru in February 2019. The capt
3h
Scientists Made a Biohybrid Nose Using Cells From Mosquitoes
Thanks to biological parts of a mosquito’s “nose,” we’re finally closer to Smell-O-Vision for computers. And a way to diagnose early cancer. With the recent explosion in computing hardware prowess and AI , we’ve been able to somewhat adequately duplicate our core senses with machines. Computer vision and bioengineered retinas tag-teamed to bolster artificial vision. Smart prosthetics seamlessly s
3h
No overall difference in concussion recovery time for male and female college athletes
Researchers found female and male collegiate athletes take approximately the same amount of time to recover from a concussion, with subtle differences in recovery time depending on the type of sports being played and the division level of the sport. The findings suggest that equity in access to sports medical care among college athletes may be contributing to these similar outcomes.
3h
Breakthrough design vastly improves mechanical heart valve
New research may take the current 'gold standard' for heart valves to a new level of reliability. A team of researchers has developed a way to improve overall blood flow through the valves, so the design of mechanical heart valves will more closely match the real thing.
3h
Labour attacks 'half-baked' targeted Covid quarantine policy
Party calls for blanket system for all arrivals as ministers meet to sign off on proposals Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A targeted quarantine policy is “half-baked” and leaves the UK’s vaccination programme open to as-yet unknown strains of coronavirus that could set back the country’s progress, Labour has warned. Strict new quarantine rules in hotels are expected
3h
Intercontinental study sheds light on the microbial life of sourdough
In a study of 500 sourdough starters spanning four continents, scientists have garnered new insights into the environmental factors that contribute to each sourdough starter's microbial ecosystem, and how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough's aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises. The results may surprise sourdough enthusiasts.
3h
When looking at species declines, nuances and long-term data are important
The scientific process is an iterative and collaborative journey. Research is published, others can weigh in on results, and hypotheses can be corroborated, refuted, or further refined and tested. Though it may seem like second guessing or even become contentious in some cases, this often overlooked aspect of the scientific method makes science better by continuing to challenge scientific assertio
3h
Nuclear physicist's voyage toward a mythical island
Theories were introduced as far back as the 1960s about the possible existence of superheavy elements. Their most long-lived nuclei could give rise to a so-called "island of stability" far beyond the element uranium. However, a new study, led by nuclear physicists at Lund University, shows that a 50-year-old nuclear physics manifesto must now be revised.
3h
Intercontinental study sheds light on the microbial life of sourdough
In a study of 500 sourdough starters spanning four continents, scientists have garnered new insights into the environmental factors that contribute to each sourdough starter's microbial ecosystem, and how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough's aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises. The results may surprise sourdough enthusiasts.
3h
When looking at species declines, nuances and long-term data are important
The scientific process is an iterative and collaborative journey. Research is published, others can weigh in on results, and hypotheses can be corroborated, refuted, or further refined and tested. Though it may seem like second guessing or even become contentious in some cases, this often overlooked aspect of the scientific method makes science better by continuing to challenge scientific assertio
3h
How does incident solar radiation affect urban canyons?
Toyohashi University of Technology proposed a numerical bead model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective (RR) material purposed for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and reducing energy consumption. These results will contribute to existing research on the absorption or reflection of solar radiation to improve urban thermal and lighting conditions, and
3h
The Atlantic Daily: The Riot Sympathizers Aren’t Going Away
Every 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 . In his inaugural address, President Biden called for unity . He’ll find plenty of work to do in pursuit of that goal: America’s new president oversees a country brutally divided. Last week, my co
3h
Biodiversity: Why foods grown in warm climates could be doing the most damage to wildlife
Nearly half of the food eaten in the UK is grown abroad. Take your morning tea or coffee. These are just two of the many crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates that depend on animal pollination and countless other services provided by wildlife before they can reach our kitchen tables. But how often do we consider biodiversity when enjoying them?
4h
Mikroplasterna ökar kraftigt i Medelhavets sjögräsängar
Den ökande plastanvändningen i Spaniens växthusindustri verkar leda till ökade utsläpp av mikroplaster till Medelhavets sjögräsängar. Genom att analysera sjögrässediment har forskare lyckats spåra plastföroreningar från 1930–40-talet och framåt och analyserna visar att det skett en dramatisk ökning av mikroplaster. Ungefär hälften av Sveriges gurkor och en femtedel av tomaterna i Sverige importer
4h
Beauty in imperfection: How crystal defects can help convert waste heat into electricity
Half-Heusler Ni-based alloys are thermoelectric materials with the potential for converting waste heat into electricity. However, the origin of their impressive conversion efficiency is not entirely clear. In a recent study, scientists from Japan and Turkey have attempted to uncover the role that Ni defects have in the crystal structure of these alloys and how their desirable thermoelectric proper
4h
Tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide breathes fresh air into catalyst technology
Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide catalyst for breaking down harmful nitrogen oxides in industrial exhaust. Their new catalyst material works at lower temperatures and does not suffer major drops in performance when processing "wet" exhaust, resolving a major drawback in conventional vanadium oxide catalysts. They f
4h
COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a third virtual COVID-19 vaccine forum on COVID-19 with the focus on the allocation and distribution of available vaccines, a topic that has created controversy as the nation works to get millions of Americans vaccinated.
