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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 44


Page 44 of 45

Virtual conference CO2 emissions quantified in new study

A new study from the University of Michigan estimates virtual conference CO2 emissions using a framework that includes energy usage, network data transfer, and server energy consumption. The study found that a May 2020 virtual conference produced 66 times less greenhouse gas emissions than an in-person meeting in San Francisco.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Studies·DateFeb 1, 2021

Physics of snakeskin sheds light on sidewinding

Researchers discovered that sidewinders' bellies have tiny pits and few spikes, which enhances sidewinding but is not as efficient for forward undulation. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and could lead to improvements in human technology, such as snake robots for search-and-rescue missions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

What makes people want more self-control?

Researchers found that desire for self-control is influenced by societal demands and internal motivations, with individuals low in trait self-control expressing greater DSC. Desire for self-control hinges on sense of necessity to accomplish current goals, leading to increased willingness to enroll in training.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMotivation Science·DateFeb 1, 2021

Mathematical method developed to predict cancer and drug-specific immunotherapy efficacy

Houston Methodist researchers created a mathematical model to predict how specific cancers will respond to immunotherapy treatments, enhancing chances for successful treatments. The model uses laws of physics and chemistry to describe complex biological systems involved in immunotherapy treatment and the associated immune response.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 1, 2021

Neurotransmitter regulation of circadian rhythms

A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.

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

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