ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Biologists uncover forests' unexpected role in climate change
• Distinctness of mental disorders traced to differences in gene readouts
• Synchronization of brain hemispheres changes what we hear
• 1918 pandemic second wave had fatal consequences
• Robots sense human touch using camera and shadows
• Variable weather makes weeds harder to whack
• Fast-growing parts of Africa see a surprise: Less air pollution from seasonal fires
• Deepfake detectors can be defeated, computer scientists show for the first time
• Happiness really does come for free
• Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries
• Severe undercounting of COVID-19 cases in U.S., other countries estimated via model
• 3D printing polymers
• Radiative cooling and solar heating from one system, no electricity needed
• New drug target for Ebola, Marburg viruses
• New timeline of deadliest California wildfire could guide lifesaving research and action
• AI researchers ask: What's going on inside the black box?
• Mixed and matched: Integrating metal-organic frameworks into polymers for CO2 separation
• Molecular sleuthing identifies and corrects major flaws in blood-brain barrier model
• Brain changed by caffeine in utero
• Combined bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire spell uncertain future for forests
• New method developed for 'up-sizing' mini organs used in medical research
• 'Magnetic graphene' forms a new kind of magnetism
• Popular tool for measuring child feeding practices validated by RIT researcher
• Rare blast's remains discovered in Milky Way's center
• Uncovering how some corals resist bleaching
• Neural roots/origins of alcoholism identified
• New clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells
• Cells are collective thinkers
• Machine learning could aid mental health diagnoses
• Halt cell recycling to treat cancer
• What rules govern the structure of membraneless organelles?
• A magnetic twist to graphene
• Sophisticated lung-on-chip created
• Diversity of genetic changes that cause inherited kidney disease
• Ditching the car for walking or biking just one day a week cuts carbon footprint
• Researchers produce tiny nanoparticles and reveal their inner structure for the first time
• Marmoset monkeys have personalities too
• Two-phase material with surprising properties
• Captive-bred juvenile salmon unlikely to become migratory when released into streams
• Study of supergiant star Betelgeuse unveils the cause of its pulsations
• Richness of plant species reduces the number of viral infections in meadows
• Food waste researcher: We must learn that brown fruit isn't bad fruit
• Type 2 diabetes: Drugs initially increase glucose production
• Flexible piezoelectric crystal
• Higher blood pressure at night than in daytime may increase Alzheimer's disease risk
• HIV: An innovative therapeutic breakthrough to optimize the immune system
• How iodine-containing molecules contribute to the formation of atmospheric aerosols, affect climate
• Use of goldenseal may compromise glucose control in diabetics on metformin
• Study links exposure to nighttime artificial lights with elevated thyroid cancer risk
• Researchers find peptide that treats, prevents killer citrus disease

Biologists uncover forests' unexpected role in climate change Posted: 08 Feb 2021 03:51 PM PST Biologists shows that trees around the world are consuming more carbon dioxide than previously reported, making forests even more important in regulating the Earth's atmosphere and forever shift how we think about climate change.

Distinctness of mental disorders traced to differences in gene readouts Posted: 08 Feb 2021 03:51 PM PST A new study suggests that differences in the expression of gene transcripts - readouts copied from DNA that help maintain and build our cells - may hold the key to understanding how mental disorders with shared genetic risk factors result in different patterns of onset, symptoms, course of illness, and treatment responses.

Synchronization of brain hemispheres changes what we hear Posted: 08 Feb 2021 02:31 PM PST Most of the time, our brain receives different input from each of our ears, but we nevertheless perceive speech as unified sounds. This process takes place through synchronization of the areas of the brain involved with the help of gamma waves, neurolinguists have now discovered. Their findings may lead to new treatment approaches for tinnitus.

1918 pandemic second wave had fatal consequences Posted: 08 Feb 2021 02:31 PM PST In a pandemic, delayed reactions and a decentralized approach by the authorities at the start of a follow-up wave can lead to longer-lasting, more severe and more fatal consequences, a new study has found. Researchers compared the influenza pandemic of 1918 and 1919 in the Canton of Bern with the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

Robots sense human touch using camera and shadows Posted: 08 Feb 2021 02:30 PM PST Researchers have created a low-cost method for soft, deformable robots to detect a range of physical interactions, from pats to punches to hugs, without relying on touch at all. Instead, a USB camera located inside the robot captures the shadow movements of hand gestures on the robot's skin and classifies them with machine-learning software.

