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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 2


Page 2 of 48

Excess neutrinos and missing gamma rays?

Researchers at Penn State suggest that supermassive black hole coronae could be the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, exceeding expectations. The new model predicts electromagnetic counterparts in soft gamma-rays, with next-generation detectors poised to explore this possibility.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 30, 2020

Breaking the silence: scientists investigate epigenetic impact across whole genome

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified previously unknown sections of DNA that are silenced by epigenetic regulation in plant cells. The study reveals a crucial role of these sites in suppressing the activity of disruptive 'jumping genes' called transposons, which can threaten genome integrity.

Light drinking may protect brain function

A study from the University of Georgia found that light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older adults. The study examined cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults in the US and found a correlation between light drinking and better cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 30, 2020

Buzzing to rebuild broken bone

A team of UConn engineers has developed a scaffold that generates a controllable electrical field to encourage bone growth, providing a new approach for treating serious injuries. The device uses non-toxic poly(L-lactic acid) polymer and remotely-controlled ultrasound to stimulate bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 30, 2020

Light from inside the tunnel

Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 30, 2020

Life-hack: Rituals spell anxiety relief

Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 30, 2020

Chanterelle mushrooms as a taste enhancer

Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to quantify the key substances in chanterelles responsible for their distinctive kokumi effect. These natural fatty acid derivatives can be used as quality control markers and potentially improve flavor profiles in mushroom dishes and other savory foods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

How stress affects bone marrow

A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified CD86 as a novel cell surface marker that enables accurate analysis of hematopoietic responses to biological stress. The researchers found that CD86-based analysis can detect early activation phases of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow within hours after toxin injection.

Major new paleoclimatology study shows global warming has upended 6,500 years of cooling

A major new paleoclimatology study reveals that global warming has reversed 6,500 years of natural cooling, surpassing 1°C above the mid-19th century average temperature. The study, led by Northern Arizona University researchers, compiled previously published paleoclimate data and statistical analyses to show that the millennial-scale ...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScientific Data·DateJun 30, 2020

Researchers control elusive spin fluctuations in 2D magnets

A Cornell team created a new imaging technique that enables real-time observation of critical spin fluctuations in two-dimensional magnets. By controlling these fluctuations, researchers can switch magnetism without using a magnetic field, potentially leading to the creation of more energy-efficient magnetic storage devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Human Brain Project announces new phase

The Human Brain Project is entering its final phase with a focus on advancing three core scientific areas: brain networks, consciousness, and artificial neural nets. EBRAINS infrastructure will provide researchers with a comprehensive atlas and database, as well as powerful computing and simulation tools.

A new theory about political polarization

A new model of opinion formation shows how people's emotional connections with others influence their political views, leading to increased polarization. The Weighted Balance Theory identifies hyperpolarization as a vicious circle where intense emotions and opinions replace moderate positions.