4h
Digital innovation in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals industries
The pharmaceutical and chemicals industries are no strangers to digital technology, with decades of experimentation using data and statistical techniques to improve productivity and innovation. But the results were historically disappointing relative to the promise. Over the past two or three years, the pace of digital transformation is increasing thanks to the improved performance, power, and ad
4h
The body's fight against COVID-19 explained using 3-D-printed models
Editor's note: In this interview, Nathan Ahlgren, assistant professor of biology at Clark University, uses 3-D-printed models to explain what proteins do in viruses, how they interact with human cells, how the vaccine delivers mRNA into the cell, and how antibodies protect us. This follows an earlier article in which he explained what proteins are and the wide range of functions they have in the b
4h
The body's fight against COVID-19 explained using 3-D-printed models
Editor's note: In this interview, Nathan Ahlgren, assistant professor of biology at Clark University, uses 3-D-printed models to explain what proteins do in viruses, how they interact with human cells, how the vaccine delivers mRNA into the cell, and how antibodies protect us. This follows an earlier article in which he explained what proteins are and the wide range of functions they have in the b
4h
World-record laser transmission could prove Einstein's theory
Researchers from Australia and France team up for a record-breaking laser transmission. The new technique avoids atmospheric interference. It can be used to test aspects of Einstein's theory of relativity and advance communications. Scientists achieved the most stable transmission of a laser signal through the atmosphere ever made, beating a world record. The team managed to send laser signals fr
4h
SMART designs tool to investigate bacteria behind hospital infections
Researchers from the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT's research enterprise in Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a tool using CRISPRi technology that can help understand and prevent biofilm development, drug resistance, and other physiological behaviors of bact
4h
Physicists discover new physical effect
Scientists have found that a perpendicular magnetic field makes electrically neutral quasiparticles (excitons) in semiconductors behave like electrons in the Hall effect. This discovery will help researchers to study the physics of excitons and Bose-Einstein condensates.
4h
Quagga mussel found to be primary regulator of phosphorus cycling in lower four Great Lakes
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology reports that quagga mussels are now the primary regulator of the phosphorus cycle in the lower four Great Lakes. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes creating a model to represent the impact of invasive mussels on the Great Lakes.
4h
Study finds overidentification skews online job reviews
Corporate consultants have preached "aligning" oneself with one's workplace for decades. And a new study shows how far some have taken the notion, to the point they are quite willing to tell flattering lies about their organization to online review sites like Glassdoor.
4h
SMART designs tool to investigate bacteria behind hospital infections
Researchers from the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT's research enterprise in Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a tool using CRISPRi technology that can help understand and prevent biofilm development, drug resistance, and other physiological behaviors of bact
4h
Quagga mussel found to be primary regulator of phosphorus cycling in lower four Great Lakes
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology reports that quagga mussels are now the primary regulator of the phosphorus cycle in the lower four Great Lakes. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes creating a model to represent the impact of invasive mussels on the Great Lakes.
4h
Friar crushed by cart: bone analysis hints at causes of medieval deaths
Research from three Cambridge grave sites suggests poor people were at greatest risk of injury A friar crushed by a cart, another the victim of an attack by bandits: it sounds like the plot of a medieval mystery. But according to new research these are some of the possible misfortunes to have befallen those in centuries gone by. An analysis of bones from 314 individuals aged 12 or older, dating f
4h
Mange in Yellowstone wolves reveals insights into human scabies and conservation biology
Before wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1990s, they were vaccinated for common diseases and treated for any parasite infections they already carried. As a result, the first few generations of wolves were relatively disease-free, but over the years, various diseases have found their way into the population.
4h
Can dogs rapidly learn words?
A new study shows that talented dogs can learn new words after hearing them only four times. While preliminary evidence seems to show that most dogs do not learn words (i.e., names of objects), unless very extensively trained, a few individuals have shown some exceptional abilities.
4h
In search of stable liquids
Most liquids are in suspension. Particles too small to see by naked eye swirl everywhere as gravity and temperature changes move them around. Keeping liquids from separating can be a hassle for the foods we buy in the supermarket, but also for the pharmaceutical industry seeking to extend the shelf life of medicine as long as possible.
4h
Supercomputers aid scientists studying the smallest particles in the universe
Since the 1930s, scientists have been using particle accelerators to gain insights into the structure of matter and the laws of physics that govern our world. These accelerators are some of the most powerful experimental tools available, propelling particles to nearly the speed of light and then colliding them to allow physicists to study the resulting interactions and particles that form.
