ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Climate change and 'atmospheric thirst' to increase fire danger and drought in NV and CA
• How rotavirus causes severe gastrointestinal disease
• Predicting preterm births
• Hidden 15th-century text on medieval manuscripts
• Showing robots how to drive a car...in just a few easy lessons
• Elephant genetics guide conservation
• Artificial intelligence-based tool may help diagnose opioid addiction earlier
• Long-acting antipsychotic therapy plus cognitive training show promise for schizophrenia
• Three reasons why COVID-19 can cause silent hypoxia
• Researchers identify features that could make someone a virus super-spreader
• Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles
• Engineered immune cells elicit broad response to HIV in mice, offering hope for vaccine
• Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers
• Could kelp help relieve ocean acidification?
• Newborn jets in distant galaxies
• Insights in the search for new antibiotics
• Cesarean section-born children may face higher risk of infection-related hospitalization
• CLCN6 identified as disease gene for a severe form of lysosomal neurodegenerative disease
• First map of bee species around the globe
• How the flu virus spreads within cities
• New effective and safe antifungal isolated from sea squirt microbiome
• Very hungry and angry, caterpillars head-butt to get what they want
• A pressure sensor at your fingertips
• Researchers recommend more transparency for gene-edited crops
• Study finds low risk of pregnancy complications from COVID-19
• Breathing problems in teens: COVID-19 or lung injury due to vaping?
• Mystery solved: 'New Kind of Electrons'
• Giant aquatic bacterium is a master of adaptation
• The secret social lives of giant poisonous rats
• Understanding lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis
• Vibrations of coronavirus proteins may play a role in infection
• Loneliness in youth could impact mental health over the long term
• Blue whales return to sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia after near local extinction
• Can animals use iridescent colours to communicate?
• New tool to combat terrorism
• Stem cell transplantation: Undesirable rejection mechanism identified
• 'Oasis effect' in urban parks could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions
• Solving a mystery: How the TB bacterium develops rapid resistance to antibiotics
• Social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic linked with high blood pressure
• In the lab, scientists identify possible COVID-19 treatment
• Cellular pathway of genetic heart disease similar to neurodegenerative disease
• Missing the radiological forest for the trees
• New understanding of mobility paves way for tomorrow's transport systems
• Does air pollution increase women's risk of dementia?
• Ovarian cancer cells cooperate to metastasize
• Revolutionary CRISPR-based genome editing system treatment destroys cancer cells
• A new understanding of ionic interactions with graphene and water
• Scientists defy nature to make insta-bling at room temperature
• Algae breathe life into 3D engineered tissues
• Smartphone screen time linked to preference for quicker but smaller rewards
• Novel magnetic spray transforms objects into millirobots for biomedical applications
• Curved origami provides new range of stiffness-to-flexibility in robots
• Deep learning helps robots grasp and move objects with ease
• Study identifies reasons for soaring nuclear plant cost overruns in the US

Climate change and 'atmospheric thirst' to increase fire danger and drought in NV and CA Posted: 19 Nov 2020 01:54 PM PST Climate change and a 'thirsty atmosphere' will bring more extreme wildfire danger and multi-year droughts to Nevada and California by the end of this century, according to new research.

How rotavirus causes severe gastrointestinal disease Posted: 19 Nov 2020 01:54 PM PST Using intercellular calcium waves, rotavirus amplifies its ability to cause disease beyond the cells it directly infects. This is the first virus identified to activate ADP-mediated intercellular calcium waves.

Predicting preterm births Posted: 19 Nov 2020 01:54 PM PST Researchers studied how family history can predict preterm birth.

Hidden 15th-century text on medieval manuscripts Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Students have discovered lost text on 15th-century manuscript leaves using an imaging system they developed as freshmen. By using ultraviolet-fluorescence imaging, the students revealed that a manuscript leaf held in RIT's Cary Graphic Arts Collection was actually a palimpsest, a manuscript on parchment with multiple layers of writing.

Showing robots how to drive a car...in just a few easy lessons Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Researchers have designed a system that lets robots autonomously learn complicated tasks from a very small number of demonstrations -- even imperfect ones. While current state-of-art methods need at least 100 demonstrations to nail a specific task, this new method allows robots to learn from only a handful of demonstrations.

Elephant genetics guide conservation Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST A large-scale study of African elephant genetics in Tanzania reveals the history of elephant populations, how they interact, and what areas may be critical to conserve in order to preserve genetic diversity of the species.

