ScienceDaily: All - May 07, 2025
Today's top research news
Experimental quantum communications network
Researchers recently connected their campuses with an experimental quantum communications network using two optical fibers.
Discovery: a better, more targeted termite terminator
Researchers have identified a chemical that kills about 95 percent of a western drywood termite colony without off-target effects on mammals.
AI has untapped potential to advance biodiversity conservation
A new study suggests the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly analyze vast amounts of biodiversity data could revolutionize conservation efforts by enabling scientists and policymakers to make better-informed decisions.
Study of velvet worm slime could revolutionize sustainable material design
A new discovery about the slime ejected by velvet worms could revolutionize sustainable material design. The findings outline how a naturally occurring protein structure, conserved across species from Australia, Singapore and Barbados over nearly 400 million years of evolution, enables the slime's transformation from liquid to fiber and back again. It's a discovery that could inspire next-generation recyclable bioplastics.
New drone-assisted 3D model offers a more accurate way to date dinosaur fossils
A new study is reshaping how scientists date dinosaur fossils in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP). Using advanced drone-assisted 3D mapping, researchers have uncovered significant variations in a key geological marker, challenging long-standing methods of determining the ages of dinosaur fossils.
Two new crocodile species discovered
Biologists have discovered two previously unknown species of crocodiles, one living on the island of Cozumel and the other on the atoll of Banco Chinchorro, both off the Yucat n Peninsula. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts, the researchers say.
Study suggests we don't just hear music, but 'become it'
Psychologists suggest our brains and bodies don't just understand music, they physically resonate with it. These discoveries, based on findings in neuroscience, music, and psychology, support Neural Resonance Theory (NRT).
Practical new tool created for detecting nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment
A team of researchers has developed a cost-effective, high-throughput technology for detecting nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment. These particles are pervasive, posing health and environmental risks, yet detecting them at the nanoscale has been difficult. The 3D-printed HoLDI-MS test platform overcomes the limitations of traditional mass spectrometry by enabling direct analysis of samples without requiring complex sample preparation. The researchers say it also will work for detection of waterborne plastic particles. HoLDI-MS stands for hollow-laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Ultra-thin bismuth holds unexpected promise for green electronics
Electronic devices rely on materials whose electrical properties change with temperature, making them less stable in extreme conditions. A discovery that challenges conventional wisdom in physics suggests that bismuth, a metal, could serve as the foundation for highly stable electronic components. The researchers observed a mysterious electrical effect in ultra-thin bismuth that remains unchanged across a wide temperature range, from near absolute zero (-273 C) to room temperature.
Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water
The substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Previously, researchers proposed using these sticky natural polymers to clean up water. Now, they report that okra and/or fenugreek extracts attracted and removed up to 90% of microplastics in ocean water, freshwater and groundwater.
Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions
While service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with some women who have a low sense of decision-making power, 'cute' design features -- such as big eyes and raised cheeks -- affect both men and women similarly, according to new research.
2024 sea level 'report cards' map futures of US coastal communities
Researchers have released their 2024 U.S. sea level 'report cards,' providing updated analyses of sea level trends and projections for 36 coastal communities. Encompassing 55 years of historical data in a new, interactive dashboard, the report cards aid planning and adaptation efforts by forecasting rates of sea level rise to 2050.
Development, agriculture present risks for drinking water quality
Converting forest land to urban development or agricultural use can present risks to water quality when done near streams or river sources. This study examined data from 15 water treatment plants in the Middle Chattahoochee watershed to model the impacts of four potential land use scenarios several decades into the future.
Slickrock: Geologists explore why Utah's Wasatch Fault is vulnerable to earthquakes
Using rock samples collected from the Wasatch Fault, geoscientists combined experiments and analysis with examinations of fault rock textures. The team's research revealed significant clues about the Wasatch Fault's earthquake risk. Researchers explain why properties of fault rocks and geologic events that occurred more than a billion years ago portend worrisome seismic activity for Utah's population center.
Accelerating drug discovery with a single carbon atom
A research team has pioneered a groundbreaking method that could accelerate drug discovery and reduce pharmaceutical development costs. Their work introduces a safe, sustainable way to insert a single carbon atom into drug molecules at room temperature.
Breakthrough in fuel cell recycling turns 'forever chemicals' into renewable resources
A new technique that uses soundwaves to separate materials for recycling could help prevent potentially harmful chemicals leaching into the environment.
