ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Enabling the 'imagination' of artificial intelligence

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 12:07 PM PDT

Despite advances in deep neural networks, computers still struggle with the very human skill of 'imagination.' Now, a research team has developed an AI that uses human-like capabilities to imagine a never-before-seen object with different attributes.

Single cancer cells have different appetites for fatty acids

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 12:07 PM PDT

A recently developed method provides new insights into cancer biology by allowing researchers to show how fatty acids are absorbed by single cells.

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 12:07 PM PDT

Investigating how climate affects intense rainstorms across Europe, climate experts have shown there will be a significant future increase in the occurrence of slow-moving intense rainstorms. The scientists estimate that these slow-moving storms may be 14 times more frequent across land by the end of the century. It is these slow-moving storms that have the potential for very high precipitation accumulations, with devastating impacts, as we saw in Germany and Belgium.

Air-powered computer memory helps soft robot control movements

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 12:07 PM PDT

Engineers made a pneumatic RAM chip using microfluidic valves instead of electronic transistors. The valves remain sealed against a pressure differential even when disconnected from an air supply line, creating trapped pressure differentials that function as memories and maintain the states of a robot's actuators. Dense arrays of these valves can perform advanced operations and reduce the expensive, bulky, and power-consuming electronic hardware typically used to control pneumatic robots.

Role of deep-sea microbial predators at hydrothermal vents examined

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 10:15 AM PDT

The hydrothermal vent fluids from the Gorda Ridge spreading center in the northeast Pacific Ocean create a biological hub of activity in the deep sea. There, in the dark ocean, a unique food web thrives not on photosynthesis but rather on chemical energy from the venting fluids. Among the creatures having a field day feasting at the Gorda Ridge vents is a diverse assortment of microbial eukaryotes, or protists, that graze on chemosynthetic bacteria and archaea.

Engineers 3D printed a soft robotic hand that can play Nintendo

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 10:15 AM PDT

A team of researchers has 3D printed a soft robotic hand that is agile enough to play Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. -- and win!

Common antibiotic no more effective than placebo in preventing COVID-19 symptoms among non-hospitalized

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 10:15 AM PDT

A new study has found that the antibiotic azithromycin was no more effective than a placebo in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized patients, and may increase their chance of hospitalization, despite widespread prescription of the antibiotic for the disease.

US corn and soybean maladapted to climate variations

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:25 AM PDT

U.S. corn and soybean varieties have become increasingly heat and drought resistant as agricultural production adapts to a changing climate. But the focus on developing crops for extreme conditions has negatively affected performance under normal weather patterns, a new study shows.

First 3D simulation of rat's complete whisker system acts as a tactile 'camera'

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:25 AM PDT

Engineers have developed the first full, three-dimensional (3D), dynamic simulation of a rat's complete whisker system, offering rare, realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information.

No sign of COVID-19 vaccine in breast milk

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:25 AM PDT

Messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19 were not detected in human milk, according to a small study, providing early evidence that the vaccine mRNA is not transferred to the infant.

When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:25 AM PDT

Researchers have described a novel primary immunodeficiency due to a mutation in AIOLOS. This acts through a novel pathogenic mechanism termed 'heterodimeric interference', whereby when two different proteins bind together in a heterodimer, the mutant protein hijacks the function of the normal protein. In a mouse model, they were able to restore some of the lost functions by interfering with the mutated protein, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach to disorders of this nature.

New discoveries and insights into the glass transition

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

When a liquid is cooled rapidly, it gains viscosity and eventually becomes a rigid solid glass. The point at which it does so is known as the glass transition. A collaborative research group has furthered our understanding of this phenomenon through the use of high entropy metallic glasses.

The paradox of a free-electron laser without the laser

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

A new way of producing coherent light in the ultra-violet spectral region, which points the way to developing brilliant table-top x-ray sources.

How micro-circuits in the brain regulate fear

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

The brain mechanisms underlying the suppression of fear responses have attracted a lot of attention as they are relevant for therapy of human anxiety disorders. Despite our broad understanding of the different brain regions activated during the experience of fear, how fear responses can be suppressed remains largely elusive. Researchers have now discovered that the activation of identified central amygdala neurons can suppress fear responses.

New theory suggests blood immune and clotting components could contribute to psychosis

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

A scientific review has found evidence that a disruption in blood clotting and the first line immune system could be contributing factors in the development of psychosis.

New UK study reveals extent of brain complications in children hospitalized with COVID-19

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

Although the risk of a child being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is small, a new UK study has found that around 1 in 20 of children hospitalized with COVID-19 develop brain or nerve complications linked to the viral infection.

Individual protected areas in Amazonia differ greatly in how effectively they help to fight deforestation and carbon emissions

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

While tropical forests remain threatened and their future is uncertain, the importance of understanding how well individual protected areas avoid deforestation increases.

Simplified method for calibrating optical tweezers

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

A team of researchers has developed a simplified method to perform the necessary calibration of optical tweezers. Shortening the measurement time helps to reduce the risk of damage to biological samples due to light-induced heating.

Future information technologies: Topological materials for ultrafast spintronics

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

Using time- and spin-resolved methods at BESSY II, the physicists explored how, after optical excitation, the complex interplay in the behavior of excited electrons in the bulk and on the surface results in unusual spin dynamics. The work is an important step on the way to spintronic devices based on topological materials for ultrafast information processing.

Monoclonal antibodies may neutralize many norovirus variants

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

Researchers have taken a big step toward developing targeted treatments and vaccines against a family of viruses that attacks the gastrointestinal tract.

