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Science News for May 31, 2021


Researchers report reference genome for maize B chromosome

The researchers reported a reference sequence for the supernumerary B chromosome in maize, with key properties such as its origin and molecular mechanism remaining unclear. The study found that the current gene content is a result of continuous transfer from the A chromosomal complement over an extended evolutionary period.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

New 'Swiss Army knife' cleans up water pollution

Researchers develop porous membrane that sequesters up to 99% of phosphate ions from water, making it reusable and efficient. The technology has promise in scaling up to tackle massive environmental problems like eutrophication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers connect climate features to the variability of global tropical storm days from 1965 to 2019

A study links climate features to the variability of global tropical storm days from 1965 to 2019. The research reveals that tropical storm days vary in patterns lasting 3-6 years or 10 years, tied to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO).

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Overconfidence in detecting false news

A study of two surveys involving 8,285 US participants found that people who were overconfident in their news judgments on legitimate versus false news were more likely to visit untrustworthy websites and share false content. This overconfidence may contribute to the spread of false information via social media.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Chemistry and biology of sulfur containing natural products from marine microorganisms

This article provides an overview of sulfur-containing natural products from marine microorganisms, highlighting their molecular diversity and bioactivities. A total of 484 compounds were recorded, with 59.9% being thioethers, 29.8% being thiazole/thiazoline-containing compounds, and 10.3% being sulfoxides, sulfones, and thioesters.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalMarine Life Science & Technology·DateMay 31, 2021

Oxygen levels and eukaryote evolution

Researchers analyzed Raman spectral analysis data from nine geological formations to estimate oxygen levels during the Proterozoic Eon, finding minimum oxygen levels were 2-20% of present levels. This suggests that oxygen did not hinder eukaryote and early animal evolution during this time period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Newly discovered African 'climate seesaw' drove human evolution

African researchers identify ancient El Niño-like weather patterns as major climate drivers, challenging existing views on human evolution. The 'climate seesaw' shifted rainfall between eastern and western Africa over 100,000 years, influencing vegetation, mammal fauna, and human dispersal.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

The secret lives of Canada lynx

Scientists used accelerometers and audio recorders to study the behavior of Canada lynx, capturing detailed sounds of hunts, escapes, and social interactions. The findings provide valuable insight into the hunting habits and social dynamics of this elusive species.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 31, 2021

Gene plays major role in brain development

A study has identified a gene that plays a crucial role in brain development, with mutations affecting inheritance patterns. The Plexin-A1 gene is found to have dominant and recessive forms, which can cause significant damage to the brain and eyes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMay 31, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Overweight or obesity worsens liver-damaging effects of alcohol

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 31, 2021

Emotional impact of mass shootings

Researchers analyzed US adult survey data from 2008-2016 to understand mass shooting emotional impact. They found a short-lived emotional response in days following a mass shooting, restricted to local residents.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Uncertainties in climate model inputs

A study analyzing climate simulations reveals that small differences in aerosol forcing can significantly affect simulated temperatures and Arctic sea ice area. The results show that natural and anthropogenic forcing uncertainties can markedly impact simulations of Earth's past and future climate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

The price is right: Modeling economic growth in a zero-emission society

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers analyzed the relationship between economic growth and environmental preservation. The model indicates that achieving a 'zero-emission society' is compatible with economic growth, but only if GDP is above a certain level and pollution reduction allocation is flexible.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMay 31, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Extreme CO2 greenhouse effect heated up the young Earth

New research suggests that high CO2 levels in the atmosphere may have warmed the young Earth's climate, accounting for apparent anomalies such as hot seawater temperatures above 70°C. The study proposes a plausible explanation for these phenomena, indicating temperatures closer to 40°C when considering ocean composition changes.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Declining deer population likely due to natural regulation

The Yakushima sika deer population has been declining since 2014, with an estimated annual decrease of 15%. The decline is attributed to natural factors, with only 3.5% of the population migrating outside the Hanyama district. Natural regulation may hold the key to managing sika deer populations in Japan.

