ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Astrophysics team lights the way for more accurate model of the universe
• Patients who had more severe COVID-19 may be the best donors for convalescent plasma therapy
• Fear and anxiety share same bases in brain
• Scientists find medieval plague outbreaks picked up speed over 300 years
• Restoration of retinal and visual function following gene therapy
• Management of a popular game fish, the smallmouth bass
• Immune protein orchestrates daily rhythm of squid-bacteria symbiotic relationship
• Glimpse deep into Earth's crust finds heat source that may stabilize continents
• A trillion turns of light nets terahertz polarized bytes
• Cheaters don't always win: Species that work together do better
• Tiny beetles a bellwether of ecological disruption by climate change
• CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations
• Material found in house paint may spur technology revolution
• With deep learning algorithms, standard CT technology produces spectral images
• Immune activation in the liver illuminated with new glycan-tagging strategy
• Research network aims to improve learning outcomes for students underrepresented in STEM
• Scientists map the human proteome
• For toddlers with autism, more intervention hours are not necessarily better
• A new approach to artificial intelligence that builds in uncertainty
• Criteria to predict cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients identified
• Oldest securely dated evidence for a river flowing through the Thar Desert, Western India
• An ultrasonic projector for medicine
• Biochar helps hold water, saves money
• New lab test clarifies the potential protective effects of COVID-19 antibodies
• Driver of the largest mass extinction in the history of the Earth identified
• A first-of-its-kind catalyst mimics natural processes to break down plastics
• Mouthwashes, oral rinses may inactivate human coronaviruses, study finds
• Prebiotic chemistry: In the beginning, there was sugar
• Light pollution alters predator-prey interactions between cougars and mule deer in western US
• Paper recycling must be powered by renewables to save climate
• Lullabies in any language relax babies
• The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo
• AI methods of analyzing social networks find new cell types in tissue
• High social and ecological standards for chocolate
• Hand-held device reads levels of cancer biomarker
• Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health
• Neurons in a visual brain area of zebrafish are arranged as a map for catching prey
• What lies between grey and white in the brain
• The 'goldilocks day': The perfect day for kids' bone health
• Research could lead to customized cochlear implants
• Natural killer cells also have a memory function
• High pressure is key for better optical fibers
• Physicist joins international effort to unveil the behavior of 'strange metals'
• Changes in blood metabolite profile are visible years before diagnosis of alcohol-related disease
• Quantum engines with entanglement as fuel?
• How cancer cells escape crowded tumors
• Odors as navigational cues for pigeons
• Losing flight had huge benefits for ants
• Big babies could be at higher risk of common heart rhythm disorder in adulthood
• Mystery over decline in sea turtle sightings
• Tapping secrets of Aussie spider's unique silk
• Malice leaves a nasty smell

Astrophysics team lights the way for more accurate model of the universe Posted: 19 Oct 2020 01:49 PM PDT Scientists demonstrated the first use of a method called self-calibration to remove contamination from gravitational lensing signals. The results should lead to more accurate cosmological models of the universe.

Patients who had more severe COVID-19 may be the best donors for convalescent plasma therapy Posted: 19 Oct 2020 01:49 PM PDT Sex, age, and severity of disease may be useful in identifying COVID-19 survivors who are likely to have high levels of antibodies that can protect against the disease.

Fear and anxiety share same bases in brain Posted: 19 Oct 2020 01:49 PM PDT A recent report provides new evidence that fear and anxiety reflect overlapping brain circuits. The findings run counter to popular scientific accounts, highlighting the need for a major theoretical reckoning.

Scientists find medieval plague outbreaks picked up speed over 300 years Posted: 19 Oct 2020 12:59 PM PDT Researchers who analyzed thousands of documents covering a 300-year span of plague outbreaks in London, England, have estimated that the disease spread four times faster in the 17th century than it had in the 14th century.

Restoration of retinal and visual function following gene therapy Posted: 19 Oct 2020 12:59 PM PDT A breakthrough study results in the restoration of retinal and visual functions of mice models suffering from inherited retinal disease.

