ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Novel method reveals small microplastics throughout Japan's subtropical ocean
• Discovery of aging mechanism for hematopoietic stem cells
• Protein tells developing cells to stick together
• Astrocytes eat connections to maintain plasticity in adult brains
• Weedy Seadragon genomics reveal highly distinct populations
• Turning the heat down: Catalyzing ammonia formation at lower temperatures with ruthenium
• High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz
• New research highlights the importance of a forgotten organ in ensuring healthy pregnancies

Novel method reveals small microplastics throughout Japan's subtropical ocean Posted: 24 Dec 2020 08:31 AM PST Samples taken from the ocean surrounding the subtropical island of Okinawa have revealed the presence of microplastics in all six areas surveyed, finds new study.

Discovery of aging mechanism for hematopoietic stem cells Posted: 24 Dec 2020 08:31 AM PST By transferring mouse aged hematopoietic stem cells (aged HSCs) to the environment of young mice (bone marrow niche), it was demonstrated that the pattern of stem cell gene expression was rejuvenated to that of young hematopoietic stem cells.

Protein tells developing cells to stick together Posted: 24 Dec 2020 08:31 AM PST Scientists have, for the first time, provided experimental evidence that cell stickiness helps them stay sorted within correct compartments during development. How tightly cells clump together, known as cell adhesion, appears to be enabled by a protein better known for its role in the immune system.

Astrocytes eat connections to maintain plasticity in adult brains Posted: 24 Dec 2020 06:04 AM PST Developing brains constantly sprout new neuronal connections called synapses as they learn and remember. Important connections -- the ones that are repeatedly introduced, such as how to avoid danger -- are nurtured and reinforced, while connections deemed unnecessary are pruned away. Adult brains undergo similar pruning, but it was unclear how or why synapses in the adult brain get eliminated. Now, a team of researchers has found the mechanism underlying plasticity and, potentially, neurological disorders in adult brains.

Weedy Seadragon genomics reveal highly distinct populations Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST To describe weedy seadragons as unique is an understatement. With a fused, elongated jaw, body armor, leafy appendages and no pelvic fins, these fish are like no other. Found only along Australia's temperate coast, numbers have been declining. Now a landmark study using genomics reveals four distinct populations in south-eastern Australia.

Turning the heat down: Catalyzing ammonia formation at lower temperatures with ruthenium Posted: 23 Dec 2020 11:24 AM PST Scientists report that the metal ruthenium, supported with lanthanide oxyhydrides, can efficiently catalyze the synthesis of ammonia at a much lower temperature than the traditional approach. In their new study, they highlight the advantages of the oxyhydride support and its potential in becoming a feasible catalyst for low-temperature ammonia synthesis in the future.

High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST An international team of scientists reports in Nature Photonics on a novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spanning 7 optical octaves from the UV to the THz.

New research highlights the importance of a forgotten organ in ensuring healthy pregnancies Posted: 23 Dec 2020 09:56 AM PST An international research team has uncovered for the first time the importance of a small gland tucked behind the sternum that works to prevent miscarriage and diabetes in pregnant women.

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