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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 383


Page 383 of 510

Turning wood into plastic

A research team has created a high-quality bioplastic from wood byproducts, showing promise for producing durable and sustainable plastics. The resulting material exhibits high mechanical strength, stability, and UV-light resistance, making it suitable for various applications, including packaging and automobile manufacturing.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 25, 2021

Failed your New Year resolution again? Join the club

ECU researchers found that two thirds of participants gave up on their New Year resolutions within the first month. Setting specific resolutions with time, place and/or people is key to sticking to them, according to Professor Joanne Dickson. Flexibility in adapting to changing situations also predicts increased mental wellbeing.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 25, 2021

Ocean's mammals at crucial crossroads

A review of 126 marine mammal species reveals that accidental capture, climate change, and pollution are driving declines. Conservation efforts have saved some species, but many more are at risk, including the vaquita porpoise and North Atlantic right whale.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 25, 2021

How tiny machines become capable of learning

Researchers developed microswimmers that can change direction by heating tiny gold particles, then learned to navigate through a virtual environment via external control and virtual rewards. The findings suggest an optimal speed is key to navigation, with implications for autonomous tasks and collective behavior in biological systems.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2021

Does selfishness evolve? Ask a cannibal

Researchers found that less selfish behavior evolved under living conditions forcing frequent sibling interactions, verifying a key concept in evolutionary theory. The study provides insight into the importance of cannibalism in ecosystems and its potential application to studying human behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 25, 2021

Shrub willow as a bioenergy crop

Researchers have grown shrub willow on a semi-commercial scale to better understand its nuances as a bioenergy crop. Key findings include determining the best varieties to plant and how to handle planting and harvesting. The study also highlights the crop's ability to store carbon, host pollinators, and provide ecosystem services.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 25, 2021

Game on: Science edition

Researchers trained an AI agent to conduct scientific experiments using a virtual beamline simulation, allowing for efficient and remote experimentation. The team implemented reinforcement learning to train the AI, which enabled it to learn from experience and master the experiment.

A killer revealed: A cyanobacterial neurotoxin responsible for the largest undiagnosed mass mortalit

A new cyanobacterial neurotoxin called aetokthonotoxin has been identified as the cause of vacuolar myelinopathy in waterbirds and raptors, with exposure to bromide-enriched invasive water plants playing a key role. Bioaccumulation of the toxin affects not only the birds that eat the contaminated plants but also their predators.