ScienceDaily: Featured - October 20, 2024
Featured research news
Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even be our split from Neanderthals
A new study reveals how the duplication of the salivary amylase gene may not only have helped shape human adaptation to starchy foods, but may have occurred as far back as more than 800,000 years ago, long before the advent of farming.
Image: Gaidamashchuk/Shutterstock.com
Neutron stars may be shrouded in axions
Physicists have shown that extremely light particles known as axions may occur in large clouds around neutron stars. These axions could form an explanation for the elusive dark matter that cosmologists search for -- and moreover, they might not be too difficult to observe.
Butterfly brains reveal the tweaks required for cognitive innovation
A species of tropical butterfly with unusually expanded brain structures display a fascinating mosaic pattern of neural expansion linked to a cognitive innovation.
Manliness concerns impede forgiveness of coworkers
The more men are concerned about appearing masculine, the less likely they will forgive a co-worker for a transgression such as missing an important meeting, a study has found. What's more, such men are also more likely seek revenge or avoid the transgressor, which contributes to an unhealthy and less effective work environment.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires increase by 60 percent
A major new study reveals that carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires have surged by 60 percent globally since 2001, and almost tripled in some of the most climate-sensitive northern boreal forests.
Astronomers detect ancient lonely quasars with murky origins
Astronomers observed ancient quasars that appear to be surprisingly alone in the early universe. The findings challenge physicists' understanding of how such luminous objects could have formed so early on in the universe, without a significant source of surrounding matter to fuel their growth.
Concerning levels of PFAS in fish miles away from large contamination source
Fish can accumulate high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), even far from sources of contamination, according to a new study. The research highlights the need for expanded monitoring in watersheds affected by large PFAS sources, such as military bases across the country that have been contaminated by the use of PFAS-containing foams for fire-training and firefighting activities.
Engineers unveil breakthrough in ultra-clean biofuel technology
Researchers have unveiled a pioneering method for the efficient combustion of biofuels, using a revolutionary Swirl Burst (SB) injector to burn glycerol/methanol blends with near-zero emissions. This new technology enables ultra-clean combustion for fuels that are typically difficult to burn due to their high viscosity.
People sympathize with bullied AI bots
In a new study, humans displayed sympathy towards and protected AI bots who were excluded from playtime.
Controlling prosthetic hands more precisely by the power of thought
Researchers have developed a novel training protocol for brain-computer interfaces in a study with rhesus monkeys. The method enables precise control of prosthetic hands using signals from the brain alone. Researchers were able to show that the neural signals that control the different hand postures in the brain are primarily important for this control, and not, as previously assumed, signals that control the movement's velocity. The results are essential for improving the fine control of neural hand prostheses, which could give paralyzed patients back some or all of their mobility (Neuron).
New mRNA vaccine created to prevent and treat C. difficile
A new vaccine provides hope for treating and even preventing the highly contagious and difficult-to-treat Clostridioides difficile infection, more commonly known as C. difficile or C. diff. In animal models, this first mRNA-LNP C. difficile vaccine was found to protect against C. difficile first-time infections and relapsing infections by inducing a robust immune response, promote clearance of existing C. diff bacteria from the gut, and even overcome deficits in host immunity to protect animals after infection, according to researchers. The results will pave the way for clinical trials of the vaccine.
Forever chemicals found in bottled and tap water from around the world
Scientists have discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' present in samples of drinking water from around the world.
Microbiome: Drug discovery within the patient
Microorganisms do not just colonize the body of mammals during infections. Billions of microbes can be found on and in healthy humans and animals at any given time, communicating with each other via chemical signals and thus influencing their health. In two studies, researchers have now conducted a detailed study of the microbiome, i.e. the totality of all microorganisms, in humans and zoo animals. The aim was to identify starting points for strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases.
Scientists discover fastest degrading bioplastic in seawater
Scientists found that cellulose diacetate foam (CDA) is the fastest degrading bioplastic in an ocean environment. This new foam material is demonstrated to be a viable replacement for Styrofoam products and single-use plastics, like food packaging trays, as it achieves all the benefits of plastic but doesn't contribute to plastic pollution. This biodegradable bioplastic foam was evaluated in a flow-through seawater tank. After 36 weeks, the CDA foam lost 65-70% of its mass, and the degradation rate of the CDA foam was 15 times faster than solid CDA.
Quantum research breakthrough uses synthetic dimensions to efficiently process quantum information
A new study opens the door to cutting-edge solutions that could contribute to the realization of a system capable of processing quantum information in a simple yet powerful way. The work presents a method for manipulating the photonic states of light in a never-before-seen way, offering greater control over the evolution of photon propagation. This control makes it possible to improve the detection and number of photon coincidences, as well as the efficiency of the system.
Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process
By combining visible light and electrochemistry, researchers have enhanced the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and stumbled upon a surprising discovery. The team found that visible light significantly improved an important chemical attribute called selectivity, opening new avenues not only for CO2 conversion but also for many other chemical reactions used in catalysis research and chemical manufacturing.