4h
People follow a crowd, no matter its politics
Amid the clamor of political polarization and mistrust, new Cornell Tech research has found cause for optimism: When it comes to evaluating news, people tend to trust the opinions of a large group whether it's composed of liberals or conservatives.
4h
The high cost of online attacks against women
When Parkland, Fla., high school student Emma Gonzalez spoke forcefully against gun violence in 2018 after the mass shooting at her high school, the video of her plea went viral. She received acclaim and hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. But soon she was bombarded by hateful, violent invective that didn't focus so much on her strong anti-gun views as on her gender, race, and sexu
4h
Vissa immunceller i blodet kopplas till svår covid-19
Individuella skillnader i hur immunförsvaret reagerar på sars-cov-2-viruset verkar kunna påverka hur svår sjukdomen blir. Nu har forskare vid Karolinska Institutet kunnat visa att patienter med svår covid-19 har markant förhöjda nivåer av en viss typ av immunceller i blodet, myeloida suppressorceller. Upptäckten kan ge ökad förståelse för hur tidiga immunresponser påverkar hur allvarlig sjukdomen
4h
Crunch! Underwater acoustics expose 'shell-crushing' sounds in a large marine predator
"Shell-crushing," an explosive sound, occurs when marine animals crack open hard shells like clams to eat the edible tissue. There hasn't been any data to support this feeding noise, until now. A study is first to quantify these sounds using underwater acoustics in a marine animal in a controlled setting. Scientists know what type of shell a ray is eating based on the sound it makes and show it's
4h
90-day vaginal ring shows promise as method for preventing both HIV and pregnancy
A vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel delivered sustained levels of each drug when used continuously for 90 days – levels likely sufficient to serve its dual purpose for protecting against both HIV and unwanted pregnancy, according to results being presented at HIVR4P. The 90-day dual-purpose ring builds on the monthly dapivirine
4h
Smashing nanoclusters can make harder metals
Researchers report a way to make bulk metals by smashing tiny metal nanoparticles together, which allows for customized grain structures and improved mechanical and other properties. Metallurgists have all kinds of ways to make a chunk of metal harder. They can bend it, twist it, run it between two rollers, or pound it with a hammer. These methods work by breaking up the metal’s grain structure—t
4h
Mending the hearts of a beloved dog breed
Suzanne Cunningham, a veterinary cardiologist and associate professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, loves boxer dogs, but they've been breaking her heart since she was a child.
4h
Five ways artificial intelligence can help space exploration
Artificial intelligence has been making waves in recent years, enabling us to solve problems faster than traditional computing could ever allow. Recently, for example, Google's artificial intelligence subsidiary DeepMind developed AlphaFold2, a program which solved the protein-folding problem. This is a problem which has had baffled scientists for 50 years.
4h
Hygienic honey bees are more resistant to destructive parasite
Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite that affects honeybees. It originated in Asia, but has spread to almost every region of the world. Domestic honey bees, Apis mellifera, are particularly vulnerable to this parasite, which can cause the loss of a colony in just a few months, as well as significant economic losses for beekeepers. Although chemical treatments have existed since the 1980s, they ha
4h
What the science actually says about weighted blankets
Weighted blankets should be about 10 percent of your body weight. (pinkasevich/Deposit Photos/) If you’re reading this, you’re probably stressed. Never fear: We’ve dug through the evidence to reveal what science really says about finding zen—and holding onto it through tough times. Want to try meditation ? Take better baths ? Stop anxiety in its tracks ? Welcome to Calm Month . The concept of a w
4h
Hygienic honey bees are more resistant to destructive parasite
Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite that affects honeybees. It originated in Asia, but has spread to almost every region of the world. Domestic honey bees, Apis mellifera, are particularly vulnerable to this parasite, which can cause the loss of a colony in just a few months, as well as significant economic losses for beekeepers. Although chemical treatments have existed since the 1980s, they ha
4h
Seabird guano fertilizer drove robust agriculture in Atacama Desert from AD 1000
Seabird guano fertilizer—also known as 'white gold'—could have been responsible for the highly productive agricultural systems of pre-Incan civilization in the otherwise arid climate of the Atacama Desert. These findings, reported in a paper published in Nature Plants, shed light on the development of the large population centers and society between AD 1000 and AD 1450 in what is now northern Chil
4h
How to set ambitious goals for sustainable agriculture
Food production in the Netherlands is an economic success but has led to many environmental issues, including nitrogen pollution. Recently, the policy to allow economic growth while reducing nitrogen losses was disapproved by the highest court in the Netherlands, casting the country into a nitrogen crisis. In a new article in the sustainability science journal One Earth, Jan Willem Erisman propose
4h
Why COVID-19 won't kill cities
For those of you who live in cities, ask yourself: What it is about your urban lifestyle that makes it worth it despite the pollution, the noise and the traffic? Perhaps it's the hundreds of unique restaurants that you like to dine at. Or the density that fosters a vibrant night life and cosmopolitan cultural scene. Maybe it's the parks, the museums, the tall buildings, the mass transit.
