ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Invasive species alters marine community, interferes in post-disaster recovery

Posted: 10 May 2021 04:25 PM PDT

Clavelina oblonga, an invasive marine fouling species, not only reduces diversity in communities it invades, it also interferes in their recovery following natural disasters - a process known as 'succession.'

Volcanoes on Mars could be active, raising possibility Mars was recently habitable

Posted: 10 May 2021 04:25 PM PDT

New observations reveal that Mars could still be volcanically active, raising the possibility for habitable conditions in the near surface of Mars in recent history. Ongoing research investigates the possibility that the most recent volcanic activity on Mars, which occurred about 50,000 years ago, might have been triggered by a nearby asteroid impact that happened around the same time.

Graphene key for novel hardware security

Posted: 10 May 2021 02:19 PM PDT

As more private data is stored and shared digitally, researchers are exploring new ways to protect data against attacks from bad actors. Current silicon technology exploits microscopic differences between computing components to create secure keys, but artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be used to predict these keys and gain access to data. Now, researchers have designed a way to make the encrypted keys harder to crack.

Even when they include them, gifted programs aren't serving Black or low-income kids

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:15 PM PDT

The first nationwide study of outcomes for different gifted subgroups shows the programs may not be adequately serving their Black and low-income students.

Time running out to save coral reefs

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:15 PM PDT

New data on the growth rates of coral reefs shows there is still a window of opportunity to save them from eroding by mid-century -- but time is running out.

Ocean-bottom sediments tell a story about ancient Greenland summers

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:15 PM PDT

The study uses leaf wax chemicals in the deposits to learn about ancient climate in southern Greenland, focusing on summer temperature during periods of relative warmth on Earth, called interglacials, over the past 600,000 years.

Animal production responsible for vast majority of air quality-related health impacts from U.S. food

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:15 PM PDT

Poor air quality caused by food production in the U.S. is estimated to result in 16,000 deaths annually, 80% of which are related to animal production, according to a new study. The study also shows how improving animal and crop management practices, as well as how eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.

'Flipping' optical wavefront eliminates distortions in multimode fibers

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:15 PM PDT

Researchers have devised a novel technique to 'flip' the optical wavefront of an image for both polarizations simultaneously, so that it can be transmitted through a multimode fiber without distortion.

PARP inhibitor shrinks tumors in pancreatic cancer patients with mutations

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:14 PM PDT

More than two-thirds of pancreatic cancer patients harboring genetic mutations saw their tumor stop growing or shrink substantially after being switched from intensive chemotherapy to the PARP inhibitor rucaparib as a maintenance therapy.

Stimulators could aid spinal cord, heart therapies

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:14 PM PDT

Engineers develop a new version of their wireless implant that allows for multiple stimulators to be programmed and magnetically powered from a single transmitter outside the body. The implants could be used to treat spinal cord injuries or as pacemakers.

For twins, gesture and speech go hand-in-hand in language development

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:14 PM PDT

Twins produce fewer gestures and gesture to fewer objects than other children. Language use also lags for twins, and language -- but not gesture -- is also affected by sex, with girls performing better than boys.

Geoscientists find that shallow wastewater injection drives deep earthquakes in Texas

Posted: 10 May 2021 01:14 PM PDT

Geoscientists have found that shallow wastewater injection -- not deep wastewater injections -- can drive widespread deep earthquake activity in unconventional oil and gas production fields.

The next generation of hunters could look different

Posted: 10 May 2021 11:39 AM PDT

A new survey found that the future of hunting in the United States might look different than it has in the past.

Integrating medical imaging and cancer biology with deep neural networks

Posted: 10 May 2021 11:39 AM PDT

Scientists have carried out a study investigating whether deep neural networks can represent associations between gene expression, histology, and CT-derived image features. They found that the network could not only reproduce previously reported associations but also identify new ones.

As global climate shifts, forests' futures may be caught in the wind

Posted: 10 May 2021 10:32 AM PDT

Forests' ability to adapt to the disruptions wrought by climate change may depend, in part, on the eddies and swirls of global wind currents, suggests a new study. The study compared global wind patterns with previously published genetic data of nearly 100 tree and shrub species collected from forests around the world, finding significant correlations between wind speed and direction and genetic diversity throughout our planet's forests.

