ScienceDaily: Top News


Differences in children's behavior predict midlife health behaviors, study finds

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

A recent study in Finland investigated the paths from childhood socioemotional behavior to midlife health behavior decades later. Socioemotional behaviour at age 8 predicted health behaviour both directly and indirectly through education.

Deepest sediment core collected in the Atlantic Ocean

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

A team of scientists, engineers, and ship's crew on the research vessel Neil Armstrong operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently collected a 38-foot-long cylindrical sediment sample from the deepest part of the Puerto Rico Trench, nearly 5 miles below the surface.

New algorithm could simplify decisions for ship channel dredging

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

Every ship channel has to be dredged. With high costs involved, a dredging project's managers have to be on the money in their timing and logistics choices. A new algorithm presents decision-makers with accurate context, comparisons and boots-on-the ground observations.

Calming overexcited neurons may protect brain after stroke

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

By scanning the genomes of nearly 6,000 stroke patients, researchers have identified two genes associated with recovery. Both are involved in regulating neuronal excitability, suggesting that targeting overstimulated neurons may help promote recovery in the pivotal first 24 hours.

Kauai's 2018 record-setting rain caused by a series of supercell thunderstorms

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

A record-setting rainstorm over Kaua'i, Hawai'i in April 2018 resulted in severe flash flooding and estimated damage of nearly $180 million. The deluge damaged or destroyed 532 homes, and landslides left people along Kaua'i's north coast without access to their homes. Atmospheric scientists have now revealed that severe supercell thunderstorms were to blame.

COVID-19 can directly infect and damage human kidney cells

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 03:12 PM PDT

Researchers showed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect kidney cells via multiple binding sites and hijack the cell's machinery to replicate, causing injury and COVID-19-associated kidney disease.

Machine-learning model can distinguish antibody targets

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 12:41 PM PDT

A new study shows that it is possible to use the genetic sequences of a person's antibodies to predict what pathogens those antibodies will target. The new approach successfully differentiates between antibodies against influenza and those attacking SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

'Spring-loaded' system pops phosphorus into molecular rings

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 12:41 PM PDT

Chemists have devised a new chemical reaction that allows them to synthesize a phosphorus-containing ring, using a catalyst to add phosphorus to simple organic compounds called alkenes.

Nylon cooking bags, plastic-lined cups can release nanoparticles into liquids

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 12:41 PM PDT

Nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cardboard cups are conveniences many people rely on, but a new study suggests that they are an underappreciated source of nanoparticles. They report that the plastic in these products release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water that they come in contact with. That sounds like a lot, but the team notes that these levels are under the regulatory limits for consumption.

Study finds offshore wind could drive down energy costs in New England, US

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 12:41 PM PDT

While wind power is expected to be a 'saving grace' during extreme winter storms, researchers wanted to look at whether storms could also disrupt power supplies and drive up prices.

New production method promises to end medical radioisotope shortages

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

Technetium-99m is the world's most commonly used medical radioisotope, but regularly suffers from supply chain shortages, threatening the ability of doctors to diagnose a raft of ailments. But an alternative production technique looks set to make the radioisotope much more easily produced.

Indiana Jones was right all along: Research shows the smaller the scorpion, the deadlier

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

Researchers have shown that smaller species of scorpions, with smaller pincers, have more potent venoms compared to larger species with robust claws.

Why stored linseed oil tastes bitter -- and what you could do about it

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

Scientists have uncovered new molecular details relevant to the bitterness of stored linseed oil. The findings should help to develop suitable technological processes or breeding strategies that preserve the good taste of the edible oil for longer.

Can a messenger substance considered to be inflammatory alleviate asthma symptoms?

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

The messenger substance interleukin-3 produced by the body was previously considered to be pro-inflammatory in bronchial asthma. Researchers have now shown that the administration of interleukin-3, or IL-3 for short, can have a positive effect on chronic inflammatory respiratory disease.

Breast cancer: Why metastasis spreads to the bone

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

When cancer cells break away from a primary tumor and migrate to other organs, this is called 'metastatic cancer.' The organs affected by these metastases, however, depend in part on their tissue of origin. In the case of breast cancer, they usually form in the bones.

Uncovering the secret of ternary polymer solar cell success

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

A research team has used electron spin resonance spectroscopy to investigate a polymer solar cell while in operation. Molecular level comparison of the PTzBT/PC61BM system with and without added ITIC allowed them to establish the mechanism for the improvements in stability and power conversion efficiency observed when ITIC is added. It is hoped that this insight will contribute to the commercial realization of cost-effective flexible polymer solar cells.

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

Scientists have succeeded in visualizing crystal nucleation -- the stage that precedes crystallization -- that was invisible until now.

Study suggests tree-filled spaces are more favorable to child development than paved or grassy surfaces

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:16 AM PDT

A study has found that living in a tree-filled environment is associated with better early childhood development than living in an environment where vegetation takes the form of grass cover. The analysis also found that both varieties of green space are associated with better child development outcomes than areas dominated by paved surfaces.

Some autism spectrum disorder symptoms linked to astrocytes

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:15 AM PDT

Abnormalities in a type of brain cell called astrocytes may play a pivotal role in causing some behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, according to a preclinical study.

Skin bacteria may boost immune response of mice vaccinated with smallpox vaccine, study shows

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:15 AM PDT

The global eradication of smallpox in the 1980s was achieved by intradermal vaccination with vaccinia virus. A study shows that there is a large increase in skin bacteria and suggests that this may enhance the immune response.

Large study of whole genome sequencing data reveals 'treasure trove' of clues about causes of cancer

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:15 AM PDT

DNA analysis of thousands of tumours from patients has found a 'treasure trove' of clues about the causes of cancer, with genetic mutations providing a personal history of the damage and repair processes each patient has been through.

Cheaper solar cells could be on the way thanks to new materials

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:15 AM PDT

New solar cell devices that are cheaper and easier to make could soon make their way to market thanks to new materials.

Dividing walls: How immune cells enter tissue

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:15 AM PDT

To get to the places where they are needed, immune cells not only squeeze through tiny pores. They even overcome wall-like barriers of tightly packed cells. Scientists have now discovered that cell division is key to their success. Together with other recent studies, their findings give the full picture of a process just as important for healing as for the spread of cancer.

Environmental DNA reveals secret reef inhabitants

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:11 AM PDT

An international research team samples seawater from around the world to reveal which tropical reef fish occur where. To identify species and families, they successfully used the residual DNA shed by the animals present in the water. But not all fish can be traced in this way.

New materials for storing flammable industrial gases

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 10:09 AM PDT

Engineers have just demonstrated a promising new family of materials for storing flammable gases such as acetylene. These materials are nanoporous and flexible and can be modified to improve the adsorption of small molecules at the temperature and pressure conditions required for industrial applications.