197 articles from WEDNESDAY 4.9.2019
Unexpected new material has been quenched to ambient pressure
Scientists from the National University of Science and Technology MISIS together with colleagues from Germany and Sweden achieved a result that seemed impossible. The researchers managed to create at ultra-high pressures a new material that preserves its structure and properties even under normal atmospheric pressure. Moreover, it turned out that it can be recreated in more "trivial" laboratory...
Panda twins doing well, gaining weight, says Berlin zoo
A Berlin zoo that announced the first ever birth of two giant panda cubs in Germany this week says the twins are doing well thanks to the skillful help of a Chinese keeper.
How California wildfires can impact water availability
In recent years, wildfires in the western United States have occurred with increasing frequency and scale. Climate change scenarios in California predict prolonged periods of drought with potential for conditions even more amenable to wildfires. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide up to 70% of the state's water resources, yet there is little known on how wildfires will impact water resources in...
Arbovirus manipulation of plant immune systems to favor disease spread
Arthropod-transmitted viruses, known as arboviruses, can cause pandemic diseases in humans, animals, and crops. The Zika virus and cassava geminivirus are two such arboviruses. These pathogens often alter host characteristics to directly or indirectly influence arthropod vector behaviors or host-herbivore interactions, thus facilitating disease transmission.
Scientists demonstrate how to improve steel properties
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have updated the alloying process, i.e. improving the properties of metal with impurities, which not only enhances the wear resistance of materials but also provides new qualities required by hi-tech manufacturing, science, and energy.
NASA catches Hurricane Juliette over Mexico's Socorro Island
Although Hurricane Juliette is no longer a major hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, NASA's Aqua satellite revealed there are still powerful thunderstorms around its center and captured an image of the storm over Socorro Island, Mexico.
Amazon wildfires threaten global climate, scientists warn
The harmful effects of fires raging in the Amazon rainforest may go far beyond Brazil's borders, scientists warn.
The argument for sexual selection in bacteria
The evolutionary pressure to pass on DNA can produce behavior that otherwise makes no sense in a struggle to survive. Rams bash heads in fights over females; peacocks grow elaborate tail feathers that attract mates and predators alike. Sexual selection can sometimes explain phenomena that natural selection alone cannot. But could bacteria exhibit sexual selection? In an Opinion article published...
DNA repair: Opening the hatch to heal the break
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:50
Researchers have determined the structure of a key enzyme complex that is involved in DNA repair, and traced the cycle of conformational changes that it undergoes while performing its biochemical function.
Transport proteins provide key to improve infant formula
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:50
Researchers identify and functionally describe key transport proteins, which contribute to creating a healthy early life gut microbiota.
How natural genetic differences can affect heart health
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:50
The biggest risks for cardiovascular disease are smoking and poor diet. However, different people are more susceptible to heart disease based on very slight differences in their genes, called variants. While there have been many studies that have linked variants to cardiovascular traits, it's unclear whether these variants have functional consequences, like altered gene or protein expression.
Livestock disease risk tied to herd management style
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:50
A new look at the prevalence of the widespread and often fatal sheep and goat plague virus in Tanzania reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owners' livelihood are more likely to become infected than livestock managed in a system where the owners' livelihood is supplemented by agriculture.
Psychiatric disorders may be linked to unnecessary oophorectomies
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:50
Undergoing a hysterectomy, especially in conjunction with removal of the ovaries, can take a major toll on a woman's mental health. A new study, however, turns the tables on this relationship and investigates the psychiatric symptoms that may prompt a woman to undergo an oophorectomy, even after confirmation of a nonmalignant diagnosis.
NASA analyzed Tropical Storm Fernand's strength before landfall
NASA's Aqua satellite provided forecasters at the National Hurricane Center with infrared data and cloud top temperature information for Tropical Storm Fernand as it was making landfall in northeastern Mexico. Those temperatures indicated Fernand's rainmaking capabilities. The infrared data also showed wind shear was affecting the storm.
New model predicts Painted Lady butterfly migrations based on breeding sites data
Based on climatic data from 36 years, and the location of 646 breeding sites in 30 countries, the model reveals for the first time where the species might overwinter after their trip to tropical Africa.
Laser-based ultrasound approach provides new direction for nondestructive testing
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:26
Many industrial buildings rely on ultrasound instruments that continually monitor the structural integrity of their systems without damaging or altering their features. One new technique draws on laser technology and candle soot to generate effective ultrasonic waves for nondestructive testing and evaluation. Researchers are using ultrasonic nondestructive testing that involves amplifying the...
Benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for IBS continue 2 years after treatment
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:26
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10 - 20 per cent of people. Abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habit significantly affect patient's quality of life and can force them to take days off work.
Climte concerns: It is best not to fly to conferences
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:08
A political scientist has developed a climate-friendly concept for international conference tourism.
Similarities in human, chimpanzee, and bonobo eye color patterns revealed
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:08
Researchers have revealed that chimpanzees and bonobos share the contrasting color pattern seen in human eyes, which makes it easy for them to detect the direction of someone's gaze from a distance.
New insulation technique paves the way for more powerful and smaller chips
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:07
Researchers have successfully developed a new technique to insulate microchips. The technique uses metal-organic frameworks, a new type of materials consisting of structured nanopores. In the long term, this method can be used for the development of even smaller and more powerful chips that consume less energy.
By comparing needles to mosquitoes, new model offers insights into Hepatitis C solutions
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:07
Removing used needles does not reduce the spread of Hepatitis C virus -- instead, changing the ratio of infected to uninfected needles is critical, study finds.
New model predicts Painted Lady butterfly migrations based on breeding sites data
- ScienceDaily
- 19/9/4 16:07
Researchers have developed a model that allows predicting the migratory movements of the Painted Lady butterfly between Europe and Africa based on data from breeding sites. This study confirms that populations need to continuously migrate to other latitudes to secure the best conditions for the immatures to grow.
New insulation technique paves the way for more powerful and smaller chips
Researchers at KU Leuven and imec have successfully developed a new technique to insulate microchips. The technique uses metal-organic frameworks, a new type of materials consisting of structured nanopores. In the long term, this method can be used for the development of even smaller and more powerful chips that consume less energy. The team has received an ERC Proof of Concept grant to further...
The kombucha culture
In today's health-conscious community, kombucha is all the rave. Its appeal comes from its accessibility and alleged health benefits, which range from introducing probiotics to killing deleterious bacteria in the human body.
Transport proteins provide key to improve infant formula
Sugar compounds in breast milk play a crucial role in the development of a healthy gut bacterial community and contribute to the maturation of the immune system in infants. In a new study professors from DTU and Kyoto University, Japan, have established a framework to identify and describe the function of key transport proteins that mediate the uptake of nutrients from the mother's breastmilk to...