Scientists develop better way to block viruses that cause childhood respiratory infections

Posted: 10 May 2021 10:31 AM PDT

By engineering a short chunk of protein, or peptide, that can prevent the attachment of human parainfluenza viruses to cells, researchers have improved a method in rodent models intended to help keep children healthy.

'Unmaking' a move: Correcting motion blur in single-photon images

Posted: 10 May 2021 10:31 AM PDT

Single-photon imaging is the future of high-speed digital photography and vastly surpasses conventional cameras in low-light conditions. However, fixing the blurring caused by the motion of independent objects remains challenging. Recently, researchers at developed an innovative de-blurring approach that accurately estimates the motion of individual objects and adjusts the final image accordingly. Their strategy produces high-quality images even in complex dynamic scenes and may find applications in medicine, science, and security.

The 'key' to new COVID-19 vaccine development

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:36 AM PDT

Scientists are researching a new COVID-19 vaccine that would target only a small portion of the virus's spike protein. The vaccine has shown promise in laboratory experiments, and more vaccines could be necessary in the years ahead as additional SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge.

Esophageal cancers resurrect ancient retroviruses hidden in our genome

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:36 AM PDT

Scientists have found that many esophageal cancers turn on ancient viral DNA embedded in our genome, a finding that could lead to improvements in immunotherapy.

How planets form controls elements essential for life

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:36 AM PDT

How a planet comes together has implications for whether it captures and retains the volatile elements, including nitrogen, carbon and water, that eventually give rise to life, according to scientists.

In the emptiness of space, Voyager I detects plasma 'hum'

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:36 AM PDT

NASA's Voyager I spacecraft has long since zipped past the edge of the solar system through the heliopause - the solar system's border with interstellar space - into the interstellar medium. Now, its instruments have detected the constant drone of interstellar gas (plasma waves).

Implanted wireless device triggers mice to form instant bond

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

Researchers have wirelessly programmed -- and then deprogrammed -- mice to socially interact with one another in real time. The advancement is thanks to an ultraminiature, wireless, battery-free and fully implantable device that uses light to activate neurons.

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

BARseq2 is a new brain mapping technique that can identify cells by the unique sets of genes they use. Neuroscientists can use this tool to understand how brain cells are organized and connected.

Biomarker detects severe COVID-19 early on

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

Severe cases of COVID-19 can now be detected at an early stage. Researchers have identified the first biomarker that can reliably predict which patients will develop severe symptoms. This can help to improve the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19.

3D printing lays the foundation for a new range of diagnostic tests

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a 3D printing technique that extends the possibilities of lateral flow testing. These tests are widespread in the form of the classic pregnancy test and the COVID-19 self-tests. With the new printing technique, advanced diagnostic tests can be produced that are quick, cheap, and easy to use.

Long-term stress in dogs linked to the owner-dog relationship

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

The relationship a dog has with its owner is related to its stress level. This is the conclusion of a newly published study. The results also suggest that the link between stress and the owner's personality traits differs between dog breeds.

New vaccine blocks COVID-19 and variants, plus other coronaviruses

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

A potential new vaccine has proven effective in protecting monkeys and mice from a variety of coronavirus infections -- including SARS-CoV-2 as well as the original SARS-CoV-1 and related bat coronaviruses that could potentially cause the next pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 research: Second possible effective mechanism of remdesivir discovered

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

After infection, SARS-CoV-2 causes the host cell to produce new virus particles and suppresses host cell defence mechanisms. Virus protein nsP3 plays a central role in the latter process. Using structural analyses, researchers have now discovered that a decomposition product of the remdesivir binds to nsP3. This previously unknown effective mechanism may be important for the development of new drugs to combat RNA viruses.

Friendly pelicans breed better

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

Captive pelicans that are free to choose their own friendships are more likely to breed successfully on repeated occasions, new research suggests.

