Vil du hjælpe med at finde nyheder? DO YOU WANT TO HELP FINDING SCIENCE NEWS? Email: bionyt@gmail.com Phone-sms: (45)21729908
Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain
2dI first became aware that I was losing my mind in late December. It was a Friday night, the start of my 40-somethingth pandemic weekend: Hours and hours with no work to distract me, and outside temperatures prohibitive of anything other than staying in. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to fill the time. "What did I used to … do on weekends?" I asked my boyfriend, like a soap-opera amn
Meet the Sea Slugs That Chop Off Their Heads and Grow New Bodies
1dTheir severed heads get around just fine until they regenerate perfectly functioning, parasite-free new bodies, scientists say.
'Right to repair' law to come in this summer
6hManufacturers will be obliged to make spare parts for appliances available to consumers.
Meteor explodes over Vermont with the force of 440 pounds of TNT
1dIf you live in Vermont and heard an explosion just before dinnertime Sunday (March 7), there's a good chance that was a shockwave from an incoming meteor exploding over the state.
Scientists Believe They Found a Chunk of an Ancient Planet in Africa
21hAncient Planet According to a new analysis, ScienceAlert reports , a meteorite found last year in Algeria is actually older than the Earth itself. Instead, an international team of scientists behind the research say, it appears to be a remnant of an ancient protoplanet — making the space rock an extraordinary curiosity that could offer unprecedented insights into the early years of our solar syst
Women Report Worse Side Effects After a Covid Vaccine
1dMen and women tend to respond differently to many kinds of vaccines. That's probably because of a mix of factors, including hormones, genes and the dosing of the shots.
Covid-19 Vaccines: Dr. B Website Will Match You With Leftover Doses
1dMore than half a million people have signed up for Dr. B, a service that promises to match them with clinics struggling to equitably dole out extra doses before they expire.
Neanderthals disappeared from Europe earlier than thought, says study
1dNeanderthal fossils from a cave in Belgium believed to belong to the last survivors of their species ever discovered in Europe are thousands of years older than once thought, a new study said Monday.
Artist Uses 5G Robot to Tattoo Somebody In A Different Location
18hDistance Tattoo As part of a marketing stunt for telecom T-Mobile Netherlands, Dutch TV personality Stijn Fransen got a tattoo by a tattoo artist — but remotely, through the use of a 5G-enabled robot. Tattoo artist Wes Thomas tattooed Fransen remotely through the use of a cleverly engineered robotic arm that used machine learning to learn the placement of Fransen's arm and map the placement onto
First Vial Used in U.S. Covid-19 Vaccinations Joins the Smithsonian Collections
23hThe empty vial, a vaccination card and scrubs worn by nurse Sandra Lindsay, first to be injected, will go on view in a new exhibition in 2022
World's first dinosaur preserved sitting on nest of eggs with fossilized babies
21hThe fossil in question is that of an oviraptorosaur, a group of bird-like theropod dinosaurs that thrived during the Cretaceous Period, the third and final time period of the Mesozoic Era (commonly known as the 'Age of Dinosaurs') that extended from 145 to 66 million years ago. The new specimen was recovered from uppermost Cretaceous-aged rocks, some 70 million years old, in Ganzhou City in southe
Xanadu announces programmable photonic quantum chip able to execute multiple algorithms
2dA team of researchers and engineers at Canadian company Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S., has developed a programmable, scalable photonic quantum chip that can execute multiple algorithms. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes how they made their chip, its characteristics and how it can be us
Earth's deep mantle may have proton rivers made of superionic phases
21hPierfranco Demontis said in 1988, "Ice becomes a fast-ion conductor at high pressure and high temperatures," but his prediction was only hypothetical until recently. After 30 years of study, superionic water ice was verified experimentally in 2018. Superionicity may eventually explain the strong magnetic field in giant planetary interiors.
Large supernova remnant detected by eROSITA
2dUsing the extended Röntgen Survey Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) instrument onboard the Spektr-RG spacecraft, astronomers have detected in X-rays a new large supernova remnant (SNR). The newfound object, dubbed "Hoinga," turns out to be one of the largest SNR discovered at wavelengths other than radio. The finding is reported in a paper published February 26 on the arXiv pre-print server.
This Sea Slug Can Chop Off Its Head and Grow an Entire New Body–Twice
23hIt is one of the "most extreme" examples of regeneration ever seen — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
A better way to measure acceleration
1dYou're going at the speed limit down a two-lane road when a car barrels out of a driveway on your right. You slam on the brakes, and within a fraction of a second of the impact an airbag inflates, saving you from serious injury or even death.
Time needed to sequence key molecules could be reduced from years to minutes
1dUsing a nanopore, researchers have demonstrated the potential to reduce the time required for sequencing a glycosaminoglycan—a class of long chain-linked sugar molecules as important to our biology as DNA—from years to minutes.
These Sea Slugs Decapitate Themselves and Grow New Bodies
1dShowing off their best impressions of Deadpool, the animals survived for weeks without organs, only to regrow everything and go about their business.
Economic benefits of protecting nature now outweigh those of exploiting it, global data reveal
1dThe economic benefits of conserving or restoring natural sites "outweigh" the profit potential of converting them for intensive human use, according to the largest-ever study comparing the value of protecting nature at particular locations with that of exploiting it.
Research offers insights on how night shift work increases cancer risk
2dA recently published study offers new clues as to why night shift workers are at increased risk of developing certain types of cancer compared to those who work regular daytime hours. Findings suggest that night shifts disrupt natural 24-hour rhythms in the activity of certain cancer-related genes, making night shift workers more vulnerable to DNA damage while also causing the body's DNA repair me
Microscopic wormholes possible in theory
18hWormholes play a key role in many science fiction films—often as a shortcut between two distant points in space. In physics, however, these tunnels in spacetime have remained purely hypothetical. An international team led by Dr. Jose Luis Blázquez-Salcedo of the University of Oldenburg has now presented a new theoretical model in the science journal Physical Review Letters that makes microscopic w
Determining the structure of a molecule with laser-induced electron diffraction
21hLight microscopes have revolutionized our understanding of the microcosmos, but their resolution is limited to about 100 nanometers. To see how molecules bond, break, or change their structure, we need at least 1000 times better resolution.
11 percent of food waste comes from our homes
1dNearly 17 percent of food that reaches stores, homes and restaurants ends up trashed. (Ella Olsen Unslpash/) It's no surprise that wasting things is a nightmare for the environment—everything that we eat, wear, and otherwise consume takes up natural resources that in many cases are far from infinite. When it comes to food waste, the environment takes a double whammy—water, packaging, transportati
Ultra-short-period super-Earth detected by TESS
1dUsing NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has detected a new super-Earth exoplanet. The newfound alien world, designated TOI-1685b, is about 70% larger than Earth and has an ultra-short orbital period of approximately 0.67 days. The finding is reported in a paper published March 1 on arXiv.org.
A giant, sizzling planet may be orbiting the star Vega
1dAstronomers have discovered new hints of a giant, scorching-hot planet orbiting Vega, one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Perseverance's giant 'hand lens' will scour Mars for signs of ancient life
2dPerseverance's PIXL instrument will look for the textures of life in Martian rocks. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/) Follow all of PopSci's Perseverance-mission coverage here. NASA engineers have shipped an envoy, the Perseverance rover, nearly 300 million miles to read the secrets trapped in the stones of Mars. A seven-foot robotic arm is responsible for completing the journey, bringing a cluster of various
SpaceX Is Going All In on Its South Texas Starport
1hNew documents show the company has grand plans for its Boca Chica launch site, providing more evidence that Elon Musk is bullish on SpaceX's future there.
Serendipitous Juno detections shatter ideas about origin of zodiacal light
18hData from the NASA spacecraft's journey to Jupiter suggests that Mars may be shedding dust into interplanetary space.
Humidity in breath makes cotton masks more effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19
18hResearchers have come up with a better way to test which fabrics work best for masks that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. By testing those fabrics under conditions that mimic the humidity of a person's breath, the researchers have obtained measurements that more accurately reflect how the fabrics perform when worn by a living, breathing person.
Higher airborne pollen concentrations correlated with increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, as evidenced from 31 countries across the globe [Environmental Sciences]
20hPollen exposure weakens the immunity against certain seasonal respiratory viruses by diminishing the antiviral interferon response. Here we investigate whether the same applies to the pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is sensitive to antiviral interferons, if infection waves coincide with high airborne pollen concentrations. Our original…
Rare meteorite recovered in UK after spectacular fireball
21hIn a major event for UK science, the meteorite that fell from the fireball that lit up the sky over the UK and Northern Europe on Sunday 28 February, has been found.
Volcanic eruptions had large and persistent impacts on global hydroclimate over the last millennium
1dLarge tropical volcanos have caused some of the world's most destructive natural disasters in history, with eruptions spewing out massive quantities of harmful gases and other debris that can wipe out everything in their path.
Humans are altering Earth's tides, and not just through climate change
1dMiami, which will be increasingly prone to coastal flooding. (Unsplash/) If you'd been standing in just the right Miami Beach parking garage in 2016, you would have been visited by an octopus , washed in on an especially high tide. In Boston, you might have needed to wade to work in the past year. Across the country, sunny day floods, which occur because of high tide, rather than storms, are beco
Could 'The Simpsons' Replace Its Voice Actors With AI?
28minDeepfake technology can make convincing replicas from a limited amount of data, and the show has thirty years worth of audio to work from.
A 4,565-My-old andesite from an extinct chondritic protoplanet [Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences]
20hThe age of iron meteorites implies that accretion of protoplanets began during the first millions of years of the solar system. Due to the heat generated by 26Al decay, many early protoplanets were fully differentiated with an igneous crust produced during the cooling of a magma ocean and the segregation…
Study of coronavirus variants predicts virus evolving to escape current vaccines
1dA new study suggests current vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies provide less neutralizing activity against the U.K. and South Africa variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Massiv utilfredshed med OK21: 759 læger skriver åbent brev til FAS, Yngre Læger og Lægeforeningen
2dDet forslag til en ny overenskomstaftale, som FAS har forhandlet på plads, vil 759 læger have taget af bordet. De er utilfredse med, at nyansatte overlægers grundløn ligger 30.000 kr. lavere end den nuværende grundløn. FAS har ikke varetaget kommende overlægers interesser, skriver lægerne i dette åbne brev.
Reevaluating the timing of Neanderthal disappearance in Northwest Europe [Evolution]
20hElucidating when Neanderthal populations disappeared from Eurasia is a key question in paleoanthropology, and Belgium is one of the key regions for studying the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Previous radiocarbon dating placed the Spy Neanderthals among the latest surviving Neanderthals in Northwest Europe with reported dates as young as…
Dansk forskning blotlægger techgiganters skjulte overvågning
2dOvervågning og dataindsamling på internettet er så omfattende, at ingen almindelige mennesker kan overskue det. Det viser ny ph.d-afhandling fra Københavns Universitet, som kortlægger det digitale økosystem.
A safe and highly efficacious measles virus-based vaccine expressing SARS-CoV-2 stabilized prefusion spike [Microbiology]
19hThe current pandemic of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlights an urgent need to develop a safe, efficacious, and durable vaccine. Using a measles virus (rMeV) vaccine strain as the backbone, we developed a series of recombinant attenuated vaccine candidates expressing various forms of the…
Vismænd tilslutter sig koret: CO2-afgift er billigste vej til klimamålet
1dSamfundet kan slippe med en årlig regning på fire mia. kr. for at nå klimalovens 70 pct.-mål, konkluderer De Økonomiske Råds formandskab. Men politikerne skal hurtigt vedtage en CO2-afgift på 1200 kr per ton og må ikke skåne landbruget, advarer de.
Paw hygiene no reason to ban assistance dogs from hospitals
1dAccording to a UN-agreement, assistance dogs like guide dogs, signal dogs and medical response dogs are welcome in hospitals and other public places. However, in practice, they are regularly refused entry. Hygiene reasons are often given as the main argument for this. Research now shows that the paws of assistance dogs are cleaner than the shoe soles of their users, and thus, paw hygiene is no rea
CBD reduces plaque, improves cognition in model of familial Alzheimer's
14hA two-week course of high doses of CBD helps restore the function of two proteins key to reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and improves cognition in an experimental model of early onset familial Alzheimer's, investigators report.
Postbiosynthetic modification of a precursor to the nitrogenase iron-molybdenum cofactor [Chemistry]
20hNitrogenases utilize Fe–S clusters to reduce N2 to NH3. The large number of Fe sites in their catalytic cofactors has hampered spectroscopic investigations into their electronic structures, mechanisms, and biosyntheses. To facilitate their spectroscopic analysis, we are developing methods for incorporating 57Fe into specific sites of nitrogenase cofactors, and we…
Study finds two servings of fish per week can help prevent recurrent heart disease
1dAn analysis of several large studies involving participants from more than 60 countries has found that eating oily fish regularly can help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-risk individuals, such as those who already have heart disease or stroke.
New discovery explains antihypertensive properties of green and black tea
1dA new study from the University of California, Irvine shows that compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall. The discovery helps explain the antihypertensive properties of tea and could lead to the design of new blood pressure-lowering medications.
Ny forskning: Covid-19 øger risiko for psykiske lidelser
2dSenfølgerne kan få store konsekvenser for det globale sundhedssystem, påpeger forskere.
Tjekkisk regering går efter meget mere atomkraft
3hMere atomkraft er hjørnestenen i den tjekkiske, grønne energiomstilling og den siddende regering forventer nu snarest at kunne udbyde ordren på to nye reaktorer
Behavioral responses across a mosaic of ecosystem states restructure a sea otter-urchin trophic cascade [Ecology]
20hConsumer and predator foraging behavior can impart profound trait-mediated constraints on community regulation that scale up to influence the structure and stability of ecosystems. Here, we demonstrate how the behavioral response of an apex predator to changes in prey behavior and condition can dramatically alter the role and relative contribution…
A conserved Ctp1/CtIP C-terminal peptide stimulates Mre11 endonuclease activity [Biochemistry]
20hThe Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex (MRN) is important for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination (HR). The endonuclease activity of MRN is critical for resecting 5′-ended DNA strands at DSB ends, producing 3′-ended single-strand DNA, a prerequisite for HR. This endonuclease activity is stimulated by Ctp1, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog…
Improved photosynthetic capacity and photosystem I oxidation via heterologous metabolism engineering in cyanobacteria [Plant Biology]
20hCyanobacteria must prevent imbalances between absorbed light energy (source) and the metabolic capacity (sink) to utilize it to protect their photosynthetic apparatus against damage. A number of photoprotective mechanisms assist in dissipating excess absorbed energy, including respiratory terminal oxidases and flavodiiron proteins, but inherently reduce photosynthetic efficiency. Recently, it has.
Legume-microbiome interactions unlock mineral nutrients in regrowing tropical forests [Environmental Sciences]
20hLegume trees form an abundant and functionally important component of tropical forests worldwide with N2-fixing symbioses linked to enhanced growth and recruitment in early secondary succession. However, it remains unclear how N2-fixers meet the high demands for inorganic nutrients imposed by rapid biomass accumulation on nutrient-poor tropical soils. Here, we…
Life expectancy in adulthood is falling for those without a BA degree, but as educational gaps have widened, racial gaps have narrowed [Social Sciences]
20hA 4-y college degree is increasingly the key to good jobs and, ultimately, to good lives in an ever-more meritocratic and unequal society. The bachelor's degree (BA) is increasingly dividing Americans; the one-third with a BA or more live longer and more prosperous lives, while the two-thirds without face rising…
Northern Hemisphere summers may last nearly half the year by 2100
1dWithout efforts to mitigate climate change, summers spanning nearly six months may become the new normal by 2100 in the Northern Hemisphere, according to a new study. The change would likely have far-reaching impacts on agriculture, human health and the environment, according to the study authors.
Nu dubbelt så många kvinnor i kvinnobiografiskt lexikon
2dMed buller och bång lanserades Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon, SKBL, för exakt tre år sedan. Lagom till internationella kvinnodagen finns det nu dubbelt så många kvinnor porträtterade. När svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon lanserades innehöll databasen 1000 kvinnor, därefter beviljades projektet medel från Riksbankens jubileumsfond, och databasen kunde utökas med lika många kvinnor till. – Det
NIH scientists use human cerebral organoid to test drug for deadly brain disease
22hApproximately two years after establishing a human cerebral organoid system to study Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), National Institutes of Health researchers have further developed the model to screen drugs for potential CJD treatment. The scientists, from NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), describe their work in Scientific Reports.