Identifying the genes that viruses 'steal' from ocean microbes
A new study gets scientists closer to more fully understanding where viruses fit into the global ocean picture of cycling nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and, of particular interest, carbon. Researchers report on their creation of a catalog of genes that viruses 'stole' from the marine microbes they infected across all of the world's oceans, identifying and organizing almost 23,000 genes known as auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), including over 7,000 never previously documented.
Harnessing vibrations: Engineered material generates electricity from unexpected source
Imagine tires that charge a vehicle as it drives, streetlights powered by the rumble of traffic, or skyscrapers that generate electricity as the buildings naturally sway and shudder. These energy innovations could be possible thanks to researchers developing environmentally friendly materials that produce electricity when compressed or exposed to vibrations.
Plankton balloon to six times their size in newly discovered mode of oceanic travel
Many plankton journey from the cold, dark depths of our oceans to the surface, only to eventually drift down again into the darkness in a perpetual rhythm. Yet, how single-celled phytoplankton, most of which have no appendages to help them swim, make this pilgrimage has remained a mystery. Researchers now describe a species of bioluminescent phytoplankton, called Pyrocystis noctiluca, that balloons to six times their original size of a few hundred microns. This massive inflation allows the plankton to journey up to 200 meters toward the ocean's surface to capture sunlight, then sink back showcasing a unique strategy for long-distance ocean travel.
The monarch butterfly may not be endangered, but its migration is, researchers find
With vigorous debate surrounding the health of the monarch butterfly, new research may have answered the biggest question plaguing butterfly researchers. Why are the wintering populations declining while breeding populations are stable?
Men and women process pain differently, study finds
According to new research, men and women rely on different biological systems for pain relief, which could help explain why our most powerful pain medications are often less effective in women.
Bacterial vaccine shows promise as cancer immunotherapy
Researchers have engineered bacteria as personalized cancer vaccines that activate the immune system to specifically seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Are nearby planets sending radio signals to each other?
Researchers have developed a new method using the Allen Telescope Array to search for interplanetary radio communication in the TRAPPIST-1 star system.
'Two for the price of one' Scientists discover new process to drive anti-viral immunity
Scientists have discovered a new process in our immune systems that leads to the production of an important family of anti-viral proteins called interferons. They hope the discovery will now lead to new, effective therapies for people with some autoimmune and infectious diseases.Researchers have found that a natural metabolite called Itaconate can stimulate immune cells to make interferons by blocking an enzyme called SDH.
Human skin map gives 'recipe' to build skin and could help prevent scarring
Prenatal human skin atlas and organoid will accelerate research into congenital diseases and lead to clinical applications for regenerative medicine.
It's twins! Mystery of famed brown dwarf solved
An international team of astronomers has figured out that a famous brown dwarf is actually a pair of tight-knit brown dwarfs, weighing about 38 and 34 times the mass of Jupiter, that whip around each other every 12 days.
Nitrogen pollution and rising carbon dioxide: A joint threat to grassland biodiversity?
An ecologically realistic 24-year field study of grasslands showed that elevated levels of carbon dioxide nearly tripled species losses attributed to nitrogen pollution.
The origin of most meteorites finally revealed
An international team has successfully demonstrated that 70% of all known meteorite falls originate from just three young asteroid families. These families were produced by three recent collisions that occurred in the main asteroid belt 5.8, 7.5, and about 40 million years ago. The team also revealed the sources of other types of meteorites; with this research, the origin of more than 90% of meteorites has now been identified.
Breakthrough technology leads to life-saving treatment for deadly skin reaction
A global team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that saves the lives of patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis. This rare but often fatal reaction to common medications causes widespread detachment of the skin. Using innovative spatial proteomics -- one of the most advanced molecular biology tools -- the team identified the inflammatory JAK/STAT pathway as the main driver of disease. After validating their findings in pre-clinical models, they successfully treated the first seven patients worldwide with JAK inhibitors, all of which showed rapid and full recovery.
One in three plants call islands home: Many at risk
From Tasmania to Madagascar to New Guinea, islands make up just over five per cent of Earth's land yet are home to 31 per cent of the world's plant species. A new study shows that of all plants classified as threatened worldwide, more than half are unique to islands, facing risks from habitat loss, climate warming and invasive species.
NASA, NOAA: Sun reaches maximum phase in 11-year solar cycle
Experts have announced that the Sun has reached its solar maximum period, which could continue for the next year. Scientists will not be able to determine the exact peak of this solar maximum period for many months because it's only identifiable after they've tracked a consistent decline in solar activity after that peak. However, scientists have identified that the last two years on the Sun have been part of this active phase of the solar cycle, due to the consistently high number of sunspots during this period.
Good physical fitness from childhood protects mental health
A recent study found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%--30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems.
Major step toward fully 3D-printed active electronics
Researchers produced 3D-printed, semiconductor-free logic gates, which perform computations in active electronic devices. As they don't require semiconductor materials, they represent a step toward 3D printing an entire active electronic device.
Liftoff! NASA's Europa Clipper sails toward ocean moon of Jupiter
NASA's Europa Clipper has embarked on its long voyage to Jupiter, where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may have conditions to support life. The largest spacecraft NASA ever built for a mission headed to another planet, Europa Clipper also is the first NASA mission dedicated to studying an ocean world beyond Earth.