4h
Discovery makes the invisible visible
Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyze microscopic cells, tissues and other transparent specimens, through the improvement of an almost 100-year-old imaging technique.
4h
Seabird guano fertilizer drove robust agriculture in Atacama Desert from AD 1000
Seabird guano fertilizer—also known as 'white gold'—could have been responsible for the highly productive agricultural systems of pre-Incan civilization in the otherwise arid climate of the Atacama Desert. These findings, reported in a paper published in Nature Plants, shed light on the development of the large population centers and society between AD 1000 and AD 1450 in what is now northern Chil
4h
When push comes to shove, what is a fight?
Biologists often study animal sociality by collecting observations about several types of behavioral interactions. These interactions can be things like severe fights, minor fights, cooperative food sharing, or grooming each other.
4h
Study sheds more light on the properties of the X-ray pulsar XTE J1858+034
Using NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), an international team of astronomers has conducted X-ray observations of an accreting X-ray pulsar known as XTE J1858+034. Results of the study, presented in a paper published January 18 on the arXiv pre-print server, provide more insights into the properties of this source.
4h
3-D creature construction: Building chromosomes from the ground up
The Genome in a Box project is the brainchild of researchers Anthony Birnie and Cees Dekker from the Dept. of Bionanoscience at the Delft University of Technology. Their stated goal is to assemble a functioning chromosome from the bottom-up, beginning with the naked DNA. In theory, the raw sequence could be printed in pieces using DNA synthesis machines and then stitched together into one long str
5h
3-D creature construction: Building chromosomes from the ground up
The Genome in a Box project is the brainchild of researchers Anthony Birnie and Cees Dekker from the Dept. of Bionanoscience at the Delft University of Technology. Their stated goal is to assemble a functioning chromosome from the bottom-up, beginning with the naked DNA. In theory, the raw sequence could be printed in pieces using DNA synthesis machines and then stitched together into one long str
5h
Why People Hear the Dead
Some spiritualists claim to be “clairaudient” which means they can hear voices, usually of spirits of the the dead. Some claim to be clairvoyant, which means they can see things remotely (from a different place and/or time), while still others claim clairsentience, meaning that they can feel emotions or sensations from objects or places. There is no credible scientific evidence that any of this i
5h
The 7 Planets of TRAPPIST-1 Have Surprisingly Similar Properties
Astronomers are getting very good at hunting for exoplanets with a little help from powerful ground and space-based telescopes. We’re no longer finding one planet here and there — we’re discovering entire solar systems. TRAPPIST-1 has been of particular interest with its system of seven planets, discovered in 2016 and 2017 . A new study has confirmed that all these planets are small and rocky lik
5h
How to survive three days in the wild
If you get lost in the wilderness, your first step should be to stay put and begin building fire and a shelter. (Lum3n/Pexels/) This story was originally featured on Field & Stream . The fundamentals of survival boil down to the Rule of Three: You can live three minutes without breathing, three hours when exposed to freezing temperatures, and three days without water. Concerning hunters and fishe
5h
To find the right network model, compare all possible histories
Two family members test positive for COVID-19—how do we know who infected whom? In a perfect world, network science could provide a probable answer to such questions. It could also tell archeologists how a shard of Greek pottery came to be found in Egypt, or help evolutionary biologists understand how a long-extinct ancestor metabolized proteins.
5h
New species of custard apple family found in Myanmar
With over 100 species, Artabotrys is a large palaeotropical genus that belongs to the custard apple family (Annonacea), one of the most diverse and primitive families of the angiosperms. In Myanmar, the genus is represented by seven species.
