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• Jaws; or, how an African ray-finned fish is helping to rethink the fundamentals of evolution
• 'Blue food revolution' to tackle climate change and malnutrition
• Patients with multiple sclerosis show robust T-cell responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 virus is evolving to get better at becoming airborne, new study shows
• Consuming fruit and vegetables and exercising can make you happier
• Low oxygen levels are pushing fish into shallower waters, with potentially devastating impacts for fisheries and ecosystems
• Studies biased toward genomes of people with European ancestry still predict cancer risk in diverse groups, research finds
• Link between inflammation and pancreatic cancer development uncovered
• Cancer cells’ unexpected genetic tricks for evading the immune system
• Friend or foe? Researchers investigate the mysterious microbes living inside corals
• Researchers infuse bacteria with silver to improve power efficiency in fuel cells
• Urban stormwater study finds little difference between managed, unmanaged flows
• Study reveals gophers’ biofluorescence
• How to catch a perfect wave: Scientists take a closer look inside the perfect fluid
• Good for groundwater – bad for crops? Plastic particles release pollutants in upper soil layers
• True behavior of the ‘pleasure molecule’ will reshape how we treat psychiatric diseases and addiction
• Ultrathin self-healing polymers create new, sustainable water-resistant coatings
• Researchers explore promising treatment for MRSA 'superbug'
• Part of the Universe’s missing matter found
• Research reveals drug targets for memory enhancement
• Giant Waikato penguin: School kids discover new species
• Parental alienation, partner abuse: Two sides of same coin, says social psychologist
• A simple way to get complex semiconductors to assemble themselves
• Reforestation could help save coral reefs from catastrophe
• Ancient bone tools found in Moroccan cave were used to work leather, fur
• Fossil bird with fancy tail feathers longer than its body
• Saliva test for COVID-19 outperforms commercial swab tests, study shows
• COVID-19 nasal vaccine candidate effective at preventing disease transmission, study shows
• Pilot study of diet/exercise in young adults with intellectual disabilities is promising
• Heterogeneous development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-associated microcephaly
• Some shark species are tougher than others when it comes to surviving catch and release, study finds
• COVID-19 virus rapidly evolves to higher infectivity during in vitro growth, which may be a step toward lower virulence
• Physicists make square droplets and liquid lattices
• DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens
• Using artificial intelligence to predict COVID patients' oxygen needs
• Scientists develop 'optimal strategies' computer model that could significantly reduce future COVID-19 infections and deaths
• Better fibers: Fireproof and comfortable
• Australian wildfires triggered massive algal blooms in Southern Ocean
• Better weather forecasting through satellite isotope data assimilation
• Changes to workplace cafeteria menus nudge workers to consume fewer calories

Jaws; or, how an African ray-finned fish is helping to rethink the fundamentals of evolution Posted: 16 Sep 2021 02:34 PM PDT A family of fishes, called the cichlids, in Africa's Lake Malawi is helping researchers refine our understanding of how evolution works.

'Blue food revolution' to tackle climate change and malnutrition Posted: 16 Sep 2021 02:34 PM PDT An unprecedented review of the aquatic foods sector has uncovered how fisheries and aquaculture can play a greater role in delivering healthy diets and more sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems around the world.

Patients with multiple sclerosis show robust T-cell responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Posted: 16 Sep 2021 02:34 PM PDT New research shows that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective at inducing T-cell responses in multiple sclerosis patients who receive B cell-depleting infusions even if their antibody responses are diminished.

COVID-19 virus is evolving to get better at becoming airborne, new study shows Posted: 16 Sep 2021 02:34 PM PDT A new study finds that SARS-CoV-2 is evolving toward more efficient aerosol generation, and loose-fitting masks provide significant but only modest source control. Until vaccination rates are very high, continued layered controls, including improved ventilation, increased filtration, UV air sanitation, and tight-fitting masks are critical to protect people in public-facing jobs and indoor spaces, researchers urge.

Consuming fruit and vegetables and exercising can make you happier Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:29 AM PDT New research led by the University of Kent and University of Reading has found that fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise can increase levels of happiness.

Low oxygen levels are pushing fish into shallower waters, with potentially devastating impacts for fisheries and ecosystems Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:29 AM PDT Fish can drown. While it may not seem like it, fish do require oxygen to breathe; it's just that they get what they need from the oxygen dissolved in water rather than in the air. Too little oxygen spells trouble for our finned friends, which have to move or else suffer ill effects.

Studies biased toward genomes of people with European ancestry still predict cancer risk in diverse groups, research finds Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:29 AM PDT Data sets that are biased by having too many genomes from people with European ancestry can still be applied to other ancestry groups to predict their risk of developing breast and prostate cancer, researchers report.

