ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Researchers discover source of super-fast electron 'rain'

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 04:17 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered a new source of super-fast, energetic electrons raining down on Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon that contributes to the colorful aurora borealis and poses hazards to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts.

Immune cells produce chemical messenger that prevents heart disease–related inflammation

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:54 PM PDT

In the bone marrow, B cells produce a chemical messenger called acetylcholine that prevents inflammation in the heart and blood vessels by blocking white blood cell production. Tapping into this process may help scientists target inflammation in cardiovascular conditions.

Drought alters Mammoth Mountain’s carbon dioxide emissions

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:54 PM PDT

A study suggests the weight of snow and ice atop the Sierra Nevada affects a California volcano's carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main signs of volcanic unrest.

Universal flu vaccine candidate

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:53 PM PDT

Scientists have leveraged on a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells. This allowed them to prove that a single shot immunization containing M2e was able to trigger long-lasting immune responses that could protect effectively against multiple strains of the flu. The team was also able to demonstrate that this vaccination approach significantly enhanced protective immune responses in the context of pre-existing flu immunity. This scenario is particularly relevant in adult and elderly populations, where individuals have been exposed to flu viruses multiple times in the past and have low levels of M2e-specific antibodies in their blood circulation.

'An underutilized tool:' UV-LED lights can kill coronaviruses and HIV with the flip of a switch, study finds

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:28 PM PDT

The same light bulbs used in offices and public spaces can destroy coronaviruses and HIV, according to a new study.

Unravelling the mystery of parrot longevity

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:28 PM PDT

Bigger brains have led some species of parrot to live surprisingly long lives, new research shows.

Zebra finch males sing in dialects and females pay attention

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:28 PM PDT

Male zebra finches learn their song by imitating conspecifics. To stand out in the crowd, each male develops its own unique song. Because of this individual-specific song, it was long assumed that dialects do not exist in zebra finches. However, with the help of an artificial intelligence technique, researchers have now been able to show that the songs of four different zebra finch populations differ systematically. They also discovered that these 'cryptic dialects' are decisive for the females' choice of mate. Thus, female zebra finches pay more attention to a cultural trait than to male appearance.

Researchers identify key complex for ribosome generation

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a four-protein complex that appears to play a key role in generating ribosomes -- organelles that serve as protein factories for cells -- as well as a surprising part in neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings could lead to new ways to manipulate ribosome production, which could impact a variety of conditions that affect human health.

Head-mounted microscope reaches deeper into mouse brains

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a miniature microscope that is designed for high-resolution 3D images inside the brains of living mice. The new, lightweight design could help scientists understand how brain cells operate by imaging deeper into the brain than previously possible with miniature widefield microscopes.

Roundworms’ egg cells have a backup plan

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors. Uncovering and understanding this hidden mechanism could ultimately lead to new strategies for combating infertility in humans.

Planet-scale MRI

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers presented the results of efforts to perform global full waveform inversions of the Earth using the Frontera supercomputer. They used data from 300 earthquakes to construct the new global full wave inversion models that include attenuation and azimuthal anisotropy and approach continental-scale resolution. The researchers also recently released a visualization toolbox for large seismic model files and are building a platform for seismic analysis.

Mounds of ice in craters give new insight into Mars’ past climate

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Newly discovered deposits of layered ice in craters scattered around Mars' southern hemisphere provide insights into how the planet's orientation controlled the planet's climate over the past 4 million years, according to a new study. The findings help scientists understand what controlled Mars' past climate, which is essential for predicting when the planet could have been habitable.

New software to help discover valuable compounds

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Because the comparative metabolomics field lacks sophisticated data analysis tools that are available to genomics and proteomics researchers, metabolomics researchers spend a lot of time hunting for candidate compounds that could be useful as leads for the development of new pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. To solve this problem, scientists have developed Metaboseek, a free, easy-to-use app that integrates multiple data analysis features for the metabolomics community.

Prior COVID-19 infection linked to robust, accelerated immune response after first vaccine dose, researchers report

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Scientists show that responses to the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine differ significantly in individuals based on whether or not they were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Notably, those who had COVID before vaccination experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, with little or no increase after the second dose. The opposite pattern was observed in infection-naive individuals.

Describing the devastating eruption in Tonga

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

On January 15, the volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai devastated the nation of Tonga. The eruption triggered tsunamis as far afield as the Caribbean and generated atmospheric waves that travelled around the globe several times. Meanwhile, the volcano's plume shot gas and ash through the stratosphere into the lower mesosphere.