A 300-Year-Old Tale Of One Woman's Quest To Stop A Deadly Virus
2dIn 1721, London was in the grips of a deadly smallpox epidemic. One woman learned how to stop it, but her solution sowed political division. (Image credit: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty)
Unlocking the Mysteries of Long COVID
2dPhotographs by Jonno Rattman Image above: Nearly a year after she was infected with the coronavirus, Caitlin Barber still uses a wheelchair outside. This article was published online on March 8, 2021. The quest at Mount Sinai began with a mystery. During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, Zijian Chen, an endocrinologist, had been appointed medical director of the hospita
1d
Biden Moves To Make It Illegal (Again) To Accidentally Kill Migratory Birds
16hThe changes will restore protections that were taken away under former president Donald Trump. But they will take time, and wildlife advocates say many bird species already face a risk of extinction. (Image credit: Elaine Thompson/AP)
Meghan and Harry Go to War
•
1dHarry Meghan Oprah
After the trial separation, here comes the messy divorce. And a vital question: Who gets custody of the narrative? It has been less than a month since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finalized their split from the British Royal Family, renouncing their patronages and honorary appointments as well as their income. The fallout between the couple and Buckingham Palace has been painful and public. "Th
Somerset starlings stop man's car in 'impressive' display
2dEcologist Jamie Kingscott took a photograph of thousands of starlings as they surrounded his car.
This sea slug cut off its own head—and lived to tell the tale
1dAbility may have evolved as a way to get rid of parasites
Land could be worth more left to nature than when farmed, study finds
1dNature-rich sites such as woods and wetlands more valuable because of the 'ecosystem services' they provide The economic benefits of protecting nature-rich sites such as wetlands and woodlands outweigh the profit that could be made from using the land for resource extraction, according to the largest study yet to look at the value of protecting nature at specific locations. Scientists analysed 24
We Already Got Rid of the Filibuster Once Before
2dLast week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, a bill that would make voter registration automatic, end partisan gerrymandering, strengthen campaign-finance law, and bolster oversight of lobbyists. It's the most sweeping package of democracy reforms in generations. Yet the mood among most democracy reformers was not giddy excitement but resigned dismay: Although H.R. 1 has passed the House
Global heating pushes tropical regions towards limits of human livability
1dRising heat and humidity threatening to plunge much of the world's population into potentially lethal conditions, study finds The climate crisis is pushing the planet's tropical regions towards the limits of human livability, with rising heat and humidity threatening to plunge much of the world's population into potentially lethal conditions, new research has found. Related: 'It is the question o
1d
Humans Have Surprising Similarities to Strange Creatures From 550 Million Years Ago
1dIt's all connected.
Study Finds Severe Obesity Raises Risk of Covid-19 Hospitalization and Death
1dA large new study has confirmed an association between obesity and patient outcomes among people who contract the coronavirus.
This sea slug can chop off its head and grow an entire new body, twice
1dTwo species of sacoglossan sea slugs have been found to be able to sever their heads from their bodies and regrow a replacement by researchers in Japan.
Lung Cancer Scans Are Recommended for People 50 and Older With Shorter Smoking Histories
23hNew advice from an influential panel will make more women and African-Americans eligible for CT scans, but some who need them most may not be able to afford them.
Jaw-Dropping Fossil Find Contains a Dinosaur Sitting on an Entire Clutch of Eggs
8hA one-of-a-kind discovery.
Mind your head: scientists discover incredible self-decapitating sea slug – video
1dResearchers at Japan's Nara Women's University have discovered a new trait exhibited by the sacoglossan sea slug – it has the ability to decapitate itself, then regrow its body. The process, from shedding all of itself below the neck to regrowing a new body, takes less than a month, in an extreme example of a process known as autotomy Keep your head: the self-decapitating sea slugs that regrow th
Earth has a hidden layer, and no one knows exactly what it is
2dEarth may have a layer no one knew about, an inner-inner core where something is different in the structure of solid iron.
China and Russia to build lunar space station
11hThe two countries will create research facilities on the surface and/or in the moon's orbit.
Coronavirus: Divers find Philippine reef covered with single-use face masks
22hDivers in the Philippines find personal protective equipment (PPE) among rubbish on a coral reef.
France underestimated impact of nuclear tests in French Polynesia
1dGroundbreaking new analysis could allow more than 100,000 people to claim compensation France has consistently underestimated the devastating impact of its nuclear tests in French Polynesia in the 1960s and 70s, according to groundbreaking new research that could allow more than 100,000 people to claim compensation. France conducted 193 nuclear tests from 1966 to 1996 at Moruroa and Fangataufa at
This Is a Piece of a Lost Protoplanet, And It's Officially Older Than Earth
1dThe oldest known volcanic rock.
Vaccinated Americans, Let the Unmasked Gatherings Begin (but Start Small)
1dThe C.D.C. on Monday released long-awaited advice for immunized people, a glimpse at the next stage of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Cryptic Tweet, Elon Musk Refers to Antimatter-Powered Rockets
1dYes Man SpaceX's Starship is powered by methane. Its Falcon 9 runs on highly refined kerosene known as RP-1. But if a new tweet means anything, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk already has his eyes set on a much higher-tech rocket fuel: antimatter. In a reply to a post about antimatter rockets — hypothetical spacecraft that would be powered by antimatter — Musk tweeted just two words : "Ultimately, yes." Not
15h
Rare meteorite chunk traced by scientists to Gloucestershire driveway
1d'Dream come true' to locate first carbonaceous chondrite seen in UK, part of fireball that caused sonic boom A lump of a rare meteorite that lit up the night sky over the UK and northern Europe last week has been recovered from a driveway in Gloucestershire. The fragment, weighing nearly 300 grams, and other pieces of the space rock were located after scientists reconstructed the flight path of t
CDC: People Who Are Fully Vaccinated Can Gather Indoors
•
1dCDC Vaccinated People
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today that Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can gather in small numbers indoors, The New York Times reports. Other precautions, including social distancing and masking, are still in effect in public spaces. "Fully vaccinated" means that at least two weeks have elapsed since a given person has received their second Pfizer
Guns Are a Threat to the Body Politic
2dUpdated at 1:03 p.m. ET on March 8, 2021. Why regulate guns? The standard answer is that gun laws can prevent needless deaths and physical injury. But this is not a complete accounting. As gun-brandishing protesters and armed invasions of legislatures demonstrate, guns inflict more than physical injuries—they transform the public sphere on which a constitutional democracy depends. America must re
Anger after Indonesia offers Elon Musk Papuan island for SpaceX launchpad
7hBiak island residents say SpaceX launchpad would devastate island's ecology and displace people from their homes Papuans whose island has been offered up as a potential launch site for Elon Musk's SpaceX project have told the billionaire Tesla chief his company is not welcome on their land, and its presence would devastate their island's ecosystem and drive people from their homes. Musk was offer
Deadly pig disease could have led to Covid spillover to humans, analysis suggests
8hAfrican swine fever led to mass cull of pigs in China and may have increased human-virus contact as people turned to other meat Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage An outbreak of a deadly pig disease may have set the stage for Covid-19 to take hold in humans, a new analysis has suggested. African swine fever (ASF), which first swept through China in 2018, disrupted pork
13h
Exotic crystals of 'ice 19' discovered
1dScientists have identified the 19th form of water ice. The exotic, four-sided crystals of this rare ice variety, now dubbed ice XIX, form at ultra-low temperatures and ultra-high pressures.
It's unavoidable: we must ban fossil fuels to save our planet. Here's how we do it | Roland Geyer
1dTwice before, humanity has mitigated severe global environmental threats. In both cases we did this not with 'cap and trade' systems, taxes, or offsets, but with bans Time is running out to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and avoid catastrophic climate change. The 2018 special report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) "suggests a remaining budget of about 420 Gigatonnes
Inaction leaves world playing 'Russian roulette' with pandemics, say experts
1dNew coalition calls on governments to tackle root cause of emerging infections – the destruction of nature Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Governments must fill a major gap in post-Covid recovery plans with action on the root cause of pandemics – the destruction of nature – a new coalition of health and environment groups has warned. Crucial investments and actions a
4.6-billion-year-old meteorite belongs to Earth's long-lost baby cousin
1dRare chemical makeup in a meteorite that fell to Earth in 2020 hints at its unusual origins: from a pre-planetary body dating to our solar system's beginnings.
CRISPR Scientist's Biography Explores Ethics Of Rewriting The Code Of Life
1dThe Code Breaker profiles Jennifer Doudna, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist key to the development of CRISPR, and examines the technology's exciting possibilities and need for oversight. (Image credit: Nick Otto/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Ancient helmet worn by soldier in the Greek-Persian wars found in Israel
2dA well-preserved ancient Greek helmet likely worn by a soldier during a war with the Persians has been found in Haifa Harbor in Israel.
SLS: Nasa assembles twin boosters for its 'megarocket'
19hThe space agency has completed the assembly of two boosters for its "megarocket", the SLS.
Winners of the 2020 World Nature Photography Awards
20hThe submissions to this year's World Nature Photography Awards have been judged, and the winning images and photographers have just been announced. Thomas Vijayan was the Grand Prize winner, with his image of an orangutan climbing a tree. The contest organizers have shared with us some of the winning images, shown below, from their 13 categories. Captions were provided by the photographers and ha
Vitamin D supplements may offer no Covid benefits, data suggests
21hTwo studies fail to find evidence to support claims supplements protect against coronavirus Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The idea that vitamin D supplements can reduce susceptibility to, and the severity of, Covid-19 is seductive – it offers a simple, elegant solution to a very complex and lethal problem. But analyses encompassing large European datasets suggest t
Harvard Scientists Propose Super-Tall Towers to Power Moon Base
22hMoon Tower Scientists have come up with an ambitious new idea to provide bases on the Moon's surface with solar power, New Scientist reports : massive, kilometer-high towers constructed from lunar concrete and almost entirely covered in solar panels. The team, led by Sephora Ruppert from Harvard University, suggest in a yet-to-be-peer-reviewed paper that the towers could be constructed by mixing
Nuclear Power Looks to Regain Its Footing 10 Years after Fukushima
23hEconomics may play a stronger role than fear in steering nuclear power toward a slow decline — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
We Have to Grieve Our Last Good Days
1dF or me, it's the last time I swam in the ocean. It was a February evening in Florida, and I didn't know that the people I was there with would be the last new friends I'd make, on a work trip I didn't know would be the last I'd take. Everyone else seemed content to sit on the sand and look up nearby restaurants on the internet. But I felt like maybe I'd regret it if I didn't go in. So I changed
What Is Life? Its Vast Diversity Defies Easy Definition.
1dPeople often feel that they can intuitively recognize whether something is alive, but nature is filled with entities that flout easy categorization as life or non-life — and the challenge may intensify as other planets and moons open up to exploration. In this excerpt from his new book, Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive , published today, the science writer Carl Zimmer discuss
We Now Can See a Virus Mutate Like Never Before
1dIn the beginning, there was one. The first genome for the virus causing a mysterious illness we had not yet named COVID-19 was shared by scientists on January 10, 2020. That single genome alerted the world to the danger of a novel coronavirus. It was the basis of new tests as countries scrambled to find the virus within their own borders. And it became the template for vaccines, the same ones now
1d
1d
How to Put Out Democracy's Dumpster Fire
1dIllustrations by Yoshi Sodeoka This article was published online on March 8, 2021. T o read the diary of Gustave de Beaumont, the traveling companion of Alexis de Tocqueville, is to understand just how primitive the American wilderness once seemed to visiting Frenchmen. In a single month, December 1831, Tocqueville and Beaumont were on a steamship that crashed; rode a stagecoach that broke an axl
New Algorithm Breaks Speed Limit for Solving Linear Equations
1dGrade school math students are likely familiar with teachers admonishing them not to just guess the answer to a problem. But a new proof establishes that, in fact, the right kind of guessing is sometimes the best way to solve systems of linear equations, one of the bedrock calculations in math. As a result, the proof establishes the first method capable of surpassing what had previously been a ha
Global Warming's Deadly Combination: Heat and Humidity
1dA new study suggests that large swaths of the tropics will experience dangerous living and working conditions if global warming isn't limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Tide Is High—and Getting Higher
2dA trove of historic records show that dredging and sea level rise are making nuisance high tides worse along the US coasts.
The Pandemic Has Made Women Angry
3hIn July, Clare Wenham—and her daughter, Scarlett, and Scarlett's picture of a unicorn—went viral. Wenham researches global health policy at the London School of Economics, and she was giving an interview to the BBC about Britain's attempts to manage the coronavirus pandemic. But Scarlett had another pressing issue on her mind: Which shelf displayed her unicorn to its best advantage? Wenham soldie
Medieval women 'put faith in birth girdles' to protect them during childbirth
15hNew findings cement idea that ritual and religion was invoked using talismans to soothe nerves With sky-high levels of maternal mortality, the science of obstetrics virtually nonexistent and the threat of infectious disease always around the corner, pregnant medieval women put their faith in talismans to bring them divine protection during childbirth. From amulets to precious stones, the list of
Physicists Propose New Idea for "Human-Safe" Wormholes
17hWhat if we could traverse distances on an astronomical scale, in a blink of an eye, through the use of a wormhole? It's a topic rife with speculation — but if recently published research is anything to go by, traversing through an interdimensional wormhole may not be quite as far-fetched as it sounds. Two separate groups of researchers have suggested new theories as to how to make wormholes safe
China and Russia Sign Deal to Build Research Base on Moon
17hMoon Pact Now it's official. Back in February, the governments of Russia and China agreed, informally, to collaborate on an upcoming Moon base . Now, both countries have gone ahead and signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes those plans — an intriguing collaboration which, if it goes anywhere, could cut NASA out of both nations' goal for a long term Moon presence. Red Moon The collab
Meghan and Harry Interview: A Trauma Expert Weighs In
19hCommentators describe the couple's experience as "trauma." But strictly speaking, trauma is an event that alters your mind, leaving you helpless and terrified.
How Scientist Jennifer Doudna Is Leading the Next Technological Revolution
19hA new book from Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson offers an incisive portrait of the gene editing field that is changing modern medicine
Quantum Mechanics, the Chinese Room Experiment and the Limits of Understanding
20hAll of us, even physicists, often process information without really knowing what we're doing — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Butterfly population collapse linked to climate change
21hNew research has found that warmer autumns are driving the extinction of monarch butterflies. Globally, 40 percent of insect populations are in decline; one-third are in danger of extinction. Insects pollinate three-fourths of the world's crop supply, resulting in 1.4 billion jobs. Insects might often seem like a nuisance, yet life on this planet would be impossible without them. Sure, mosquitoes
Sea-Level Rise Affects Coastal Areas 4 Times Faster Than We Thought. Here's Why
22hIt's worse than we realized.
SpaceX Just Rolled Its Next Starship Prototype Onto the Pad
23hNext Up SpaceX has rolled its next massive Starship prototype to the launch pad at its testing facilities in Boca Chica, Texas, NASA Spaceflight reports. The prototype, dubbed SN11, is the fourth full-scale test subject of the company's ambitious spacecraft. The three prototypes that came before it — SN8, SN9, and SN10 — were all run through their paces, with varying degrees of success. Case in p
NASA May Have Picked a Place to Fly the Mars Helicopter
1dDrop Off After touching down in the Jezero Crater on February 18, NASA's Perseverance rover is getting ready for its big journey. Over the last couple of weeks, the six-wheeled rover has stretched its arms and its wheels — and now it's hunting for a spot to drop one of its most prized possessions: Ingenuity, a small helicopter capable of flying in the Red Planet's thin atmosphere. "I've continued
A device-independent protocol for more efficient random number generation
1dRecent advancements in the development of experimental Bell tests have enabled the implementation of a new type of device-independent random number generator. Remarkably, this new type of random number generators can be realized with malicious quantum devices, without requiring detailed models of the quantum devices used.
Sci-Fi Writer or Prophet? The Hyperreal Life of Chen Qiufan
1dAs China's science fiction authors are elevated to the status of oracles, Qiufan's career—and his genre's place in society—have gone through the looking glass.
Old dogs need to learn new tricks. Here's why.
1dThe idea that older brains become less flexible to learning is in some ways a myth. (Jordan Whitt//) Since at least the 1500s, the adage "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" has preached the impossibility of schooling older folks. The trope still manages to color stereotypes of aging as more of a downhill slide than a journey toward wisdom. But 16th-century know-it-alls didn't have access to 2
Percy's Landing Site Has Been Named For Octavia E. Butler, And It Fits So Beautifully
1dWe have so many feelings.
How Bad Was the Coronavirus Pandemic on Tourism in 2020? Look at the Numbers.
1dThe dramatic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel industry and beyond are made clear in six charts.
More than half of snacks marketed as healthy are high in fat, salt or sugar
1dAction on Salt assessed 119 snacks including lentil curls and chickpea chips, finding some to be saltier than seawater More than half of seemingly healthy snacks analysed by experts are high in fat, salt and/or sugar, prompting calls for more "honest" labelling. Action on Salt assessed 119 snacks, including dried/roasted pulses and processed pulse snacks such as lentil curls, chickpea chips and p
How Giant Batteries Are Protecting The Most Vulnerable In Blackouts
1dPower outages are increasingly common, putting everything from clean drinking water to medical equipment at risk. Some communities are installing solar power and large batteries to protect themselves. (Image credit: Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)
Utilities Are Installing Big Batteries at a Record Pace
1dBlackouts due to wildfires and wild weather are prompting action — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Global warming could make survival in tropics impossible: Study
1dLimiting global warming to targets proposed in the Paris Agreement could keep tropical regions from reaching temperatures that are beyond human tolerability, a new study projects.