Management of a popular game fish, the smallmouth bass Posted: 19 Oct 2020 12:59 PM PDT For recreational fishing enthusiasts, the thrill of snagging their next catch comes with discovering what's hooked on the end of the line. In many freshwater streams and rivers -- across the central and eastern parts of the U.S. -- anglers are often catching a popular freshwater game fish: the smallmouth bass. Now, scientists have discovered a new level of biodiversity within that species.

Immune protein orchestrates daily rhythm of squid-bacteria symbiotic relationship Posted: 19 Oct 2020 12:59 PM PDT New research has revealed that, in the mutually beneficial relationship between with the Hawaiian bobtail squid and the luminescent bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, an immune protein called 'macrophage migration inhibitory factor' is the maestro of daily rhythms.

Glimpse deep into Earth's crust finds heat source that may stabilize continents Posted: 19 Oct 2020 12:57 PM PDT Rocks from the Rio Grande continental rift have provided a rare snapshot of active geology deep inside Earth's crust, revealing new evidence for how continents remain stable over billions of years, according to a team of scientists.

A trillion turns of light nets terahertz polarized bytes Posted: 19 Oct 2020 11:55 AM PDT Nanophotonics researchers have demonstrated a novel technique for modulating light at terahertz frequencies with plasmonic metasurfaces.

Cheaters don't always win: Species that work together do better Posted: 19 Oct 2020 11:55 AM PDT The sign of a healthy personal relationship is one that is equally mutual - where you get out just as much as you put in. Nature has its own version of a healthy relationship. A team of researchers investigated these interactions, known as mutualisms, and why they are so critical for healthy environments.

Tiny beetles a bellwether of ecological disruption by climate change Posted: 19 Oct 2020 11:55 AM PDT New research shows that as species across the world adjust where they live in response to climate change, they will come into competition with other species that could hamper their ability to keep up with the pace of this change.

CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations Posted: 19 Oct 2020 11:55 AM PDT Just like humans, microbes have equipped themselves with tools to recognize and defend themselves against viral invaders. In a continual evolutionary battle between virus and host, CRISPR-Cas act as a major driving force of strain diversity in host-virus systems.

Material found in house paint may spur technology revolution Posted: 19 Oct 2020 11:55 AM PDT The development of a new method to make non-volatile computer memory may have unlocked a problem that has been holding back machine learning and has the potential to revolutionize technologies like voice recognition, image processing and autonomous driving.

With deep learning algorithms, standard CT technology produces spectral images Posted: 19 Oct 2020 10:37 AM PDT Engineers have demonstrated how a deep learning algorithm can be applied to a conventional computerized tomography (CT) scan in order to produce images that would typically require a higher level of imaging technology known as dual-energy CT.

Immune activation in the liver illuminated with new glycan-tagging strategy Posted: 19 Oct 2020 10:36 AM PDT A signaling system implicated in liver fibrosis and immune activation is better understood thanks to this creative chemical fishing lure.

Research network aims to improve learning outcomes for students underrepresented in STEM Posted: 19 Oct 2020 10:36 AM PDT A recent report lays out gaps in the biology education field and proposes leveraging an existing research coordination network called Equity and Diversity in Undergraduate STEM (EDU-STEM) to tackle them.

Scientists map the human proteome Posted: 19 Oct 2020 10:36 AM PDT Twenty years after the release of the human genome, the genetic 'blueprint' of human life, an international research team has now mapped the first draft sequence of the human proteome.

For toddlers with autism, more intervention hours are not necessarily better Posted: 19 Oct 2020 10:36 AM PDT Two prominent early intervention models for toddlers with autism show a very similar impact, whether delivered at 15-hours or 25-hours per week intensities, a study has found.

A new approach to artificial intelligence that builds in uncertainty Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Artificial intelligence isn't perfect. In fact, it's only as good as the methods and data built into it. Researchers have detailed a new approach to artificial intelligence that builds uncertainty, error, physical laws, expert knowledge and missing data into its calculations and leads ultimately to much more trustworthy models.

Criteria to predict cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients identified Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Researchers have developed and validated predictive criteria for early identification of COVID-19 patients who are developing hyperimmune responses, raising the possibility for early therapeutic intervention.

