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| Soils in old-growth treetops can store more carbon than soils under our feet Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:03 PM PST Canopy soils that form on tree branches contain three times more carbon than soils on the ground in Costa Rica, potentially serving as an important carbon sink around the world. |
| Map of transparent butterflies highlights biodiversity hotspot in the Andes Mountains Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST In a new study, researchers created the most detailed distribution map to date of butterflies in the American tropics, showing that areas of highest diversity coincide with regions most threatened by deforestation and development. The study specifically focused on Ithomiini, or glasswing butterflies, a large group with nearly 400 species that occur throughout much of Central and South America. Their ubiquity may make them a good indicator for the fate of other insects in the region. |
| Climate change is intensifying extremes also in the oceans Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST While much is known about extreme weather events on land, there has been little research into those that occur in the ocean. A study led by ETH Zurich uses models to show for the first time that marine heatwaves, and extremes with high acidity or low oxygen can also occur conjointly -- with difficult to foresee consequences for marine life. |
| Sea level fall led to the decline of pre-Columbian societies 2,000 years ago Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:01 PM PST Sea level changes caused the decline of one of the longest pre-Columbian coastal societies of the Americas 2000 years ago, known as Sambaqui. |
| The origin of neuronal diversity Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:01 PM PST With a new method researchers can investigate the developmental relationships of cells in the brain. |
| Robots use fear to fight invasive fish Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:59 AM PST The invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) chews off the tails of freshwater fishes and tadpoles, leaving the native animals to perish while dining on other fishes' and amphibians' eggs. Researchers engineered a robot to scare mosquitofish away, revealing how fear alters its behavior, physiology, fertility -- and may help turn the tide against invasive species. |
| Theropod dinosaur jaws became stronger as they evolved Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:59 AM PST Theropod dinosaurs evolved more robust jaws through time allowing them to consume tougher food, a new study reveals. |
| Concurrent heatwaves seven times more frequent than in 1980s Posted: 16 Dec 2021 06:27 AM PST Multiple large heatwaves the size of Mongolia occurred at the same time nearly every day during the warm seasons of the 2010s across the Northern Hemisphere, according to a new study. Using ERA5 climate data from 1979 to 2019, the researchers found that the number of heatwaves occurring simultaneously in the mid- to high-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere was seven times greater in the 2010s than in the 1980s. On average, there were concurrent heatwaves on 143 days each year of the 2010s -- almost every day of the 153 days of the warm months of May through September. The concurrent heat events also grew hotter and larger: their intensity rose by 17% and their geographic extent increased 46%. |
| Breakthrough in using CRISPR-Cas9 to target fat cells Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:41 PM PST Researchers describe a breakthrough using CRISPR-Cas9, a tool that has transformed molecular biological research, but whose use in the study of adipose tissue had been elusive. |
| Deep mantle krypton reveals Earth’s outer solar system ancestry Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:40 PM PST Krypton from the Earth's mantle, collected from geologic hot spots in Iceland and the Galapagos Islands, reveals a clearer picture of how our planet formed, according to new research. The findings indicate Earth's volatile elements -- essentials such as carbon, water and nitrogen -- arrived as Earth was growing and becoming a planet, rather than being delivered by meteorites after the collision that formed the moon. |
| Skin sensing made easier: Improved methods facilitate monitoring of body movement and health Posted: 15 Dec 2021 11:22 AM PST Scientists simplify fabrication methods and model human skin structure in designing wearable sensors. This methodology reduces costs, enhances scalability and modular fabrication, and provides effective, wide-ranging sensitivity in wearable pressure sensors. |
| Using the Earth’s noise to see beneath the Greenland ice sheet Posted: 15 Dec 2021 11:21 AM PST The noise created by the Earth's movements has been used to build up a detailed picture of the geological conditions beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet and the impact on ice flow, in new research. The team studied Rayleigh waves -- seismic waves generated by movements such as earthquakes -- to produce high-resolution images of the rocks underneath the ice sheet, helping to identify which areas are most susceptible to faster ice flow. It will give us a better understanding of the processes that contribute to accelerated ice discharge into the ocean and the consequent sea level rise. |
| Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat Posted: 15 Dec 2021 11:21 AM PST Materials scientists have developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry, but when the person starts sweating, opens a series of tiny vents to let heat escape and re-closes them to retain heat once they are dry again. Using physics rather than electronics to open the vents, the material has potential as a patch on various types of clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable in a wide range of situations. |