Variable weather makes weeds harder to whack Posted: 08 Feb 2021 02:30 PM PST From flooded spring fields to summer hailstorms and drought, farmers are well aware the weather is changing. It often means spring planting can't happen on time or has to happen twice to make up for catastrophic losses of young seedlings. It also means common pre-emergence herbicides are less effective.

Fast-growing parts of Africa see a surprise: Less air pollution from seasonal fires Posted: 08 Feb 2021 01:19 PM PST In Africa, air pollution recently surpassed AIDS as the leading cause of premature death. But researchers have discovered at least a temporary bright spot: dangerous nitrogen oxides, byproducts of combustion, are declining across the north equatorial part of the continent. The reason: a decline in the longtime practice of setting of dry-season fires to manage land.

Deepfake detectors can be defeated, computer scientists show for the first time Posted: 08 Feb 2021 01:19 PM PST Systems designed to detect deepfakes -- videos that manipulate real-life footage via artificial intelligence -- can be deceived, computer scientists have shown. Researchers showed detectors can be defeated by inserting inputs called adversarial examples into every video frame. The adversarial examples are slightly manipulated inputs which cause artificial intelligence systems such as machine learning models to make a mistake.

Happiness really does come for free Posted: 08 Feb 2021 01:19 PM PST Economic growth is often prescribed as a way of increasing the well-being of people in low-income countries. A new study suggests that there may be good reason to question this assumption. The researchers found that the majority of people in societies where money plays a minimal role reported a level of happiness comparable to that found in Scandinavian countries which typically rate highest in the world.

Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries Posted: 08 Feb 2021 11:59 AM PST New research has identified a nanostructure that improves the anode in lithium-ion batteries. Instead of using graphite for the anode, the researchers turned to silicon: a material that stores more charge but is susceptible to fracturing. The team deposited silicon atoms on top of metallic nanoparticles to form an arched nanostructure, increasing the strength and structural integrity of the anode. Electrochemical tests showed the batteries had a higher charge capacity and longer lifespan.

Severe undercounting of COVID-19 cases in U.S., other countries estimated via model Posted: 08 Feb 2021 11:24 AM PST A new machine-learning framework uses reported test results and death rates to calculate estimates of the actual number of current COVID-19 infections within all 50 U.S. states and 50 countries.

3D printing polymers Posted: 08 Feb 2021 11:24 AM PST Researchers have developed the first 3D-printable 'bottlebrush' elastomer. The new material results in printed objects that have unusual softness and elasticity -- mechanical properties that closely resemble those of human tissue.

Radiative cooling and solar heating from one system, no electricity needed Posted: 08 Feb 2021 10:44 AM PST A new study describes a new technology that provides both radiative cooling and solar heating, all is one system and without using electricity or fuel. It could help impoverished communities, reduce cooling and heating costs, lower CO2 emissions.

New drug target for Ebola, Marburg viruses Posted: 08 Feb 2021 10:44 AM PST Researchers have identified a previously unknown site on the filovirus glycoprotein to which small drug molecules can bind and prevent infection -- blocking both sites may be a more effective treatment while reducing the risk of side effects.

New timeline of deadliest California wildfire could guide lifesaving research and action Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:54 AM PST What made the Camp Fire so devastating? And what lessons can we learn to prevent another disaster of this scale? Researchers have begun to answer these questions by investigating the conditions leading up to the fire and meticulously reconstructing the sequence of events describing the first 24 hours of its progression.

AI researchers ask: What's going on inside the black box? Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST Brain-like artificial networks are often referred to as a 'black box' because researchers do not know how they learn and make predictions. Researchers reported a way to peek inside the box and identify key features on which the computer relies, particularly when trying to identify complex DNA sequences.

Mixed and matched: Integrating metal-organic frameworks into polymers for CO2 separation Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST Polymer matrices can be combined with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to enhance their performance for CO2 separation. However, it is challenging to find compatible interactions between MOFs and polymers for this purpose. Now, an international team of scientists has developed a simple strategy to incorporate zirconium-based MOFs into a polymer matrix via covalent bonds. The resulting membranes show excellent gas separation performance, stability, and tolerance to harsh conditions, helping erode current barriers for industrial applications.