Artificial intelligence-based tool may help diagnose opioid addiction earlier Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Researchers have used machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence, to develop a prediction model for the early diagnosis of opioid use disorder.

Long-acting antipsychotic therapy plus cognitive training show promise for schizophrenia Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Scientists have found that the use of long-acting antipsychotic medication combined with the use of cognitive training in group settings led to improved cognition and increased productivity.

Three reasons why COVID-19 can cause silent hypoxia Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST To crack the mystery of what causes silent hypoxia, a condition when oxygen levels in the body are abnormally low, biomedical engineers used computer modeling to test out three different scenarios that help explain how and why the lungs stop providing oxygen to the bloodstream.

Researchers identify features that could make someone a virus super-spreader Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Researchers used computer-generated models to numerically simulate sneezes in different types of people and determine associations between people's physiological features and how far their sneeze droplets travel and linger in the air. They found that people's features, like a stopped-up nose or a full set of teeth, could increase their potential to spread viruses by affecting how far droplets travel when they sneeze.

Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Materials scientists have devised a simplified method for calculating the forces that cause nanoparticles to self-assemble. With this new model and graphical user interface, researchers will be able to make previously impossible predictions about how nanoparticles with a wide variety of shapes will interact with one another. The new method offers opportunities for rationally designing such particles for a wide range of applications from harnessing solar energy to driving catalytic reactions.

Engineered immune cells elicit broad response to HIV in mice, offering hope for vaccine Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Unlike so many other deadly viruses, HIV still lacks a vaccine. The virus has proven especially tricky to prevent with conventional antibodies, in part because it evolves so rapidly in the body. A solution would require coaxing the body into producing a special type of antibody that can act broadly to defeat multiple strains of the virus at once. Scientists have moved closer to attaining that goal with an approach that would rely on genetically engineered immune cells from the patient's body.

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers Posted: 19 Nov 2020 12:39 PM PST Researchers have developed a new design of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) that demonstrates record-fast temporal bandwidth.

Could kelp help relieve ocean acidification? Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:45 AM PST A new analysis of California's Monterey Bay evaluates kelp's potential to reduce ocean acidification, the harmful fallout from climate change on marine ecosystems and the food they produce for human populations.

Newborn jets in distant galaxies Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST Comparing data from VLA sky surveys made some two decades apart revealed that the black hole-powered 'engines' at the cores of some distant galaxies have launched new, superfast jets of material during the interval between the surveys.

Insights in the search for new antibiotics Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST A collaborative research team published an opinion article that addresses the gap in the discovery of new antibiotics.

Cesarean section-born children may face higher risk of infection-related hospitalization Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST Children born via cesarean section may be more likely to be hospitalized for infection during early childhood. A new study suggests that compared to vaginally born children, cesarean-born children may have a higher risk of infection-related hospitalization for up to five years of age.

CLCN6 identified as disease gene for a severe form of lysosomal neurodegenerative disease Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST A mutation in the CLCN6 gene is associated with a novel, particularly severe neurodegenerative disorder. Scientists have now analyzed the effect of a point mutation that was found in three unrelated affected children.

First map of bee species around the globe Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST There are over 20,000 species of bee, but accurate data about how these species are spread across the globe are sparse. However, researchers have now created a map of bee diversity by combining the most complete global checklist of known bee species with the almost 6 million additional public records of where individual species have appeared around the world.

How the flu virus spreads within cities Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST New insights into the local transmission of seasonal influenza may be valuable for planning interventions to combat the spread of respiratory diseases within cities, according to a new study.

New effective and safe antifungal isolated from sea squirt microbiome Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST By combing the ocean for antimicrobials, scientists have discovered a new antifungal compound that efficiently targets multi-drug-resistant strains of deadly fungi without toxic side effects in mice.

Very hungry and angry, caterpillars head-butt to get what they want Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST When food is scarce, monarch butterfly caterpillars go from docile to domineering. The results look something like a combination of boxing and 'bumper' cars. The less food, the more likely caterpillars were to try to head-butt each other out of the way to get their fill, lunging and knocking aside other caterpillars to ensure their own survival. And, they are most aggressive right before the final stages of their metamorphosis.

A pressure sensor at your fingertips Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST Researchers have developed an ultrathin pressure sensor that can be attached directly to the skin. It can measure how fingers interact with objects to produce useful data for medical and technological applications. The sensor has minimal effect on the users' sensitivity and ability to grip objects, and it is resistant to disruption from rubbing. The team also hopes their sensor can be used for the novel task of digitally archiving the skills of craft workers.

