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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 39

Perfect transmission through barrier using sound

A new study by the University of Hong Kong has experimentally proven the existence of Klein tunneling, where relativistic particles can pass through barriers with 100% transmission. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental physics and potential applications in sound manipulation and acoustic signal processing.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2020

Tracing the many paths of vision

A new study decodes the molecular diversity of neurons in the zebrafish retina, identifying at least 32 different types of retinal ganglion cells. These cell types are linked to specific functions and behaviors, shedding light on how the brain processes visual stimuli.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 2020

What pandemic messaging around changing holiday rituals gets wrong

A new study by Berkeley Haas researchers reveals that altering holiday rituals can lead to strong moral outrage, as people resist even minor changes due to the importance of tradition and group values. The study suggests that public officials should focus on changing rituals in ways that still allow people to celebrate these values.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 22, 2020

Chemists synthesize 'flat' silicon compounds

The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2020

Fluvial mapping of Mars

Researchers have created the largest image ever made of Mars' surface, mapping three billion-year-old sedimentary rocks and identifying 18 new fluvial ridges. The study provides unprecedented insight into ancient river systems on Mars, which could prove valuable targets for future exploration of past climates and tectonics.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 22, 2020

Nanoparticles could improve oil production

Researchers from Siberian Federal University found that nanoparticles can dramatically change rock wettability characteristics, leading to increased oil recovery. The study showed that even small amounts of nanoparticles added to the liquid improved oil production efficiency by weakening capillary forces and reducing interfacial tension.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 22, 2020

Bait and switch

A study by Arizona State University found that approximately 3.4% to 4.3% of consumed seafood is mislabeled, with substituted species coming from fisheries performing worse in terms of population impacts 86% of the time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2020

The brain's protein factories at work

Researchers at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin have visualized the structure of ribosomes in nerve cells at near-atomic resolution, revealing a new key factor Ebp1 controlling brain development and protein synthesis. This study provides insights into the regulatory processes involved in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 2

This issue of CVIA features papers on current management strategies for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as well as a systematic review on epicardial adipose tissue in obstructive sleep apnea. The journal also presents research on detecting myocardial infarction using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateDec 22, 2020

The college student in a pandemic

A longitudinal study of first-year university students found that those enrolled in the University of Vermont's Wellness Environment program had improved mood levels and fewer attention problems compared to non-participants. The study suggests that colleges and universities should track students' emotional health and develop specific p...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 22, 2020

Slow start of plate tectonics despite a hot early Earth

Researchers discovered that mantle convection on early Earth was surprisingly slow and spatially restricted until around 3 billion years ago. This finding suggests that the onset of modern plate tectonics triggered the emergence of large continental masses and an oxygen-rich atmosphere, setting the stage for complex life.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2020