Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 41

The origin of the chloroplast

A new study reveals that the chloroplast lineage split from its closest cyanobacterial ancestor over 2.1 billion years ago in low salinity environments, marking a crucial step in photosynthesis evolution. The association of the chloroplast with its eukaryotic host took place around 800-750 million years ago in marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

The critical point in breaking the glass problem

Researchers from University of Bristol and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz have found a critical point in the glass transition, enabling reconciliation of mutually incompatible interpretations. The study suggests that the thermodynamic and dynamic interpretations are different reflections of the same underlying phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 14, 2017

A fleeting blue glow

A team of UCSB astrophysicists observed a supernova colliding with a nearby companion star, revealing surprising information about the mysterious star. The study demonstrates that the supernova collided with a non-white dwarf companion, implying the white dwarf was stealing matter from a larger companion to explode.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 14, 2017

Exotic quantum states made from light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 14, 2017

Single molecules can work as reproducible transistors -- at room temperature

Columbia University researchers successfully demonstrate current blockade using atomically precise molecular clusters at room temperature. The team created a single cluster of geometrically ordered atoms with an inorganic core and positioned linkers to connect it to two gold electrodes, achieving reproducible transport characteristics.

Why expensive wine appears to taste better

A study found that the brain's reward center is tricked into thinking expensive wine tastes better due to its higher price. The 'marketing placebo effect' plays a role in this phenomenon, where identical products are perceived differently based on their prices.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2017

Almonds may help boost cholesterol clean-up crew

A recent study found that consuming almonds regularly can improve HDL cholesterol levels and function in people with elevated LDL cholesterol. The almond diet resulted in a 19% increase in large HDL particles and improved HDL function by 6.4%, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 11, 2017

Testicular macrophages are guardians of fertility

Two types of testicular macrophages have been identified, one found in interstitial spaces and another on the surface of seminiferous tubules. These macrophages prevent other immune system agents from entering the testes by releasing specific molecules.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 11, 2017

Chemical profile of ants adapts rapidly

Researchers found that ant species with closely related genetic backgrounds can have significantly different chemical profiles, which can change faster than other traits during evolution. Climate also influences the composition of these profiles, with species from humid regions having distinct hydrocarbon patterns.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 11, 2017

Jackdaws flap their wings to save energy

Researchers at Lund University discovered that jackdaws minimize energy consumption when flapping their wings by creating multiple small vortices. This unique phenomenon could lead to more efficient flight in birds and potentially influence aircraft design.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 11, 2017

Improved analysis of kidney cancer

A research team at Lund University has discovered that gene expression in normal tissue varies depending on the location within the kidney. This variation affects the accuracy of comparisons between tumour cells and healthy tissue, leading to a better understanding of kidney cancer subtypes.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 11, 2017