Molecular sleuthing identifies and corrects major flaws in blood-brain barrier model Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST A type of cell derived from human stem cells that has been widely used for brain research and drug development may have been leading researchers astray for years, according to a new study.

Brain changed by caffeine in utero Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST New research finds caffeine consumed during pregnancy can change important brain pathways that could lead to behavioral problems later in life. Researchers analyzed thousands of brain scans of nine and ten-year-olds, and revealed changes in the brain structure in children who were exposed to caffeine in utero.

Combined bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire spell uncertain future for forests Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST Bark beetle outbreaks and wildfire alone are not a death sentence for Colorado's beloved forests -- but when combined, their toll may become more permanent, shows new research.

New method developed for 'up-sizing' mini organs used in medical research Posted: 08 Feb 2021 09:53 AM PST A team of engineers and scientists has developed a method of 'multiplying' organoids: miniature collections of cells that mimic the behaviour of various organs and are promising tools for the study of human biology and disease.

'Magnetic graphene' forms a new kind of magnetism Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:43 AM PST Researchers have identified a new form of magnetism in so-called magnetic graphene, which could point the way toward understanding superconductivity in this unusual type of material.

Popular tool for measuring child feeding practices validated by RIT researcher Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:43 AM PST A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher has validated a tool measuring adherence to a popular child feeding approach used by pediatricians, nutritionists, social workers and child psychologists to assess parents' feeding practices and prevent feeding problems. The best-practice approach, known as the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding, has now been rigorously tested and peer reviewed, resulting in the quantifiable tool sDOR.2-6y.

Rare blast's remains discovered in Milky Way's center Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:43 AM PST Astronomers may have found our Galaxy's first example of an unusual kind of stellar explosion. This discovery adds to the understanding of how some stars shatter and seed the universe with elements critical for life on Earth.

Uncovering how some corals resist bleaching Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST Colorful coral reefs have suffered from 'bleaching' due to climate change, but researchers have now uncovered why some were resistant to this effect in the hopes to preserve these oceanic wonders.

Neural roots/origins of alcoholism identified Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST The physical origin of alcohol addiction has been located in a network of the human brain that regulates our response to danger, according to a researchers.

New clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST The molecular details of how SARS-CoV-2 enters cells and infects them are still not clear. Researchers have identified receptors that could be important players in the process.

Cells are collective thinkers Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST Cells, like humans, cast votes to make decisions as a group. But how do they know what to vote for? Researchers have uncovered how cells actively seek information in order to make faster and better collective decisions to coordinate the growth of new blood vessels. This provides a new basis for understanding intelligence in cells.

Machine learning could aid mental health diagnoses Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST A way of using machine learning to more accurately identify patients with a mix of psychotic and depressive symptoms has been developed.

Halt cell recycling to treat cancer Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST Targeting and changing autophagy, otherwise known as cell recycling, has been linked to helping control or diminish certain cancers. Now, researchers have shown that completely halting this process in a very aggressive form of breast cancer may improve outcomes for patients one day.

What rules govern the structure of membraneless organelles? Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST A study explores how membraneless organelles (MLOs) or biomolecular condensates, form and organize themselves. The research lays out physical rules controlling the arrangement of various types of synthetic MLOs created using just three kinds of building materials: RNA and two different proteins, a prion-like polypeptide (PLP) and an arginine-rich polypeptide (RRP).

A magnetic twist to graphene Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST By combining ferromagnets and two rotated layers of graphene, researchers open up a new platform for strongly interacting states using graphene's unique quantum degree of freedom.

Sophisticated lung-on-chip created Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:42 AM PST Researchers have developed a second-generation lung-on-chip model with life-size dimension alveoli in a stretchable membrane, made of purely biological material. The new model reproduces key aspects of the lung tissue architecture not found in previous lungs-on-chip. This opens up new possibilities for basic pneumological research, understanding lung pathologies, drug screening and precision medicine.

Diversity of genetic changes that cause inherited kidney disease Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:46 AM PST A study has described genetic changes in patients with the most common form of hereditary kidney disease that affects an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide. The research, which focussed on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in Ireland, provides insights into PKD that will assist doctors and patients in the management of this of inherited condition.

Ditching the car for walking or biking just one day a week cuts carbon footprint Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:46 AM PST Swapping the car for walking, cycling and e-biking even just one day a week makes a significant impact on personal carbon emissions in cities.