Study finds 10-second videos predict blood cancer relapse

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Ten-second videos of white blood cell motion in the skin's microvasculature greatly improved the prediction of which stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients would have a relapse of their blood cancer.

Plastic bag bans may unintentionally drive other bag sales

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:23 AM PDT

When cities or counties institute plastic bag bans or fees, the idea is to reduce the amount of plastic headed to the landfill. But a new analysis finds these policies, while created with good intentions, may cause more plastic bags to be purchased in the communities where they are in place.

How accelerated biological aging may cause bowel cancer

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Scientists have shown how accelerated biological aging measured by an epigenetic clock may increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to a new report.

Newly discovered drug candidate increased insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered increased levels of of a microRNA in type 2 diabetes, which has a negative effect on insulin secretion. Their experiments on human insulin producing cells in the pancreas also demonstrates that it is possible to increase the insulin secretion by reducing the levels of this microRNA. An important goal of the research is to develop new treatments for people with the disease.

Scientists achieve record efficiency for ultra-thin solar panels

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A team has successfully increased the levels of energy absorbed by wafer-thin photovoltaic panels by 25%. Their solar panels, just one micrometer thick, convert light into electricity more efficiently than others as thin and pave the way to make it easier to general more clean, green energy.

Treatment for substance use reduces depression for many adolescents and young adults with both problems

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A new study reports that, among youth with substance use and depression, a significant proportion show early improvements in depression during their treatment for substance use. Youth who are using cannabis less frequently prior to treatment and those without conduct disorder are more likely to experience early depression improvement.

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers have created a genome editing technology that allows for slight variations in target DNA but retains local specificity, and which could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis.

Fuel from waste wood

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

According to the latest assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions is required to limit the consequences of climate change. Producing fuel from renewable sources such as waste wood and straw or renewable electricity would be one way to reduce carbon emissions from the area of transportation.

Researchers shorten manufacturing time for CAR T cell therapy

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A new approach could cut the time it takes to alter patients' immune cells for infusion back into the body to find and attack cancer. The cell manufacturing process for this type of immunotherapy that was pioneered at Penn -- CAR T cell therapy -- typically takes nine to 14 days. In a pre-clinical study, scientists have abbreviated this process and generated functional CAR T cells with enhanced anti-tumor potency in just 24 hours.

Spiders use webs to extend their hearing

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A newly published study of orb-weaving spiders has yielded some extraordinary results: The spiders are using their webs as extended auditory arrays to capture sounds, possibly giving spiders advanced warning of incoming prey or predators.

AI helps radiologists detect bone fractures

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an effective tool for fracture detection that has potential to aid clinicians in busy emergency departments, according to a new study.

Researchers redefine the mechanisms of Dravet syndrome

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PDT

Researchers have found that dysfunction in an important cell subtype in the brain's neuronal network contribute to chronic symptoms in the neurodevelopmental disorder Dravet syndrome.

New approach needed for forecasting corrosion within bridges, concrete structures

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PDT

Researchers advocate for a paradigm change in the science of forecasting corrosion damage within reinforced concrete structures. They discuss the severe flaws in using the chloride threshold concept for forecasting corrosion and say change is needed to address the growing challenges of aging structures losing functionality and potentially collapsing, greenhouse gas emissions, and the economy at large. To achieve this, a multiscale, multidisciplinary approach combining scientific and practical contributions from materials science, corrosion science, cement/concrete research, and structural engineering is needed.

Folding design leads to heart sensor with smaller profile

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PDT

Researchers want to leverage the centuries-old art of cutting paper, kirigami, into designs to develop a sensor sheet that can stretch and breathe with the skin while collecting electrocardiographic data. Scientists in Japan use cuts in a film made of polyethylene terephthalate printed with silver electrodes to fit a sensor on a person's chest to monitor his or her heart. At the optimal size found, they were able to detect enough signal from the heart to be used in a smartphone app.

Visualizing the invisible

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 12:06 PM PDT

With the advent of cutting-edge apparatus that can image samples at the atomic scale, scientists found that traditional molecular models did not fit the images they saw. Researchers have devised a better way to visualize molecules building on these traditional methods. Their models fit the imaging data they acquire well, and they hope the models can therefore help chemists with their intuition for interpreting molecular images.