| Scientists create stable materials for more efficient solar cells Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:27 AM PST Researchers have developed a new process for producing stable perovskite materials to create more efficient solar cells. |
| Reducing copper in the body alters cancer metabolism to reduce risk of aggressive breast cancer Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:27 AM PST Depleting copper levels may reduce the production of energy that cancer cells need to travel and establish themselves in other parts of the body by a process referred to as metastasis, according to a new study. The discovery of the underlying mechanisms of how copper depletion may help reduce metastasis in breast cancer will help inform the design of future clinical trials. |
| Greenland’s nutrients changing, with global impact Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:27 AM PST Scientists have discovered the availability of carbon in Greenland's waters is shifting poleward and appearing earlier than in previous decades. This finding will enhance understanding of carbon cycling and nutrient availability in this rapidly warming and changing environment. |
| Better identification of sesame in food packaging needed to avoid anaphylaxis Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:27 AM PST A new study found that among those who self-reported an allergic reaction to sesame, more than 56% of products which contained sesame did not declare sesame on the label. |
| Time lag between intervention and actual CO2 decrease could still lead to climate tipping point Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:27 AM PST A simplified mathematical model of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and temperature found a 'lag time' between human intervention and an actual decrease in CO2 levels. This lag time has ramifications for intervention strategies meant to avoid climate tipping points and potentially catastrophic temperature increases. |
| 'Drink your peas!' Benefits of supplementing cow milk with plant protein Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:26 AM PST Scientists have developed a novel method of supplementing cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available current dairy processing equipment. A new report presents the study, which may open opportunities to create new functional, multisourced dairy products that could help bolster declining fluid milk sales in the United States. |
| Mystery behind formation of surface ice-shapes on Pluto unraveled Posted: 15 Dec 2021 10:26 AM PST Scientists have unraveled a fascinating new insight into how the landscape of the dwarf-planet Pluto has formed. |
| New discovery on how omega-3 fatty acids can reduce atherosclerosis Posted: 15 Dec 2021 09:49 AM PST A receptor activated by substances formed from omega-3 fatty acids plays a vital role in preventing inflammation in blood vessels and reducing atherosclerosis, a new study reports. The discovery can pave the way for new strategies for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Gas-passing plankton illumine another piece of the carbon cycle puzzle Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:33 AM PST A recently discovered species of bacteria consumes an organic compound commonly found in solvents like paint remover, according to a new study. Finding that SAR11 bacteria use acetone adds to evidence suggesting that aspects of the marine carbon cycle, which pulls atmospheric carbon into the sea, are not being considered in the study of the cycle and its ability to buffer climate change, scientists say. |
| Using strategy to preserve biodiversity while saving space Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST The breathtaking variety of life on Earth is in danger; biodiversity is declining rapidly. As many as one million species are at risk; many could become extinct in the next few decades. Accordingly, protected areas are urgently needed, but are often poorly chosen from a strategic perspective. But how can the biological diversity of a given region best be measured? With the aid of an innovative new approach, a team of researchers have now identified the most valuable areas in Latin America. |
| New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate 'precancerous' ones Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Normal epithelial cells show the ability to push out precancerous ones present in the epithelium, by means of 'cell competition.' But the exact molecular mechanism of this recognition by normal epithelial cells was unknown. Now, researchers have unraveled the interactions and cellular pathways leading to this extrusion, allowing them to identify a candidate for a therapeutic target for future cancer prevention research. |
| Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Scientists develop a new method of synthesizing a promising membrane with superior performance during carbon dioxide removal from industrial emissions. |
| Brain study on how to slow down climate change Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST When it comes to climate-friendly behavior, there is often a gap between what we want and what we actually do. Although most people want to see climate change slowed down, many do not behave in an appropriately sustainable way. Researchers have now used brain stimulation to demonstrate that the ability to sympathize with the future victims of climate change encourages sustainable behavior. |
| Scientists find climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity increase wildfire fuel availability Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST New research suggests climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity are increasing fuel availability in forests leading to record-breaking wildfires in size, spread and plume formation. |
