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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Containing methane and its contribution to global warming

A new study reveals that implementing available technology can significantly reduce methane emissions and mitigate climate change. The study estimates that between 30% and 50% of future global methane emissions can be removed at a cost below 50 €/t CO2eq, but acknowledges the need for regional- and sector-specific approaches to mitigat...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateFeb 28, 2020

How much does black carbon contribute to climate warming?

A new framework reconciles model simulations with laboratory and empirical observations, providing a more accurate understanding of black carbon's climate forcing effect. The study finds that black carbon particles are not uniformly coated, resulting in lower absorption rates than models suggest, but still contribute to climate warming.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2020

Asteroid impact enriches certain elements in seawater

Researchers have linked enriched chalcophile elements like copper and silver to the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact at the Yucatán Peninsula. These elements were likely supplied to the ocean through processes related to the impact, including iron oxides/hydroxides acting as a carrier phase.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 28, 2020

Outsmarting pathogens

Scientists develop a new model to predict bacterial resistance to antibiotics and explore approaches for universal flu vaccines. Researchers also create a platform to accelerate drug development and study the impact of antibiotics on gut bacteria.

How enzymes build sugar trees

The study reveals the modular design of ALG6, an enzyme responsible for forming lipid-linked oligosaccharides, enabling its adaptation to various substrates. The researchers also developed methods for synthesizing complex glycans in the lab, providing new insights into LLO biosynthesis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2020

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 27, 2020

How does the brain put decisions in context? Study finds unexpected brain region at work

Researchers discovered the anterior lateral motor cortex plays a crucial role in integrating vast amounts of information to make decisions, surpassing previous understanding of its primary function. This finding highlights the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to context and informs scientists' larger understanding of brain function.

The era of quantum supremacy is here

Researchers highlight successes and challenges of quantum computing in the NISQ era, a period where quantum computers approach evidence of quantum supremacy. Key findings include the development of new strategies to reduce measurement errors and the demonstration of programmability on quantum computers.