Microneedle patch delivers antibiotics locally in the skin

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

MRSA skin infections are often treated with intravenous injection of antibiotics, which can cause significant side effects and promote the development of resistant bacterial strains. To solve these problems, researchers are developing a microneedle patch that delivers antibiotics directly into the affected skin area. New results show that the microneedle patch effectively reduces MRSA bacteria in the skin.

How Legionella makes itself at home

Posted: 10 May 2021 08:35 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered a key protein that helps the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease to set up house in the cells of humans and other hosts. The findings could offer insights into how other bacteria are able to survive inside cells, knowledge that could lead to new treatments for a wide variety of infections.

Errors at the start of life

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:44 AM PDT

The process of combining maternal and paternal genetic information is surprisingly error-prone.

Light emitters for quantum circuits

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:44 AM PDT

The promise of a quantum internet depends on the complexities of harnessing light to transmit quantum information over fiber optic networks. A potential step forward was reported today by researchers who developed integrated chips that can generate light particles on demand and without the need for extreme refrigeration.

Prenatal exposure to famine heightens risk for later being overweight

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:44 AM PDT

An analysis of historical medical records found that men who were prenatally exposed during early gestation to the Dutch famine of 1944-1945 were 30 percent more likely to be overweight with a Body Mass Index of 25 or over at age 19, compared to a similar group not exposed to the famine.

São Tomé island has two species of caecilians found nowhere else on Earth

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

A new study indicates São Tomé island has two species of caecilians found nowhere else on Earth. The research adds evidence to a century-long scientific debate and reveals how volcanic activity may have driven the divergence of the limbless amphibians.

In soil, high microbial fluctuation leads to more carbon emissions

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

Modeling shows fluctuating soil microbial populations impact how much carbon is released from soil.

This system helps robots better navigate emergency rooms

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

Computer scientists have developed a more accurate navigation system that will allow robots to better negotiate busy clinical environments in general and emergency departments more specifically. The researchers have also developed a dataset of open source videos to help train robotic navigation systems in the future.

Engineering diseased human skin in vitro

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

A research team develops an artificial diabetic skin based on 3D cell printing.

New finding suggests cognitive problems caused by repeat mild head hits could be treated

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

A neurologic pathway by which non-damaging but high frequency brain impact blunts normal brain function and causes long-term problems with learning and memory has been identified. The finding suggests that tailored drug therapy can be designed and developed to reactivate and normalize cognitive function, say neuroscientists.

Meaningful movies help people cope with life's difficulties

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

Watching meaningful films - those that we find moving and poignant - can make us feel more prepared to deal with life's challenges and want to be a better person, a new study found. The findings point to one reason why people may choose to see movies that make them sad as well as happy and that may explore difficult subjects that aren't always uplifting.

Rapid lifestyle changes during early COVID-19 pandemic had no impact on climate change, study finds

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

Despite the rapid and significant changes in consumption patterns witnessed during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese households maintained their normal levels of greenhouse gases emissions. The 'anthropause' -- reduction of human activity due to the pandemic -- made headlines last summer, but factory shutdowns and broken global supply chains did not translate into the adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles for the average household.

Firefighting chemical found in sea lion and fur seal pups

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

A chemical that the New South Wales government has recently partially banned in firefighting has been found in the pups of endangered Australian sea lions and in Australian fur seals. The finding represents another possible blow to Australian sea lions' survival. Hookworm and tuberculosis already threaten their small and diminishing population, which has fallen by more than 60 percent over four decades.

Chill out: Advanced solar tech runs cooler and lasts longer

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

New mechanisms for converting sunlight to electricity more efficiently are also beneficial for extending the lifespan of solar panels.

Reaching your life goals as a single-celled organism

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

How is it possible to move in the desired direction without a brain or nervous system? Single-celled organisms apparently manage this feat without any problems: for example, they can swim towards food with the help of small flagellar tails. A research team has now been able to simulate this process on the computer.