5h
Researchers construct molecular nanofibers that are stronger than steel
Self-assembly is ubiquitous in the natural world, serving as a route to form organized structures in every living organism. This phenomenon can be seen, for instance, when two strands of DNA—without any external prodding or guidance—join to form a double helix, or when large numbers of molecules combine to create membranes or other vital cellular structures. Everything goes to its rightful place w
5h
Fine tuning first-responder immune cells may reduce TBI damage
Immediately after a traumatic brain injury and as long as one year later, there are increased levels of immune cells called ILCs in the brain promoting inflammation, which can worsen brain damage, scientists report. They also report for the first time that the cell energy sensor AMPK is a brake that can stop what becomes a chronic state of destructive inflammation driven by these ILCs, or innate l
5h
Energy spent avoiding humans linked to smaller home ranges for male pumas
In the Santa Cruz mountains, pumas are top predators, patrolling a diverse landscape of forests, meadows, peaks, and valleys. But "mountain lion country" is also bordered by coastal cities to the west and Silicon Valley to the east, with major roadways and fringes of development reaching into wildlands. As a result, humans have become a major source of mortality and fear for these cats. UC Santa C
5h
The inner ear hides clues on human evolution
A PNAS study led by the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP) analyzed the kinship between two Miocene great apes (Hispanopithecus and Rudapithecus) based on the morphology of their inner ear semicircular canals. This anatomical structure is informative in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between fossil primate species. The results are in accordance with the distinction
5h
Energy spent avoiding humans linked to smaller home ranges for male pumas
In the Santa Cruz mountains, pumas are top predators, patrolling a diverse landscape of forests, meadows, peaks, and valleys. But "mountain lion country" is also bordered by coastal cities to the west and Silicon Valley to the east, with major roadways and fringes of development reaching into wildlands. As a result, humans have become a major source of mortality and fear for these cats. UC Santa C
5h
The inner ear hides clues on human evolution
A PNAS study led by the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP) analyzed the kinship between two Miocene great apes (Hispanopithecus and Rudapithecus) based on the morphology of their inner ear semicircular canals. This anatomical structure is informative in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between fossil primate species. The results are in accordance with the distinction
5h
Why experts say there is no basis to claims in Germany about efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine
Analysis: Drug company and scientific partners at Oxford University have strongly pushed back against German press report Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A row has broken out after German newspapers suggested the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine might have a lower efficacy among the over-65s. Below we take a look at the claims, and whether we should be concerned. Continue
6h
How Early Trump Supporters Feel Now
Now that Donald Trump’s presidency is over, how do the Americans who supported him at the beginning of his political run feel about his performance in the Oval Office? I put that question to 30 men and women who wrote to me in August 2015 to explain their reasons for backing his insurgent candidacy. Among the eight who replied, all in the second week of January, after the storming of the Capitol,
6h
What Happens to the Space Force Now?
The headquarters of the United States Space Command was supposed to be based in Colorado. Since then-President Donald Trump revived the command in 2018, the state had been its temporary home, and last February, when the search for a permanent location was still on, he had teased that the current arrangement could win out. “I will be making a big decision on the future of the Space Force as to whe
6h
Biden Will Lie to You
All presidents lie. Even so, the Trump administration weaponized dishonesty to a remarkable degree . Donald Trump did not merely lie to exaggerate his accomplishments, or smear his opponents. For Trump and the Republican Party, lies were a loyalty test. To reject Trump’s lies or exaggerations, even if they contradicted prior assertions by the now-ex-president, was to express disloyalty, the only
7h
Pharmaceutical giants not ready for next pandemic, report warns
Ten of the world’s most infectious diseases identified by the WHO not being catered for by drug firms The world’s biggest pharmaceutical firms are little prepared for the next pandemic despite a mounting response to the Covid-19 outbreak, an independent report has warned. Jayasree K Iyer, executive director of the Netherlands-based Access to Medicine Foundation , a not-for-profit organisation fun
7h
Multisjuka äldre rehabiliteras bra hemmavid
Rehabilitering i det egna hemmet kan vara ett bra komplement till geriatrisk vårdavdelning efter en höftfraktur, även för äldre med demenssjukdom. Hemrehabilitering uppskattas av de äldre, samtidigt som det kan frigöra vårdplatser på sjukhus. – Ett glädjande resultat var att de som rehabiliterats i hemmet återfick gångförmåga och självständighet i vardagliga aktiviteter lika bra som de som vårdat
7h
Germany challenges AstraZeneca Covid vaccine efficacy reports
Report said ministers expected EU regulator’s assessment to show jab was only 8% effective among over-65s Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The German government has challenged reports of a lower-than-expected efficacy rate of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for older people, while reiterating concerns about the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant’s data reporting. An
7h
Why more countries need covid vaccines, not just the richest ones
The global vaccine rollout is full of glitches, shortages, and problems, but not every country faces the same challenges. Evening out those inequalities to make sure poorer countries are included in the vaccination race isn’t just the ethical thing to do: it’s good for rich countries, too. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that the entire global economy depends on po
7h
Trump’s Coup Attempt Didn’t Start on January 6
Nothing concentrates the mind, Samuel Johnson said , like an impending hanging. Perhaps we might add a codicil: Nothing distracts the mind quite like a mock hanging. On January 6, a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, leading to five deaths, many more injuries and COVID-19 infections, and plenty of property damage. Some of the insurrectionists erected a gallows on the National Mall, and many talked of
7h
Homeroom: My Child Is Near Tears Every Day
Editor’s Note: Every Tuesday, Abby Freireich and Brian Platzer take questions from readers about their kids’ education. Have one? Email them at homeroom@theatlantic.com. Dear Abby and Brian, Everything feels untenable. I am so frustrated for my son, whom I’ll refer to as “Caleb,” who is in first grade. I’m frustrated for his teachers too, and for me and my wife. Caleb is on the verge of tears by
7h
Patients Face Daunting Hurdles to Get Covid-19 Antibody Therapies
While hundreds of thousands of vials of monoclonal antibody therapies for Covid-19 sit unused, sick patients who, research indicates, could benefit from early treatment — available for free — have largely been figuring out how to access the drug by themselves. “I just called until someone would listen.”