Researchers recommend more transparency for gene-edited crops Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST To gain trust, researchers recommend a wide-ranging coalition that would provide more transparency on the presence and use of gene editing in food supplies.

Study finds low risk of pregnancy complications from COVID-19 Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST Pregnant women who test positive for COVID-19 and their newborn babies have a low risk of developing severe symptoms, according to a new study.

Breathing problems in teens: COVID-19 or lung injury due to vaping? Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST In a case series of three teen patients, pediatricians present common manifestations of COVID-19 and lung injury due to vaping (EVALI). As EVALI and COVID-19 share many symptoms, it is critical for health providers to get the vaping history of teenagers with unexplained breathing problems.

Mystery solved: 'New Kind of Electrons' Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST Why do certain materials emit electrons with a very specific energy? This has been a mystery for decades - scientists have now found an answer.

Giant aquatic bacterium is a master of adaptation Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:17 AM PST The largest freshwater bacterium, Achromatium oxaliferum, is highly flexible in its requirements, as researchers have now discovered: It lives in places that differ extremely in environmental conditions such as hot springs and ice water. The adaptation is probably achieved by a process which is unique to these bacteria: only relevant genes are enriched in the genomes and transcribed, while others are archived in cell compartments.

The secret social lives of giant poisonous rats Posted: 19 Nov 2020 10:54 AM PST The African crested rat is the only mammal known to sequester plant toxins for chemical defense. A new study confirmed that the rabbit-sized rodent licks poison from the bark of Acokanthera schimperi, known as the poison arrow tree, into specialized fur. The researchers also discovered an unexpected social life -- the rats appear to be monogamous and may even form small family units with their offspring.

Understanding lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis Posted: 19 Nov 2020 10:10 AM PST For young people with cystic fibrosis, lung infection with Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, is common and is treated with antibiotics in the hope that this will prevent a decline in lung function. However there has recently been debate over the role S. aureus plays in CF lung disease. Researchers have used a new model of CF lungs which could be used to make better decisions about future use of antibiotics.

Vibrations of coronavirus proteins may play a role in infection Posted: 19 Nov 2020 10:10 AM PST New research finds vibrations of the protein spikes on coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, play a crucial part in allowing the virus to penetrate human cells. The findings could help determine how dangerous different strains or mutations of coronaviruses may be, and might point to a new approach to developing treatments.

Loneliness in youth could impact mental health over the long term Posted: 19 Nov 2020 09:46 AM PST A new review reports on the available evidence about children and young people specifically, stating that loneliness is associated with mental health problems, including depression and anxiety-potentially affecting them years later.

Blue whales return to sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia after near local extinction Posted: 19 Nov 2020 07:30 AM PST Scientists have revealed the return of critically endangered Antarctic blue whales to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, 50 years after whaling all but wiped them out. The new study follows recent research that humpback whales are also returning to the region.

Can animals use iridescent colours to communicate? Posted: 19 Nov 2020 07:30 AM PST A new paper sheds light on the colorful world of animal communication, highlighting the challenges of studying accurately how iridescent colors work in nature.

New tool to combat terrorism Posted: 19 Nov 2020 07:30 AM PST Forensic science experts are refining an innovative counter-terrorism technique that checks for environmental DNA in the dust on clothing, baggage, shoes or even a passport.

Stem cell transplantation: Undesirable rejection mechanism identified Posted: 19 Nov 2020 07:30 AM PST In the treatment of leukemia, stem cell transplantation subsequent to chemotherapy and radiation can often engender severe adverse inflammatory reactions - especially in the skin or in the gut, since these so-called barrier organs are more frequently affected. Up until now, the reason for this was unclear. A team of researchers has now identified an immune mechanism that is partially responsible for this.

'Oasis effect' in urban parks could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions Posted: 19 Nov 2020 05:39 AM PST Following a year of on-site analyses at a Phoenix-area park, hydrologists identified that the park showed what meteorologists call the 'oasis effect,' a microclimate that is cooler than a surrounding dry area due to the evaporation of a water source.

Solving a mystery: How the TB bacterium develops rapid resistance to antibiotics Posted: 19 Nov 2020 05:39 AM PST These slow growing bacteria have long puzzled TB researchers with their fairly rapid resistance to antibiotics. Researchers may have been barking up the wrong tree in exploring genetics, because the answer seems to lie in the epigenetic domain.