Universal equation for explosive phenomena

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

Climate change, a pandemic or the coordinated activity of neurons in the brain: In all of these examples, a transition takes place at a certain point from the base state to a new state. Researchers have discovered a universal mathematical structure at these so-called tipping points. It creates the basis for a better understanding of the behavior of networked systems.

TB immune response discovery could significantly reduce disease harm

Posted: 10 May 2021 07:43 AM PDT

A pioneering study has discovered the presence of a harmful inflammatory protein in patients with symptomatic tuberculosis (TB). Researchers say, by targeting the IL-17 cytokine, a component produced naturally by the immune system in response to infection, excessive and damaging lung inflammation caused by TB may be significantly reduced to help speed up patient recovery.

Could wider use of gene reserves protect rare species?

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:59 AM PDT

UK landowners and conservationists welcome wider-spread use of Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) to help protect some of the rarest plants and insects, research has shown.

Undetected early heart damage raises risk of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

First-phase ejection fraction, a possible indicator of heart failure, is a strong predictor of survival in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, according to a new study. Hospitalized patients who had impaired first-phase ejection fraction were nearly 5 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to patients with normal first-phase ejection fraction.

Managing children's weight, blood pressure and cholesterol protects brain function mid-life

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or obesity from childhood through middle age were linked to poorer brain function by middle age. These cardiovascular risk factors were linked with low memory, learning, visual processing, attention span, and reaction and movement time. Strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke should begin in childhood to promote better brain health by middle age.

Small study shows heart damage after COVID-19 uncommon in college athletes

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

In a small study, 82 percent of the college athletes with COVID-19 had symptoms, of which the majority were mild and did not require treatment. Further screening via cardiac MRI of the 4 percent of athletes identified with heart abnormalities found no heart damage or inflammation. All athletes resumed regular training and competition without difficulty after recovering from COVID-19.

Serotonin transporters increase when depression fades

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

Low levels of serotonin in the brain are seen as a possible cause of depression and many antidepressants act by blocking a protein that transports serotonin away from the nerve cells. A brain imaging study now shows that the average level of the serotonin transporter increased in a group of 17 individuals who recovered from depression after cognitive behavioral therapy.

Intersection of 2D materials results in entirely New materials

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

Physics researchers discover that assembling 2D materials into a 3D arrangement does not just result in 'thicker' 2D materials but instead produces entirely new materials. The nanomesh technologically is simple to produce and offers tunable material properties to meet the demands of future applications. The team's next goal is to use the nanomesh on Silicon (Si) waveguides to develop quantum optical communications.

Sharks in protected area attract illegal fishers

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

Thousands of sharks have been illegally caught in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, new research shows.

Research results challenge a decades-old mechanism of how we hear sounds

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:58 AM PDT

Researchers have made several discoveries on the functioning mechanisms of the inner hair cells of the ear, which convert sounds into nerve signals that are processed in the brain. The results challenge the current picture of the anatomical organization and workings of the hearing organ, which has prevailed for decades.

Wastewater treatment system recovers electricity, filters water

Posted: 10 May 2021 05:56 AM PDT

A new process uses bacteria to filter wastewater while creating electricity.

Vegetarians have healthier levels of disease markers than meat-eaters

Posted: 09 May 2021 12:38 PM PDT

Vegetarians appear to have a healthier biomarker profile than meat-eaters, and this applies to adults of any age and weight, and is also unaffected by smoking and alcohol consumption, according to a new study in over 166,000 UK adults.

Smartphone breath alcohol testing devices vary widely in accuracy

Posted: 09 May 2021 12:38 PM PDT

The latest generation of personal alcohol breath testing devices pair with smartphones. While some of these devices were found to be relatively accurate, others may mislead users into thinking that they are fit to drive, according to a new study.

New Strep A human challenge model paves the way to test vaccines against the deadly bacteria

Posted: 09 May 2021 12:38 PM PDT

Researchers have successfully developed a new Strep A human challenge model, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores.

How proteins control information processing in the brain

Posted: 09 May 2021 12:38 PM PDT

A complicated interaction between different proteins is needed for information to pass from one nerve cell to the next. Researchers have now managed to study this process in the synaptic vesicles, which play an important role in this process.