Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 45

Landmark HKU-led volume on past progress and new frontiers in the study of early birds and their close relatives

The publication provides a comprehensive overview of pennaraptoran theropods, covering their fossil record, systematics, anatomy, and early flight studies. Key findings include the identification of key avian traits that originated deep within theropod evolution and the discovery of unique reproductive strategies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·DateAug 24, 2020

The mathematical magic of bending grids

A team of mathematicians from TU Wien has developed a technique to calculate flat grids that can be unfolded into desired three-dimensional shapes. The method uses findings in differential geometry and has been successfully tested in practice, resulting in stable and structurally sound 3D structures with good static properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 24, 2020

Hydrogen vehicles might soon become the global norm

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new catalyst that can produce cheaper and more sustainable hydrogen-powered vehicles, reducing reliance on precious materials like platinum. The breakthrough could make hydrogen vehicles more durable and scalable, leading to a potential shift towards sustainable transportation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2020

'Biggest holes in the system'

A new study by Washington State University scientist Raven Weaver found that older adults living in very rural settings are less likely to receive available services compared to those in mostly rural areas. The study highlights the most vulnerable groups within the rural classification, emphasizing the need for proactive support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateAug 24, 2020

Protein 'chameleon' colors long-term memory

Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered how a chameleon-like protein, CPEB3, interacts with actin filaments in neurons. This interaction enables the protein to adapt its binding sites to either SUMO or actin, allowing it to form long-lived aggregates that store memories.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Reducing transmission risk of livestock disease

A new study found that transmission risk of the PPRV virus increases with specific husbandry practices, including introducing sheep or goats to herds and attending seasonal grazing camps. In contrast, herd size was not related to transmission risk, but rather social cliques formed within individual compounds.

SourcePenn State·JournalViruses·DateAug 24, 2020

Small quake clusters can't hide from AI

Researchers used data gathered before a 2017 deadly landslide in Greenland to demonstrate the effectiveness of deep learning in predicting seismic events. The study found weak but repetitive rumblings that accelerated over time, leading to the landslide, which could be detected by AI.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2020

Each human gut has a viral 'fingerprint'

A comprehensive database of 33,242 unique viral populations in the human digestive system has been assembled by Ohio State University scientists. This discovery reveals a complex relationship between viruses and bacteria in the gut, with higher diversity associated with healthier individuals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 24, 2020

Routing valley exciton emission of a WS2 monolayer via in-plane inversion-symmetry broken PhC slabs

Scientists demonstrate efficient separation of valley exciton emission of a WS2 monolayer using two-dimensional all-dielectric PhC slabs without in-plane inversion symmetry. The delocalized Bloch modes play a critical role in separating and enhancing directional valley exciton emission.

Global forest restoration and the importance of empowering local communities

A new study emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in global forest restoration efforts, which could provide benefits to millions of people living on lands suitable for forest restoration. The research highlights opportunities for tropical countries to remove atmospheric carbon, promote biodiversity conservation, and ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 24, 2020

Media's pivotal pandemic power

A new study by Flinders University researchers analyzes national Australian newspaper coverage from early 2020, noting a rise in moral evaluations and behaviors linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of balanced messaging and responsible media portrayals in public health crises.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 23, 2020

Medieval texts reveal false Royal Navy origins

Research by Flinders University PhD candidate Matt Firth challenges long-held assumptions about the Royal Navy's origins, finding evidence that a tradition of defensive naval action existed before Alfred the Great's reign. The study also sheds light on medieval burial ships and cultural contact between England and Scandinavia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateAug 23, 2020