ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Covering faces around kids won't mask emotions
• New drug inhibits the growth of cancer cells
• Capturing 40 years of climate change for an endangered Montana prairie
• Evidence for a massive paleo-tsunami at ancient Tel Dor
• New class of antibiotics active against a wide range of bacteria
• How our brains track where we and others go
• Ancient DNA retells story of Caribbean's first people, with a few plot twists
• Disposable surgical masks best for being heard clearly when speaking, study finds
• Perfect transmission through barrier using sound
• Conifers can be green because of a photosynthetic short-cut
• Quantum wave in helium dimer filmed for the first time
• Scientists develop new gene therapy for deafness
• Similar factors cause health disparities in cancer, COVID-19
• With COVID exacerbating superbug threat, researchers ID new weapon
• Tracing the many paths of vision
• Changing the perspective on the 'Cinderella of the cytoskeleton'
• AI-designed serotonin sensor may help scientists study sleep and mental health
• Cost-effective hood reduces aerosol exposures to patients, otolaryngologists
• Survival of the thickest: Big brains make mammal populations less dense
• Secondary bloodstream infections associated with severe COVID-19
• Highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs, new study says
• Molecular reporters expose the allies of the brain tumor
• Climate crisis is causing lakes to shrink
• Genetic engineering without unwanted side effects helps fight parasites
• New mammogram measures of breast cancer risk could revolutionize screening
• Light flips genetic switch in bacteria inside transparent worms
• Putting on the pressure improves glass for fiber optics
• Why an early start is key to developing musical skill later in life
• New electron microscopy technique offers first look at previously hidden processes
• The brain's protein factories at work
• Environmental effects of purchasing, consuming mislabeled fish
• Even after long-term exposure, bionic touch does not remap the brain
• Slow start of plate tectonics despite a hot early Earth
• Liquid bandage detects tissue oxygenation without the drawbacks of wired oximeters
• Increased meat consumption associated with symptoms of childhood asthma
• New imaging method views soil carbon at near-atomic scales

Covering faces around kids won't mask emotions Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST The proliferation of face coverings to keep COVID-19 in check isn't keeping kids from understanding facial expressions, according to a new study.

New drug inhibits the growth of cancer cells Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST A newly developed compound starves cancer cells by attacking their "power plants" -- the so-called mitochondria. The new compound prevents the genetic information within mitochondria from being read. Researchers report in their study that this compound could be used as a potential anti-tumor drug in the future; not only in mice but also in human patients.

Capturing 40 years of climate change for an endangered Montana prairie Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST Over 40 years of monitoring, an endangered bunchgrass prairie became hotter, drier and more susceptible to fire annually -- but dramatic seasonal changes (not annual climate trends) seem to be driving the biggest changes in plant production, composition, and summer senescence.

Evidence for a massive paleo-tsunami at ancient Tel Dor Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST Underwater excavation, borehole drilling, and modelling suggests a massive paleo-tsunami struck near the ancient settlement of Tel Dor between 9,910 to 9,290 years ago, according to a new study.

New class of antibiotics active against a wide range of bacteria Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Scientists have discovered a new class of compounds that uniquely combine direct antibiotic killing of pan drug-resistant bacterial pathogens with a simultaneous rapid immune response for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

How our brains track where we and others go Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST A new study reveals how your brain navigates places and monitors someone else in the same location. The findings suggest that our brains generate a common code to mark where other people are in relation to ourselves.

Ancient DNA retells story of Caribbean's first people, with a few plot twists Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST The history of the Caribbean's original islanders comes into sharper focus in a new study that combines decades of archaeological work with advancements in genetic technology.

Disposable surgical masks best for being heard clearly when speaking, study finds Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Researchers have published the results of a new study evaluating the acoustic effects of face masks on speech. The team tested medical masks, disposable surgical masks, masks with clear plastic windows around the mouth, and homemade and store-bought cloth masks made of different fabric types and numbers of layers.

Perfect transmission through barrier using sound Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST A research team has for the first time experimentally proved a century old quantum theory that relativistic particles can pass through a barrier with 100% transmission.

Conifers can be green because of a photosynthetic short-cut Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST How can conifers that are used, for example, as Christmas trees, keep their green needles over the boreal winter when most trees shed their leaves? Science has not provided a good answer to this question but now an international team of scientists has deciphered that a short-cut in the photosynthetic machinery allows the needles of pine trees to stay green.

Quantum wave in helium dimer filmed for the first time Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST For the first time, an international team of scientists has succeeded in filming quantum physical effects on a helium dimer as it breaks apart. The film shows the superposition of matter waves from two simultaneous events that occur with different probability: The survival and the disintegration of the helium dimer. This method might in future make it possible to track experimentally the formation and decay of quantum Efimov systems.

Scientists develop new gene therapy for deafness Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST A new study presents an innovative treatment for deafness, based on the delivery of genetic material into the cells of the inner ear. The genetic material 'replaces' the genetic defect and enables the cells to continue functioning normally. They maintain that this novel therapy could lead to a breakthrough in treating children born with various mutations that eventually cause deafness.

Similar factors cause health disparities in cancer, COVID-19 Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST The same societal factors that have caused worse outcomes in cancer for some minority populations are now causing disparities in COVID outcomes. Potential policy changes could help improve outcomes for both diseases.

With COVID exacerbating superbug threat, researchers ID new weapon Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Researchers have discovered a compound capable of pushing through barriers used by Gram-negative bacteria to resist antibiotics, damaging the bugs and preventing them from spreading.

Tracing the many paths of vision Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST New study decodes the molecular diversity of neurons in the zebrafish retina.