Link between inflammation and pancreatic cancer development uncovered Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:29 AM PDT A new study finds that pancreatic cells display an adaptive response to repeated inflammation that initially protects against tissue damage but can promote tumor formation in the presence of mutant KRAS.

Cancer cells’ unexpected genetic tricks for evading the immune system Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT In a surprising new finding in mice, researchers have discovered that many genes linked to human cancer block the body's natural defense against malignancies.

Friend or foe? Researchers investigate the mysterious microbes living inside corals Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT In a new article, researchers describe investigations into an enigmatic group of coral-infecting microbes.

Researchers infuse bacteria with silver to improve power efficiency in fuel cells Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT A team of engineers and chemists has taken a major step forward in the development of microbial fuel cells -- a technology that utilizes natural bacteria to extract electrons from organic matter in wastewater to generate electrical currents.

Urban stormwater study finds little difference between managed, unmanaged flows Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT At a time when many municipalities are seeking to control urban stormwater by investing heavily in green infrastructure -- such as water-quality ponds, infiltration basins, porous pavement and riparian plantings -- a new study suggests that these expensive efforts may not have much of an impact.

Study reveals gophers’ biofluorescence Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT You can learn a lot about animals by simply watching them. But some secrets can only be revealed in the dark ... with an ultraviolet flashlight.

How to catch a perfect wave: Scientists take a closer look inside the perfect fluid Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT Scientists have reported new clues to solving a cosmic conundrum: How the quark-gluon plasma -- nature's perfect fluid -- evolved into the building blocks of matter during the birth of the early universe.

Good for groundwater – bad for crops? Plastic particles release pollutants in upper soil layers Posted: 16 Sep 2021 11:28 AM PDT In agriculture, large quantities of nano- and microplastics end up in the soil through compost, sewage sludge and the use of mulching foils. The plastic particles always carry various pollutants with them. However, they do not transport them into the groundwater, as is often assumed. Environmental geoscientists have now determined that the plastic particles release the pollutants in the upper soil layers: they do not generally contaminate the groundwater, but have a negative effect on soil microbes and crops.

True behavior of the ‘pleasure molecule’ will reshape how we treat psychiatric diseases and addiction Posted: 16 Sep 2021 10:13 AM PDT Discovery shows that dopamine is not a reward molecule at all, calling for revision of textbook facts regarding the hormone's role in the brain.

Ultrathin self-healing polymers create new, sustainable water-resistant coatings Posted: 16 Sep 2021 09:40 AM PDT Researchers have found a way to make ultrathin surface coatings robust enough to survive scratches and dings. The new material, developed by merging thin-film and self-healing technologies, has an almost endless list of potential applications, including self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-fogging, anti-bacterial, anti-fouling and enhanced heat exchange coatings, researchers said.

Researchers explore promising treatment for MRSA 'superbug' Posted: 16 Sep 2021 09:40 AM PDT A new study has found the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins could offer a potential treatment to reduce infection in skin wounds.

Part of the Universe’s missing matter found Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:46 AM PDT Galaxies can receive and exchange matter with their external environment thanks to the galactic winds created by stellar explosions. An international research team has now mapped a galactic wind for the first time. This unique observation helped to reveal where some of the Universe's missing matter is located and to observe the formation of a nebula around a galaxy.

Research reveals drug targets for memory enhancement Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:46 AM PDT New research has identified specific drug targets within the neural circuits that encode memories, paving the way for significant advances in the treatment of a broad spectrum of brain disorders.

Giant Waikato penguin: School kids discover new species Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:46 AM PDT A giant fossilized penguin discovered by New Zealand school children has been revealed as a new species.

Parental alienation, partner abuse: Two sides of same coin, says social psychologist Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:45 AM PDT According to a new study, parental alienating behaviors and coercively controlling abuse are similar, and should be treated similarly in family court proceedings.

A simple way to get complex semiconductors to assemble themselves Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:45 AM PDT A new way to make complex, layered semiconductors is like making rock candy: They assemble themselves from chemicals in water. The method will aid design and large-scale production of these materials.

Reforestation could help save coral reefs from catastrophe Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:45 AM PDT Increasing reforestation efforts in coastal regions could substantially reduce the amount of sediment run-off reaching coral reefs and improve their resilience, a new study has found.

Ancient bone tools found in Moroccan cave were used to work leather, fur Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:45 AM PDT When researchers first started to look at animal bones from Contrebandiers Cave, Morocco, they wanted to learn about the diet and environment of early human ancestors who lived there between 120,000 and 90,000 years ago. But they soon realized that the bones they had found weren't just meal scraps. They'd been shaped into tools, apparently for use in working leather and fur.