SourceHokkaido University·DateMay 31, 2021

Study suggests tai chi can mirror healthy benefits of conventional exercise

A new study shows that tai chi mirrors the beneficial effects of conventional exercise by reducing waist circumference in middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The 12-week intervention found significant reductions in waist circumference, body weight, and improved lipid profiles among those who practiced tai chi.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2021

Overconfidence in news judgement

A new study published in Proceedings of National Academics of Sciences found that individuals who believe they can identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it. The researchers used two large surveys with 8,285 respondents and found that 90% reported being above average in their ability to discern false news headlines.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Neuronal basis of duet singing in plain-tailed wrens

Researchers found that HVC neurons increase activity during solo syllable production and decrease when the partner sings, suggesting inhibition of motor circuits. This neural mechanism enables rapid turn-taking in duet singing, where males and females rapidly take turns singing at a rate of 2 to 5 Hz.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

A new soft electronic material for human-machine-interfacing

Researchers have developed CareGum, a green and recyclable sensor material that can monitor motor impairment associated with neurological disorders. The material offers stretchability, self-healing capacities, and electrical conductivity, allowing for personalized bioelectronics and real-time monitoring of movements.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 31, 2021

Low levels of omega-3 associated with higher risk of psychosis

Research found that adolescents with higher levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Those with lower levels of DHA had a higher risk of developing the condition, even after accounting for other factors.

SourceRCSI·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2021

Duetting songbirds 'mute' the musical mind of their partner to stay in sync

Researchers studied the brain activity of singing male and female plain-tailed wrens, discovering that they synchronize their duets by inhibiting the song-making regions of their partner's brain. This inhibition allows for a seemingly telepathic performance, with the birds becoming a single entity through sensory linkages.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Greenhouse effect warmed early Earth

Carbon dioxide played a crucial role in warming early Earth's climate, offsetting the reduced light from the young Sun. The δ18O ratio of ancient seawater suggests a warm but not hot environment, with high CO2 concentrations, around 3 billion years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Larger sample sizes needed to avoid false negative findings in vitamin D trials

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin developed tools for designing vitamin D clinical trials that capture seasonal and population-wide differences. The study found many trials were underpowered, failing to detect a benefit of vitamin D supplementation due to individual differences and seasonal fluctuations.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Ethnically diverse research identifies more genetic markers linked to diabetes

A global collaboration has identified 24 new loci linked to glycemic traits, improving our understanding of type 2 diabetes and its impact on different ancestries. This study highlights the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research, yielding better results and enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 31, 2021

Hybrid redox-flow battery with a long cycle life

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a non-aqueous All-Manganese Flow battery with a long cycle life, achieving an energy density roughly twice that of previous batteries. The new design uses sustainable manganese as its active material and has shown promising results for stationary energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 31, 2021

The LUCA device proves its readiness for a better thyroid cancer screening

The LUCA device, a low-cost near-infrared optical device combined with ultrasound, has shown potential in identifying benign or malignant thyroid nodules. Clinical tests demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity in classifying nodules as clear cases or those requiring further diagnosis.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 31, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Ecole de technologie superieure welcomes two research chairs specialized in artificial intelligence applied to health

The Ecole de technologie superieure hosts two new research chairs on artificial intelligence applied to health. The chairs aim to train qualified personnel who can work in a field combining AI and healthcare. Researchers plan to develop algorithms that improve real-time assessment of patient status and reduce ICU readmission rates.

SourceÉcole de technologie supérieure·DateMay 31, 2021

Unraveling DNA packaging

Scientists from Kanazawa University use HS-AFM to study DNA-histone interactions, revealing spatiotemporal dynamics and real-time observations of wrapping, sliding, sandwiching, and wrapping motions. The study provides valuable insights into the compactification of DNA and its potential applications in understanding human diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 31, 2021

Isolating an elusive missing link

Researchers from ICIQ's Lloret-Fillol group have isolated and fully characterised an elusive intermediate in the Water Oxidation Reaction (WOR), a key reaction for producing atmospheric oxygen. The breakthrough provides direct evidence of the oxygen-oxygen bond formation mechanism, opening doors for efficient catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Study reveals degradation of antibiotics in water by iron-based fenton catalytic

