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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 41

Electrons take alternative route to prevent plant stress

A recent study published in Plants revealed that electrons flowing through the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) in photosystem I undergo a charge recombination, producing chemical energy used in photosynthesis. This finding suggests an alternative pathway to suppress reactive oxygen species production and mitigate plant stress.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants·DateJun 19, 2019

Vitamin D may not help your heart

A new Michigan State University study found that taking vitamin D supplements did not decrease the incidence of heart attacks, strokes or other major adverse cardiovascular events. The study of over 83,000 patients showed no benefit from vitamin D supplements in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 19, 2019

Is glue the answer to climate change?

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a new material capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) using a common epoxy resin. The material shows high CO2 uptake and could potentially be used to capture CO2 from industrial flue gas streams or from the air.

SourceSwansea University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 19, 2019

News from the diamond nursery

Scientists have recreated the conditions of the Earth's mantle, where diamonds form, by simulating extreme pressure and heat. They found that the sediments represent a plausible source of potassium for the saline fluid inclusions in diamonds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2019

Photovoltaic nanotubes

Researchers discovered a novel nanotube material that generates electricity through the photovoltaic effect, outperforming existing materials by an order of magnitude. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar panels and advanced optical sensors for applications in astronomy and self-driving cars.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

South African forests show pathways to a sustainable future

Researchers found that coastal, indigenous forests in South Africa store a moderate to large amount of carbon, making them important for conservation. The study also highlights the need to balance forest productivity with local community needs in order to achieve sustainable development.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJun 19, 2019

Fresh look at mysterious Nasca lines in Peru

Researchers from Hokkaido University used a taxonomic approach to re-identify the huge birds etched into Peru's desert plains as hermits or pelicans. The study, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, reveals that the Nasca people drew exotic birds, not local species, which could be a clue to their significance.

US military consumes more hydrocarbons than most countries -- massive hidden impact on climate

Research by social scientists reveals the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting significant CO2e emissions. The study calculates part of the US military's impact on climate change through its global logistical supply chains.

SourceLancaster University·JournalTransactions of the Institute of British Geographers·DateJun 19, 2019

Upcycling process brings new life to old jeans

Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 19, 2019

Finding 'Nemo's' family tree of anemones

Researchers built a phylogenetic tree based on DNA from newly collected anemone specimens to fill gaps in the origin of these species. They found that as a group, anemones independently evolved the ability to host clownfish three times throughout history, with two groups originating in the Tethys Sea.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJun 19, 2019

Artificial muscles powered by glucose

Scientists at Linköping University have created artificial muscles that harness energy from glucose and oxygen, mimicking biological muscle movement. The innovation uses enzymes to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, enabling the creation of implantable and autonomous microrobots.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2019

Curbing the flammability of epoxy resin

A team of researchers from Henan University has investigated the flame retardant performance of epoxy resin using a boron nitride nanosheet decorated with cobalt ferrite nanoparticle. The as-prepared CFN-BNNS exhibits superior paramagnetic properties, contributing to better flame retardant performance compared to random alignment.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 19, 2019