The myth of bringing your full, authentic self to work | Jodi-Ann Burey
1dCalls for authenticity at work ask for passionate people with diverse, fresh perspectives who challenge old ways of thinking. But too often workplace culture fails to support the authenticity of professionals of color and other underrepresented groups, leading instead to backlash and fewer opportunities. Writer Jodi-Ann Burey outlines steps toward exposing privilege and achieving true equity on th
Tesla Reportedly Hooking Up Giant Battery to Texas' Failed Grid
•
1dTesla Battery Texas
Texas Battery According to drone images taken earlier this month, Tesla might be attempting to plug a massive mega-battery into Texas' failed electric grid, Bloomberg reports . Bloomberg suggests that Tesla's rumored battery, which is being constructed outside of Houston, could provide enough power for about "20,000 homes on a hot summer day." While Tesla hasn't confirmed that it is indeed behind
How to Figure Out the Mass of Earth—With Balls and String
2dIt involves calculating some very, very tiny numbers in order to find some super huge big ones.
Mændene tog æren: Mød fem kvinder, der aldrig blev anerkendt for deres store bidrag til videnskaben
2dKvinder har stort set altid lavet videnskab, men de har sjældent fået den anerkendelse, de har fortjent.
Climate change: Kerry urges top polluters to cut emissions now
2dUS climate envoy praises UK and urges action from China and India following talks with Boris Johnson.
Octopuses can 'see' light with their arms
2dOctopuses can "see" light with their arms, even when their eyes are in the dark, researchers have found.
Ancient hippo-size reptile was a quick and ferocious killing machine
2dMillions of years before dinosaurs appeared, the hefty reptile Anteosaurus was a deadly predator. Scientists just learned that it was also unexpectedly speedy.
China and Russia Agree to Explore the Moon Together
13minThe two countries, moving increasingly closer, signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate on lunar missions, including the establishment of a research station in orbit or on the surface of the moon.
Tasmanian Tigers Are Extinct. Why Do People Keep Seeing Them?
5hQuirks of the human mind and how we process information might explain the uncanny appearances of thylacines.
Harrowing Report Finds 110,000 People Were Contaminated by French Nuclear Tests
8h"It was when our elders began to die that we really started to ask questions."
Pablo Escobar's hippos might be filling an ancient ecological niche
16hSome ecologists think these hippos may have happened upon a valuable niche once occupied by semiaquatic hoofed mammals that roamed South America 100,000 years ago. (Jacqueline Oakley/) In 1981, notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar imported four hippos from Africa to his estate near Medellín, Colombia. After his death in 1993, the herd meandered into the nearby Magdalena River. Ecologists estimate th
Rare meteorite, a 'relic of the early solar system,' falls on a driveway in England
17hThe meteorite likely formed at the same time as the first planets in the solar system.
Universe's oldest known quasar discovered 13 billion light-years away
18hAstronomers have found the farthest known source of radio emissions in the universe: a galaxy-swallowing supermassive black hole.
Love, sorrow and the emotions that power climate action | Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug
19hPicture your favorite place in nature. How would you feel if it disappeared tomorrow? In this love letter to the planet, social worker and environmental activist Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug invites us to confront the deep, difficult emotions — love, sorrow and even rage — born from climate-driven ecological loss in order to act in service of our collective home.
Royals Could Choose Ordinary Anonymity
20hIn 2019, a romance blossomed between an eligible European royal and a Black commoner whom traditionalists considered unsuitable for a royal marriage. The lovebirds were not Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who had already been married for a year. They were Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her boyfriend, a Californian named Durek Verrett. Like Prince Harry, Princess Märtha Louise is a spare hei
Who inherits the British throne?
21hSince days of yore, the royal line of succession to the British throne — like most monarchies — was based on primogeniture.
Antarctic Peninsula warming up due to heat in Tasman Sea
21hThe melting of the Earth's ice cover intensified in the 20th century, with glaciers and sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic regions melting at alarming speeds. In fact, The Antarctic Peninsula (AP), which is the only landmass of Antarctica extending out past the Antarctic Circle, was found to be one of the most rapidly warming regions on the planet during the second half of the 20th century. This
Scientists question NHS algorithm as young people called in for jab
23hApparent inconsistencies in QCovid risk prediction tool wrongly identifying some patients as high risk Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Scientists are questioning the reliability of algorithms used to trawl through patients' health records and flag those who should be asked to shield and prioritised for vaccination. GPs have reported being contacted by young, healthy
Whale and dolphin brains are special—for heat production, not for intelligence
1dScientific evidence shows specialized features in the large brains of whales and dolphins that are adapted for heat production.
Italy passes 'terrible threshold' of 100,000 coronavirus deaths
1dOne year after being the first western country to lock down, Italy is bracing for a third wave of the pandemic Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Italy has recorded 100,000 coronavirus deaths, a year after it became the first western country to impose a total lockdown and as it braces for a third wave of the pandemic. Among those who have died in recent days are Monique
Achondrite found to date back to just two million years after birth of solar system
1dA team of researchers affiliated with several institutions in France and one in Japan has found that an achondrite found in Algeria (in the Saharan desert) last year dates back to just 2 million years after the birth of the solar system. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their study of the rock and what they learned about it.
Microsoft-led team retracts quantum 'breakthrough'
1dThe team believed they had found evidence of particles useful to developing quantum computing.
Magical amulet decoded. It protected owner from blood-sucking spirits.
1dA newly deciphered magical amulet claims to stop evil spirits "who eat flesh and drink blood," archaeologists have found.
'The Code Breaker' Is the Crispr Chronicle You Need to Read
1dWalter Isaacson's account, out Tuesday, is a thrilling tale of scientific discovery. He talks about gene-editing tech—and the future of the human race.
The Pandemic Can't End While Wealthy Nations Hoard Shots
1dEliminating Covid globally means navigating a minefield of competition, limited supply, and suspicion that some vaccines aren't as good.
Hubble Space Telescope just entered 'safe mode'
1dThe Hubble space telescope entered into "safe mode" due to a software error, but is safe and stable.
Vismændene har regnet: CO2-afgift giver den mindste regning – men landbruget bliver slagtet
1dDen grønne omstilling bliver enten dyr for landbruget eller for danskerne, lyder det i ny rapport fra vismændene.
Get Ready to Hug! CDC Just Released First Guidelines For Fully Vaccinated People
1dHere's what you can expect.
Will Kyrsten Sinema Change Her Mind?
1dE very other January , the 435 members of the House of Representatives convene in the Capitol and determine, as their first order of business, who will lead them for the next two years. The roll is taken, and one by one, each member says aloud their choice for speaker. In 2015, nearly every Democrat cast their vote for Nancy Pelosi, the longtime party leader. Not Kyrsten Sinema. When it was her t
SpaceX Plans to Bring Starlink Internet to Cars, Boats, and Planes
1dStarlink Mobile SpaceX is asking US regulators for permission to build out its Starlink broadband internet service for cars, trucks, shipping boats, and aircraft, The Verge reports . So far, SpaceX has focused its Starlink efforts on providing rural homes with broadband speed internet. Now it wants to go mobile, as detailed in a request filed last Friday with the Federal Communications Commission
How fast is the universe expanding? Galaxies provide one answer.
1dDetermining how rapidly the universe is expanding is key to understanding our cosmic fate, but with more precise data has come a conundrum: Estimates based on measurements within our local universe don't agree with extrapolations from the era shortly after the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago.
Key step reached toward long-sought goal of a silicon-based laser
1dWhen it comes to microelectronics, there is one chemical element like no other: silicon, the workhorse of the transistor technology that drives our information society. The countless electronic devices we use in everyday life are a testament to how today very high volumes of silicon-based components can be produced at very low cost. It seems natural, then, to use silicon also in other areas where
How Bad Was 2020 for Tourism? Look at the Numbers.
1dThe dramatic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel industry and beyond are made clear in six charts.
The US Army's New Goggles Could Let Soldiers See Around Corners
1dGoggle Up The US Army is hard at work on a new pair of hi-tech goggles that allows infantry to see in the dark and even see around corners, Popular Mechanics reports . The goggles, called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), incorporate a feed from a variety of cameras mounted to the front of the goggles. The goggles can also incorporate feeds from other omnidirectional cameras mount
Legume trees key to supporting tropical forest growth
1dResearchers have found that nitrogen-fixing legume trees can support themselves and surrounding trees not only with increased access to nitrogen, but with other key nutrients through enhanced mineral weathering.
'Pompeii of prehistoric plants' unlocks evolutionary secret: study
1dSpectacular fossil plants preserved within a volcanic ash fall in China have shed light on an evolutionary race 300 million years ago, which was eventually won by the seed-bearing plants that dominate so much of the Earth today.
Instagram photos help Facebook AI 'teach itself'
1dThe photos were used to help a Facebook algorithm learn to recognise images without supervision.
SpaceX Reveals Plans For Hugely Expanded Spaceport in Texas
1dEverything's Bigger SpaceX is making money moves in developing its launch site in South Texas, Ars Technica reports , with plans for its expanded spaceport now public. The plans, as outlined in a public notice , include plans for "the continued development of the SpaceX vertical launch area with the expansion and addition of test, orbital, and landing pads, integration towers, associated infrastr
Watch a black bear take on a striped skunk in a surprising faceoff
1dA spraying skunk can hit small targets up to 10 feet away. (LeniG from Pixabay/) This story originally featured on Field & Stream . Skunks are the unlikely badasses of the animal world. Small, waddling, and sort of cute, they would seem vulnerable if it weren't for weapon they keep loaded in their anal glands. As it is, they go where they want, brazenly poking their noses into every hole. Coyotes
World's oldest 'pet cemetery' discovered in ancient Egypt
1dAn ancient Egyptian pet cemetery holding the remains of cats, dogs and monkeys, some wearing collars, was unearthed by the Red Sea.
Microsoft-Led Team Retracts Disputed Quantum-Computing Paper
1dThe 2018 report in Nature claimed to have found evidence of an elusive subatomic particle. A review found that the group had omitted key data.
How Much Do Flies Help With Pollination?
2dThe much-maligned insect could be the key to ensuring future supplies of many of the world's favorite foods
Black Tech Employees Rebel Against 'Diversity Theater'
2dCompanies pledged money and support for people of color. But some say they still face a hostile work environment for speaking out or simply doing their jobs.
The moon has a tail, and Earth wears it like a scarf once a month
3hThe tail is invisible to the naked eye but appears on all-sky cameras during every new moon.
8h
China and Russia unveil joint plan for lunar space station
•
14hChina Russia Moon Station
Russian space agency Roscomos and Chinese counterpart CNSA to develop research facilities on surface of moon or in its orbit Russia and China have unveiled plans for a joint lunar space station, with the Russian space agency Roscomos saying it has signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface
We Finally Know The True Age of The Huge, Mysterious Objects in Laos' Plain of Jars
16hA landscape of stone and death.
Biden Is Assembling a Big Tech Antitrust All-Star Team
17hAppointing Lina Khan to the FTC would add an anti-monopoly crusader to a crucial position—as does Tim Wu's installment at the National Economic Council.
Software Glitch Shuts Down Hubble Space Telescope
22hSafe Mode NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has encountered a software glitch and had to put itself into a protective "safe mode" over the weekend, Space.com reports . In the early morning hours of Sunday, "the Hubble Space Telescope went into safe mode due to an onboard software error," reads a tweet by the telescope's official Twitter account. "All science systems appear normal and Hubble is safe a
Food drives a third of global emissions: report
23hA third of all the world's man-made greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food, according to new global research that tracked produce from field to fork to landfill.
Evidence found of regional magnetic field anomaly in Southeast Asia 800 years ago
23hAn international team of researchers has found evidence of a regional magnetic field anomaly in Southeast Asia, approximately 800 years ago. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their study of slag and other remnants left over from iron smelters who once worked in a part of Cambodia formerly known as Tonle Bak and what they found.
UK Covid live news: Whitty tells MPs situation could 'turn bad very fast' if lockdown easing rushed
1dLatest updates: chief medical adviser and chief scientific adviser give evidence to Commons science committee NHS Nightingale hospitals to close from next month Return to schools could alter England's roadmap, PM warns Labour calls for audit of UK's preparedness for next pandemic 'Once-in-a-generation event': a year of lockdown in Europe Coronavirus – latest global updates 2.28pm GMT Nicola Sturg
Vaccinated Americans can socialise without masks, says CDC
1dPublic health officials loosen guidelines for those fully inoculated against virus
We Need to Rename ADHD
1dCalling the condition a disorder falsely implies we know of a cause located in the brains of people diagnosed with it—and we don't — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
An animal that can regrow its entire body
1dFor some species of sea slug, decapitation is a mere annoyance
Climate Change Will Reshape Silicon Valley As We Know It
2dThe next entrepreneurial revolution will arise to combat the crisis of our lifetime.
The Accellion Breach Keeps Getting Worse—and More Expensive
2dWhat started as a few vulnerabilities in firewall equipment has snowballed into a global extortion spree.
Could lab-grown meat help tackle climate change?
2dLast year Singapore approved the sale of 'chicken' grown in a lab. What is it exactly – and could it be better for the planet?
Arkeologer: Här bodde vikingakvinnan som korsade Atlanten – 500 år före Columbus
3hArkeologer på Island har nyligen grävt fram en gård som man menar tillhör den mytomspunna vikingakvinnan Gudrid Torbjörnsdottir. Hon tros vara den första europeiska kvinnan att korsa Atlanten. – Det kom som en överraskning att hitta okända, begravda vikingabyggnader, säger arkeologen Douglas Bolender.
At AstraZeneca, we know that until everyone is safe from Covid, no one is safe | Pascal Soriot
3hThe scientific community are rising to the challenge, undertaking an unprecedented global health programme Pascal Soriot is the chief executive officer of AstraZeneca Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Covid-19 is a virus that knows no boundaries and has inflicted terrible suffering across the world. Now more than ever, we must remember that no one is safe until everyon
We Just Found The Secret Weapon That Makes Cotton The Best For Reusable Face Masks
8hEven better than we realized.
How much longer will the Hubble Space Telescope last?
17hOn Sunday, NASA announced that the Hubble Space Telescope had gone into safe mode once again , "due to an onboard software error." The telescope's science systems were not affected at all, but all science operations were suspended while crews on the ground worked to fix the problem. The agency didn't release any details as to what exactly the glitch was, what had caused it, or what was being done
How Do You Weigh a Hummingbird?
19hFind out how animal keepers weigh Spot, the hummingbird, and get tips on attracting the tiny beauties to your backyard
Bitcoin's Greatest Feature Is Also Its Existential Threat
21hThe cryptocurrency depends on the integrity of the blockchain. But China's censors, the FBI, or powerful corporations could fragment it into oblivion.
8 truly dysfunctional royal families
23hPalace plots, assassination attempts and multiple marriages would have made family reunions in these royal lineages awkward, to say the least.
Step Into the Mossy World Where Tiny Plants Play an Outsized Role in the Environment
1dBryophytes are an important part of our environment, but in the tropics, there's still much to learn about them
5 ways to spot if someone is trying to mislead you when it comes to science
1dIt's not a new thing for people to try to mislead you when it comes to science. But in the age of COVID-19—when we're being bombarded with even more information than usual, when there's increased uncertainty, and when we may be feeling overwhelmed and fearful—we're perhaps even more susceptible to being deceived.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla: A Trip to the Land of Ice and Fire
1dI was surprised at how readily a game could transport me back to my youth—and to a place I always wanted to return.
5 Strategies for Coping With Grief During a Pandemic
1dThere's no "right" way to deal with loss, whether it's the loss of a job or a loved one. Here are some resources and practices for managing the pain from home.
Will the EU emerge from the coronavirus crisis stronger or weaker? | Timothy Garton Ash
1dAfter its mixed Covid response, the EU must now focus on really delivering what its citizens want Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A year ago this week, we learned with astonishment that Italy was going into a national lockdown to fight a strange new virus that had apparently come from somewhere in China. Within a fortnight, Spain, France and Britain had followed. Now
Full evolutionary journey of hospital superbug mapped for the first time
1dModern hospitals and antibiotic treatment alone did not create all the antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria we see today. Instead, selection pressures from before widespread use of antibiotics influenced some of them to develop, new research has discovered.
Here's what the CDC says you can do once you're vaccinated—and what it doesn't
1dFully vaccinated Americans can now gather indoors, maskless and without distancing—as long as it's with others who've gotten their shots, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The advice, which comes as vaccinations continue to gain speed in America, are a positive signal for those who have had a course of shots. But it shows there's a lot we still don't k
Hummingbirds' Iridescent Feathers Are Still a Bit of a Mystery
1dScientists still don't know the full purpose of this changeable biological trait — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Klara and the Sun Imagines a Social Schism Driven by AI
1dThe Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro talks to WIRED about AI, Crispr, and his hopes for humanity.
Former NASA Leader Says SpaceX Should Build NASA's Moon Rocket
1dFormer NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver believes that the agency's extremely expensive and overdue Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket meant to return American astronauts to the surface of the Moon, just isn't worth the money and the wait. In a new interview with CBS, Garver argued that "I would not have recommended the government build a $27 billion rocket," referring to the SLS, "when th
Fruit bats are the only bats that can't use echolocation. Now we're closer to knowing why
2dScientists have found another piece in the puzzle of how echolocation evolved in bats, moving closer to solving a decades-long evolutionary mystery.
