ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Climate change and civil unrest among the ancient Maya

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 03:42 PM PDT

An extended period of turmoil in the prehistoric Maya city of Mayapan, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, was marked by population declines, political rivalries and civil conflict. Between 1441 and 1461 CE the strife reached an unfortunate crescendo -- the complete institutional collapse and abandonment of the city. This all occurred during a protracted drought.

Marijuana use is much more common in US states that have legalized recreational cannabis use

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

A new study found that rates of cannabis use and daily cannabis use have increased across the U.S., and current cannabis use and daily use are substantially higher among individuals residing in states that have legalized recreational cannabis use. Rates of cannabis use are even higher among Americans 12 and older who smoke cigarettes, and who reside in states with recreational cannabis laws, compared to those who live in states where cannabis was illegal in 2017.

Scientists reveal genetic architecture underlying alcohol, cigarette abuse

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Researchers used a new kind of computational tool to parse the complicated genetics that put some people at higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, and likely other substances.

Songbird can keep time with the best of them

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

When it comes to keeping time, an unassuming species of songbird is on a par with professional musicians, according to new research.

Glacial microclimates mimic climate change

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

A cool pocket climate around the snout of a glacier could help researchers predict how forests will respond to fast climate change, according to the authors of a new case study of a rapidly advancing and retreating glacier in Alaska.

Novel vaccine offers superior protection against Omicron variants

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Scientists have developed a novel Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine that offers superior immune protection against two viral subvariants than standard mRNA vaccines. The new vaccine, called Omnivax, increased neutralizing antibody response against the BA.1 and BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariants in pre-immunized mice 19-fold and eight-fold, respectively, compared with standard mRNA vaccines.

Vaccine-induced immune response to Omicron wanes substantially over time

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Although COVID-19 booster vaccinations in adults elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, antibody levels decrease substantially within 3 months, according to new clinical trial data.

Tracking daily movement patterns may one day help predict dementia

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:21 PM PDT

Researchers found significant differences in movement patterns between participants with normal cognition and those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

Designing roots to penetrate hard soils could help climate proof crops

Posted: 18 Jul 2022 12:43 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered how to design cereal roots able to continue growing in hard soils by altering their ability to penetrate, enabling roots to access sources of water deeper in soil, and helping 'climate-proof' vital crops in response to changing UK rain fall patterns.