Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 470


Page 470 of 510

Mysterious magnetic fossils offer past climate clues

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new technique to analyze magnetofossils, which can reveal information about past climates. The method uses FORC measurements to identify giant magnetofossils, allowing scientists to study ocean responses to past climate changes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

New clues emerge in how early tetrapods learned to live -- and eat -- on land

A team of researchers discovered that Tiktaalik roseae, a transitional fossil between fish and tetrapods, exhibited sliding joints in its skull that allowed for cranial kinesis, enabling the animal to expand its mouth and create suction. This adaptation is thought to have evolved in aquatic species before being adapted for use on land.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

Research could dramatically lower cost of electron sources

Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a technology to make electron sources from halide perovskite thin films, efficiently converting light into free electrons. The cost savings come from abundant and inexpensive raw materials and a simpler manufacturing process.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2021

Researchers discover mechanism to overcome drug-resistance in leukemia

A novel metabolic gatekeeper mechanism for leukemia has been discovered by Yale researchers, highlighting the importance of glucose and energy supply in leukemic transformation. High expression levels of PON2 enable glucose uptake activity in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, leading to a more aggressive course of disease.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

Summer weather conditions influence winter survival of honey bees

Penn State researchers found that summer temperatures and precipitation influence honey bee winter survival. The study developed a tool for forecasting winter survival probability using growing degree days and other environmental variables. This prediction model can help beekeepers make informed management decisions.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2021

Skoltech imaging resources used in international experiment with new photocatalysts

Researchers from Skoltech and international partners study crystal structure and optical properties of new two-dimensional compounds for energy conversion. The study used advanced imaging equipment to analyze the material's structure, leading to potential improvements in photocatalytic activity.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 1, 2021

Are plastics and microplastics in the Ocean on the increase?

A recent study published in Microplastics and Nanoplastics journal concludes that marine litter in coastal systems has remained constant since 2019, with some components showing a decrease. The steady state scenario raises questions about the transfer of plastic litter to remote areas or degradation into smaller fragments.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics·DateFeb 1, 2021

Scientists develop method to detect fake news

Researchers at University of Göttingen and Frankfurt have developed an approach to detect fake news in the stock market. The new method uses machine learning and linguistic characteristics to identify suspicious messages, making it harder for scammers to evade detection.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateFeb 1, 2021

Easily assembled gold nanoparticle scaffolding serves as molecular probe

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new method using easily assembled gold nanoparticles to rapidly understand molecular mechanisms. This approach streamlines the laborious process of identifying target proteins for bioactive small molecules, which can be used in pharmaceutical treatments.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateFeb 1, 2021

Research catches up to world's fastest-growing plant

Researchers at the Salk Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries about the genome of Wolffia, a miniature aquatic plant that can grow twice as fast as other plants. The study reveals that Wolffia has shed most genes that don't contribute to growth, allowing it to focus on rapid development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 1, 2021

Indoor ozone chemistry

A study of indoor ozone chemistry in an occupied house found overall low ozone concentrations but multiple VOCs indicating ozone reactions with skin lipids and other surface chemicals. Volatile oxidation products from skin oil persisted for up to 5 days, suggesting a significant contribution of skin lipids to indoor ozone chemistry

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

Synthetic biology reinvents development

Researchers have developed a new type of model using synthetic biology to replicate symmetry breakage observed in embryos, enabling the creation of complex structures. The study identified essential parameters that modulate spatial pattern emergence in E. coli, paving the way for understanding embryonic development.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Just add mushrooms: Making meals more nutritious

Researchers found that adding a serving of mushrooms increased micronutrient intake, including potassium and fiber, without affecting calorie, fat, or sodium content. Mushrooms also provided vitamin D, copper, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and other essential nutrients.

SourceFLM Harvest·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·DateFeb 1, 2021

Paving the way for effective field theories

Effective field theories offer a unified description of complex systems, including atomic nuclei and biological systems. The collected studies demonstrate the relevance of these ideas to low-energy nuclear processes, paving the way for new advances in this field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateFeb 1, 2021

Your toothbrush reflects you, not your toilet

A Northwestern University study found that bacteria on used toothbrushes reflect microbial communities in the mouth and skin, not the toilet. The research, published in Microbiome journal, suggests that microbes from the human body are transferred to toothbrushes through saliva and other bodily fluids.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 1, 2021