This 'Ninja Giant' is the oldest titanosaur on record
2dA new long-neck dinosaur discovered in Argentina might be the oldest titanosaur ever discovered.
Welcome to Amazon's Future of Automatic Shopping. It's Weird
2dAmazon's internet-connected scale automatically re-purchases whatever you stack on it when supplies get low. This is both neat and problematic.
Politics Is the New Religion
2hIllustration by Paul Spella / Rendering by Patrick White This article was published online on March 10, 2021. T he United States had long been a holdout among Western democracies, uniquely and perhaps even suspiciously devout. From 1937 to 1998, church membership remained relatively constant, hovering at about 70 percent. Then something happened. Over the past two decades, that number has dropped
An Octopus Could Be the Next Model Organism
3hBig-brained cephalopods could shine light on the evolution and neurobiology of intelligence, complexity, and more—and inspire medical and technological breakthroughs — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Fukushima disaster: What happened at the nuclear plant?
4hA tsunami struck the Japanese plant in 2011, leading to the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.
Ny studie: Odlad lax har lägre klimatpåverkan än kött
5hOdlad lax från Norge påverkar inte klimatet lika mycket som nötkött. Det visar svenska forskare i en ny studie där man jämfört olika animaliers näringsinnehåll i relation till klimatavtryck.
Sushi-like rolled 2D heterostructures may lead to new miniaturized electronics
6hThe recent synthesis of one-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures, a type of heterostructure made by layering two-dimensional materials that are one atom thick, may lead to new, miniaturized electronics that are currently not possible, according to a team of Penn State and University of Tokyo researchers.
Researchers use silkworm silk to model muscle tissue
6hResearchers at Utah State University are using silkworm silk to grow skeletal muscle cells, improving on traditional methods of cell culture and hopefully leading to better treatments for muscle atrophy.
Scientists discover slug that can decapitate itself, grow new body
16hIn a recent study, scientists observed two species of sea slug that were able to self-decapitate, survive for weeks without organs, and regenerate entirely new bodies. The study authors proposed that the slugs are able to survive as severed heads because of the unique way they obtain energy from algae. While other animals engage in self-amputation (known as autotomy) to avoid predators, the study
Can Evolution Explain All Dark Animal Behaviors?
21hMany actions that would be considered heinous to humans — cannibalism, eating offspring, torture and rape — have been observed in the animal kingdom. Most (but not all) eyebrow-raising behaviors among animals have an evolutionary underpinning.
Engineers propose solar-powered lunar ark as 'modern global insurance policy'
21hUniversity of Arizona researcher Jekan Thanga is taking scientific inspiration from an unlikely source: the biblical tale of Noah's Ark. Rather than two of every animal, however, his solar-powered ark on the moon would store cryogenically frozen seed, spore, sperm and egg samples from 6.7 million Earth species.
New study highlights first infection of human cells during spaceflight
23hAstronauts face many challenges to their health, due to the exceptional conditions of spaceflight. Among these are a variety of infectious microbes that can attack their suppressed immune systems.
Driving innovation with emotional intelligence
23hThe world watched in wonder in February as NASA's robotic rover Perseverance successfully landed on the surface of Mars with the goal of searching for evidence of past life on the red planet. The technology itself was, of course, astounding. But what really captivated the public was the video taken by a couple of miniature cameras from consumer-grade smartphones that were attached to the landing
The Shaky Ground Truths of Wikipedia
1dNow that it's warping my portals to the outside world, Wikipedia has me more worried than ever.
Cuomo Tries the Trump Defense
1dAndrew Cuomo and Donald Trump spent much of 2020 feuding—the former president sent dozens of tweets about the New York governor after the start of the coronavirus pandemic—but their quarrel obscured how much the two men have in common. They're both boys from Queens with a brusque manner of speaking, little patience for critics, and the benefit of famous fathers they've striven to eclipse . In 202
Saudi Arabia's wants to build a 105-mile-long 'Line' city in the desert
1dSaudi Arabia's proposed linear city relies on technology that doesn't exist yet and on a design idea that has failed in the past.
There will never be a cuttlefish in the cabinet – and that makes me sad | Emma Beddington
1dOctopuses and their relatives are remarkably clever and controlled. How many of our top politicians can say the same? Back in the gentler days of the internet, before it was just bots and people shouting at tea , I had a blog, and through it, occasional exchanges with a woman I described as my "cephalopod correspondent". She would write, sharing interesting titbits about squid behaviour, cuttlefi
Ekstremt vejr holdt store dinosaurer fanget i 15 millioner år
1dGlohede ørkener og voldsom nedbør forsinkede planteæderne i deres rejse fra Sydamerika til Grønland.
'Retaliation' for Russia's SolarWinds Spying Isn't the Answer
1dIt will be hard pointing to a specific line the Kremlin crossed that the US hasn't crossed as well.
Amanda Gorman, Poet Laureate and Gesturer Laureate
1dShe shows us that gestures are not mere hand-waving. They can convey images that magnify speech or even add new ideas that are not found in the spoken word — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Drone Spy Video Catches Tesla Semi Truck on Test Track
1dSemi Sonic Videographer Chris Nguyen flew his drone over the test track behind Tesla's Fremont factory last week and spotted something intriguing: one of the company's experimental Tesla Semi trucks in action. Nguyen uploaded two short videos from the episode: Ad Lads In InsideEV 's analysis , it looks as though Tesla was using the Model Y driving in front of the Semi in order to capture footage.
As we approach death, our dreams offer comfort and reconciliation
1dOne of the most devastating elements of the coronavirus pandemic has been the inability to personally care for loved ones who have fallen ill. Again and again , grieving relatives have testified to how much more devastating their loved one's death was because they were unable to hold their family member's hand —to provide a familiar and comforting presence in their final days and hours. Some had
Rise of marine predators reshaped ocean life as dramatically as sudden mass extinctions
1dEvolutionary arms races between marine animals overhauled ocean ecosystems on scales similar to the mass extinctions triggered by global disasters, a new study shows.
Atmospheric drying will lead to lower crop yields, shorter trees across the globe
1dA global observation of an ongoing atmospheric drying—known by scientists as a rise in vapor pressure deficit—has been observed worldwide since the early 2000s. In recent years, this concerning phenomenon has been on the rise, and is predicted to amplify even more in the coming decades as climate change intensifies.
Do photosynthetic complexes use quantum coherence to increase their efficiency?
2dIn a new report now published on Science Advances, Elinor Zerah Harush and Yonatan Dubi in the departments of chemistry and nanoscale science and technology, at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, discussed a direct evaluation of the effects of quantum coherence on the efficiency of three natural photosynthetic complexes. The open quantum systems approach allowed the researchers to sim
Why slow-pouring coffee makes a tower of liquid in your cup
2dWhen a droplet of coffee hits the liquid surface in the cup, a characteristic tower of coffee forms for a very short time, sometimes even with a new droplet on top. In a paper that appeared in Physical Review Fluids today, a team of researchers from Amsterdam, Delft and Paris shed new light on this intricate effect.
The human footprints of Ojo Guareña
2dThe CENIEH has participated in the study of the prints of bare feet found at the Sala y Galerías de las Huellas site in the Ojo Guareña Karst Complex (Burgos), which are the marks left in a soft floor sediment of an exploration by a small group of people between 4600 and 4200 years ago. Dating carried out in the access galleries to this site has documented intensive human traffic during the Neolit
The Game of Chess Had Patch Notes, Too
2dThe fundamentals haven't changed much. But the rules have evolved over the centuries—from timer usage to the ways that pieces are moved.
Ubisoft's Valhalla Is Too Long, Too Big, and Too Repetitive
2dIn the latest Assassin's Creed installment, I'm playing a Viking during the Dark Ages. Why am I bored?
Big Tech Targets DC With a Digital Charm Offensive
2dFacebook, Amazon, and Google ads are blanketing inside-the-Beltway newsletters in a bid to rehab their tarnished reputations.
Prehistoric Plankton Became Predators to Survive a Mass Extinction
2dWhen the sun disappeared, tiny coccoliths turned to hunting — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The Dire Possibility of Cyberattacks on Weapons Systems
2hJust because you don't hear about them doesn't mean no one's trying.
The Next Frontier of the NFT Gold Rush: Your Tweets
3hCrypto art is huge right now—and it's moving far beyond digital images.
It's Open Season for Microsoft Exchange Server Hacks
3hA patch for the vulnerabilities China exploited has been released. Now, criminal groups are going to reverse engineer it—if they haven't already.
Perseverance Martian landing point named after Octavia E Butler
9hScience-fiction author honoured in Nasa's chosen name for Mars rover's touchdown "Mars is a rock – cold, empty, almost airless, dead. Yet it's heaven in a way," Octavia E Butler wrote in her acclaimed novel Parable of the Sower. Decades later, Nasa has informally named the touchdown site of the Mars rover Perseverance after the late science fiction novelist. Nasa said there was "no better person"
Biomolecular analysis of medieval parchment 'birthing girdle'
15hChildbearing in medieval Europe was a highly perilous time with considerable risks for both mother and baby.
All the Best Rokus Are On Sale Right Now
17hIf you've been looking for a better TV setup, our favorite streaming devices are discounted.
Invasive zebra mussels found in pet shops nationwide
18hZebra mussels, those invaders that have wreaked havoc on the Great Lakes, have found a new way to further their damaging spread: pet shops.
Florida manatee deaths surge past 400 in first two months of 2021
18hFlorida manatees are dying at an alarming rate in the first two months of 2021, more than tripling the normal amount of fatalities seen during the same period over the last five years.
A little squid and its glowing bacteria yield new clues to symbiotic relationships
18hThe relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and the bioluminescent bacteria living in its light organ has been studied for decades as a model of symbiosis. Now researchers have used a powerful chemical analysis tool to identify a small molecule produced by the bacteria that appears to play an important role in their colonization of the light organ.
Adaptation, not irrigation, recommended for Midwest corn farmers
18hFarmers in the Midwest may be able to bypass the warming climate not by getting more water for their crops, but instead by adapting to climate change through soil management says a new study from Michigan State University.
Microscope allows ultrafast nanoscale manipulation while tracking energy dynamics
18hSince the early 2010s, ultrafast probing of materials at atomic-level resolution has been enabled by terahertz scanning tunneling microscopes (THz-STM). But these devices can't detect the dissipation of energy that happens during events such as when photons are emitted via recombination process of an electron-hole pair in a light emitting diode (LED). However, a new technique allows the tracking o
Ved du, hvordan Bitcoin egentlig fungerer?
19hBitcoins værdi er stadig på himmelflugt, men hvad er det, der er så specielt ved den mystiske mønt?
Microsoft Retracts Paper Claiming Quantum Computing Breakthrough
19hA controversial 2018 research paper about the discovery of an elusive subatomic particle has been retracted by the reputable journal Nature , the BBC reports . The team, led by researchers from Microsoft, claimed at the time to have discovered evidence of the " Majorana particle ," named after the famed 1930s Italian physicist Ettore Majorana. The particle, the researchers claimed, could make qua
Man accidentally gets 2 COVID-19 shots in one day, goes into shock
20hThere was a mix-up between patients at his rehabilitation center.
Unas babosas marinas regeneran su cuerpo después de decapitarse
20hEs un trabajo espeluznante pero alguien tiene que hacerlo: los científicos estudian la regeneración animal en estas criaturas del mar.
Klimaændring kan gøre tropiske egne ubeboelige
23hOmkring 40 procent af verdens befolkning bor i øjeblikket i de områder, der er i fare for at blive ubeboelige.
The Atlantic Daily: Understanding Long COVID
23hFor an estimated 10 to 30 percent of COVID-19 patients, recovery can take months. Known as COVID long-haulers , these patients suffer from symptoms such as severe fatigue and brain fog long after their initial infection. In the latest issue of our magazine, the writer Meghan O'Rourke surveys what doctors know so far about treating this scary illness —and explains why long COVID "may change our me
Evidence of superfluidity in a dipolar supersolid
23hSuperfluidity in liquids and gases can manifest as a reduced moment of inertia (the rotational analog of mass) under slow rotations. Non-classical rotational effects can also be considered in the elusive supersolid phases of matter where superfluidity can coexist with a lattice structure. In a new report now published in Science, L. Tanzi and a research team at the National Institute of Optics and
Russia and China plan joint lunar space station
23hRussia and China agreed Tuesday to build a lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to modernise its extraterrestrial might and catch up with the United States in the space race.
This Soft Robot Stingray Just Explored the Deepest Point in the Ocean
1dWhile all eyes were on the dramatic descent of NASA's Perseverance rover last month, a team sent a robot into another alien world, one closer to home: the deep sea. With its towering undersea mountains, dramatic geological features, and unique creatures—many of which remain mysterious—the deep sea is the last uncharted environment on Earth. The inaccessibility isn't surprising. Sinking any intrep
Mars Express unlocks the secrets of curious cloud
1dWhen spring arrives in southern Mars, a cloud of water ice emerges near the 20-kilometer-tall Arsia Mons volcano, rapidly stretching out for many hundreds of kilometers before fading away in mere hours. A detailed long-term study now reveals the secrets of this elongated cloud, using exciting new observations from the Mars Webcam on ESA's Mars Express.
Charcot-Marie Tooth disease: A 100% French RNA-based therapeutic innovation
1dCharcot-Marie Tooth disease is the most common hereditary neurological disease in the world. It affects the peripheral nerves and causes progressive paralysis of the legs and hands. No treatment is currently available to fight this disease, which is due to the overexpression of a specific protein. Scientists from the CNRS, INSERM, the AP-HP and the Paris-Saclay and Paris universities have develope
Study finds link between empathy and care for the environment
1dA study conducted by a team of researchers fromNanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has found that Singaporeans who score high levels of empathy choose to prioritize the environment over the convenience and comfort of both themselves and their families or co-workers.
Sömn kan påverka hur mycket antikroppar man bildar av vaccin
1dMan vet ännu inte hur länge antikropparna som bildas av vaccinet mot covid-19 finns kvar i kroppen. Tidigare studier visar att mer sömn innan och efter vaccination mot vanlig influensa kan påverka effekten. Forskare vill nu studera om livsstilsfaktorer som sömn, kost och dygnsrytm kan påverka hur långt skydd man får av coronavaccinen.
'Biodegradable' plastic will soon be banned in Australia—that's a big win for the environment
1dTo start dealing with Australia's mounting plastic crisis, the federal government last week launched its first National Plastics Plan.
Cells as computers: An OR switch in human cells that reacts to different signals
1dScientists at ETH Zurich are working to develop information-processing switching systems in biological cells. Now, for the first time, they have developed an OR switch in human cells that reacts to different signals.
New brain sensor offers answers about Alzheimer's
1dScientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have developed a tool to monitor communications within the brain in a way never before possible, and it has already offered an explanation for why Alzheimer's drugs have limited effectiveness and why patients get much worse after going off of them.
Combined technique using diamond probes enables nanoscale imaging of magnetic vortex structures
1dObtaining a precise understanding of magnetic structures is one of the main objectives of solid-state physics. Significant research is currently being undertaken in this field, the aim being to develop future data processing applications that use tiny magnetic structures as information carriers. Physicists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) recentl
Space missions are building up a detailed map of the sun's magnetic field
1dSolar physicists have been having a field day of late. A variety of missions have been staring at the sun more intently ever before (please don't try it at home). From the Parker Solar Probe to the Solar Orbiter, we are constantly collecting more and more data about our stellar neighbor. But it's not just the big-name missions that can collect useful data—sometimes information from missions as sim
My Kids Struggle With Remote Learning. Here's What Could Help
1dLike many parents, I've had to constantly advocate for my children's education this year. These are the structural changes that parents actually want to see.
Early Mars climate was intermittently warm
1dA new study that characterizes the climate of Mars over the planet's lifetime reveals that in its earliest history it was periodically warmed due to the input of greenhouse gases derived from volcanism and meteorites, yet remained relatively cold in the intervening periods, thus providing opportunities and challenges for any microbial life form that may have been emerging on the Red Planet. The st
Meet the Unsung Heroes behind Humanity's Improbable Journey to an Alien Ocean
1dThe author of a new book reveals the hidden human history of NASA's in-development Europa Clipper mission — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Vaccine tips and tricks: a start-up industry helps Americans find a shot
1dThe rollout of coronavirus vaccinations across the US has been patchy and confusing
Elsevier journals ask Retraction Watch to review COVID-19 papers
1dAt the risk of breaking the Fourth Wall, here's a story about peer reviews that weren't — and shouldn't have been. Since mid-February, four different Elsevier journals have invited me to review papers about COVID-19. Now, it is true that we will occasionally review — often with our researcher, Alison Abritis — papers on retractions … Continue reading
China M&A surges on Covid recovery as focus shifts inwards
1dValue of domestic deals at $77.5bn marks busiest start to a year on record
How fast is the universe expanding? Galaxies provide one answer
1dAmong the methods astronomers have found to measure the expansion rate of the local universe, the Hubble constant, surface brightness fluctuations is potentially one of the most precise. Scientists have now published the first good SBF estimate of the Hubble constant, pegging it at 73.3 km/s/Mpc: in the ballpark of other measurements of the local expansion, including the gold standard using Type I
Returning to normal life is going to be a slow and steady process
1dWith US FDA approval in hand, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is continuing to get into arms. A few other countries, including South Africa, have begun administering it as well. (Pixabay/) Click here to see all of PopSci's COVID-19 coverage. More than 300 million vaccines have been administered across the world so far, with another 8 million being delivered each day. The vaccine rollout is accelera
Squids' ability to tune color and brightness of their iridescence comes down to subtle mechanism
1dSquids have long been a source of fascination for humans, providing the stuff of legend, superstition and myth. And it's no wonder—their odd appearances and strange intelligence, their mastery of the open ocean can inspire awe in those who see them.
