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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 6


Page 6 of 43

Dishing the dirt on an early man cave

A team of scientists uncovered new details about day-to-day life in the famous Denisova Cave complex in Siberia's Altai Mountains. Microscopic studies of fossil droppings and charcoal from ancient fires indicate that large carnivores such as hyenas, wolves, and bears dominated the landscape for over 300,000 years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2019

Using the immune system as a defence against cancer

Researchers at King's College London have discovered that β-Galactoside-Binding Protein (βGBP) can selectively target and kill cancer cells while stimulating the immune system to provide long-term protection against cancer recurrence. The study presents a promising new strategy for treating aggressive forms of cancer.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateSep 26, 2019

A planet that should not exist

Astronomers detected a massive planet, GJ 3512b, orbiting the small red dwarf star GJ 3512, defying predictions of theoretical models. The discovery poses questions about planetary formation mechanisms and encourages further research.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

How to tie microscopic knots

Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a way to tie microscopic knots within liquid crystals, a type of material used in electronics. The researchers found that by applying voltage, they can expand or shrink the knots and even form complex shapes.

Scientists finally find superconductivity in place they have been looking for decades

Researchers successfully simulated high-temperature superconductivity in cuprate materials using the Hubbard model, a decades-old representation of electron behavior. The study suggests that tweaking electron hopping patterns can toggle superconductivity on and off, offering a promising step towards producing controlled superconductors.

New findings enable more heart donations

A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that hearts from donors with acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be safely transplanted without affecting recipient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the supply of donor hearts, estimated at 20-30%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateSep 26, 2019

The global phosphorus crisis

A team of 40 experts from industries, universities, and research institutes worldwide warn that the world's limited phosphate resources are being overexploited and wasted. Without sustainable management, phosphorus will eventually run out, threatening global food security.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 26, 2019

Catching evolution in the act

Researchers found that natural selection acts on signal-sensing receptors, influencing a worm's decision to stay or enter dauer based on the availability of resources. The study provides evidence that artificial and natural selection work similarly, supporting Darwin's hypothesis.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 26, 2019

Jumping the gap may make electronics faster

Researchers have developed a method to transfer information using surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), enabling faster signal propagation in microelectronic chips. The technique, which uses multiple snapshots of electromagnetic fields, can potentially solve the problem of shrinking electronic components and improve the speed of chips.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2019