7h
Uncooled sub-GHz spin bolometer driven by auto-oscillation
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20631-0 Goto et al present a bolometer based around the heat generation in magnetic tunnel junctions under auto-oscillation conditions. Unlike superconducting bolometers, the presented device operates at room temperature and sub-GHz frequencies, opening possibilities for use in microwave devices.
8h
Metabolic regulation of telomere silencing by SESAME complex-catalyzed H3T11 phosphorylation
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20711-1 Pyruvate kinase phosphorylates histone H3T11 (H3pT11) and represses gene expression by forming a large complex SESAME (Serine-responsive SAM-containing Metabolic Enzyme). Here the authors show that SESAME-catalyzed H3pT11 regulates telomere silencing by promoting Sir2 binding at telomeres and preventing autop
8h
Dynamic electron correlations with charge order wavelength along all directions in the copper oxide plane
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20824-7 Knowledge of effective Coulomb interactions is central to understand emergent quantum phases in strongly correlated systems. Here, Boschini et al. report a dynamic quasi-circular spectrum of charge density wave fluctuations in the CuO2 plane of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ, shedding a light on understanding how Coulomb in
8h
Asymmetrizing an icosahedral virus capsid by hierarchical assembly of subunits with designed asymmetry
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20862-1 Viruses have been re-engineered for many applications but the ability to build asymmetric capsids in vitro has been lacking. Here, the authors report the design of asymmetric subunits with different growth rates leading to capsids with discrete patches and potential for distinct surface chemistries.
8h
Role of mutational reversions and fitness restoration in Zika virus spread to the Americas
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20747-3 The trajectory of the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) into the Americas remains unclear. Here, the authors find that four mutations originated before ZIKV introduction to the Americas are direct reversions of previous mutations that accompanied spread many decades ago from ZIKV’s native Africa to Asia, and sho
8h
Strong geometry dependence of the Casimir force between interpenetrated rectangular gratings
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-021-20891-4 The geometry dependence of the Casimir force could enable applications in nanomechanical systems if the effects can be enhanced. Here, the authors demonstrate that the Casimir force between two interpenetrating nanoscale gratings can exceed the proximity force approximation by a factor of 500.
8h
Ultrafast electron cooling in an expanding ultracold plasma
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20815-8 Here the authors report on the creation of ultracold plasma by photoionization of a Bose-Einstein condensate with a femtosecond laser pulse. The experimental setup grants direct access to the electron temperature and reveals ultrafast cooling of electrons in an initially strongly coupled plasma.
8h
Orthogonal translation enables heterologous ribosome engineering in E. coli
Nature Communications, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20759-z Synthetic biologists often co-opt heterologous parts to affect new functions in living cells, yet such an approach has rarely been extended to structural components of the ribosome. Here, the authors describe generalizable methods to express ribosomes from divergent microbes in E. coli and maximize their func
8h
Seven technologies to watch in 2021
Nature, Published online: 26 January 2021; doi:10.1038/d41586-021-00191-z COVID considerations unsurprisingly dominate the tech developments that could have a big impact in the coming year.
8h
Variant av känd gen tros orsaka stroke
Genom att studera en enskild släkt, där åtta av 15 undersökta personer utvecklat småkärlssjukdom i hjärnan, tror sig forskare ha identifierat en genvariant som kan orsaka sjukdomen i hjärnan och stroke. – De personer vi undersökt är från samma släkt och flera av dem har insjuknat med småkärlssjukdom i hjärnan och stroke. Efter vävnadsundersökning och genetiska analysmetoder kunde vi konstatera at
8h
Can dogs rapidly learn words?
A new study found that talented dogs can learn new words after hearing them only four times. While preliminary evidence seems to show that most dogs do not learn words (i.e. names of objects), unless eventually very extensively trained, a few individuals have shown some exceptional abilities.
8h
Could understanding the history of anti-vaccine sentiment help us to overcome it?