Moral outrage is attractive among long-term relationship seekers
1dA psychology researcher finds that people who express moral outrage, and act on their convictions, are more attractive as long-term mates.
Brain activity data may improve stock market forecasts, study shows
1dUS research suggests scans offer better price predictions than the actual choices investors make From never trading during the first 30 minutes, to not returning to a stock for a third time, financial investors have a stack of superstitions for predicting stock price changes. Now neuroscientists may have hit upon a more accurate prediction tool: scans of people's brain activity just before they m
Critically endangered macadamia species becomes a plant supermodel
1dOne of the world's rarest tree species has been transformed into a sophisticated model that University of Queensland researchers say is the future of plant research.
Oceans were stressed preceding abrupt, prehistoric global warming
1dMicroscopic fossilized shells are helping geologists reconstruct Earth's climate during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a period of abrupt global warming and ocean acidification that occurred 56 million years ago. Clues from these ancient shells can help scientists better predict future warming and ocean acidification driven by human-caused carbon dioxide emissions.
These sea slugs sever their own heads and regenerate brand-new bodies
1dYou've heard of animals that can lose and then regenerate a tail or limb. Scientists have discovered two species of sacoglossan sea slug that can do even better, shedding and then regenerating a whole new body complete with the heart and other internal organs. The researchers also suggest that the slugs may use the photosynthetic ability of chloroplasts they incorporate from the algae in their die
'Island of Rats' recovers
1dAlong the western edge of Alaska's Aleutian archipelago, a group of islands that were inadvertently populated with rodents came to earn the ignominious label of the "Rat Islands." The non-native invaders were accidentally introduced to these islands, and others throughout the Aleutian chain, through shipwrecks dating back to the 1700s and World War II occupation. The resilient rodents, which are k
Establishing the origin of solar-mass black holes and the connection to dark matter
1dWhat is the origin of black holes and how is that question connected with another mystery, the nature of dark matter? Dark matter comprises the majority of matter in the Universe, but its nature remains unknown.
Understanding depression and developing empathy | Letters
1dDr Annie Hickox advocates for the powerful combination of medication plus talking therapy. And Laurel Farrington highlights how empathy reduces when we are anxious and stressed As a mental health professional, I was glad to read Jenny Stevens' description of her experience of antidepressant medication and how it helped her during a mental health crisis that was exacerbated by Covid-19 ( I'm not a
Research shows we're surprisingly similar to Earth's first animals
1dThe earliest multicellular organisms may have lacked heads, legs, or arms, but pieces of them remain inside of us today, new research shows. According to a new study, 555-million-year-old oceanic creatures from the Ediacaran period share genes with today's animals, including humans.
Invasive weed may help treat some human diseases, researchers find
1dAn international team of researchers has found that A. virginicus extracts appear to be effective against several human diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
How the growth of ice depends on the fluid dynamics underneath
1dResearchers of the Toschi group of Eindhoven University of Technology think the water phase change problem with considering the water density anomaly is of great importance relating to common natural phenomena. Their research plan is firstly to understand the physics fundamentals, that is, the coupled problem of the stably and unstably stratified layers with considering the density anomaly.
Nanoenzymes designed with a unique combination of structure and functions
1dResearchers at the UAB have designed minimalist biostructures that imitate natural enzymes, capable of carrying out two differentiated and reversibly regulated activities thanks to a unique combination of structural and functional properties. The strategy used opens the door to the creation of "intelligent" nanomaterials with tailor-made combinations of catalytic functions.
Black, young and poor people in UK most likely to report Covid vaccine hesitancy
2dSurvey finds parents of young children also more hesitant – but overall vaccine sentiment is positive Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Black people, younger adults, people living in deprived areas of England and parents of children under five are more likely to be hesitant to receive the coronavirus vaccine, according to Office for National Statistics research. The ON
Treefrogs have noise-cancelling headphones built into their ears
2dA new paper suggests that the vibration of a frog's lungs feeds back into the frog's eardrums, reducing their sensitivity to certain frequencies in a process that scientists think is similar to how noise-cancelling headphones work. (Norman Lee/) Imagine that you're a female frog. It's mating time, and you're choosing a male of your species. But you have a problem. How do you pick out your suitors
Concentric circular bands of polarization found in a ferroelectric polymer
2dA team of researchers from China, the U.S. and Australia has found an example of the formation of concentric circular bands of polarization in a ferroelectric polymer. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes the creation of whirlpools at the nano- and microscale and possible uses for the resulting toroidal textures in their materials. Lane Martin with the University of
Insights on how night shift work increases cancer risk
2dA recent study offers new clues as to why night shift workers are at increased risk of developing certain types of cancer compared to those who work regular daytime hours. Findings suggest that night shifts disrupt natural 24-hour rhythms in the activity of certain cancer-related genes, making night shift workers more vulnerable to DNA damage while also causing the body's DNA repair mechanisms to
A drop of rubbing alcohol and office laminator provides a manufacturability boost for nanomaterials
2dVanderbilt engineers used a drop of rubbing alcohol, an office laminator and creativity to develop scalable processes for manufacturing single atom thin membranes. Their membranes outperformed state-of-the-art commercial dialysis membranes and the approach is fully compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Strict environmental laws 'push' firms to pollute elsewhere
2dMultinational companies headquartered in countries with tougher environmental policies tend to locate their polluting factories in countries with more lax regulations, a new study finds. While countries may hope their regulations will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, these results show that these policies can lead to 'carbon leakage' to other nations.
The Political Advertising Black Box Must Be Destroyed
2dFederal law allowed Both the Trump and Biden campaigns to hide where their ad spending went. Either Congress or the FEC needs to close the loophole.
Research illuminates embryonic stem cell fate
2dUSC postdoctoral researcher Xi Chen knows that you have to break a few eggs in order to grow chicken stem cells. His work on maintaining embryonic stem cells (ESC) from chicken eggs provides insight into stem cell pluripotency and evolutionary developmental biology.
Neandertals Probably Perceived Speech Quite Well
2dCould they speak, too? Did they proposition modern humans in an interspecies creole language? — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Literature's Original Bad Bitch Is Back
2dH ow does a bad bitch enter the world? From the first pages of Sister Souljah's 1999 debut novel, The Coldest Winter Ever , the teenage protagonist declares that she's been a style icon since birth. "The same night I got home my pops gave me a diamond ring set in 24-karat gold," Winter Santiaga says. Practical considerations, such as whether her infant fingers could even hold up the rings, matter
Ears: Facts, function & disease
2dThe ears are complex systems that not only provide the ability to hear, but also make it possible to maintain balance.
Snow Days May Never Be the Same
2dSnow days are uniquely beloved by kids in wintry climates. After a night of hoping, children earn a blissful surprise: a morning spent sleeping in and a day of playing outside. As Cindy Burau, a fourth-grade teacher in Lake Tahoe, California, put it: Snow days are "like gifts from the heavens that we all need: a sigh, a moment." The pandemic has threatened this tradition. For students who attend
COVID-19 risk increases with airborne pollen, study finds
23hNew research finds that when airborne pollen levels are higher, increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates can be observed.
'Magic sand' might help us understand the physics of granular matter
2dSand is a fascinating material. It can flow and be poured like a liquid, but retains many of the properties of solids, clogging pipes or forming sand dunes. The behavior of collections of small particles like sand is known as granular physics, and is an immensely important field for the handling and transport of the wide range of granular materials out there like grains, rice, powders and the vast
Ship runs aground off Mauritius with fuel aboard
1dMauritius deployed its coastguard and armed forces on Monday after a Chinese-flagged trawler containing 130 tonnes of oil ran aground off the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.
Both old and young fish sustain fisheries
6hScientists have used modern genetic techniques to prove age-old assumptions about what sizes of fish to leave in the sea to preserve the future of local fisheries.
Scientists: Pedestrians Could Wear Devices to Protect Themselves From Self-Driving Cars
1dCar Culture The dream of self-driving cars arguably came toppling down in March 2018, when an experimental autonomous vehicle operated by Uber fatally struck a pedestrian in Arizona . Now, New Scientist reports , a team of scientists at Princeton has an idea to protect passersby from similar accidents in the future: they could wear radar-reflecting devices that make them ultra-visible to self-dri
This Fingertip for Robots Uses Magnets to 'Feel' Things
2hBy sensing the subtle changes in the finger's own magnetic field, this new technology could one day make for ultra-sensitive prosthetic hands.
This Chip for AI Works Using Light, Not Electrons
3hLightmatter says the computing and power demands of complex neural networks need new technologies like these to keep up.
Sea otters maintain remnants of healthy kelp forest amid sea urchin barrens
1dSea otters maintain the balance of kelp forest ecosystems by controlling populations of sea urchins, which are voracious kelp grazers. Since 2014, however, California's kelp forests have declined dramatically, and vast areas of the coast where kelp once thrived are now 'urchin barrens,' the seafloor carpeted with purple sea urchins and little else. This has occurred even in Monterey Bay, which hos
New mechanism found for generating giant vortices in quantum fluids of light
2dAnyone who has drained a bathtub or stirred cream into coffee has seen a vortex, a ubiquitous formation that appears when fluid circulates. But unlike water, fluids governed by the strange rules of quantum mechanics have a special restriction: as was first predicted in 1945 by future Nobel winner Lars Onsager, a vortex in a quantum fluid can only twist by whole-number units.
The new Sonos Roam speaker is built to go anywhere—including the shower
18hIt's IP67 rated for ruggedness, which means it can survive up to a half-hour in three feet of water. (Sonos /) Until now, Sonos users have only had one option for adding a portable speaker to their favorite music-streaming platform. The Move debuted back in 2019 with the high-quality sound and meticulously designed hardware you'd expect from the brand. It was also bulky, heavy, and $400, which pu
Study reveals process to explain how maternal stress triggers idiopathic preterm birth
23hA research team has uncovered a molecular mechanism to help explain how psychological and/or physiological stress in pregnant women triggers preterm birth with no known cause.
Watch Us Sing Sea Chanteys on Twitch With The Longest Johns
2dThe WIRED crew will be playing a little Sea of Thieves too, matey.
New CAR T-Cell therapy extends remission in heavily relapsed multiple myeloma patients
1dA new type of CAR T-cell therapy more than triples the expected length of remission for multiple myeloma patients who have relapsed several times, according to an international clinical trial.
Diphtheria risks becoming major global threat again as it evolves antimicrobial resistance
2dDiphtheria – a relatively easily-preventable infection – is evolving to become resistant to a number of classes of antibiotics and in future could lead to vaccine escape, warn an international team of researchers.
London Zoo: Second Easter in lockdown looms
22hLondon Zoo staff explain how they – and the animals – have coped in their most difficult year.
Sea level rise up to four times global average for coastal communities
1dNew research shows that coastal populations are experiencing relative sea-level rise up to four times faster than the global average. The study is the first to analyze global sea-level rise combined with measurements of sinking land. The impacts are far larger than the global numbers reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The high rates of relative sea-level rise are mos
Chemical signal in plants reduces growth processes in favor of defense
18hIn a new study in PNAS, an international team of researchers including scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology has shown that Arabidopsis thaliana plants produce beta-cyclocitral when attacked by herbivores and that this volatile signal inhibits the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. The MEP pathway is instrumental in plant growth processes, such as the production of
90% of young women report using a filter or editing their photos before posting
1dNinety per cent of women report using a filter or editing their photos before posting to even out their skin tone, reshape their jaw or nose, shave off weight, brighten or bronze their skin or whiten their teeth. Young women in the study also described regularly seeing advertisements or push notifications for cosmetic procedures — particularly for teeth whitening, lip fillers, and surgery to enha
This Egglike Gadget May Hold the Secrets Behind Future Sea-Level Rise
17hResearchers have developed a novel wireless device called Cryoegg to peek into melting glaciers. Recent tests have revealed that it can transmit data through more than 4,000 feet of ice.
Direct observation of coherence energy scale of Hund's metal
23hStrongly correlated systems are materials that exhibit strong interactions between electrons, a property unseen in ordinary conductors or insulators. Typical examples include metal-insulator transitions or unconventional high-temperature superconductivity where the resistance becomes zero at high temperatures.
An investigation of thin liquid films at interfaces between ice and clay materials
21hFor ice, so-called 'surface melting' was postulated as early as the 19th century by Michael Faraday: Already below the actual melting point, i.e. 0 °C, a thin liquid film forms on the free surface because of the interface between ice and air. Scientists led by Markus Mezger, group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (department of Hans-Jürgen Butt) and professor at the Universi
Sonos Wants Roam to Be Your Post-Pandemic Party Speaker
18hSonos has stood out in the crowded speaker market by selling high-end Wi-Fi speakers. Now it's fully aboard the portable Bluetooth train.
Climate change could have direct consequences on malaria transmission in Africa
2hThe slowdown in global warming that was observed at the end of last century was reflected by a decrease in malaria transmission in the Ethiopian highlands, according to a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and the University of Chicago. The results, published in Nature Communications, underscore the close connection between climate and health.
Cognitive fatigue changes functional connectivity in brain's fatigue network
1dDr. Wylie, director of the Ortenzio Center, commented on the results of this task-based functional neuroimaging paradigm: "Our findings provide further evidence for a functionally connected 'fatigue network' in the brain. More importantly, we have shown for the first time that this functional network connectivity changes in association with cognitive fatigue," he emphasized. "This promises to acce
Immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid predict response to immunotherapy
2dImmune cells accessing cerebrospinal fluid faithfully recapitulate the characteristics of cells identified in brain metastasis, and could therefore constitute novel biomarkers of response to immune-based therapies.
Interventions can shift the thermal optimum for parasitic disease transmission [Ecology]
20hTemperature constrains the transmission of many pathogens. Interventions that target temperature-sensitive life stages, such as vector control measures that kill intermediate hosts, could shift the thermal optimum of transmission, thereby altering seasonal disease dynamics and rendering interventions less effective at certain times of the year and with global climate change….
Luftburet pollen påverkar försvaret mot covid
23hPollen påverkar motståndskraften mot det pandemiska viruset SARS-CoV-2. Koncentrationen i luften bidrar till hur många människor som drabbas av Covid-19. Det visar en studie i 31 länder på fem kontinenter. Antalet infekterade (räknat per 100 000 invånare) är signifikant högre vid höga pollenhalter. Det är också ett lägre antal infekterade vid låga pollenhalter, enligt studien. – Effekten handlar
Growth is killing us: An interview with Jason Hickel
7hWhat would happen if we waved goodbye to capitalism and instead focused on nurturing trust? The British economic anthropologist Jason Hickel tells Paulina Wilk that a better world is possible – but we only have 20 years to build it. Paulina Wilk: In the middle of a pandemic caused by a new virus, you have published a book in which you call for a revolution and set humanity a new challenge that wi
Research shows that BSers are more likely to fall for BS
1dResearchers found that people who frequently engage in "persuasive bullshitting" are actually quite poor at distinguishing intentionally profound or scientifically accurate fact from impressive but meaningless fiction and are also much more likely to fall for fake news headlines.
Most distant quasar with powerful radio jets discovered
2dAstronomers have discovered and studied in detail the most distant source of radio emission known to date. The source is a 'radio-loud' quasar — a bright object with powerful jets emitting at radio wavelengths — that is so far away its light has taken 13 billion years to reach us. The discovery could provide important clues to help astronomers understand the early Universe.
Authors retract Nature Majorana paper, apologize for "insufficient scientific rigour"
1dThe authors of a Nature paper that could have meant a great leap forward for Microsoft's computing power are retracting it today after other researchers flagged serious problems in the work. The researchers, led by Leo Kouwenhoven, a physicist at Delft Technical University in the Netherlands who is also employed by Microsoft, published "Quantized Majorana … Continue reading
Scientists discover structural changes in adult mice brains as seen in young animals
1dUnderstanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain 'plasticity' is crucial for explaining many illnesses and conditions. Neurocientists managed to repeatedly image synapses, tiny contact sites between neurons, in awake adult mice. They are the first to discover that adult neurons in the primary visual cortex with an increased number of 'silent synapses' lacking a certain protein, dis
Life expectancy falling for adults without a bachelor's degree
1dSince 2010, people without a college degree have experienced an absolute rise in mortality. Yet, while the gap in the United States widened based on whether people had a four-year college degree, it narrowed based on race.