Changing the perspective on the 'Cinderella of the cytoskeleton' Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST SETD2, known for its involvement on gene expression, also can affect functions controlled by the cytoskeleton, such as movement, metastasis and migration, which are very important for cancer cells.

AI-designed serotonin sensor may help scientists study sleep and mental health Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Researchers have described how they used advanced genetic engineering techniques to transform a bacterial protein into a new research tool that may help monitor serotonin transmission with greater fidelity than current methods. Preclinical experiments, primarily in mice, showed that the sensor could detect subtle, real-time changes in brain serotonin levels during sleep, fear, and social interactions, as well as test the effectiveness of new psychoactive drugs.

Cost-effective hood reduces aerosol exposures to patients, otolaryngologists Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST A new study evaluates the efficacy of a prototype device that can be used during common otolaryngologic procedures that generate significant aerosols and droplets.

Survival of the thickest: Big brains make mammal populations less dense Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Body size and diet are known to influence mammal abundance in different areas, but brain size had not been considered previously. This new study shows that larger brains correlate with lower population densities, likely because of the additional resources they require.

Secondary bloodstream infections associated with severe COVID-19 Posted: 23 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST People with severe COVID-19 and a secondary blood infection were significantly sicker upon hospital admission, had longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes, according to a new study.

Highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs, new study says Posted: 23 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST Mussels, oysters and scallops have the highest levels of microplastic contamination among seafood, a new study reveals.

Molecular reporters expose the allies of the brain tumor Posted: 23 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST Until recently, it was unclear how and why cancer cells adapt to their environment. A team has now developed a technology that can be used to observe the molecular processes in living cells.

Climate crisis is causing lakes to shrink Posted: 23 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST Climate change is impacting not only the oceans, but also large inland lakes. As the world's largest lake, the Caspian Sea is a perfect example of how a body of water can and will change. Researchers now discuss the possible ecological, political and economic consequences, as well as viable solutions.

Genetic engineering without unwanted side effects helps fight parasites Posted: 23 Dec 2020 06:15 AM PST Modified CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing scissors are enabling researchers to make alterations to the genetic material of single-cell organisms that are indistinguishable from natural mutations. This method is making it possible to develop a (harmless) experimental live vaccine for the widespread parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

New mammogram measures of breast cancer risk could revolutionize screening Posted: 22 Dec 2020 04:30 PM PST World-first techniques for predicting breast cancer risk from mammograms could revolutionize breast screening by allowing it to be tailored to women at minimal extra cost.

Light flips genetic switch in bacteria inside transparent worms Posted: 22 Dec 2020 04:29 PM PST Researchers have shown that colored light can both activate and deactivate genes of gut bacteria in the intestines of worms. The research shows how optogenetic technology can be used to investigate the health impacts of gut bacteria.

Putting on the pressure improves glass for fiber optics Posted: 22 Dec 2020 04:29 PM PST Rapid, accurate communication worldwide is possible via fiber optic cables, but as good as they are, they are not perfect. Now, researchers suggest that the silica glass used for these cables would have less signal loss if it were manufactured under high pressure.

Why an early start is key to developing musical skill later in life Posted: 22 Dec 2020 04:29 PM PST Is there, as some have suggested, a developmental period early in life when the brain is especially receptive to musical training? The answer, according to new research, is probably not.

New electron microscopy technique offers first look at previously hidden processes Posted: 22 Dec 2020 11:15 AM PST Researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of 'smart' materials being formed at the nanoscale.

The brain's protein factories at work Posted: 22 Dec 2020 11:15 AM PST Protein synthesis is a finely tuned process in the cell by macromolecules known as ribosomes. Which regulators are responsible for controlling protein synthesis in the brain? To address this question, researchers studied the structure of the brain's ribosomal complexes in great detail. The team was able to identify a new factor which is also involved in controlling brain development.

Environmental effects of purchasing, consuming mislabeled fish Posted: 22 Dec 2020 11:15 AM PST Seafood is the world's most highly traded food commodity, and reports of seafood mislabeling have increased over the past decade. However, proof of the environmental effects of mislabeled seafood has been scant as has research. So, researchers analyzed the impact of seafood mislabeling on marine population health, fishery management effectiveness, and habitats and ecosystems in the United States, the world's largest seafood importer.

Even after long-term exposure, bionic touch does not remap the brain Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:20 AM PST A new study by neuroscientists demonstrates that the brain does not remap itself even with long-term bionic limb use, posing challenges for the development of realistic prosthetic limbs.

Slow start of plate tectonics despite a hot early Earth Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:20 AM PST Scientists present important new constraints showing that plate tectonics started relatively slow, although the early Earth's interior was much hotter than today.

Liquid bandage detects tissue oxygenation without the drawbacks of wired oximeters Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:20 AM PST A paint-on, transparent bandage containing phosphorescent materials reads the amount of oxygen reaching transplanted tissue -- a critical component of a transplant's success. Existing oximeter technology is complicated to use, restricts patients' movements, and is subject to false alarms. The first human trial of the liquid bandage in women undergoing breast reconstruction after cancer found that it performed as well as a wired oximeter device, the current clinical standard.

Increased meat consumption associated with symptoms of childhood asthma Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:19 AM PST Substances present in cooked meats are associated with increased wheezing in children, researchers report.

New imaging method views soil carbon at near-atomic scales Posted: 22 Dec 2020 10:19 AM PST The Earth's soils contain more than three times the amount of carbon than is found in the atmosphere, but the processes that bind carbon in the soil are still not well understood.

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