ScienceDaily: Top News

Researchers find repeated link between volcanic eruptions and dynastic collapse in China's Imperial Era

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 06:46 PM PST

Volcanic eruptions may have triggered abrupt climate changes contributing to the repeated collapse of Chinese dynasties over the past 2,000 years, according to new research. The study also illustrates how volcanic eruptions can profoundly impact vulnerable or unstable regions and highlights the need to prepare for future eruptions.

Researchers recreate deep-Earth conditions to see how iron copes with extreme stress

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:43 PM PST

New observations of the atomic structure of iron reveal it undergoes 'twinning' under extreme stress and pressure.

AI helps design the perfect chickpea

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:43 PM PST

A massive international research effort has led to development of a genetic model for the 'ultimate' chickpea, with the potential to lift crop yields by up to 12 per cent.

Surprising findings on how salt affects blood flow in the brain

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Researchers reveal surprising new information about the relationship between neuron activity and blood flow deep in the brain, as well as how the brain is affected by salt consumption.

New technique may lead to safer stem cell transplants

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Studying mice, researchers have developed a method of stem cell transplantation that does not require radiation or chemotherapy. Instead, the strategy takes an immunotherapeutic approach, combining the targeted elimination of blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow with immune-modulating drugs to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new donor stem cells.

Using mechanical tools improves our language skills, study finds

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Research has revealed a correlation between being particularly proficient in tool use and having good syntactic ability. A new study has now shown that both skills rely on the same neurological resources, which are located in the same brain region. Furthermore, motor training using a tool improves our ability to understand the syntax of complex sentences and -- vice-versa -- syntactic training improves our proficiency in using tools.

Shining a light into 'black holes' in the Arabidopsis genome

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Scientists have sequenced the genome of the world's most widely used model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, at a level of detail never previously achieved. The study reveals the secrets of Arabidopsis chromosome regions called centromeres. The findings shed light on centromere evolution and provides insights into the genomic equivalent of black holes.

Pacific rockfish and the trade-offs of a long life

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Pacific rockfish are among the longest-lived vertebrates -- some species live 200+ years. Yet others live barely 10. Their varied lifespans make rockfish a unique genus in which to pinpoint genes associated with long lifespan. Biologists sequenced and compared the genomes of 88 species and found longevity-related genes involved in living at depth and growing larger, but also an increase in some types of regulatory genes. Longer life also correlates with decreased population sizes.

‘Dancing molecules’ successfully repair severe spinal cord injuries

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:36 PM PST

Researchers have developed an injectable therapy based on nanofibers that has enabled paralyzed mice with severe spinal cord injuries to regain the ability to walk.

Machine learning refines earthquake detection capabilities

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:04 AM PST

Researchers are applying machine learning algorithms to help interpret massive amounts of ground deformation data collected with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) satellites; the new algorithms will improve earthquake detection.

First quantum simulation of baryons

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

Researchers performed the first-ever simulation of baryons -- fundamental quantum particles -- on a quantum computer.

Fate of sinking tectonic plates is revealed

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

When tectonic plates sink into the Earth they look like slinky snakes! That's according to a study published in Nature, which helps answer a long standing question about what happens to tectonic plates when they sink - or subduct - into the Earth's interior. The process helps drive plate tectonics.

CRISPR: Strategy refines genetic base editors

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

A new strategy seeks to avoid gene-editing errors by fine-tuning specific CRISPR-base editing parameters in advance.

Risk calculator to prevent delayed discharges in hospitals

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

New research could significantly reduce overcrowding in emergency departments -- with great financial savings. Experts have developed a prediction model to identify patients most at risk of taking up hospital beds longer than needed.

CRISPR screen identifies new anti-inflammatory drug target

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

A metabolic enzyme that has been studied in cancer biology and is important for T cell function may offer a new target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics, researchers have discovered. They report that inhibiting or genetically deleting the enzyme, called MTHFD2, reduced disease severity in multiple inflammatory disease models.

Near-earth asteroid might be a lost fragment of the moon

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

Near-Earth asteroid Kamo`oalewa could be a fragment of our moon.

Cutting-edge molecular tools reveal potential COVID-19 diagnostic and therapeutic targets

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

Advanced next-generation sequencing of autopsy tissues has furthered molecular understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease mechanisms, researchers report.