Ever since Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine for smallpox there have been opportunistic people willing to spread misinformation. As the Covid-19 vaccines are administered, what’s the best way to counter them? Sarah and her brother Benjamin (not their real names) have never seen eye to eye. She’s a professional scientist, he – according to Sarah’s description – is someone who is susceptibl
8h
You can teach an old dog new words, researchers find
Canines in Hungarian study appear to pick up unfamiliar terms through play Whether you can teach an old dog new tricks might be a moot point, but it seems some canines can rapidly learn new words, and do so through play. While young children are known to quickly pick up the names of new objects, the skill appears to be rare in animals. Continue reading…
8h
Delaying the second Covid dose in the UK is controversial, but it's the right decision | Deborah Dunn-Walters
There are worries about the change in the vaccination schedule. However, a longer gap between jabs has its advantages too Coronavirus – latest updates Deborah Dunn-Walters is chair of the British Society for Immunology’s Covid-19 and Immunology taskforce A recent YouGov poll shows that the British are among the most willing in the world to take the Covid-19 vaccine. This is good news. But there a
8h
UK Covid live: government 'confident' about vaccine supply after EU threat
Latest updates: Nadim Zahawi says UK deliveries will not be hindered after EU says it may block vaccine exports EU vaccines threat will not affect UK deliveries, says Nadim Zahawi EU threatens to block vaccine exports after AstraZeneca shortfall New quarantine rules expected for arrivals to UK Global coronavirus updates – live 10.42am GMT Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said he supports the p
9h
What does history smell like? – podcast
What did London really smell like during the great stink of 1858? What odours wafted through the Battle of Waterloo? Were cities identifiable by the lingering aromas of the various commodities produced during the industrial revolution? It may not be possible to literally go back in time and give history a sniff, but a new project is aiming to identify and even recreate scents that would have assa
9h
What does history smell like?
What did London really smell like during the great stink of 1858? What odours wafted through the Battle of Waterloo? Were cities identifiable by the lingering aromas of the various commodities produced during the industrial revolution? It may not be possible to literally go back in time and give history a sniff, but a new project is aiming to identify and even recreate scents that would have assai
9h
How did Florida fail to respond to a coral disease epizootic and what's to follow?
By 2020, massive losses of large populations of corals have been observed throughout Florida and into the greater Caribbean basin. Taking into account the high mortality and the large number of susceptible species affected, this is likely the most lethal case of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) ever recorded in modern history.
10h
Skrapt loppemiddel til hunde truer vandløb og søer
PLUS. To problematiske stoffer fra loppemidler kan skade vandinsekter, fugle og fisk. Forskere og ngo’er vil have stofferne med i Miljøstyrelsens overvågningsprogram, og styrelsen lover at være opmærksom på dem, når overvågningen skal justeres her i år. DN mener, at man bør overveje forbud.
12h
The Pandemic Disaster That Might Not Matter
B ritain will soon pass the grimmest of milestones: 100,000 people dead from COVID-19. This appalling tally is higher than anywhere else in Europe, and almost twice that of Germany, the biggest country on the continent. By one measure, Britain is now the worst-hit G-7 nation relative to its size. There is simply no escaping the reality that the country has suffered a catastrophic failure of gover
12h
Research shows people with high omega-3 index less likely to die from COVID-19
Researchers with the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) and collaborators at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and in Orange County, CA, have published the first direct evidence that higher omega-3 blood levels may reduce risk for death from COVID-19 infection. The report was published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids on January 20, 2021.
13h
No overall difference in concussion recovery time for male and female college athletes
Researchers found female and male collegiate athletes take approximately the same amount of time to recover from a concussion, with subtle differences in recovery time depending on the type of sports being played and the division level of the sport. The findings suggest that equity in access to sports medical care among college athletes may be contributing to these similar outcomes.
13h
How did Florida fail to respond to a coral disease epizootic and what's to follow?
By 2020, losses of corals have been observed throughout Florida and into the greater Caribbean basin in what turned out to be likely the most lethal recorded case of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. A Perspectives paper, published in the open-access peer-reviewed journal Rethinking Ecology, provides an overview of how Florida ended up in a situation, where the best that could be done is rescuing g
13h
Highly specific synaptic plasticity in addiction
Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a complex neurological condition that includes drug-seeking behavior among other cognitive, emotional and behavioral features. Synaptic plasticity, or changes in the way neurons communicate with one another, drives these addictive behaviors. A new study in Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, now shows that players in the extracellular enviro
13h
Here comes the judge, ready to plagiarize your paper
Not long ago, Amy Barnhorst opened an email from the editor of a journal to which she and a colleague submitted, but ultimately pulled, a paper on gun violence. The cheery note — “thought you two might be interested to see what we came up with” — announced the publication of a recent article in … Continue reading
15h
Domino effects and synchrony in seizure initiation
In a brain with a neurological disorder like epilepsy, synchronization between groups of neurons can grow to a dangerous extent when a collection of brain cells begins to emit excess electricity. Researchers used a mathematical model to explore the interplay between neurons that leads to these transitions in synchronization during the onset of seizures.
16h
Newly discovered subset of brain cells fight inflammation with instructions from the gut
Astrocytes are the most abundant type of cells within the central nervous system (CNS), but they remain poorly characterized. Researchers have long assumed that astrocytes' primary function is to provide nutrients and support for the brain's more closely scrutinized nerve cells; over the years, however, increasing evidence has shown that astrocytes can also actively promote neurodegeneration, infl
16h
Promising way to find new cancer drugs
The enzymes in human cells known as histone deacetylases, or HDACs, are targets for a handful of anticancer drugs because of their ability to affect gene expression. Now, researchers have developed a new method to investigate how these enzymes work on a molecular level. This new method can also help identify more precise possible anti-cancer drug candidates at a very high pace.