Researchers produce tiny nanoparticles and reveal their inner structure for the first time Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:46 AM PST Tiny nanoparticles can be furnished with dyes and could be used for new imaging techniques, as chemists and physicists show in a recent study. The researchers have also been the first to fully determine the particles' internal structure.

Marmoset monkeys have personalities too Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:46 AM PST In humans, differences in personalities have been evident since the ancient times. Personality in animals has long been ignored, but recently this question has received increasing research interest as it has been realized that personality has evolutionary and ecological significance. Behavioral biologists have now designed and used a set of tasks to assess personality of common marmosets.

Two-phase material with surprising properties Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:46 AM PST Some materials can couple electrical and mechanical properties - this can lead to astonishing effects: New materials have been developed, consisting of both crystalline and amorphous regions. In these special polymers, the electro-mechanical coupling suddenly disappears - scientists have now found out how.

Captive-bred juvenile salmon unlikely to become migratory when released into streams Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:05 AM PST Researchers have revealed that when captive-bred juvenile red-spotted masu salmon are released into natural streams, very few individuals become migrants. This was an important species in the rivers of west Japan for the fishing industry, however in recent years their numbers are declining rapidly. The results of this research offer important suggestions for stocking practices and the management of river environments.

Study of supergiant star Betelgeuse unveils the cause of its pulsations Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:05 AM PST Betelgeuse is normally one of the brightest, most recognizable stars of the winter sky, marking the left shoulder of the constellation Orion. But lately, it has been behaving strangely: an unprecedentedly large drop in its brightness has been observed in early 2020, which has prompted speculation that Betelgeuse may be about to explode.

Richness of plant species reduces the number of viral infections in meadows Posted: 08 Feb 2021 07:05 AM PST A new study indicates that agricultural activity confuses the mechanisms that regulate the occurrence of plant diseases in nature. A wider variety of virus species was found in meadows close to agricultural fields compared to those located in natural surroundings, with the richness of plant species having no effect on the number of virus species. However, maintaining biodiversity is worthwhile, as plant richness did reduce the number of viral infections in the meadows.

Food waste researcher: We must learn that brown fruit isn't bad fruit Posted: 08 Feb 2021 06:45 AM PST We tend to avoid choosing apples with brown spots, assuming that they taste bad. But if we are to end food waste, we'll need to upend that assumption. Researcher emphasizes that there's nothing wrong with oddly shaped or slightly bruised apples.

Type 2 diabetes: Drugs initially increase glucose production Posted: 08 Feb 2021 06:45 AM PST Although SGLT-2 inhibitors are central to the treatment of diabetes, their exact mode of action was hitherto unknown. A study shows that there is a direct correlation between the elimination of glucose via the kidneys and new glucose production in the liver.

Flexible piezoelectric crystal Posted: 08 Feb 2021 06:45 AM PST A team of researchers has developed a new material, that when electricity is applied to it, can flex and bend forty times more than other materials in the same class, opening the way to better micro machines.

Higher blood pressure at night than in daytime may increase Alzheimer's disease risk Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:55 AM PST Higher blood pressure at night than in daytime may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in older men.

HIV: An innovative therapeutic breakthrough to optimize the immune system Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:55 AM PST Prompted by the need to improve conventional treatments for people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), a team has identified a therapeutic approach to restore the effectiveness of immune cells.

How iodine-containing molecules contribute to the formation of atmospheric aerosols, affect climate Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:55 AM PST Chemists have helped discover that iodic acids can rapidly form aerosol particles in the atmosphere, giving scientists more knowledge of how iodine emissions can contribute to cloud formation and climate change.

Use of goldenseal may compromise glucose control in diabetics on metformin Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:55 AM PST Diabetic patients taking the natural product goldenseal while taking the prescription drug metformin may be unwittingly sabotaging their efforts to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Metformin -- the world's most-prescribed oral glucose-lowering medication -- was included in a cocktail of selected drugs given to participants in a clinical study. The study found that after six days of taking goldenseal, participants had about 25 percent less metformin in their bodies.

Study links exposure to nighttime artificial lights with elevated thyroid cancer risk Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:55 AM PST People living in regions with high levels of outdoor artificial light at night may face a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Researchers find peptide that treats, prevents killer citrus disease Posted: 08 Feb 2021 05:54 AM PST New research affirms a unique peptide found in an Australian plant can destroy the No. 1 killer of citrus trees worldwide and help prevent infection.

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