Humans hastened the extinction of the woolly mammoth

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

New research shows that humans had a significant role in the extinction of woolly mammoths in Eurasia, occurring thousands of years later than previously thought. An international team of scientists has revealed a 20,000-year pathway to extinction for the woolly mammoth.

When mom and child interact, physiology and behavior coordinate

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

When mothers and their children play together, they instinctively respond to each other's cues. And positive interactions promote the child's healthy socioemotional development. A new study examines how physiological and behavioral reactions coordinate during mother-child playtime. The findings highlight the importance of responsive communication, and can help provide insights for parents, practitioners, and researchers.

This is how we understand emoji

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

Even when emoji are used to substitute for words, we still understand the sentence. But how does that work? Do we interpret an emoji primarily as an image or as a word? To find out, a research team asked volunteers to read texts with emoji and measured the reading time precisely. It turns out that it takes a little longer to comprehend a sentence that includes emoji than one that doesn't. If the emoji does not directly represent the intended meaning, but another word with the same pronunciation, we need yet a little more time. Based on these results, the team concludes that emoji comprehension consists of two steps: first the image is interpreted, then the word is inferred.

Plant-based alternative food consumption may have doubled in UK over ten years suggests first analysis of its kind

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

The proportion of UK people reporting eating and drinking plant-based alternative foods such as plant-based milk, vegan sausages and vegetable burgers nearly doubled between 2008 -- 2011 and 2017 -- 2019, according to a new study.

New sensor detects ever smaller nanoparticles

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

Nanoparticles are omnipresent in our environment: Viruses in ambient air, proteins in the body, as building blocks of new materials for electronics, or in surface coatings. Visualizing these smallest particles is a problem: They are so small that they can hardly be seen under an optical microscope. Researchers have now developed a sensor that not only detects nanoparticles, but also determines their condition and tracks their movements in space.

Supportive strategies help 'picky eaters' deal with food aversions

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

In a large national survey, adults who struggled with picky eating habits as children overwhelmingly said they benefitted more from positive and encouraging strategies their parents used than forceful or coercive approaches.

Crushed resistance: Tectonic plate sinking into a subduction zone

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

Geophysicists can use a new model to explain the behavior of a tectonic plate sinking into a subduction zone in the Earth's mantle: the plate becomes weak and thus more deformable when mineral grains on its underside are shrunk in size.

Common loud noises cause fluid buildup in the inner ear, study finds

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:04 AM PST

A new study reveals that common loud noises cause fluid buildup in the inner ear and suggests a simple possible treatment for noise-induced hearing loss.

Function of mysterious structure found on neurons

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:04 AM PST

Researchers have discovered that mysterious clusters of proteins found on neurons are calcium-signaling 'hotspots' that activate gene transcription, allowing neurons to produce crucial proteins. The discovery may help shape new research into the role of the hotspots in brain function and potentially lead to new classes of therapeutics.

Novel approach to a plant-based diet, unique to long-necked dinosaurs

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:04 AM PST

A new study uncovers a novel approach to a plant-based diet, unique to long-necked dinosaurs.

How alike are the cancer cells from a single patient?

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:04 AM PST

Using an experimental system involving new genetic technology, researchers analyzed the gene expression signatures of a representative sample of barcoded leukemia cells. After implanting some of the leukemia cells in mice, they discovered that distinct gene expression signatures correlated with the various organs where the cancer cells ended up. They were also able to identify previously unknown genes that are involved in disease progression and chemotherapy resistance, which may offer new targets for treatment.

Black hole found hiding in star cluster outside our galaxy

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:03 AM PST

Astronomers have discovered a small black hole outside the Milky Way by looking at how it influences the motion of a star in its close vicinity. This is the first time this detection method has been used to reveal the presence of a black hole outside of our galaxy. The method could be key to unveiling hidden black holes in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and to help shed light on how these mysterious objects form and evolve.

Environmental implications of ultra-processed foods

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:03 AM PST

A new study finds that over the last 30 years, Brazil has undergone a nutrition transition toward a diet higher in ultra-processed foods, and that of food types consumed, these have been the largest contributor to worsening impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, the nation's water footprint and ecological footprint, such as deforestation.

Students who self-identify as multilingual perform better in exams

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:03 AM PST

Young people who consider themselves 'multilingual' tend to perform better across a wide range of subjects at school, regardless of whether they are actually fluent in another language, new research suggests. The study of more than 800 pupils in England found a measurable, positive relationship between their personal connection with other languages, and their GCSE exam results in both modern language and non-language subjects. This applied whether or not they actually spoke a second language fluently.