Därför kan vissa vacciner vara bättre än andra
1dVissa av vaccinerna mot covid-19 tar sig in i cellerna med hjälp av ett annat protein och en annan väg än man tidigare hade trott. Detta kan förklara varför vissa av de så kallade vektorbaserade vacciner kan vara bättre än andra, menar forskarna bakom upptäckten. – Man kan säga att detta kan vara en förklaring till varför vissa så kallade adenovirus-baserade vacciner är mer effektiva än andra vac
Novel hydrogen fuel purification membrane paves the way for greener future
1dHydrogen is a clean source of fuel, but its purification has been challenging until now. Now, a group of scientists has found a solution — by characterizing a hybrid separation membrane for purifying hydrogen from other gases. In light of the current global warming crisis, the scientists are optimistic that their novel membrane will make the use of hydrogen fuel efficient and cost-effective.
Problematic internet use and teen depression are closely linked
18hTime on the internet can be informative, instructive and even pleasant, there is already significant literature on the potential harm caused by young children's problematic internet use (PIU). A new study is one of only a few that examines PIU's effects on older adolescents.
Strategic air purifier placement reduces virus spread within music classrooms
23hThe University of Minnesota School of Music was concerned about one-on-one teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and wondered if it should supplement its ventilation system with portable HEPA air purifiers.
First AI system for contactless monitoring of heart rhythm using smart speakers
1dResearchers have developed a new skill for a smart speaker that for the first time monitors both regular and irregular heartbeats without physical contact.
Good-bye Zoom. Hello Low-Key Ambient Snooping
3hIf you are missing out on serendipity in your remote work, try ramping up your 2-D audio copresence.
Paw hygiene is no reason to ban assistance dogs from hospitals – they're cleaner than people's shoes
1dWell over 10,000 people in Europe use an assistance dog; think of guide dogs for people with a visual impairment, hearing dogs for people with a hearing impairment, medical response service dogs and psychiatric service dogs.
Majority of women can still give birth naturally if their water breaks early
1dAbout 11% of women who carry to term will experience prelabor rupture of membrane — a condition where the amniotic sac breaks open early, but labor doesn't begin.
Could Time Loops Be the New Big Thing for Next-Gen Consoles?
2hNew SSD technology helps developers bend space and time—and creativity.
Squids: Sophisticated skin
23hSquids' remarkable ability to tune both the color and brightness of their iridescence comes down to a subtle but powerful mechanism.
Ethnobotanical survey enlightens traditional knowledge, use and conservation of plants in Kenya
1dAn ethnobotanical survey conducted in Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya has revealed high traditional knowledge of plant resources held by the residents. This is the first study ever done in all the regions of the county, according to researchers from the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
Your brain warps your memories so you can remember them better
3hThe brain exaggerates the differences between similar memories in order to recall them more effectively.
France conducts first military drills in space
21hFrance has begun its first military exercises in space to test its ability to defend its satellites, in a sign of the growing competition between world powers in Earth's orbit.
It's time to bolster women in conservation
2dWomen are largely being excluded from decisions about conservation and natural resources, with potentially detrimental effects on conservation efforts globally, according to research.
Fossil forests under Antarctic ice
1hIn around 1833 the first specimens of fossilized wood from Antarctica were reported by surgeon, naturalist and artist James Eights.
Gigantisk cyberangreb med navn efter København udnytter gabende sikkerhedshul hos Microsoft
5hDansk sikkerhedsfirma opdagede som de første det hul i Microsofts mailsystem, som kan have givet kinesiske hackere adgang til mails, kalendere og virksomheders interne netværk.
One giant step: Moon race hots up
18hAs Russia and China sign a deal for a shared lunar space station, we look at the new race to the Moon with Nokia even working with NASA to give it a 4G network.
New brain sensor offers Alzheimer's answers
23hResearchers have found an explanation for why Alzheimer's drugs have limited effectiveness and why patients get much worse after going off of them.
Seeing the forest for the shrubs in southern Appalachia
1dAs ecosystems respond to human activity, what species will emerge as new trailblazers, shaping the diversity and resilience of these changing environments? And how can land managers identify these species early on to better prepare for the future?
How would rain be different on an alien world?
2dOn Titan, Saturn's largest moon, it rains on a regular basis. As with Earth, these rains are the result of liquid evaporating on the surface, condensing in the skies, and falling back to the surface as precipitation. On Earth, this is known as the hydrological (or water) cycle, which is an indispensable part of our climate. In Titan's case, the same steps are all there, but it is methane that is b
Sometimes It's OK to Give Up
1hJust because you devoted 100 hours of your life to it, doesn't mean you have to finish a video game that now bores you.
Spawning preferences of mahi-mahi
14hIn the Florida Straits at night, and under a new moon is the preference for spawning mahi-mahi, according to a new study.
Cheap, nontoxic carbon nanodots poised to be quantum dots of the future
1dTiny fluorescent semiconductor dots, called quantum dots, are useful in a variety of health and electronic technologies but are made of toxic, expensive metals. Nontoxic and economic carbon-based dots are easy to produce, but they emit less light. A new study that uses ultrafast nanometric imaging found good and bad emitters among populations of carbon dots. This observation suggests that by selec
Tiny diamonds prove an excellent material for accelerator components
2dWhen it comes to producing high-quality electron beams like those found in state-of-the-art scientific equipment like free-electron lasers, ultrafast electron diffraction and imaging and wakefield accelerators, scientists have looked to photocathode technology as a way to convert light to electrons. These tools give researchers a way to more deeply penetrate into materials and atomic structure and
Radioactive 'snowflakes' act like the tiniest nuclear bombs in the universe
1hTiny snowflakes of radioactive uranium that trigger massive nuclear blasts might explain some of the universe's more mysterious star explosions.
Aging-US: High-CBD Cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19
1d'The www.Aging-US.com authors developed over 800 new C. sativa cultivars and hypothesized that high-CBD C. sativa extracts may be used to down-regulate ACE2 expression in target COVID-19 tissues.'
If you got the COVID-19 vaccine, here's what the CDC says you can do
1dFully vaccinated people in the U.S. can visit indoors and mask-less with other fully vaccinated people.
Therapy sneaks into hard layer of pancreatic cancer tumor and destroys it from within
20hResearchers demonstrated that a new tumor-penetrating therapy could enhance the effects of chemotherapy, reduce the spread of pancreatic cancer and increase survival in animal models.
How to colorize your old black and white photos
22hHave you ever wondered what was your great grandmother's favorite color to wear? Now you can know. (Jon Tyson / Unsplash /) You might be worrying about droids powered by artificial intelligence taking over the planet in the long term. But in the meantime, you can use that same technology for all kinds of helpful tasks. Colorizing old black and white photos is one of them. Several platforms can gi
That Mouse in Your House–It's Smarter, Thanks to You
1dScientists studied three varieties of house mice and found that those who had lived alongside humans the longest were also the craftiest at solving food puzzles. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Help! I'm Drowning in Admin and Can't Get My Actual Job Done
1hIn this week's Out of Office column, Megan explains how to stand up for yourself when you're mired in extra work.
COVID-19 Vaccine Combos Aim to Boost Immunity
19hMix-and-match shots could simplify vaccine rollout and stimulate more-robust immune responses. Ongoing clinical trials will soon give answers.
Rare mutations may have big impact on schizophrenia pathology
20hResearchers have long searched for genetic influences in schizophrenia, a neurodevelopmental disorder that disrupts brain activity producing hallucinations, delusions, and other cognitive disturbances. However the disease's genetic mutations have been identified in only a small fraction — fewer than a quarter — of sequenced patients. A new study now shows that 'somatic' gene mutations in brain c
First infection of human cells during spaceflight
21hScientists have described the infection of human cells by the intestinal pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium during spaceflight. They show how the microgravity environment of spaceflight changes the molecular profile of human intestinal cells and how these expression patterns are further changed in response to infection. The researchers were also able to detect molecular changes in the bacterial patho
Danske forskere knokler løs med covid-19-vacciner. Men kommer vi nogensinde til at få dem?
21hStor konkurrence og manglende finansiering kan sætte en stopper for danske vacciner.
Study identifies resilience factors to mitigate burnout in college students
1dResearchers demonstrated that college students possessing a higher degree of resilience were less susceptible to burnout and psychological distress. By identifying learnable components of resilience, the study points to concrete ways that young adults can learn this vital characteristic, resulting in better mental health outcomes.
Best glasses cleaners: Get spotless specs with our top picks
2dEven salt water is no match for these cleaners. (Joshua Newton via Unsplash/) Dust, oil, hair, and other types of grime are a normal part of everyday life, but nobody is more constantly reminded of the inconvenience they can cause than people who wear glasses. If you or someone you care about is burdened by the constant cycle of smudging and cleaning that comes with owning a pair of glasses, turn
Reading Attraction in the Brain
1dI have been tracking the research in brain-machine interface (BMI), specifically with an eye towards studies that claim to interpret brain data. Typically I find that such studies are overhyped, at least in the press release and subsequent reporting. The question I always ask myself is – what exactly are they measuring and interpreting? A new study , using BMI and a form of AI called Generative a
Chinese immigrants face "alarming" barriers to cancer screening, UCF study finds
18hLanguage difficulties and cultural barriers keep an "alarming" number of Chinese Americans from asking for cancer screenings that may protect their health, according to a new University of Central Florida study.
Homeroom: My Grandkids Are Struggling. I Don't Know How to Help.
1dEditor'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, I'm trying to supervise my 9-year-old grandson through online learning. He has ADHD, is extremely smart, and gets bored with the slow pace set by the teacher, who's trying valiantly to engage 28 different stu
The optimal design of cellular sensing systems
2dTo survive and prosper, living cells continually respond and adapt to changes in their environment. To this end, they have developed sensing systems that rival the best man-made sensing devices. Yet, how accurately these systems can measure chemical concentrations remains poorly understood. Researchers from AMOLF have now developed a theory that predicts the optimal design that maximizes the sensi
Full evolutionary journey of hospital superbug mapped
1dResearchers published the full genetic timeline of the bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis showing the influence of human behaviour on the development of different strains.
Research foresees an end to deregulated competitive public transport
1dResearch predicts an end to deregulated competitive pubic transport in the UK as a consequence of Covid-19 social distancing measures leading to drastically reduced ridership, requiring a major rethinking of the provision of public transport.
Reduced heat leakage improves wearable health device
2dBy reducing heat leakage, engineers improve wearable device powered by body heat.
Svenskar straffar normbrytare med skvaller
1dDet är skillnad på hur människor som bryter mot sociala normer bemöts i olika länder. I Algeriet och Indonesien anses fysisk konfrontation och utstötning vara ett lämpligt straff. I Sverige och Finland tycker man däremot att det är lämpligare att skvallra om normbrytaren. Personer som bryter mot gemensamma sociala normer finns överallt omkring oss. Det kan vara personen som pratar för högt på bib
A comprehensive guide to coronavirus symptoms
4hA drippy, congested nose can be part of mild COVID. (Unsplash/) Click here to see all of PopSci's COVID-19 coverage. Anywhere from one-fifth to one half of SARS-CoV-2 carriers are asymptomatic . In the rest, the virus can manifest as an unwitting selection from a buffet of COVID-19 symptoms—coughing, fever, loss of taste , lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, brain fog, fatigue—that's made the c
In India's Bohra Community, a Battle Over Genital Mutilation
4hA lawsuit in India weighs women's religious right to practice female circumcision in a Muslim minority group against those who condemn the tradition as genital mutilation. But according to hundreds of interviews of victims, sexual control is commonly cited as the primary motivation behind the practice.
As Moore's Law Slows, Chip Specialization Could Undermine Computing Progress
2dFor decades, the computer chips that r u n everything from PCs to spaceships have looked remarkably similar . But as Moore's Law slows, industry leaders are moving towards specialized chips , which experts say threatens to undermine the economic forces fueling our rapid technological growth. The earliest computers were often designed to carry out very specific tasks, and even if they could be rep
COVID Race Against Time
2dWe know a lot more now about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 than we did a year ago when this pandemic was just getting into full swing. One of the big questions was about the emergence of new variants – how fast does the virus mutate, and what is the probability of variants with new properties emerging? Scientists have been tracking the variants since the beginning. It's actually a good way to track the
A new dwarf nova: ZTF18abdlzhd is an SU UMa-type star, study finds
1hUsing the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and the Caucasus Mountain Observatory (CMO), Russian astronomers have investigated a peculiar source designated ZTF18abdlzhd. The observations revealed that this object is an SU UMa-type dwarf nova. The finding is reported in a paper published March 4 on the arXiv pre-print server.
Forskere: Mikroplast fra mundbind truer miljøet
3hBoom i brug af engangsansigtsmasker verden over skaber et affaldsproblem, der drastisk vil øge problemet med mikroplast i miljøet, advarer forskere.
Milk prebiotics are the cat's meow
17hIf you haven't been the parent or caregiver of an infant in recent years, you'd be forgiven for missing the human milk oligosaccharide trend in infant formulas. These complex carbohydrate supplements mimic human breast milk and act like prebiotics, boosting beneficial microbes in babies' guts. Milk oligosaccharides aren't just for humans; all mammals make them. New research suggests milk oligosacc
Researchers see need for warnings about long-range wildfire smoke
17hThe team believes that evacuation efforts and media coverage of local wildfires may have helped protect residents from adverse health effects of smoke exposure as well as direct impacts of the fires.
Injectable porous scaffolds promote better, quicker healing after spinal cord injuries
18hResearchers have developed materials that can interface with an injured spinal cord and provide a scaffolding to facilitate healing. To do this, scaffolding materials need to mimic the natural spinal cord tissue, so they can be readily populated by native cells in the spinal cord, essentially filling in gaps left by injury. The researchers show how the pores improve efficiency of gene therapies ad
Opinions and attitudes can last when they are based on emotion
1dNew research reveals that attitudes based on feelings and emotions can also stand the test of time.
Speeding treatment for urinary tract infections in children
1dA study defines parameters for the number of white blood cells that must be present in children's urine at different concentrations to suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI). The findings could help speed treatment of this common condition and prevent potentially lifelong complications.
Researchers develop improved recycling process for carbon fibers
1dThe process retains properties of fibers at a higher rate than previous methods, demonstrating a retention strength of up to 90 percent. Recycling of composite materials could be up to 70 percent cheaper and lead to a 90-95 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to standard manufacturing.
Conservation hope: Many wildlife species can recover if given a chance
2dThere is real and justified concern about the state of our world's ecosystems. Satellite imagery reveals few places left untouched by humanity. As the global human population and our overall consumption continue to grow in concert with the upheaval of our climate systems, the outlook for non-human species seems grim.
Adaptation, not irrigation recommended for Midwest corn farmers
17hResearchers reveal how farmers from the nation's largest corn production region can mitigate climate change.
Rumkamera fra DTU opdager sky af formodet Mars-støv
20hDansk stjernekamera på Nasas rumsonde Juno opdagede store mængder støv på rejsen mod Jupiter. Det menes at være hvirvlet bort fra overfladen af Mars og årsagen til det 'falske daggry' zodikallys.
Journal flags a dozen papers as likely paper mill products a year after sleuths identified them
2dA journal has issued a dozen expressions of concern over articles that a group of data sleuths had flagged last year on PubPeer as showing signs of having been cranked out by a paper mill. The 12 articles were published between 2017 and 2019 in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology and were written … Continue reading
'Wearable microgrid' uses the human body to sustainably power small gadgets
22hThis shirt harvests and stores energy from the human body to power small electronics. UC San Diego nanoengineers call it a "wearable microgrid"– it combines energy from the wearer's sweat and movement to provide sustainable power for wearable devices.
Membrane around tumors may be key to preventing metastasis
1dEngineers have characterized the properties of the protective membrane around tumors and found that this lining may be a good target for therapies to prevent metastasis.
Algorithm helps artificial intelligence systems dodge 'adversarial' inputs
1dA deep-learning algorithm developed by researchers is designed to help machines navigate in the real world, where imperfect or 'adversarial' inputs may cause uncertainty.
Predicting success in therapy with individualized cancer models
1dScientists have established organoid culture models from prostate tumor biopsies. These are small clusters of cells which can be used to test the efficacy of various drugs. In this way, it is possible to test which treatment will most likely benefit individual patients.
Successor of the COMPASS experiment will measure fundamental properties of the proton and its relatives
2dProtons are one of the main building blocks of the visible universe. Together with neutrons, they make up the nuclei of every atom. Yet, several questions loom about some of the proton's most fundamental properties, such as its size, internal structure and intrinsic spin. In December 2020, the CERN Research Board approved the first phase ("phase-1") of a new experiment that will help settle some o
Gigantic jet spied from black hole in early universe
17hAstronomers have discovered evidence for an extraordinarily long jet of particles coming from a supermassive black hole in the early universe.
Molecule with potential to treat multiple sclerosis passes toxicology testing in zebrafish
20hStudy conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center shows that anti-inflammatory peptide TnP could lead to drug development. Zebrafish Danio rerio is a popular aquarium species widely used as a model for in vivo trials in drug development.
