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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 501


Page 501 of 512

Missing link in palaeognath evolution

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a surprising anatomical connection between the giant cassowary, its closest relative the emu, and the extinct New Zealand moa and small South American tinamou. The study reveals that the syrinx, hyoid, and larynx structures of these birds are more similar than previously thought, provi...

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 13, 2020

Online educational videos boost cancer knowledge

Rutgers researchers found that online educational videos boost cancer knowledge and awareness among viewers, leading to increased behavioral changes such as self-skin inspections and lung cancer screening. The study highlights the potential of digital health videos to reach disadvantaged populations and improve health outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateJan 13, 2020

How nodules stay on top at the bottom of the sea

A new study published in Geology reveals that deep-sea nodules remain uncovered due to their association with seafloor fauna, which forages and burrows sediment around them. The findings suggest that the regions where nodules occur are more extensive than previously thought, highlighting potential economic and conservation implications.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 13, 2020

Nanosatellites improve detection of early-season corn nitrogen stress

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed nanosatellite technology that can detect nitrogen stress in corn early in the season. This allows farmers to plan in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications and alleviate nutrient stress for crops, potentially increasing yield and reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·DateJan 13, 2020

Decoy molecule neutralizes a range of viruses

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a decoy molecule called Arenacept that can neutralize a range of viruses, including arenaviruses. The molecule is based on a rodent receptor and has been shown to be highly effective in binding strongly to viruses and recruiting the immune system to mount an attack.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2020

Climate change unlikely to drive sugar maples north

A recent study published in the Journal of Ecology found that climate change is unlikely to force a northern migration of sugar maples due to soil composition constraints. The research, conducted by Alexis Carteron and colleagues, found that boreal forest soil negatively affects sugar maple survival rates and growth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJan 12, 2020

Always counterclockwise

A study by Kiel University researchers has identified a consistent counterclockwise deviation in the orientation of newly built Early Neolithic houses in Central and Eastern Europe. The finding is attributed to the phenomenon known as pseudo-neglect, where humans tend to prefer their left visual field.

SourceKiel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 10, 2020

Water governance: Could less sometimes be more?

A study of six European countries' water governance systems from 1750 to 2006 found that the introduction of new regulations can lead to conflicts, inefficiencies, and a decrease in system coherence. The researchers argue that less regulation may be more effective in achieving positive environmental impacts.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEcological Economics·DateJan 10, 2020

Explosion or collapse?

A team of scientists has successfully measured the electron capture rate in intermediate-mass stars, revealing that they are more likely to undergo a thermonuclear explosion than collapse. This finding has significant implications for galactic chemical evolution and the discovery of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 10, 2020