16h
Nikk Ogasa
Contributor is a science journalist and graduate student in the Science Communication Program at UC Santa Cruz. He earned a master’s degree in geology at McGill University in Montreal, and before that worked at the US Geological Survey. In his free time, he enjoys martial arts, climbing and reading. You can follow him on Twitter @ nikkogasa . Author social media Twitter Author Articles Culture M
16h
Optimal information about the invisible
Laser beams can be used to precisely measure an object's position or velocity. Normally, a clear, unobstructed view of this object is required. Irregular environments scatter the light beam – but as it turns out, precisely this effect can be used to obtain optimum information in difficult situations.
16h
GEFS: Searching beyond seismology for earthquake precursors
To predict when earthquakes are likely to occur, seismologists often use statistics to monitor how clusters of seismic activity evolve over time. However, this approach often fails to anticipate the time and magnitude of large-scale earthquakes, leading to dangerous oversights in current early-warning systems. For decades, studies outside the seismology field have proposed that these major, potent
16h
You don't have a lizard brain. Debunking the Triune Brain myth.
Hello community I wrote a post about a widespread scientific myth; the triune brain. I first encountered this myth while reading a book called "seven and a half lessons about the brain" by neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett. It has caught my attention and decided to explore it in a bit more depth. I discussed the idea behind this myth and why it's a myth in fact, laying down arguments from diffe
17h
The surprises of color evolution
Nature is full of color. For flowers, displaying color is primarily a means to attract pollinators. Insects use their color vision not only to locate the right flowers to feed on but also to find mates. The evolutionary interaction between insects and plants has created complex dependencies that can have surprising outcomes.
17h
Watching decision making in the brain
Neuroscientists and engineers have developed a system that can show the neural process of decision making in real time, including the mental process of flipping between options before expressing a final choice.
17h
Keeping a clean path: Doubling the capacity of solid-state lithium batteries
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and Nippon Institute of Technology, demonstrated by experiment that a clean electrolyte/electrode interface is key to realizing high-capacity solid-state lithium batteries. Their findings could pave the way for improved battery designs with increased capacity, stability
17h
What's in a name? A new class of superconductors
A new theory that could explain how unconventional superconductivity arises in a diverse set of compounds might never have happened if a team of physicists had chosen a different name for their 2017 model of orbital-selective superconductivity.
17h
New route to chemically recyclable plastics
As the planet's burden of rubber and plastic trash rises unabated, scientists increasingly look to the promise of closed-loop recycling to reduce waste. A team of researchers announces the discovery of a new polybutadiene molecule – from a material known for over a century and used to make common products like tires and shoes – that could one day advance this goal through depolymerization.
17h
From fins to limbs
In a new study an international team of researchers examined three-dimensional digital models of the bones, joints, and muscles of the fins and limbs of two extinct early tetrapods and a closely related fossil fish and discover these early tetrapods had a very distinct pattern of muscle leverage that didn't look like a fish fin or modern tetrapod limbs and their limbs were more adapted for propuls
17h
New route to chemically recyclable plastics
As the planet's burden of rubber and plastic trash rises unabated, scientists increasingly look to the promise of closed-loop recycling to reduce waste. A team of researchers announces the discovery of a new polybutadiene molecule – from a material known for over a century and used to make common products like tires and shoes – that could one day advance this goal through depolymerization.
17h
Gorilla Gets Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For COVID-19
An older silverback gorilla in Escondido, Calif., received an array of treatments after it and others in its troop contracted the coronavirus. The therapy came from a supply meant for nonhumans. (Image credit: Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Global)
18h
The places where Americans aren’t wearing masks
Wearing a mask should be second nature to you at this point. (Pixabay/) Follow all of PopSci’s COVID-19 coverage here , including the truth about herd immunity , advice for pregnant women , and a tutorial on making your own mask . After roughly a year of COVID-19, the pandemic continues to press on. New variants from Brazil, South Africa, and the UK are beginning to make their presence known in o
19h
Biden Launches Climate Change Efforts
The president will announce a suite of executive actions on Wednesday to combat climate change, two people familiar with his plans said, and will ask federal agencies to determine the extent of a drilling ban.
19h
Five collectibles with better returns than the stock market
Outside of stocks and bonds, some people make money investing in collectibles and make a fair amount on them. One stamp even sold for a billion times its face value. The extreme dependence on future collectability, however, limits the potential of most of these opportunities. The question of how to make your money work for you is a never-ending problem. While stocks, bonds, and currencies of all
20h
The SolarLamp 50 Might Just Be the World’s Best All-in-One Solar Light
Sustainable living has never been more popular. As a result, the demand for green living upgrades like has risen dramatically among consumers. And with the declining costs of solar , along with favorable government grants and initiatives, interest in solar lighting has never been higher. However, when it comes to finding the right solar light, not all products are created equal. Some use low-qual
20h

Leave a Reply