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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 512

ModMol the new app to observe molecules in 3D

ModMol is an augmented reality app that allows users to visualize and edit molecules in 3D. The app currently supports 115 molecules, including organic and inorganic systems, biomolecules, polymers, and proteins. It enables users to customize molecules using the period table and standard fragments, and save edited structures for export.

Climate change caused the demise of Central Asia's river civilizations, not Genghis Khan

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that climate change, not Genghis Khan, led to the decline of Central Asia's medieval river civilizations. The research found that decreasing river flow due to drought was equally important for the abandonment of these city-states as the Mongol invasion.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2020

Genes play a role in common knee injury

Researchers at Lund University found that genes contribute more than previously thought to knee injuries, accounting for 69% of cases. The genetic risk was equally high in men and women, suggesting a possible preventive strategy by family members.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 15, 2020

Sights set on curbing gun crime

A Flinders University study found that guns and drugs are linked to serious crime and that reducing access and value in popular culture can decrease their appeal. Experts say broad social changes are needed to make guns less attractive for criminals.

Sheets of carbon nanotubes come in a rainbow of colors

Scientists have developed a method to predict the specific colors of thin films made from combining any of the 466 varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The research shows that the thinnest and most colorful tubes affect visible light more than those with larger diameters and faded colors.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2020

A comprehensive review of early-onset colorectal SEER data is the first to specifically assess adeno

Researchers analyzed SEER 18 data and found adenocarcinomas to be the predominant cancer subtype in screening, surveillance, and prevention. The study also revealed that carcinoid tumors are increasing at a faster rate than adenocarcinomas, but adenocarcinomas are still steadily increasing in most early-onset subgroups.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2020

Success in the Amazon

A landmark agreement, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, has prevented thousands of square kilometers of deforestation over its first decade, with no negative impact on agricultural growth. The policy's success can be attributed to cooperation among private companies, NGOs, and government agencies.

Arctic sea ice and shrub growth

A study analyzing Arctic tundra shrub-ring chronologies from 1979 to 2008 found that most shrubs experienced increased radial growth as Arctic sea ice declined. However, 39% of shrubs showed decreased growth, often at drier sites, suggesting changes in moisture availability constrain responses to warming temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Mapping corals from the sky guides reef conservation

A new study mapped the geographic distribution of live corals across Hawaiian waters, revealing areas of degraded reef and 'refugia' where corals show resilience to human-driven environmental stressors. The detailed maps will inform conservation efforts and help protect coral reefs from critical threat levels by 2050.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

A dynamical world undergrund

A new research group at the University of Oldenburg is studying subsurface processes on North Sea beaches with high waves and strong tides. The team aims to assess the importance of these underground habitats for coastal ecosystems and global carbon, nutrient, and trace element cycling.

Most crop wild relatives may require urgent conservation action

A study suggests that 96% of US crop wild relatives require high conservation priority due to limited understanding of their geographic distribution and current conservation status. Conservation action is needed in taxonomic hotspots across the country to safeguard these genetic resources for breeding and food security.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020