Guaranteed income increases employment, improves financial and physical health
2dResults released on March 3, 2021 from the first year of the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) show guaranteed income drastically improves job prospects, financial stability, and overall wellbeing of recipients. As Congress and the Biden administration debate the inclusion of pandemic stimulus aid, this new research counters long-held narratives that unrestricted cash payments dis
Best surge protector: For safe charging and tech use
22hA place to plug in all your tech. (Trinity Nguyen via Unsplash/) Finding the best surge protector for your electronics ensures that they'll remain guarded from potentially irreversible damage that comes from commonly occurring electrical spikes in building wiring and power grids. Power surges are a normal and inconvenient part of life that occur frequently when utility companies switch electricit
78 procent af de alvorligt syge coronapatienter er overvægtige
1dStørstedelen af de, der har været indlagt med covid-19, var overvægtige, viser en ny undersøgelse. Nu tilføjer flere stater den kritiserede BMI-formel til vaccineplan.
Water temperature key to schistosomiasis risk and prevention strategies
1dA new study finds that the transmission risk for schistosomiasis peaks when water warms to 21.7 degrees centigrade, and that the most effective interventions should include snail removal measures implemented when the temperature is below that risk threshold.
The Supreme Court Needs to Show Its Work
2hUpdated at 9:35 a.m. ET on March, 10, 2021. A little after 8 p.m. eastern time on Friday, February 26—a time when people were logging off for the weekend, parents were putting kids to bed, and the last thing on anyone's mind was the Supreme Court—the justices issued their latest in a series of controversial orders blocking local and state restrictions on indoor religious services. Like most of th
What are we missing out on by not talking to strangers? – podcast
1dSocial distancing measures mean most of us now have very little opportunity to talk to strangers and acquaintances. These chats might seem insignificant, but they can provide lots of psychological benefits. To find out more, Linda Geddes speaks to Gillian Sandstrom about what we're currently missing out on. And, when told Gillian finds finishing a chat particularly hard, Linda gets in touch with
The Robots Are Coming for Phil in Accounting: Workers with college degrees and specialized training once felt relatively safe from automation. They aren't.
2dsubmitted by /u/lughnasadh [link] [comments]
Bolsonaro's policies are causing Brazil to become a 'factory' for superpotent Covid-19 variants, say scientists
5hsubmitted by /u/MyVideoConverter [link] [comments]
Study highlights 'unbridled globetrotting' of the strangles pathogen in horses
21hIn the largest ever study of its kind into an equine pathogen, scientists in 18 countries used the latest DNA sequencing techniques to track the bacteria responsible for a disease called 'strangles' in horses around the world.
Making the role of AI in medicine explainable
21hResearchers have developed a new tissue-section analysis system for diagnosing breast cancer based on artificial intelligence (AI). For the first time, morphological, molecular and histological data are integrated in a single analysis. Furthermore, the system provides a clarification of the AI decision process in the form of heatmaps.
Steroid abuse by men leads to long-lasting impaired testicular function
1dIllegal use of anabolic steroids not only has dangerous side effects during use but also can harm of men's testicular function years after they stop abusing steroids, according to a new study.
Research pinpoints unique drug target in antibiotic resistant bacteria
1dResearchers have identified a critical mechanism that allows deadly bacteria to gain resistance to antibiotics.
Understanding the resilience of barrier islands and coastal dunes after storms
1dWhen a coastline undergoes massive erosion, like a hurricane flattening a beach and its nearby environments, it has to rebuild itself—relying on the resilience of its natural coastal structures to begin piecing itself back together in a way that will allow it to survive the next large phenomena that comes its way.
New inhibitor found to combat drug-resistant cancer cells
1dA new substance could improve the treatment of persistent cancers. Researchers have developed a new inhibitor that makes drug-resistant tumor cells respond again to chemotherapy. The new substance blocks a protein in the cancer cells that normally transports the cancer drugs back out of the cells.
Breaking waves and moisture transport drive extreme precipitation events
1dAround the world each year, extreme precipitation events cause catastrophic flooding that results in tragic loss of life and costly damage to infrastructure and property. However, a variety of different weather systems can cause these extreme events, so a detailed understanding of the atmospheric processes that lead to their formation is crucial.
Research predicts the high-temperature topological superconductivity of twisted double-layer copper oxides
26minTwo-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides, can sometimes be assembled into bilayers with a twist between individual layers. In recent years, many researchers have been investigating the properties of these twisted double-layer structures and their potential advantages for fabricating electronic devices.
Brittiska mutationen kan vara dödligare
2hFlera studier pågår nu om hur snabbt varianterna av det ursprungliga viruset sprider sig och hur farliga de är. Enligt en ny klinisk studie har den brittiska varianten gett en ökad dödlighet på 30 till 100 procent jämfört med det tidigare dominerande viruset. Man vet ännu inte varför man blir sjukare av den brittiska varianten.
New tool makes students better at detecting fake imagery and videos
19hResearchers have developed a digital self-test that trains users to assess news items, images and videos presented on social media. The self-test has also been evaluated in a scientific study, which confirmed the researchers' hypothesis that the tool genuinely improved the students' ability to apply critical thinking to digital sources.
Growing food and protecting nature don't have to conflict: Here's how they can work together
1dGrowing food in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way—while also producing enough of it—is among the most important challenges facing the U.S. and the world today.
Turing structures in a manmade interface
1dIn 1952, Alan Turing, the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, proposed that certain repetitive natural patterns may be produced by the interaction of two specific substances through the reaction-diffusion process. In this system, an activator promotes the reaction and an inhibitor inhibits the reaction. When the two meet, the reaction diffuses. When the difference in diffusion
Aging-US: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy impact on telomere length & immunosenescence
1d"In this Aging-US study, the most significant change was noticed in B cells which increased at the 30th session, 60th session and post HBOT by 25.68%±40.42 , 29.39%±23.39 and 37.63%±52.73, respectively."
New lung cancer screening recommendation, starting at age 50, expands access but may not address inequities
49minCalling the US Preventive Services Task Force's newly released recommendation statement to expand eligibility for annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography a step forward, researchers say future changes should address equity and implementation issues.
Evidence review examines both benefits and harms for lung cancer screening
49minA comprehensive review shows there are both benefits and harms from screening.
New organelle involved in cancer metastasis
17hResearchers discovered a new, still-unnamed organelle that plays a role in bone metastasis and is formed via liquid-liquid phase separation — when liquid blobs of living materials merge into each other.
Immune cell implicated in development of lung disease following viral infection
17hScientists have implicated a type of immune cell in the development of chronic lung disease that sometimes is triggered following a respiratory viral infection. The evidence suggests that activation of this immune cell serves as an early switch that, when activated, drives progressive lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Deforestation's effects on malaria rates vary by time and distance
19hDeforestation may cause an initial increase in malaria infections across Southeast Asia before leading to later decreases, a study suggests.
Solid-state batteries could be made more cleanly by scaling-up flash sintering
20hDensifying ceramics using flash sintering reduces energy use and may be used to improve the viability of manufacturing complex ceramic structures such as those required for solid state batteries by lowering the temperatures and shortening the duration of the heat treatment.
Bird parents that receive help live longer
21hLong life is common among bird parents that get help with childcare. This finding comes from researchers at the universities of Lund and Oxford who reviewed data from more than 9,000 studies.
Younger Tyrannosaurus Rex bites were less ferocious than their adult counterparts
22hBy closely examining the jaw mechanics of juvenile and adult tyrannosaurids, some of the fiercest dinosaurs to inhabit earth, scientists have uncovered differences in how they bit into their prey.
Irradiating COVID-19 cough droplets with UV-C lamps
23hOne of the primary ways the COVID-19 virus is transmitted is via airborne diffusion of saliva microdroplets, so it is paramount to find methods to kill the virus in airborne microdroplets.
The aurora's very high altitude booster
23hElectrons arriving from the Sun are propelled by electrical energy generated as high as 30,000 kilometers above Earth, ultimately creating the dazzling displays of the northern and southern lights.
New method could democratize deep learning-enhanced microscopy
1dDeep learning is a potential tool for scientists to glean more detail from low-resolution images in microscopy, but it's often difficult to gather enough baseline data to train computers in the process. Now, a new method developed could make the technology more accessible — by taking high-resolution images, and artificially degrading them.
In a leap for battery research, machine learning gets scientific smarts
1dResearchers combined machine learning with knowledge gained from experiments and equations guided by physics to discover and explain a process that shortens the lifetimes of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.
Study finds brain's 'wiring insulation' as major factor of age-related brain deterioration
18hA new study led by the University of Portsmouth has identified that one of the major factors of age-related brain deterioration is the loss of a substance called myelin. Myelin acts like the protective and insulating plastic casing around the electrical wires of the brain – called axons. Myelin is essential for superfast communication between nerve cells that lie behind the supercomputer power of
All Medical Students Should Be Vaccinated
23hA patchwork of policies from state to state has led to confusion and sometimes resentment — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Convincing evidence that type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of Parkinson's
1dResearch from Queen Mary University of London has concluded that there is convincing evidence that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The same study found that there was also evidence that type 2 diabetes may contribute to faster disease progression in patients who already have Parkinson's.
Saudi Arabia's Bold Plan to Rule the $700 Billion Hydrogen Market. The kingdom is building a $5 billion plant to make green fuel for export and lessen the country's dependence on petrodollars.
2dsubmitted by /u/chopchopped [link] [comments]
5 sleuthing skills that'll reveal the age of any web page
19hThose are the hands of someone who's complaining about an undated web page. (Headway/Unsplash/) Usually, the date an article or web page was published is on the screen in front of you. But sometimes a page will try to masquerade as an ageless wonder, which is problematic when you need to know if it's still relevant. Don't fret: There are ways to lift the veil of mystery. To be clear, unearthing a
Spatial tuning of electrophysiological responses to multisensory stimuli reveals a primitive coding of the body boundaries in newborns [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences]
20hThe ability to identify our own body and its boundaries is crucial for survival. Ideally, the sooner we learn to discriminate external stimuli occurring close to our body from those occurring far from it, the better (and safer) we may interact with the sensory environment. However, when this mechanism emerges…
Covid-19 risk increases with airborne pollen
1dWhen airborne pollen levels are higher, increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates can be observed. These results were determined by a large-scale study conducted by an international team headed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Helmholtz Zentrum München. On Tuesday, March 9, at 3 pm CET, the team will present the findings, published in the prestigious journal PNAS, at a
An astronaut's guide to out-of-Earth manufacturing
1dmprovising new stuff from the stuff you have is part of an astronaut's job description—think Apollo 13's crew refitting CO2 filters to save their own lives, or stranded Mark Watney in The Martian, feeding himself on the Red Planet. Now plans are underway to manufacture items in orbit, and ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst argues this could make a big difference to living and working in space.
New study sheds light on Caribbean mammal extinctions, helps guide conservation strategies
2hA new study by a team of international scientists jointly led by Stony Brook University Professor Liliana M. Dávalos, Ph.D., and Professor Samuel Turvey of the Zoological Society of London, reveals that the largest and smallest mammals in the Caribbean have been the most vulnerable to extinction. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, help predict future extinction risk
Milk prebiotics are the cat's meow, research shows
18hIf you haven't been the parent or caregiver of an infant in recent years, you'd be forgiven for missing the human milk oligosaccharide trend in infant formulas. These complex carbohydrate supplements mimic human breast milk and act like prebiotics, boosting beneficial microbes in babies' guts.
When unfolded, these ancient gold foil figures reveal embracing couples
1hArchaeologists in Sweden have discovered nearly two dozen gold foil figures from 1,300 years ago that have engravings of couples embracing each other.
Researchers make carbon nanotube patterns called moirés for materials research
2hMaterial behaviors depend on factors including the composition of the material and the arrangement of its molecular parts. For the first time, researchers have found a way to coax carbon nanotubes into creating moiré patterns. Such structures could be useful in materials research, particularly in the field of superconducting materials.
Drug researchers retract two papers, one because "human stem cells were actually mouse stem cells"
3hA group of drug researchers has lost a pair of 2020 papers for a lack of reproducibility and other problems, including the unfortunate mislabeling of murine stem cells as having come from humans. (In case you're wondering, mouse and human stem cells are at once quite similar and highly divergent.) One article, "Divergent synthesis of … Continue reading
Microwave-assisted recording technology promises high-density hard disk performance
18hResearchers have studied the operation of a small device fabricated in the write gap of a hard disk drive's write head to extend its recording density. The device is based on microwave-assisted magnetic recording. This technology uses a spin-torque oscillator, which causes the magnetic particles of the recording medium to wobble. This makes them much easier to flip over when the write head applies
The Gut-Lung Axis: How Your Microbiome Might Be Linked to Respiratory Health
21hYou've probably heard of the gut-brain connection. But did you know that the bacteria that live in your gut also influence your lungs in ways scientists are only beginning to understand?
Citizen scientists help expose presence of invasive Asian bamboo longhorn beetle in Europe
21hA worryingly high number of Asian bamboo longhorn beetles turn out to have been emerging across Europe for about a century already, finds an international research team. Curiously, the records of the invasive, non-native to the Old Continent species are mostly sourced from citizen scientists and online platforms, which proves the power of involving the public in species monitoring.
Ecosystem restoration is a pressing issue in fragmented rainforest
21hResults from Malaysian Borneo demonstrate that small, fragmented patches of regenerating logged forests left on hilltops will be slow to recover due to lower water availability, even more in the future as hotter and drier weather will be more common than now as a result of climate change.
Ice skating and permafrost
22hFrom ice skating, it has been known for a long time that a thin liquid film forms on ice surfaces. This, along with other causes, is responsible for ice slipperiness. Scientists have now investigated a related effect at interfaces between ice and porous clay minerals. Such interfaces are found in nature for example in permafrost. The results may help to better understand changes in frozen soils as
New, active viruses found at depths of over 400 meters
1dResearchers who investigated water-filled cracks in the bedrock at a depth of 448 meters outside Oskarshamn in Sweden have found completely new viruses and vibrant bacterial and viral communities. The findings show that viruses are active in deep groundwater, and that their life cycles and growth rates are faster than previously thought.
What urban nature really means for insect biodiversity
1dParks and green spaces in cities provide health and wellness benefits to human inhabitants, but they're not necessarily beneficial for other urban dwellers—like insects. Researchers are investigating urban biodiversity with approaches such as 'bee hotels' to see how cities can better foster insect life.
A plant's place in history can predict susceptibility to pathogens
1dFound around the world, powdery mildew is a fungal disease especially harmful to plants within the sunflower family. Like most invasive pathogens, powdery mildew is understudied and learning how it affects hosts can help growers make more informed decisions and protect their crops.
Young white-tailed deer that disperse survive the same as those that stay home
1dJuvenile white-tailed deer that strike out to find new home ranges — despite facing more risks — survive at about the same rate as those that stay home, according to a team of researchers who conducted the first mortality study of male and female dispersal where deer were exposed to threats such as hunting throughout their entire range.
'Pompeii of prehistoric plants' unlocks evolutionary secret
1dSpectacular fossil plants preserved within a volcanic ash fall in China have shed light on an evolutionary race 300 million years ago, which was eventually won by the seed-bearing plants that dominate so much of the Earth today.
Assessing regulatory fairness through machine learning
1dApplying machine learning to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiative, researchers reveal how key design elements determine what communities bear the burden of pollution. The approach could help ensure fairness and accountability in machine learning used by government regulators.
A biosensor for measuring extracellular hydrogen peroxide concentrations
1dResearchers report a successful test of a sensor for measuring hydrogen peroxide concentrations near cell membranes. The sensor has the potential to become a tool for new cancer therapies.
Innovative flat optics will usher the next technological revolution
1dIn a new paper published in Light: Science & Applications, a group led by Professor Andrea Fratalocchi from Primalight Laboratory of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, introduced a new patented, scalable flat-optics technology manufactured with inexpensive semiconductors.
'Natural seismometers' confirmed on sea floor
2dEvidence from underwater landslides during New Zealand's 2016 Kaikōura earthquake could help scientists better understand the world's largest, tsunami-generating quakes.
How Dehydration Can Kill You in a Matter of Days
2dWhen the human body is deprived of water, things go downhill quickly.
Nicaragua volcano blankets communities in ash
6hThe San Cristobal volcano, the highest in Nicaragua and one of its most active, spewed a cloud of ash Tuesday that blanketed the city of Chinandega and surrounding communities, a local journalist told AFP.
An epic walk: 15 million years needed for dinosaurs to get from South America to Greenland
21hFor the first time, two researchers have accurately dated the arrival of the first herbivorous dinosaurs in East Greenland. Their results demonstrate that it took the dinosaurs 15 million years to migrate from the southern hemisphere, as a consequence of being slowed down by extreme climatic conditions. Their long walk was only possible because as CO2 levels dropped suddenly, the Earth's climate b
Head injury 25 years later — Penn study finds increased risk of dementia
1dNew research at Penn shows that a single head injury could lead to dementia later in life. This risk further increases as the number of head injuries sustained by an individual increases. The findings also suggest stronger associations of head injury with risk of dementia among women compared to among men and among white as compared to among Black populations.