Fossil bird with fancy tail feathers longer than its body Posted: 16 Sep 2021 08:45 AM PDT Peacock tails are just one example of how evolution walks a line between favoring traits that make it easier to survive, and traits that make it easier to find a mate. In a new study, scientists have found evidence of this age-old conundrum in the form of a fossil bird from the Early Cretaceous with a pair of elaborate tail feathers longer than its body.

Saliva test for COVID-19 outperforms commercial swab tests, study shows Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:55 PM PDT The DRUL saliva assay has been shown to be safer, more comfortable, and less expensive than comparable COVID screening tools. Now a new study demonstrates that it is at least as sensitive as swab tests, too.

COVID-19 nasal vaccine candidate effective at preventing disease transmission, study shows Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:14 PM PDT A nasal vaccine candidate for COVID-19 is showing good results in providing durable local immunity against inhaled pathogens.

Pilot study of diet/exercise in young adults with intellectual disabilities is promising Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:14 PM PDT A pilot study found that young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) were able to lose or maintain their weight with a system of education and support in place.

Heterogeneous development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-associated microcephaly Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:13 PM PDT At age two, children who were born with neurological abnormalities due to congenital Zika Virus (ZIKV) have a range of neurodevelopmental profiles that can be tracked using a routine neurological assessment, according to a new study.

Some shark species are tougher than others when it comes to surviving catch and release, study finds Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:13 PM PDT A new landmark study of over 300 sharks found that some species are extremely resilient to the stress of being caught and released in commercial longline fisheries while other species are much more likely to die.

COVID-19 virus rapidly evolves to higher infectivity during in vitro growth, which may be a step toward lower virulence Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:13 PM PDT Attenuated viral vaccines for rubella, measles, yellow fever and other diseases are widely used. Can a similar vaccine be developed for COVID-19? Researchers have now published a foundational study for that possibility. They asked a simple question: Which mutations predominate when the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is grown in successive generations -- called passages by virologists -- in tissue culture?

Physicists make square droplets and liquid lattices Posted: 15 Sep 2021 01:10 PM PDT Driving systems out of equilibrium with electric fields proves useful for creating liquid shapes that are nearly impossible to find in nature.

DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens Posted: 15 Sep 2021 10:51 AM PDT Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool that could help provide early warning of rare and unknown viruses in the environment and identify potentially deadly bacterial pathogens which cause sepsis, among other uses.

Using artificial intelligence to predict COVID patients' oxygen needs Posted: 15 Sep 2021 10:51 AM PDT Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge along with 20 other hospitals from across the world and healthcare technology leader, NVIDIA, have used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict COVID patients' oxygen needs on a global scale.

Scientists develop 'optimal strategies' computer model that could significantly reduce future COVID-19 infections and deaths Posted: 15 Sep 2021 10:46 AM PDT Scientists have developed a predictive computer model that, when tested on real pandemic data, proposed strategies that would have reduced the rate of both COVID-19 infections and deaths by an average of 72 per cent, based on a sample from four countries.

Better fibers: Fireproof and comfortable Posted: 15 Sep 2021 08:10 AM PDT A new chemical process turns cotton into a fire-resistant fabric that nevertheless retains the skin-friendly properties of cotton.

Australian wildfires triggered massive algal blooms in Southern Ocean Posted: 15 Sep 2021 08:09 AM PDT Smoke and ash from the 2019-20 Australian wildfires triggered widespread algal blooms in the Southern Ocean thousands of miles downwind, a new study finds. The study is the first to conclusively link a large-scale response in marine life to fertilization by iron aerosols from wildfire emissions. It raises intriguing questions about the role wildfires may play in spurring the growth of marine phytoplankton and how that may affect oceanic carbon uptake and productivity.

Better weather forecasting through satellite isotope data assimilation Posted: 14 Sep 2021 03:48 PM PDT Real satellite water vapor isotope data were assimilated in a general circulation model to determine whether including these data could improve forecast accuracy at both the global and local scales. Overall, forecast accuracy was improved by several percentage points. The effect was especially notable for variables closely related to water vapor isotope fractionation, such as air temperature and specific humidity, and a local-scale pressure pattern over Japan in 2013 was modeled more clearly.

Changes to workplace cafeteria menus nudge workers to consume fewer calories Posted: 14 Sep 2021 03:48 PM PDT A study carried out at 19 workplace cafeterias has shown that reducing portion sizes and replacing higher calorie food and drinks with lower calorie options led to workers buying food and drink with fewer calories. Researchers say that even simple interventions such as these could contribute towards tackling levels of obesity.

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