Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 45

Getting the lead in

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new anode material using lead and carbon that outperforms current graphite anodes with twice the energy storage capacity. The new design enables stable performance during cycling and improves overall battery efficiency.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 16, 2021

Crocodile evolution rebooted by Ice Age glaciations

A recent study led by McGill University found that the Pacific and Caribbean crocodile populations have been separated for approximately 100,000 years, contradicting previous expectations of 3 million years. This discovery was made possible by reconstructing Ice Age sea levels and analyzing genetic variations in the crocodiles' genomes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 16, 2021

Bacteria and algae get rides in clouds

Researchers from Rutgers University discovered that clouds can carry bacteria and algae, which could impact human health and ecosystems. The study found various types of algae, including cyanobacteria, in cloud water and rainwater collected from France, highlighting the need for further research on these microorganisms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Sloshing quantum fluids of light and matter to probe superfluidity

An Australian-led team of physicists successfully created sloshing quantum liquids, revealing wavy motion and superfluid properties. The experiment provided insights into the speed of sound and potential effects on superfluidity, shedding light on a promising hybrid light-matter system for ultra-low-energy electronics.

Evolution's game of rock-paper-scissors

Researchers identified a nontransitive evolutionary sequence in a 1,000-generation yeast experiment. The study found that an evolved clone outcompetes its recent ancestor but loses to a distant ancestor due to multilevel selection acting on both the yeast nuclear genome and an intracellular RNA virus.

Breakthrough in organic chemistry: Asymmetric syntheses of useful, unique chiral compounds

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize N-C axially chiral compounds, which have promising applications in medicine and agriculture. The team's breakthrough enables the creation of highly enantioselective syntheses using chiral catalysts, leading to potentially useful compounds with therapeutic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateFeb 16, 2021

Global poliovirus risk management and modeling

The global polio eradication initiative is facing setbacks due to ongoing outbreaks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite significant progress made since 2015. The recent special issue of Risk Analysis evaluates the GPEI strategies and finds that the initiative was off track even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization activ...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 16, 2021

New Australian fossil lizard

A team of researchers from Flinders University and the South Australian Museum discovered a new species of skink, Proegernia mikebulli, in the Namba Formation deposits. The fossil, named after Professor Mike Bull, is Australia's oldest known lizard, dating back to 25 million years ago.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 16, 2021

Regular caffeine consumption affects brain structure

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that regular caffeine intake can change the gray matter of the brain, but these effects are temporary. The study involved 20 healthy young individuals who were given caffeine or placebo tablets for two 10-day periods, with no sleep disruption observed.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 15, 2021

Posttraumatic stress after natural disasters

A study examined posttraumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents exposed to major US hurricanes. The results found a significant association between exposure to natural disasters and the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 15, 2021

Water is a probable vector for mammalian virus transmission

A research team from Leibniz-IZW found that water can be a vector for spreading mammalian viruses, with equine herpesviruses (EHV) remaining stable and infectious in water. The study suggests that viral stability in restricted freshwater sources enables their spread among animals, particularly during times of stress and congregation.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 15, 2021

Evolution of cereal spikes

Scientists have identified a gene responsible for varying cereal spike forms, offering a possible solution to increasing grain yields. The research focuses on the INT-M/DUB1 gene's ability to regulate meristem activity and determine lateral spikelet formation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Cheap, potent pathway to pandemic therapeutics

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new technique to discover tiny antibody fragments that can target different parts of a pathogen, making them effective against variants. This approach has the potential to quickly identify multiple potent nanobodies that can neutralize pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Systems·DateFeb 15, 2021

Scientists developed a novel method of automatic soil mapping

A team of scientists from RUDN University developed a new approach to automatic soil mapping using machine learning technologies. The method, which uses traditional rules for manual mapping, provides highly accurate results and easy-to-interpret maps, outperforming existing statistical models.

SourceRUDN University·JournalISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information·DateFeb 15, 2021

Analyzing legislative engagement

A randomized controlled trial found that Congressional offices with targeted support reported increased value of scientific evidence for understanding legislative issues. The intervention group introduced around 23% more bills using research evidence language and reported a 7% greater value of using research evidence compared to controls.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms allow native Peruvians to thrive at high altitudes

A study reveals that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, play a key role in the adaptation of native Peruvians to high altitudes. The findings show that early developmental exposures can have persistent impacts on DNA methylation patterns, leading to improved lung volumes and reduced susceptibility to idiopathic pulmonary f...