Study encourages cautious approach to CRISPR therapeutics

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:03 AM PST

A comprehensive study has shown that gene editing, specifically gene knockout (KO), with CRISPR-Cas9 can favor cells with mutated forms of genes linked to cancer. The findings highlight the need to monitor patients undergoing CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy for cancer-related mutations.

New species of iguanodontian dinosaur discovered from Isle of Wight

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 04:54 AM PST

Discoveries of iguanodontian dinosaurs from the Isle of Wight have previously only been assigned to Iguanodon or Mantellisaurus . The diversity of dinosaurs in the Early Cretaceous of the UK is much greater than previously thought.

Inputs and impacts of human wastewater in coastal ecosystems

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 02:07 PM PST

The tendency for most of us when it comes to human wastewater is out of sight, out of mind. Rarely do we consider what happens after we flush that toilet or turn off that tap. However, researchers have turned their attention and considerable computational power to the subject and its impacts on global coastal ecosystems. The results aren't pretty, but they are enlightening.

'Tug of war' between cells – When crucial connections are missing

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 02:07 PM PST

The ability of cells to move together in harmony is crucial for numerous biological processes in our body, for example, wound healing, or the healthy development of an organism. This movement is made possible by the connections between individual cells. A research team has shown that particularly close connections -- 'tight junctions' -- play an important role in cell movement. In addition, researchers investigated the consequences of losing these connections.

Mosaic brain evolution in guppies helps to explain vertebrate cognitive evolution

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:55 AM PST

Researchers have provided the first experimental evidence that brain regions can evolve independently of each other during cognitive evolution. This so called mosaic brain evolution was verified empirically in an artificial selection experiment with guppies (Poecilia reticulata) where telencephalon size (but no other regions) differed by 10 percent after only four generations of selection. The findings can have wide implications for the understanding of cognitive evolution in other vertebrates, such as primates and humans.

A newly discovered genetic link to non-alcoholic inflammatory liver disease

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:54 AM PST

Researchers have shown that albino mice of the C57BL/6 line are highly susceptible to developing the inflammatory liver condition non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) when fed a high cholesterol diet. The albino mice carry a mutation in the tyrosinase gene leading to a deficiency of melanin synthesis. NASH is a serious illness in humans, and the identification of the involvement of tyrosinase in NASH development will guide future research into this condition.

Introduced birds are not replacing roles of human-caused extinct species

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:54 AM PST

Human-caused bird extinctions are driving losses of functional diversity on islands worldwide, and the gaps they leave behind are not being filled by introduced (alien) species, finds a new study.

New research helps explain the genetic basis for why we look the way we do

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:54 AM PST

Comparing features of a common laboratory fruit fly with its rarer cousin collected from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, researchers used CRISPR technology to uncover clues about how high-level control genes called Hox genes shape our appearance.

Compound provides innovative pain relief

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:54 AM PST

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are closer to developing a safe and effective non-opioid pain reliever after a study showed that a new compound they created reduces the sensation of pain by regulating a biological channel linked to pain.

A personalized exosuit for real-world walking

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:53 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new approach in which robotic exosuit assistance can be calibrated to an individual and adapt to a variety of real-world walking tasks in a matter of seconds. The bioinspired system uses ultrasound measurements of muscle dynamics to develop a personalized and activity-specific assistance profile for users of the exosuit.

New way to detect coronavirus through building ventilation systems

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Researchers have found a new way to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 by testing the air passing through building ventilation systems. The discovery could lead to earlier detection of the virus, improved quarantine protocols, reduced transmission and fewer outbreaks.

New scalable method resolves materials joining in solid-state batteries

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Scientists have developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve the joining of materials in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in the commercial development of safe, long-lived energy storage systems.

When algorithms get creative

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Uncovering the mechanisms of learning via synaptic plasticity is a critical step towards understanding how our brains function and building truly intelligent, adaptive machines. Researchers propose a new approach in which algorithms mimic biological evolution and learn efficiently through creative evolution.

Sleep disorders linked with more severe outcomes from COVID-19, study suggests

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Research shows a 31 percent increased risk for hospitalization and mortality in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and sleep-related hypoxia.

New target for COVID-19 vaccines identified

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Next generation vaccines for COVID-19 should aim to induce an immune response against 'replication proteins', essential for the very earliest stages of the viral cycle, researchers say.