Breakthrough discovery uses gut bacteria and AI to diagnose a chronic pain syndrome
Researchers have developed AI technology that can detect patterns in gut bacteria to identify complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with remarkable accuracy, potentially transforming how CRPS is diagnosed and treated.
NASA's NICER maps debris from recurring cosmic crashes
Astronomers have probed the physical environment of repeating X-ray outbursts near monster black holes thanks to data from NASA's NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) and other missions.
How AI tools can improve manufacturing worker safety, product quality
Recent artificial intelligence advances have largely focused on text, but AI increasingly shows promise in other contexts, including manufacturing and the service industry. In these sectors, targeted AI improvements can improve product quality and worker safety, according to a new study.
Would a musical triangle of any other shape sound as sweet?
Researchers captured sound fields around musical triangles. They wanted to understand the physical properties of the triangle instrument, test assumptions about the contribution of the triangle shape, and capture clear documentation through pictures of the sound waves around the triangle. Using acousto-optic imaging to study detailed characteristics of sound vibration pattern, the team found results that suggest resonance may occur in the triangle's semi-open space.
Do manta rays benefit from collective motion?
Researchers model the motions of groups of manta rays to study how group dynamics affect their propulsion, studying different formations of three manta rays: in tandem, in a triangular setup with one manta ray in front leading two behind, and in an inverse triangular configuration with one manta ray trailing the other two. They found the tandem formation only significantly increases propulsion for the middle manta ray, and the two triangular setups result in overall decreased efficiency compared to a single swimmer on its own. These findings can help optimize formations for underwater vehicle operations.
Most people say they want to know their risk for Alzheimer's dementia, fewer follow through
A new study examines the choices healthy research volunteers make when given the opportunity to learn their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. The researchers found a large discrepancy between the percentage of participants who said they would like to learn their risk if such estimates became available and the percentage who followed through to learn those results when given the actual opportunity.
Scientists discover a new way to convert corn waste into low-cost sugar for biofuel
Scientists have found a new way to produce sugar from corn stalks and other crop waste, potentially opening a new pathway to sustainable biofuels.
Sustainability often used as a buzzword in agricultural genomics
Claims about sustainability are increasing in agricultural genomics research, but the term is often not well-defined, leading to potential concerns about the impact and credibility of the research, according to a recent study.
New silver mass brings us a step closer in our understanding of the antineutrino mass
Neutrinos and antineutrinos are elementary particles with small but unknown mass. High-precision atomic mass measurements have revealed that beta decay of the silver-110 isomer has a strong potential to be used for the determination of electron antineutrino mass. The result is an important step paving the way for future antineutrino experiments.
How hunting harriers home in on their prey
Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptors -- harriers. A new study has found that harriers across the world are able to keep a much better ear out for their next meal than previously thought.
Research advances on 'displacing' antibiotic resistance gene from bacteria
Scientists have identified essential genetic code for a method called plasmid curing, which aims to 'displace' antibiotic resistance genes from bacteria.
Accordion effect makes graphene stretchable
Graphene is a 'miracle material': mechanically extremely strong and electrically highly conductive, ideal for related applications. Using a unique method physicists have now made graphene drastically more stretchable by rippling it like an accordion. This paves the way for new applications in which certain stretchability is required (e.g. wearable electronics).
Social drinking also a well-worn path to alcohol use disorder
When picturing a 'typical' alcoholic, people tend to imagine a person drinking at home alone. But that focus overlooks the social origins of many serious alcohol problems.
Parent coaching sparks major communication growth in infants with social and communication delays
A study found that targeted coaching for caregivers of infants as young as 8 months significantly enhances babies' communication and cognitive development.
Fruit and microbes boost biogas production and fermentation
A new study shows that adding fruit and microbes to alfalfa, a protein-rich feed for livestock, improves fermentation and biogas production.
Cutting greenhouse gases will reduce number of deaths from poor air quality
Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say researchers.
Western US spring runoff is older than you think
Hydrologists show most streamflow out of the West's mountains is old snowmelt on a multi-year underground journey. New study finds that spring runoff is on average 5 years old.
Evidence review raises concern about cannabis use in pregnancy
A systematic evidence review finds that consuming cannabis while pregnant appears to increase the odds of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant death.
Shingles vaccine lowers the risk of heart disease for up to eight years
People who are given a vaccine for shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, according to a recent study of more than a million people. The protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years and is particularly pronounced for men, people under the age of 60 and those with unhealthy lifestyles.