Researchers develop an iron-based catalyst that rapidly removes sulfadiazine antibiotic residues from water by activating H2O2 to generate free radicals. The catalyst shows high efficiency and stability, making it a potential solution for tackling micro-pollutants in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateMay 31, 2021

Emotional regulation technique may be effective in disrupting compulsive cocaine addiction

A new study suggests that an emotional regulation technique called cognitive reappraisal can help disrupt compulsive cocaine addiction. The technique, which involves reinterpreting the meaning of drug-related cues, was found to reduce attention-bias in individuals with cocaine use disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Mind the nanogap: Fast and sensitive oxygen gas sensors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new strategy to produce nanogap oxygen gas sensors with fast response times and low operating temperatures. The study presents a promising approach to create scalable gas-sensing platforms for various applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·DateMay 31, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

A mechanism that reduces blood vessels in Alzheimer's patients

Alzheimer's disease disorganises blood vessels around amyloid plaques, causing loss of vessels and worsening pathology. This mechanism aggravates the disease by reducing the brain's ability to clean toxic substances, leading to increased strain on oxygen and nutrient supply.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 2021

Academic journal Polar Science features science in the Arctic

The journal features a special issue on the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability Project (ArCS), which covered topics such as climate change, atmospheric science, and oceanography. The project aimed to understand the impacts of global warming on the Arctic environment and human society.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalPolar Science·DateMay 31, 2021

A blood sugar biomarker identifies patients with atherosclerosis and a risk of cardiovascular events

A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2021

Global warming already responsible for one in three heat-related deaths

A new study found that human-induced global warming is responsible for 37% of all heat-related deaths globally, with Central and South America and South-East Asia most affected. Cities like Santiago de Chile, Athens, and Tokyo saw significant increases in mortality due to climate change.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Right-wing rhetoric and the trivialization of pandemic casualties

High-level government officials and influential commentators in the US trivialized pandemic casualties by adopting a tone that suggested premature death was normal. This misleading rhetoric ignored the collective costs of unchecked disease transmission and offered false reassurance about the risk of infection.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Anthropological Research·DateMay 31, 2021

Trust the machine -- it knows what it is doing

A study by Manuel Santos Gutiérrez and colleagues reveals that machine learning-based simplified climate models can build an actual understanding of the climate system. The findings indicate that data-driven methods are dynamically and physically sound, producing robust simulations. This breakthrough has significant implications for va...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateMay 31, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Hydraulic instability decides who's to die and who's to live

Researchers discovered that hydraulic instability amplifies small volume differences between germ cells, leading to their selection for growth or shrinkage. The study reveals a mechanical mechanism governing the life and death decision in the nematode germline.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 31, 2021

Holocene winter rain and Sahara greening

Researchers analyzed a sediment core from Lake Tislit, Morocco, and found that the Sahara expanded with greenery during the African Humid Period. The expansion was caused by increased winter precipitation rather than a northward expansion of the monsoon.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Using fossil plant molecules to track down the Green Sahara

Researchers analyzed pollen and leaf waxes to reconstruct vegetation cover and rainfall in the past. Mediterranean plants tolerate arid conditions with winter rain, suggesting a southward shift of westerlies during the African Humid Period. This climate scenario produced a Green Sahara with two seasonal rains.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Suitable thread type and stitch density for Ghanaian public basic school uniforms

Researchers have found suitable sewing thread brands and stitch densities for Ghanaian public basic school uniforms, resulting in improved seam strength, efficiency, and elongation. The recommended thread brand B? with a stitch density of 14 stitches per inch (SPI) is expected to produce high-quality seams.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Materials Science·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Oncotarget: Piperlongumine promotes death of retinoblastoma cancer cells

Researchers found that piperlongumine inhibits cell growth, impacts cell cycle, and triggers caspase-3 independent cell death in retinoblastoma cell lines. PL's toxicity was inhibited by a ROS scavenger treatment, suggesting its potential as an anticancer molecule for retinoblastoma treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMay 31, 2021