Social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic linked with high blood pressure Posted: 19 Nov 2020 05:39 AM PST A new study finds that lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in high blood pressure among patients admitted to emergency.

In the lab, scientists identify possible COVID-19 treatment Posted: 18 Nov 2020 07:51 PM PST Immunologists have determined the process driving life-threatening inflammation, lung damage and organ failure in patients with COVID-19, sepsis and other inflammatory disorders suggesting possible treatment using existing drugs.

Cellular pathway of genetic heart disease similar to neurodegenerative disease Posted: 18 Nov 2020 07:50 PM PST Research on a genetic heart disease has uncovered a new and unexpected mechanism for heart failure. This landmark discovery found a correlation between the clumping of RNA-binding proteins long linked to neurodegenerative disease and the aggregates of protein found in the heart tissue of patients with RBM20 dilated cardiomyopathy.

Missing the radiological forest for the trees Posted: 18 Nov 2020 07:50 PM PST Even experienced radiologists, when looking for one abnormality, can completely miss another. The results show that inattentional blindness can befall even experts.

New understanding of mobility paves way for tomorrow's transport systems Posted: 18 Nov 2020 07:50 PM PST Researchers have developed a ground-breaking model that provides a completely new understanding of our movement patterns. The model can come to play an important role when designing tomorrow's green modes of transport.

Does air pollution increase women's risk of dementia? Posted: 18 Nov 2020 01:11 PM PST Older women who live in locations with higher levels of air pollution may have more brain shrinkage, the kind seen in Alzheimer's disease, than women who live in locations with lower levels, according to a new study.

Ovarian cancer cells cooperate to metastasize Posted: 18 Nov 2020 01:11 PM PST In a study on human ovarian cancer cells in mice, researchers discovered a transient, cooperative interaction between cell subpopulations that allows otherwise nonmetastatic tumor cells to become aggressive and spread.

Revolutionary CRISPR-based genome editing system treatment destroys cancer cells Posted: 18 Nov 2020 01:11 PM PST Researchers have demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is very effective in treating metastatic cancers, a significant step on the way to finding a cure for cancer. The researchers developed a novel lipid nanoparticle-based delivery system that specifically targets cancer cells and destroys them by genetic manipulation. The system, called CRISPR-LNPs, carries a genetic messenger (messenger RNA), which encodes for the CRISPR enzyme Cas9 that acts as molecular scissors that cut the cells' DNA.

A new understanding of ionic interactions with graphene and water Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST New findings could inform design of environmental technologies behind water purification processes and electric energy storage.

Scientists defy nature to make insta-bling at room temperature Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST An international team of scientists has defied nature to make diamonds in minutes in a laboratory at room temperature - a process that normally requires billions of years, huge amounts of pressure and super-hot temperatures.

Algae breathe life into 3D engineered tissues Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST 3D bioprinted algae can be harnessed as a sustainable source of oxygen for human cells in engineered vascularized tissues, researchers report. They embedded the bioprinted photosynthetic algae, along with human liver-derived cells, in a 3D hydrogel matrix to create honeycomb-shaped tissues with lobules, similar to the human liver.

Smartphone screen time linked to preference for quicker but smaller rewards Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST In a new study, people who spent more time on their phones -- particularly on gaming or social media apps -- were more likely to reject larger, delayed rewards in favor of smaller, immediate rewards.

Novel magnetic spray transforms objects into millirobots for biomedical applications Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST An easy way to make millirobots by coating objects with a glue-like magnetic spray has been developed. Driven by the magnetic field, the coated objects can crawl, walk, or roll on different surfaces. As the magnetic coating is biocompatible and can be disintegrated into powders when needed, this technology demonstrates the potential for biomedical applications, including catheter navigation and drug delivery.

Curved origami provides new range of stiffness-to-flexibility in robots Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST Curved origami structures provide tunable flexibility to robots.

Deep learning helps robots grasp and move objects with ease Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST Researchers have created new artificial intelligence software that gives robots the speed and skill to grasp and smoothly move objects, making it feasible for them to soon assist humans in warehouse environments.

Study identifies reasons for soaring nuclear plant cost overruns in the US Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:18 AM PST Researchers have analyzed the causes of many cost overruns on new nuclear power plants in the US, which have soared in the past 50 years. The findings may help designers of new plants build in resilience to prevent such added costs.

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