Bats are kings of small talk in the air

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 08:24 AM PDT

Echoes from bats are so simple that a sound file of their calls can be compressed 90% without losing much information, according to a new study.

Private-public partnership helps to evaluate satellite observations of atmospheric CO2 over oceans

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 06:10 AM PDT

Satellite observations of XCO2 show greater biases apparently over oceans than over the land surface. However, no effective ways to evaluate space-time XCO2 variations over wide geographical areas exist. Observations on commercial ship tracks and aircraft routes, together with atmospehric model calculations, provide a new reference XCO2 dataset for the otherwise inaccesible areas of the world. High quality satellite observations are a requirement for better understanding of the carbon cycle in response to climate change.

Galactic fireworks: New ESO images reveal stunning features of nearby galaxies

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 06:10 AM PDT

A team of astronomers has released new observations of nearby galaxies that resemble colourful cosmic fireworks. The images, obtained with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), show different components of the galaxies in distinct colours, allowing astronomers to pinpoint the locations of young stars and the gas they warm up around them.

Physicists discover simple propulsion mechanism for bodies in dense fluids

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 06:10 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a microswimmer that appears to defy the laws of fluid dynamics: their model, consisting of two beads that are connected by a linear spring, is propelled by completely symmetrical oscillations.

Nearly 20 percent of intact forest landscapes overlap with extractive industries

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 06:10 AM PDT

A new study reveals that nearly 20 percent of tropical Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) overlap with concessions for extractive industries such as mining, oil and gas.

3D printed replicas reveal swimming capabilities of ancient cephalopods

Posted: 16 Jul 2021 06:10 AM PDT

Researchers took 3-D printed reconstructions of fossil cephalopods to actual water tanks (including a swimming pool) to see how their shell structure may have been tied to their movement and lifestyle.

Body mass index as a risk factor for diabetes varies throughout the world

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 04:36 PM PDT

There are substantial differences among low- and middle-income countries in the association between BMI and diabetes risk. Individual countries can optimize diabetes screening by tailoring guidelines to their specific population's risk threshold for BMI, age and gender. In some parts of the world, diabetes risk is greater at lower BMI thresholds and in younger ages than reflected in currently used cutoffs.

Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 04:36 PM PDT

A new study shows that it is possible to use mechanical force to deliberately alter chemical reactions and increase chemical selectivity - a grand challenge of the field.

Unconventional superconductor acts the part of a promising quantum computing platform

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 04:36 PM PDT

Scientists on the hunt for an unconventional kind of superconductor have produced the most compelling evidence to date that they've found one. Researchers have shown that uranium ditelluride displays many of the hallmarks of a topological superconductor -- a material that may unlock new ways to build quantum computers and other futuristic devices.

Climate regulation changed with the proliferation of marine animals and terrestrial plants

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 12:38 PM PDT

Earth's climate was relatively stable for a long period of time. For three billion years, temperatures were mostly warm and carbon dioxide levels high - until a shift occurred about 400 million years ago. A new study suggests that the change at this time was accompanied by a fundamental alteration to the carbon-silicon cycle.

New tool to help farmers make crop input decisions

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 12:38 PM PDT

A new tool allows farmers to create a budget balance sheet of any nitrogen reduction plans and see the economic and environmental cost, return and margins, all customized to fields under their management.

High daily screen time linked to cognitive, behavioral problems in children born extremely preterm

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 11:24 AM PDT

Among 6- and 7-year-olds who were born extremely preterm -- before the 28th week of pregnancy -- those who had more than two hours of screen time a day were more likely to have deficits in overall IQ, executive functioning (problem solving skills), impulse control and attention, according to a new study.

Newly discovered role for CTP in ensuring faithful cell division in bacteria

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 11:24 AM PDT

To grow and multiply efficiently, bacteria must coordinate cell division with chromosome segregation. Key to this process is a protein called Nucleoid Occlusion Factor or Noc. A small and abundant molecule called Cytidine Triphosphate (CTP) is key to the functions of Noc. CTP binding enables Noc to 'spread' on DNA to form a large protein complex. CTP also 'switches on' the membrane-binding ability of Noc.

Researchers discover a new inorganic material with lowest thermal conductivity ever reported

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 11:23 AM PDT

A collaborative research team has discovered a new inorganic material with the lowest thermal conductivity ever reported. This discovery paves the way for the development of new thermoelectric materials that will be critical for a sustainable society.

Extraordinary carbon emissions from El Nino-induced biomass burning estimated

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 11:23 AM PDT

In 2015, massive biomass burning events occurred in Equatorial Asia which released a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere, whose signals were captured by in-situ high-precision measurements onboard commercial passenger aircraft and a cargo ship. A simulation-based analysis with those observations estimated the fire-induced carbon emissions to be 273 Tg C for September - October 2015.

T-cell 'training grounds' behind robust immune system response seen in adenovirus vaccines

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 11:23 AM PDT

Adenovirus vaccine vectors, such as the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 construct which has risen to prominence as a major vaccine for COVID-19, may generate robust long-term immune system responses, according to scientists.

Emotion, cooperation and locomotion crucial from an early age

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 09:46 AM PDT

What are the fundamental skills that young children need to develop at the start of school for future academic success? Researchers examined the links between emotion knowledge, cooperation, locomotor activity and numerical skills in 706 pupils aged 3 to 6. The results show that emotion knowledge, cooperative social behavior and locomotor activity are interrelated and associated with numerical skills. These results suggest that locomotor activity should be added to these fundamental skills.

Scientists create rechargeable swimming microrobots using oil and water

Posted: 15 Jul 2021 09:45 AM PDT

A new study has shown that it is possible to create tiny, self-powered swimming robots from three simple ingredients.