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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 43

Researchers identify genetics behind deadly oat blight

A multi-institution team identified the genetic mechanisms enabling the production of Victorin, a deadly toxin causing Victoria blight in oats. The study discovered that Victorin genes are scattered across repetitive regions in the pathogen genome, expanding the potential for small molecule discovery.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Nature is widely adapted to current climate -- making it harder to adjust to a new one

Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Growing risks of STIs in over-45s

A study has found that middle-aged and older adults are at risk of contracting STIs due to negative attitudes and limited knowledge about their sexual health needs. The report's findings highlight four critical areas where interventions can address gaps in current healthcare provision: awareness, access, knowledge, and stigma.

Making sense of a universe of corn genetics

Researchers have developed a predictive model to guide plant breeders in selecting suitable corn varieties based on genomic analysis. The study focused on predicting eight corn traits using shoot apical meristem (SAM) analysis, achieving accuracy ranging from 37% to 57% across the eight traits studied.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 23, 2020

New clues shed light on importance of Earth's ice sheets

Researchers found subglacial waters in Antarctica and Greenland have higher concentrations of essential trace elements, challenging scientists' understanding of the Earth's geochemical processes. These discoveries may significantly impact the development of healthy ecosystems and the ocean waters receiving ice sheet meltwater.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Climate change presents new challenges for the drinking water supply

The Rappbode Reservoir in Germany is facing new challenges due to climate change, with projected temperature increases that could lead to significant changes in the reservoir's physical structure. This could result in increased oxygen demand, intensified nutrient dissolution, and algae growth, posing a risk to the drinking water supply.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 23, 2020

A hunger for social contact

A new study from MIT finds that long periods of social isolation activate the brain's substantia nigra region in a way similar to food cravings. The researchers used an innovative isolation method to induce strong feelings of loneliness, and found that the resulting craving signal was correlated with self-reported levels of loneliness.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 23, 2020