Scientists discover a new genetic form of ALS in children

Researchers link ALS to a unique genetic mutation affecting lipid metabolism, providing clues for a novel therapy and understanding the disease's progression. The study reveals slower symptom onset and longer survival rates in children compared to adults with ALS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 31, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers measure tritium production rates in mock-up of water-cooled ceramic breeder blanket

A research team has successfully measured tritium production rates in a water-cooled ceramic breeder blanket mock-up, validating its design and function under D-T neutron environment. The experimental results are in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, meeting the requirements for tritium self-sustaining in future fusion reactors.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnergy·DateMay 31, 2021

Memory, learning and decision-making studied in worms

Researchers used a 'robot microscope' to track chemical signals in worms, revealing the role of interneurons in food-seeking behavior. The study found that glutamate signaling between sensory and interneurons plays a key role in experience-dependent plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 31, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Tai chi about equal to conventional exercise for reducing belly fat in middle aged and older adults

A randomized controlled trial found that tai chi is as effective as conventional exercise in reducing waist circumference and improving HDL cholesterol levels among middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The study's findings are good news for those who may prefer tai chi due to limited mobility or preference.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2021

Graphene-based nanozyme helps to detect L-cysteine in serum

A novel graphene-based nanozyme was developed using Ganoderma lucidum extract polysaccharides, enabling high sensitivity and selectivity detection of L-cysteine in serum. The study published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry demonstrated improved stability and dispersion of the nanozyme in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2021

Human evolution and ancient El Niño/La Niña

A recent study reveals that warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean, driven by solar radiation changes, impacted moisture availability in Africa. This climate process may have shaped the distribution of plant and animal species, creating favorable conditions for resource-rich regions where modern humans emerged.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How Eurasian jays respond to illusions

A study reveals that Eurasian jays are susceptible to illusions using fast movements, similar to humans. However, the birds are more influenced by observable motions than expected motions, differing from human perception.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Urban life is not to everyone's taste

A study of 158 European butterfly species found that 25 thrive in urban environments, while others decline. Generalist species with adaptable traits are more likely to succeed.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 31, 2021

Ganoderic acid increases radiosensitivity of cancer cell

Researchers discovered that Ganoderic acid can increase the radiosensitivity of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to radiation therapy. This breakthrough provides new hope for cancer treatment and could lead to improved patient outcomes.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalToxicology Research·DateMay 31, 2021

Zhores supercomputer helps Skoltech researchers model new method of generating gamma-ray combs

Researchers at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology used the Zhores supercomputer to develop a new method for generating gamma-ray combs, which are essential for nuclear spectroscopy and medicine. The method uses polarization-gated pulses to reduce ponderomotive spectral broadening, allowing for high-brightness gamma-ray sources.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 31, 2021

Small 'snowflakes' in the sea play a big role

Researchers have found that small marine snow particles are crucial for the anammox process, which converts nitrate into nitrogen gas, releasing it to the atmosphere. These tiny particles, about the size of a hair, transport more nitrogen than larger clumps, making them essential for the nutrient balance in the oceans.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The secret to stickiness of mussels underwater

Researchers from POSTECH and KNU analyze Dopa and lysine, revealing their roles in surface adhesion and cohesion. The study confirms negative synergy between Dopa and lysine, offering promise for designing new adhesive materials.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 31, 2021

How were the carbon contents in terrestrial and lunar mantles established?

Scientists conducted new experiments on carbon partitioning between metal and silicate using chondritic starting materials. The results suggest that planetary embryos may have had nearly saturated carbon content in their mantles, which could be a natural consequence of core-mantle partitioning during Earth's formation.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 31, 2021

Beer byproduct mixed with manure proves an excellent pesticide

Researchers found a significant reduction in galling on plant roots after incorporating beer bagasse and rapeseed cake into the soil with fresh cow manure. The treatment also boosted populations of beneficial microorganisms and increased crop yields by around 15% compared to control plots.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Getting stoned: Revealing the mysteries of stonefish venom

Scientists have discovered that the process of freeze-drying destroys paralytic neurotoxic activity in stonefish venom, which may impact the effectiveness of current antivenom formulations. The study also reveals how the venom disrupts heart function and can block nerve receptors, leading to altered heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxicology Letters·DateMay 31, 2021