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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 407


Page 407 of 510

Paleontology: Microscope helps with dinosaur puzzle

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to identify and separate individual dinosaur fossils by analyzing bone tissue. By examining the growth patterns, vascularization, and annual rings in fossilized bones, scientists can now determine whether a particular bone belongs to a specific animal or skeleton.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 11, 2021

Preterm birth, prolonged labor influenced by progesterone balance

A new study found that unbalanced progesterone signals may cause preterm labor or prolonged labor in pregnant women. The researchers used genetically engineered mouse models to alter the ratio of PGR-A and PGR-B signaling in the uterus, identifying key biological pathways influenced by both forms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

Air pollution: The silent killer called PM2.5

The study found that many regions with high air pollution don't measure PM2.5 levels and have weak standards, while places like Canada and Australia have strict enforcement. High population density is not a barrier to fighting air pollution successfully, as seen in countries like Japan and Singapore.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateMar 11, 2021

Computing clean water

Computational models predict solute-surface affinity, allowing for more effective membrane design and improved energy efficiency. Researchers discovered that surface water molecular structures play a crucial role in determining affinity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

Laser-driven experiments provide insights into the formation of the universe

Researchers have captured the time history of magnetic field growth in a lab setting using laser-driven experiments. The findings suggest that turbulent dynamo mechanism amplifies magnetic fields rapidly, exceeding theoretical expectations and potentially explaining the origin of large-scale fields in galaxy clusters.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

New tool to dissect the "undruggable"

Researchers at Harvard University have designed a new highly-selective tool to study proteins that are difficult to target with drugs, known as 'undruggable' proteins. The tool uses a nanobody to add or remove specific sugars from proteins, providing a detailed understanding of their function.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 11, 2021

The secrets of the best rainbows on Earth

Researchers found that Hawaii's location in the subtropical Pacific, combined with its mountains and clean air, create an ideal environment for frequent rainbow sightings. The new RainbowChase app, developed by Dr. Steven Businger, uses Doppler radar data and satellite images to alert users of favorable conditions.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 11, 2021

Climate change influences river flow

A recent study by ETH Zurich reveals that climate change has a globally visible influence on rivers, with complex patterns emerging worldwide. The research analyzed data from 7,250 measuring stations and found that river flow changed systematically between 1971 and 2010.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2021

New analysis of 2D perovskites could shape the future of solar cells and LEDs

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new analysis of 2D perovskites, which could improve the stability of next-generation solar cells and LEDs. By combining lead with tin, they were able to reduce toxic lead quantities and tune key properties, leading to enhanced performance in photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 11, 2021

A monumental particle accelerator in the Cygnus Cocoon

The Cygnus Cocoon is found to be the most powerful of our galaxy's known natural particle accelerators, with photons recorded from energies up to one hundred teraelectronvolts. The HAWC observatory detected this phenomenon, suggesting that protons accelerated in stellar winds could be responsible for high-energy gamma photon emission.

Changing defaults can have a significant and lasting effect

Research at ETH Zurich found that defaulting to green electricity increased demand by over 80% in private households, with a significant impact on business customers as well. Despite higher costs, the majority of customers stuck with green options, demonstrating the lasting effect of default settings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 11, 2021

Arbitrary polarization conversion dichroism metasurfaces for full Poincaré sphere polarizers

Scientists have proposed an effective approach to achieve full Poincaré sphere polarizers in one step using monolayer metasurfaces with arbitrary polarization conversion dichroism. The system can generate an arbitrarily polarized beam at any position on the Poincaré sphere, making it a monolithic arbitrary polarization generator.

Polarization: From better sunglasses to a better way of looking at asteroid surfaces

Researchers at the Arecibo Observatory have developed a technique to analyze radar signals bounced off asteroids' surfaces, providing crucial information on their physical properties. This method can help planetary defense prepare for asteroids on a collision course with Earth by identifying porous, fluffy, or rocky surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateMar 11, 2021

The important role of music in neurorehabilitation: Filling in critical gaps

Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMar 10, 2021

Characteristics, mortality associated with diabetic ketoacidosis among us patients hospitalized with,without COVID-19

A recent study analyzed US hospital data to describe the characteristics and mortality associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) among patients with and without COVID-19. The findings indicate a higher mortality rate for DKA patients hospitalized with COVID-19, emphasizing the need for careful management of these cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2021

Unfavorable weather conditions were the main cause of the fog-haze events over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during the COVID-19 lockdown

Fog-haze events over the North China Plain were caused by meteorological conditions, not emission reductions during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study found that higher temperatures and relative humidity accelerated secondary aerosol formation, while low wind speeds inhibited pollutant diffusion.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 10, 2021

The mystery of the missing energy - solved

Scientists at Linköping University discover where unexplained energy losses occur during singlet fission, a phenomenon that can increase solar cell efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to higher efficiency rates, from 33% to over 40%, making solar cells more sustainable.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 10, 2021