ScienceDaily: All - October 24, 2023
Today's top research news
Climate report: 'Uncharted territory' imperils life on Earth
An international coalition of climate scientists says that the Earth's vital signs have worsened beyond anything humans have yet seen, to the point that life on the planet is imperiled.
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Scientists develop new method to create stable, efficient next-gen solar cells
Next-generation solar materials are cheaper and more sustainable to produce than traditional silicon solar cells, but hurdles remain in making the devices durable enough to withstand real-world conditions. A new technique could simplify the development of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, named for their unique crystalline structure that excels at absorbing visible light.
Solar farms in space are possible
It's viable to produce low-cost, lightweight solar panels that can generate energy in space, according to new research.
Finding the genes that help kingfishers dive without hurting their brains
Scientists studied the genomes of 30 kingfisher species to try to identify the genes that allow kingfishers to dive headfirst into water without huring their brains. The researchers found that the diving birds have unusual mutations to the genes that produce tau: a protein that helps stabilize tiny structures in the brain, but which can build up in humans with traumatic brain injuries or Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suspect that these variations in the kingfishers' tau proteins might protect their brains when they dive.
Children as young as four eat more when bored
A new study has shown that children as young as four years old eat 79% more calories when they are bored, compared to when they are in a neutral mood.
Origin of ancient mummified baboons found in Egypt
Primatologists are using genetic analysis to determine the geographic origin of ancient mummified baboons found in Egypt. The team finds evidence that the two legendary trading regions of Punt and Adulis may have been the same place separated by a thousand years of history.
Study shows engineered gut bacteria can treat hypertension
Newly published research proves that it's possible to treat high blood pressure by using specially engineered Lactobacillus paracasei to produce a protein called ACE2 in the gut, reducing gut angiotensin II and, in turn, lowering blood pressure. The study, done in lab rats that are predisposed to hypertension and unable to naturally produce ACE2, opens new doors in the pursuit of harnessing our body's own microbiome to regulate blood pressure.
Curiosity rover finds new evidence of ancient Mars rivers, a key signal for life
New analysis of data from the Curiosity rover reveals that much of the craters on Mars today could have once been habitable rivers.
New technology 'game changing' for pregnant women with diabetes
How quantum light 'sees' quantum sound
Researchers have proposed a new way of using quantum light to 'see' quantum sound. A new paper reveals the quantum-mechanical interplay between vibrations and particles of light, known as photons, in molecules. It is hoped that the discovery may help scientists better understand the interactions between light and matter on molecular scales. And it potentially paves the way for addressing fundamental questions about the importance of quantum effects in applications ranging from new quantum technologies to biological systems.
Researchers have discovered a link between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk for thyroid cancer.
Smartphone attachment could increase racial fairness in neurological screening
A new smartphone attachment could enable people to screen for a variety of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, at low cost -- and do so accurately regardless of their skin tone. The attachment fits over a smartphone's camera to capture clear video of pupil size changes, which can offer clues about an individual's neurological functions. The device helps the camera see the pupil easily in dark eye colors.
New methods for effective transport of large genes in gene therapy
One problem in gene therapy is that not all genes transfer equally well into the target cells. Researchers have now developed a flexible method to transfer large genes efficiently and without significant side effects. The approach has strong potential for therapeutic use.
Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries could be produced at low temperatures
Layered lithium cobalt oxide, a key component of lithium-ion batteries, has been synthesized at temperatures as low as 300°C and durations as short as 30 minutes.
How to slow the spread of deadly 'superbugs'
Harnessing new advances in genomic surveillance technology could help detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs'.
Researchers capture first images of a radio 'ring of fire' solar eclipse
Researchers have recorded images of a solar eclipse with the 'ring of fire' effect in radio waves.
Superdeep diamonds provide a window on supercontinent growth
Diamonds contain evidence of the mantle rocks that helped buoy and grow the ancient supercontinent Gondwana from below, according to new research. These findings demonstrate that superdeep diamonds can provide a window through space and time into the supercontinent growth and formation process.
People who communicate more, show expertise are more likely to be seen as essential team members
A new study sheds light on the vital role of communication and expertise within organizations, revealing their impact on group performance. Researchers examined how individuals become part of communication networks and the effect of selection processes on group performance. The study found that people who communicated more during training were more likely to be chosen as a central member of the network. In addition, teams that chose their central member performed as well as and often better than teams whose central member was randomly assigned.
Researchers probe molten rock to crack Earth's deepest secrets
An international team re-created molten rock conditions deep within the Earth and measured the spin states of iron atoms within that rock melt. An iron atom's spin state drives its magnetic behavior and reactivity in chemical reactions, and can influence whether iron prefers to be in the molten or solid rock.
Discovery finds ferns produce crop-saving insecticide
Researchers have solved the structure of a novel insecticidal protein that is effective in protecting major crop plants like corn and soybean from pests and is naturally produced by ferns.
Researchers probe how a piece of the moon became a near-Earth asteroid
Two years after the striking discovery that a near-Earth asteroid could be a chunk of the moon, another UArizona research group has found that a rare pathway could have enabled this to happen.
Researchers identify 'switch' to activate cancer cell death
A research team has identified a crucial mechanism on a specific cell receptor that can cause cells to self-destruct. Being able to activate the receptor -- Fas -- and trigger cell death could open the door for improved cancer treatments. Modulating Fas may also extend the benefits of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to solid tumors.
Researchers use pioneering new method to unlock brain's noradrenaline system
An international team of researchers has provided valuable insights into the brain's noradrenaline (NA) system, which has been a longtime target for medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety. Equally important beyond the findings is the groundbreaking methodology that the researchers developed to record real-time chemical activity from standard clinical electrodes which are routinely implanted for epilepsy monitoring.
Researchers create the most water-repellent surface ever
A revised method to create hydrophobic surfaces has implications for any technology where water meets a solid surface, from optics and microfluidics to cooking.