| Gallic acid and stretching decrease osteoarthritis markers in cartilage cells Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Researchers used gallic acid, an antioxidant found in gallnuts, green tea and other plants, and applied a stretching mechanism to human cartilage cells taken from arthritic knees that mimics the stretching that occurs when walking. The combination not only decreased arthritis inflammation markers in the cells but improved the production of desired proteins normally found in healthy cartilage. While still at an early stage, the findings suggest a new procedure could be developed to treat cartilage cells extracted from a patient to grow a supply of cells or a tissue to be re-implanted. |
| Immune system responds to mRNA treatment for cancer, researchers find Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Adding messenger RNA, or mRNA therapy improves the response to cancer immunotherapy in patients who weren't responding to the treatment, new research shows. Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to prevent, control and eliminate cancer. |
| Scientists find new details about how immune system builds long-term memory Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Experts in Japan have identified a fundamental part of the immune system's long-term memory, providing a useful new detail in the pursuit to design better vaccines for diseases, ranging from COVID-19 to malaria. |
| Good mental health in young adults born after assisted reproduction Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST Use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) does not lead to poorer mental health in children across adolescence and young adulthood, according to a large observational study. The study found a slightly higher risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder for those born after ART but this was explained by parental background factors. |
| Quantum theory needs complex numbers Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:28 AM PST An international team of researchers shows through a concrete theoretical experiment that the prediction by standard complex quantum theory cannot be expressed by its real counterpart and ratifies its need of complex numbers. |
| Making apple spirits taste better Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST The holiday season is a time of celebrations and festive drinks, some of which are made with apple liquors. These classic spirits have a long history, and surprisingly, many decisions about their processing are still subjectively determined. Now, researchers report that measuring the liquor's conductivity could give a more objective assessment, and they also found a way to make the process more energy-efficient. |
| E-waste recycling emits emerging synthetic antioxidants Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST Manufacturers add synthetic antioxidants to plastics, rubbers and other polymers to make them last longer. However, the health effects of these compounds, and how readily they migrate into the environment, are largely unknown. Now, researchers have detected a broad range of emerging synthetic antioxidants, called hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants, in dust from electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workshops, possibly posing risks for the workers inside. |
| Despite cleaner air, pollution disparities for people of color remain across the US Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST Researchers investigated disparities in exposure to six major air pollutants in 1990, 2000 and 2010 by comparing models of air pollution levels to census data. While overall pollutant concentrations have decreased since 1990, people of color are still more likely to be exposed to all six pollutants than white people, regardless of income level, across the continental United States. |
| Researchers first to predict when bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST Scientists have spotted signs of 'pre-resistance' in bacteria for the first time -- signs that particular bacteria are likely to become resistant to antibiotics in the future -- in a new study. |
| Identifying schools with high lead levels in drinking water Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST Consuming lead can cause health problems for anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable because the element can interfere with their growth and development. While water systems will soon be required to measure lead levels in school tap water, it's not clear how these measurements should be interpreted. Researchers have now used real-world data to determine an approach for identifying schools likely to have problematic lead levels. |
| ‘Forever chemicals’ latch onto sea spray to become airborne Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST When ocean waves break, microscopic particles break free into the air. For beachgoers, aerosolized sea salts contribute to the tousled 'beach hair' look. But other compounds found in seawater, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), could become airborne as bubbles pop at the water's surface. Now, researchers have observed in a thorough field study that sea spray pollutes the air in coastal areas with these potentially harmful chemicals. |
| SARS-CoV-2 protein interacts with Parkinson’s protein, promotes amyloid formation, study finds Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:51 AM PST Researchers have shown that, at least in the test tube, the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein interacts with a neuronal protein called alpha-synuclein and speeds the formation of amyloid fibrils, pathological protein bundles that have been implicated in Parkinson's disease. |
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