UCLA-led study reveals 'hidden costs' of being Black in the US
1dThe indignities and humiliations Black men — even those perceived to have "made it" — serve as a sort of "Black tax" that takes a heavy toll on physical and mental health. Now, a new UCLA-led study reveals these "hidden costs" of being Black in America.
Recyclable bioplastic membrane to clear oil spills from water
18hPolymer scientists from the University of Groningen and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, both in the Netherlands, have developed a polymer membrane from biobased malic acid. It is a superamphiphilic vitrimer epoxy resin membrane that can be used to separate water and oil. This membrane is fully recyclable. When the pores are blocked by foulants, it can be depolymerized, cleaned and subs
X marks the spot: How genes on the sex chromosomes are controlled
1dBecause human females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y, somatic cells have special mechanisms that keep expression levels of genes on the X chromosome the same between both sexes. This process is called dosage compensation and has been extensively studied in the fruit fly Drosophila. Now, researchers at the University of Tsukuba (UT) continued work with Drosophila to show that
Digital detective work tracks the travels of Gregor Mendel
1dGregor Mendel's place in history is secure as the father of genetics but otherwise relatively little is known of the Augustinian friar from Brno (now in the Czech Republic.)
Hackers Bring Dutch Research Funding Agency to Standstill
1dAfter refusing to pay the ransom demanded by those behind a cyberattack, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research has been out of action since February 8.
Study reveals 'hidden costs' of being Black in the US
1dA woman grips her purse tightly as you approach. A store manager follows you because you look "suspicious." You enter a high-end restaurant, and the staff assume you're applying for a job. You're called on in work meetings only when they're talking about diversity.
Irrigation management key for bioenergy production to mitigate climate change
2dTo avoid a substantial increase in water scarcity, biomass plantations for energy production need sustainable water management, a new study shows. Bioenergy is frequently considered one of the options to reduce greenhouse gases for achieving the Paris climate goals, especially if combined with capturing the CO2 from biomass power plants and storing it underground. Yet growing large-scale bioenergy
Creating a new type of computing that's 'naturally probabilistic'
1h"You see, nature is unpredictable. How do you expect to predict it with a computer?" said American physicist Richard Feynman before computer scientists at a conference in 1981.
A tomb with a view: Egyptologist recreates after-death experience in VR
1hIf playing the video game Assassin's Creed Origins is as close as you're likely to get to a pharaoh's tomb—especially in this time of pandemic-thwarted travel—look no further than UC Berkeley for an expedition into an Egyptian burial chamber that won't expose you to a mummy's curse.
How scientists found rare fireball meteorite pieces on a driveway—and what they can teach us
1hAs people in the UK were settling down to watch the late evening news on February 28, a fresh news story, quite literally, appeared in the night sky. A large and very bright fireball was seen over southern England and northern France at 21:54 GMT. It was recorded by many doorbell webcams, so it was a very well-observed fireball. More importantly, it was also captured by the automated cameras of th
The most recent volcanic activity on the moon? Just 100 million years ago
2hRegions of the moon known as irregular mare patches—formed by magma cooling from a volcanic eruption—have almost no big craters, indicating that they must be relatively young. By studying the distribution of craters within them, we can estimate when these regions were formed: no more than 100 million years ago.
How do you get power into your lunar base? With a tower of concrete several kilometers high
2hIt sounds like science fiction, but building an enormous tower several kilometers high on the lunar surface may be the best way to harness solar energy for long-term lunar exploration. Such towers would raise solar panels above obstructing geological features on the lunar surface, and expand the surface area available for power generation.
How to prep your gear for the first camping trip of the season
2hYou want to miss out on this because you didn't check your gear before leaving? (Dominik Jirovský / Unsplash/) It's happened to many outdoor enthusiasts. As soon as spring peeks its sunny face, you pack up and head to the nearest campsite, only to find you've made a big mistake. The gear you put away only three months ago is exactly the way you left it—or worse. Your fuel canisters are empty, you
Bacterial film separates water from oil
19hResearchers reported the findings of an experiment in which they used a material produced by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter hansenii as a filter to separate water from an oil mixture.
Characterizing different cell types in the upper gastrointestinal tract
19hResearchers identified and characterized rare cell types in the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine, using single cell RNA sequencing. They provide detailed gene expression analyses for all epithelial cells in these organs. Furthermore, they identified a rare cell type that is most likely responsible for the secretion of high volumes of water in humans, providing a link to gas
Microchips of the future: Suitable insulators are still missing
21h2D semiconductors (such as graphene) could revolutionize electronics: They can be used to produce extremely small transistors. However, in order to make a transistor, insulators are required too. So extremely thin insulating materials are needed as well. New results show: The materials used until now are not the way to go.
Combined technique using diamond probes for nanoscale imaging of magnetic vortex structure
21hMagnetometry exploiting color center defects in diamond probes and magneto-optic imaging have been found to complement each other. This supports progress towards the creation of more effective data storage systems.
Someone to watch over AI and keep it honest – and it's not the public!
1dThe public doesn't need to know how Artificial Intelligence works to trust it. They just need to know that someone with the necessary skillset is examining AI and has the authority to mete out sanctions if it causes or is likely to cause harm.
Research forecasts environmental disaster due to the disposal of menstrual products in India
2dRising disposable income, intensive product marketing and NGO encouragement has seen more women in India adopting modern pads and tampons instead of traditional menstrual management methods. But this has resulted in adverse effects on environment and waste management systems, currently reaching 100,000 tons of waste per year, according to new research by Mariana Lopez.
When climate change and other emergencies threaten where we live, how will we manage our retreat?
2dDespite living in dynamic environments and facing an uncertain future due to climate change, New Zealanders generally expect their land and property rights will endure indefinitely.
Barnet blir symbol i högerpopulisters retorik
1dDet "värnlösa barnet" har blivit en symbol för att driva fram konservativa politiska förändringar. Nu ska den högerpopulistiska retoriken i Ryssland och Tyskland studeras av forskare vid Malmö universitet. Ett argument för att införa en mer konservativ politik om sexualitet och kön är viljan att skydda det värnlösa barnet. En nytt forskningsprojekt, finansierat av EU-kommisionen, vill undersöka h
Fågelföräldrar med "hjälpare" lever längre
2dI djurens värld får de biologiska föräldrar som kan lämna ifrån sig ansvaret för sina ungar till andra vuxna individer i gruppen, så kallade "hjälpare", fler avkommor och ett längre liv. Detta förutsatt att "hjälparen" varken är lat eller glömsk. Ett generellt mönster är att djur som lever länge får färre avkommor jämfört med djur som lever kortare tid. Med andra ord; föräldrapar som får många un
Tidsplan for Lynetteholm »stærkt udfordret«: Stenaldermennesker, søslag, bomber og gamle cykler ligger i vejen
16hPLUS. Eksperter skal afsøge næsten 3 km2. Men der er næppe arkæologer nok.
Searching for elusive supersymmetric particles
1hThe Standard Model of particle physics is the best explanation to date for how the universe works at the subnuclear level and has helped explain, correctly, the elementary particles and forces between them. But the model is incomplete, requiring "extensions" to address its shortfalls.
Record SME borrowing data underline Covid toll on UK business
15hBritish Business Bank warns that many individual companies will struggle to repay debts
A bipartisan push could change state wildlife protection
1dScientists say the world is on the precipice of a mass extinction. The United Nations estimates that 1 million species are on the verge of being wiped out, threatened by climate change, habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and poaching.
Falling through the cracks: Shining a light on adolescent girls in humanitarian emergencies
2dThe last decade has seen the highest-ever number of people displaced by conflict and violence globally. There are an estimated 51 million people displaced within their own borders. And the number of refugees has doubled to 20 million since 2011.
Head injury 25 years later: Study finds increased risk of dementia
18hNew research shows that a single head injury could lead to dementia later in life. This risk further increases as the number of head injuries sustained by an individual increases. The findings also suggest stronger associations of head injury with risk of dementia among women compared to among men and among white as compared to among Black populations.
Two species and a single name: 'Double identity' revealed in a venomous banana spider
21hSpiders from the genus Phoneutria—also known as banana spiders—are considered aggressive and among the most venomous spiders in the world, with venom that has a neurotoxic action. These large nocturnal spiders usually inhabit environments disturbed by humans and are often found in banana plantations in the Neotropical region.
Scientists' discovery ends long-standing photosynthesis controversy
21hScientists have pinpointed the location of an essential enzyme in plant cells involved in photosynthesis.
Controversy around fracking has hit public trust in new climate technologies, study suggests
1dNegative perceptions of fracking in the U.K. have had an impact on the public's opinion of new technologies which are vital to tackling climate change, a study by Cardiff University has suggested.
How an unusually warm Indian Ocean caused flooding on Yangtze River
1dA devastating Yangtze River flood in China in 2020 wasn't supposed to happen, according to the norms of climate experienced in Asia.
Growing cannabis indoors produces a lot of greenhouse gases, but just how much depends on where it's grown
1dIndoor cannabis production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental effects vary significantly depending on where it is being grown, according to our new study.
Photonic Berry curvature in double liquid crystal microcavities with broken inversion symmetry
1dResearchers at Skoltech and their colleagues proposed a photonic device from two optical resonators with liquid crystals inside them to study optical properties of this system that can be useful for future generations of optoelectronic and spinoptronic devices. The paper was published in the journal Physical Review B.
Desert country Jordan aims for green with 10-million tree campaign
1dOn a bare hill in Jordan's verdant Ajloun region, dozens of people plant saplings as part of a reforestation effort that aims to reach 10 million trees in 10 years.
Decade after Fukushima, Japan towns struggle to rebuild community
1dMasakazu Daibo has reopened his family's eel restaurant in part of Japan declared a no-go zone after the 2011 nuclear disaster, but so far he has barely a single neighbour.
Lights on for silicon photonics
1dThe demonstration of electroluminescence at terahertz frequencies from a silicon-germanium device marks a key step towards the long-sought goal of a silicon-based laser.
Synthetic heparan sulfate standards and machine learning facilitate the development of solid-state nanopore analysis [Chemistry]
19hThe application of solid-state (SS) nanopore devices to single-molecule nucleic acid sequencing has been challenging. Thus, the early successes in applying SS nanopore devices to the more difficult class of biopolymer, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), have been surprising, motivating us to examine the potential use of an SS nanopore to analyze synthetic…
Pungent-variable of sweet chili pepper Shishito: genes and seeds
23hChili peppers are an important spice and vegetable that supports food culture around the world. The content of capsicumoids varies depending on the variety and is known to fluctuate greatly depending on the cultivation environment. Researchers set out to determine the number of seeds inside the shishito pepper and the intensity of pungency of the fruit, and the gene expression control mechanism th
How urban planning and housing policy helped create 'food apartheid' in U.S. cities
1dHunger is not evenly spread across the U.S., nor within its cities.
An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 mutations in 1,000+ individuals from the UK
1dAn analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome diversity in more than 1,000 people in the United Kingdom suggests that if viral mutations do arise, they can be transmitted in some cases but they rarely persist in subsequent transmissions.
Massive 'space hurricane' made of plasma rained electrons over North Pole
1dAn international team of scientists has confirmed the occurrence of a "space hurricane" seven years ago. The storm formed in the magnetosphere above the North Magnetic Pole. The storm posed no risk to life on Earth, though it might have interfered with some electronics. Seven years ago, a 600-mile wide space hurricane made of plasma raged for eight hours high over the North Magnetic Pole. Only no
Most distant cosmic jet providing clues about early universe
2dAstronomers using the VLA and VLBA have found the most distant cosmic jet yet discovered, material propelled at nearly the speed of light by a supermassive black hole in the core of a galaxy some 13 billion light-years from Earth.
The Atlantic Daily: We're Forgetting What Normal Was
59minEverything was normal, until it wasn't. Last March, we scrambled home, used coffee mugs left on our desks, our worlds shrinking without time for a proper goodbye. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, our "new normal" became just that. Now, a year later, our brains are both grieving and forgetting the lives we once lived. We are still grieving our Last Good Days. "For me, it's the last ti
4 ways to keep newsletters from destroying your inbox
2dFilter out that spam mail and keep what counts—like PopSci's DIY newsletter. (Subscribe in the top right corner of your screen!) (Vojtech Bruzek / Unsplash/) It seems like everyone has a newsletter now (you may have even signed up for ours ), and these inbox digests can be useful resources for making discoveries, educating yourself, and keeping up with the news you're most interested in. If you'v
Explaining Parker Solar Probe's magnetic puzzle
26minWhen NASA's Parker Solar Probe sent back the first observations from its voyage to the Sun, scientists found signs of a wild ocean of currents and waves quite unlike the near-Earth space much closer to our planet. This ocean was spiked with what became known as switchbacks: rapid flips in the Sun's magnetic field that reversed direction like a zig-zagging mountain road.
Carbon nanotube patterns called moirés created for materials research
49minMaterial behaviors depend on many things including not just the composition of the material but also the arrangement of its molecular parts. For the first time, researchers have found a way to coax carbon nanotubes into creating moiré patterns. Such structures could be useful in materials research, in particular in the field of superconducting materials.
Avatar marketing: Moving beyond gimmicks to results
49minAligning the form realism and behavioral realism of avatars is important for successful marketing applications.
Huge potential for electronic textiles made with new cellulose thread
49minElectronic textiles offer revolutionary new opportunities in various fields, in particular healthcare. But to be sustainable, they need to be made of renewable materials. A research team now presents a thread made of conductive cellulose, which offers fascinating and practical possibilities for electronic textiles.
Porous, ultralow-temperature supercapacitors could power Mars, polar missions
2hNASA's Perseverance Rover recently made a successful landing on Mars, embarking on a two-year mission to seek signs of ancient life and collect samples. Because Mars is extremely cold—nighttime temperatures can drop below -112 F—heaters are required to keep the rover's battery system from freezing. Now, researchers reporting in ACS' Nano Letters have 3D printed porous carbon aerogels for electrode
In the Path of Halley's Comet, Humanity Might Find Its Way Forward
2hThe work of decoding the cosmic traveler has surprising relevance right now — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The physics of transonic shocks produced across a laminar flow airfoil
2hArmando Collazo Garcia III got more than he expected from a graduate course he took last spring. He developed a new understanding of the physics of transonic shocks produced across a laminar flow airfoil with boundary-layer suction and added a published paper to his resume.
Endangered leatherback turtles hatch in Ecuador
6hNine leatherback turtles—the largest endangered marine turtle in the world—were hatched along the coast of Ecuador, the Ministry of Environment said Tuesday.
Researchers modify air quality models to reflect polluted reality in Latin America
18hComputational models of air quality have long been used to shed light on pollution control efforts in the United States and Europe, but the tools have not found widespread adoption in Latin America. New work from North Carolina State University and Universidad de La Salle demonstrates how these models can be adapted to offer practical insights into air quality challenges in the Americas outside th
The mosquito protein AEG12 displays both cytolytic and antiviral properties via a common lipid transfer mechanism [Biophysics and Computational Biology]
19hThe mosquito protein AEG12 is up-regulated in response to blood meals and flavivirus infection though its function remained elusive. Here, we determine the three-dimensional structure of AEG12 and describe the binding specificity of acyl-chain ligands within its large central hydrophobic cavity. We show that AEG12 displays hemolytic and cytolytic activity…
Cochrane Review finds stopping smoking is linked to improved mental health
21hEvidence published in the Cochrane Library today will reassure people who want to stop smoking that quitting for at least 6 weeks may improve their mental wellbeing, by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. People's social relationships are unlikely to suffer if they stop smoking.
Eastern Oregon forest restoration efforts hampered by diameter limits on tree cutting
23hA quarter-century-old harvesting restriction intended to last one year has served as an obstacle to returning eastern Oregon national forests to the healthier, more fire-resilient conditions they embodied in the late 1800s, research by the Oregon State University College of Forestry shows.
Researchers derive naturally occurring melanin at a massive scale from mushrooms
1dThe pigment melanin protects human skin from harmful UV light (and gives us a summer tan), and is a veritable treasure trove for new materials and technologies. Although melanin occurs naturally, the complex biopolymer can only be produced artificially at an industrial scale through expensive and complex processes, during which some of the compound's properties are lost. To date, processes for ext
Digital books harm young children's learning–unless the books have the right enhancements
1dA comprehensive meta-analysis of prior research has found, overall, that children ages 1 to 8 were less likely to understand picture books when they read the digital, versus print, version. However, when digital picture books contain the right enhancements that reinforce the story content, they outperform their print counterparts. The results were published today in Review of Educational Research
Tracing malaria's ecology using blood samples from birds
1dMalaria is the deadliest pathogen in human history. Nearly half the people on Earth are at risk of contracting the disease from the parasites that cause it. But humans aren't the only ones who can get these parasites—different forms are found in other animals, including birds. By studying the DNA of those strains, scientists can get a better picture of how malarial parasites live, which may give c
Unique sensor network for measuring greenhouse gases
1dMunich is home to the world's first fully automated sensor network for measuring urban greenhouse gas emissions based on ground-based remote sensing of the atmosphere. Now, anyone can view the measurement data via an Internet platform.