Oldest securely dated evidence for a river flowing through the Thar Desert, Western India Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Using luminescence dating of ancient river sediments, a new study presents evidence for river activity at Nal Quarry in the central Thar Desert starting from approx. 173 thousand years ago. These findings represent the oldest directly dated phase of river activity in the region and indicate Stone Age populations lived in a distinctly different Thar Desert landscape than we encounter today.

An ultrasonic projector for medicine Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT A chip-based technology that modulates intensive sound pressure profiles with high resolution opens up new possibilities for ultrasound therapy.

Biochar helps hold water, saves money Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Biochar's benefits for long-term storage of carbon and nitrogen on American farms are clear, but new research shows it can help farmers save money on irrigation as well.

New lab test clarifies the potential protective effects of COVID-19 antibodies Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Knowing you have developed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus after recovering from COVID-19 doesn't tell you everything about your immunity. Scientists have developed a new lab testing procedure for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 that gives results more quickly than existing assays and specifically identifies so-called 'neutralizing' antibodies.

Driver of the largest mass extinction in the history of the Earth identified Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT 252 million years ago, at the transition from the Permian to the Triassic epoch, most of the life forms existing on Earth became extinct. Using latest analytical methods and detailed model calculations, scientists have now succeeded for the first time to provide a conclusive reconstruction of the geochemical processes that led to this unprecedented biotic crisis.

A first-of-its-kind catalyst mimics natural processes to break down plastics Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT A team of scientists has developed a first-of-its-kind catalyst that is able to process polyolefin plastics, types of polymers widely used in things like plastic grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, toys, and food containers.

Mouthwashes, oral rinses may inactivate human coronaviruses, study finds Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:55 AM PDT Certain oral antiseptics and mouthwashes may have the ability to inactivate human coronaviruses, according to a new study. The results indicate that some of these products might be useful for reducing the viral load, or amount of virus, in the mouth after infection and may help to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Prebiotic chemistry: In the beginning, there was sugar Posted: 19 Oct 2020 09:53 AM PDT Organic molecules formed the basis for the evolution of life. But how could inorganic precursors have given rise to them? Chemists now reports a reaction pathway in which minerals catalyze the formation of sugars in the absence of water.

Light pollution alters predator-prey interactions between cougars and mule deer in western US Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:21 AM PDT A new study provides strong evidence that exposure to light pollution alters predator-prey dynamics between mule deer and cougars across the intermountain West, a rapidly growing region where nighttime skyglow is an increasing environmental disturbance.

Paper recycling must be powered by renewables to save climate Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:21 AM PDT The study found that greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 2050 if we recycled more paper, as current methods rely on fossil fuels and electricity from the grid.

Lullabies in any language relax babies Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:21 AM PDT Researchers have determined that American infants relaxed when played lullabies that were unfamiliar and in a foreign language. The new findings supported the latter hypothesis: infants responded to universal elements of songs, despite the unfamiliarity of their melodies and words, and relaxed. The researchers also predict that the results could be replicated with a different group of subjects from another culture.

The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:21 AM PDT Astronomers at the University of Iowa have determined our galaxy is surrounded by a clumpy halo of hot gases that is continually being supplied with material ejected by birthing or dying stars. The halo also may be where matter unaccounted for since the birth of the universe may reside. Results published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

AI methods of analyzing social networks find new cell types in tissue Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:19 AM PDT In situ sequencing enables gene activity inside body tissues to be depicted in microscope images. To facilitate interpretation of the vast quantities of information generated. Researchers have now developed an entirely new method of image analysis. Based on algorithms used in artificial intelligence, the method was originally devised to enhance understanding of social networks.

High social and ecological standards for chocolate Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:19 AM PDT Worldwide demand for food from the tropics that meets higher environmental and social standards has risen sharply in recent years. Consumers often have to make ethically questionable decisions: products may be available through child labor, starvation wages or environmental destruction. Building on an interdisciplinary project in Peru, an international research team published an overview on the transition to responsible, high-quality cocoa production.

Hand-held device reads levels of cancer biomarker Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:35 AM PDT Researchers have created the prototype for a hand-held device to measure a biomarker for cancer, paving the way for home-based cancer monitoring and to improve access to diagnostic testing.

Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:35 AM PDT Researchers studied the effects of a 12-week exercise regimen on 148 active-duty Air Force airmen, half of whom also received a twice-daily nutrient beverage that included protein; the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA; lutein; phospholipids; vitamin D; B vitamins and other micronutrients; along with a muscle-promoting compound known as HMB. Both groups improved in physical and cognitive function, with added gains among those who regularly consumed the nutritional beverage, the team reports.

Neurons in a visual brain area of zebrafish are arranged as a map for catching prey Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:35 AM PDT Spotting, pursuing and catching prey - for many animals this is an essential task for survival. Scientists now show in zebrafish that the localization of neurons in the midbrain is adapted to a successful hunting sequence.

What lies between grey and white in the brain Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:35 AM PDT A multidisciplinary team has succeeded in making the superficial white matter visible in the living human brain.

The 'goldilocks day': The perfect day for kids' bone health Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:35 AM PDT Not too little, not too much - Goldilocks' 'just right' approach can now assess children's daily activities as new research confirms the best make up of a child's day to maximize bone health and function in children.

Research could lead to customized cochlear implants Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:34 AM PDT Researcher have analyzed the accuracy of predictions for cochlear implant outcomes, with a view to further improve their performance in noisy environments.

Natural killer cells also have a memory function Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:34 AM PDT Good news for the human immune system: researchers have managed to ascribe an immunological memory function to a subset of cytotoxic NK cells, which have hitherto been regarded as antigen-non-specific.

High pressure is key for better optical fibers Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:34 AM PDT Signal loss along optical communication networks could be cut in half if silica glass fibers are manufactured under high pressure.

Physicist joins international effort to unveil the behavior of 'strange metals' Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:34 AM PDT Physicists have solved the puzzle of the NFL behavior in interacting electrons systems, and provided a protocol for the establishment of new paradigms in quantum metals, through quantum many-body computation and analytical calculations.

Changes in blood metabolite profile are visible years before diagnosis of alcohol-related disease Posted: 19 Oct 2020 07:34 AM PDT A new study has shown that the serum metabolite profile can be used to identify individuals likely at risk of developing an alcohol-related disease in the future. The finding also opens up new avenues for preventing alcohol-related adverse effects.

Quantum engines with entanglement as fuel? Posted: 19 Oct 2020 06:01 AM PDT It's still more science fiction than science fact, but perfect energy efficiency may be one step closer due to new research by physicists.

How cancer cells escape crowded tumors Posted: 19 Oct 2020 06:01 AM PDT When trapped in a crowded environment, cells of the human body try to escape. Scientists now discovered that it is the cell nucleus, which triggers the 'evasion reflex'. This reflex is activated once cell compression exceeds the size of the nucleus. This unexpected finding could help to predict treatment response and metastatic spreading of tumors.

Odors as navigational cues for pigeons Posted: 19 Oct 2020 06:01 AM PDT Volatile organic compounds identified that can be used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons.

Losing flight had huge benefits for ants Posted: 19 Oct 2020 05:29 AM PDT Researchers have taken detailed scans of worker ants to examine the hypothesis that the loss of flight is directly connected to the evolution of strength.

Big babies could be at higher risk of common heart rhythm disorder in adulthood Posted: 19 Oct 2020 05:29 AM PDT Elevated birth weight is linked with developing atrial fibrillation later in life, according to new research.

Mystery over decline in sea turtle sightings Posted: 19 Oct 2020 05:29 AM PDT The number of sea turtles spotted along the coasts of the UK and Ireland has declined in recent years, researchers say.

Tapping secrets of Aussie spider's unique silk Posted: 19 Oct 2020 05:28 AM PDT The basket-web spider, which is found only in Australia, has revealed it not only weaves a unique lobster pot web but that its silk has elasticity and a gluing substance, that creates a high degree of robustness.

Malice leaves a nasty smell Posted: 16 Oct 2020 11:58 AM PDT Unhealthy behaviours trigger moral judgments that are similar to the basic emotions that contribute to our ability to survive. Two different hypotheses are to be found in the current scientific literature as to the identity of these emotions. After developing a new approach to brain imaging, a research team shows that unhealthy behaviors trigger brain responses that are similar to those prompted by bad smells.

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