244 articles from FRIDAY 14.2.2020

Researchers study how birds retweet news

Every social network has its fake news. And in animal communication networks, even birds discern the trustworthiness of their neighbors, a study from the University of Montana suggests.

Coral reefs: Centuries of human impact

Coral reefs account for one-third of all biodiversity in the oceans and are vital to humanity. But long-standing human stressors including agricultural run-off and overfishing and more recent ocean warming from climate change have all contributed to large-scale coral reef die-offs.

Producing single photons from a stream of single electrons

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel technique for generating single photons, by moving single electrons in a specially designed light-emitting diode (LED). This technique, reported in the journal Nature Communications, could help the development of the emerging fields of quantum communication and quantum computation.

Leaking away essential resources isn't wasteful, actually helps cells grow

Experts have been unable to explain why cells from bacteria to humans leak essential chemicals necessary for growth into their environment. New mathematical models reveal that leaking metabolites -- substances involved in the chemical processes to sustain life with production of complex molecules and energy -- may provide cells both selfish and selfless benefits.

Iodide salts stabilize biocatalysts for fuel cells

Contrary to theoretical predictions, oxygen inactivates biocatalysts for energy conversion within a short time, even under a protective film. A research team has found out why: Hydrogen peroxide forms on the protective film. The addition of iodide salts to the electrolyte can prevent this from happening and considerably extend the life of the catalysts.

Deconstructing Schrödinger's cat

Many physicists have attempted to explain the problem of quantum superposition, as exemplified by Schrödinger's cat. Now a French theoretical physicist proposes a novel possible solution, which combines two different approaches and brings in universal gravitation.

Statewide prevalence of gun ownership tied to police use of lethal force

Police use of lethal force in the United States has triggered public scrutiny of violent interactions between police and citizens. Past research has focused on whether race and levels of violence contribute to this phenomenon. A new study expands on prior research by examining the impact of the availability of firearms. It finds a pronounced positive relationship between statewide prevalence of...

A good blood supply is good for memory

Memory performance and other cognitive abilities benefit from a good blood supply to the brain. This applies in particular to people affected by a condition known as 'sporadic cerebral small vessel disease'. Researchers suggest that blood perfusion of the so-called hippocampus could play a key role in age- and disease-related memory problems.

WWI helmets protect against shock waves just as well as modern designs

Biomedical engineers have demonstrated that, despite significant advancements in protection from ballistics and blunt impacts, modern military helmets are no better at protecting from shock waves than their World War I counterparts. One model in particular, the French Adrian helmet, actually performed better than modern designs. The research could help improve the blast protection of future...

Unique reproductive trait for seagrass

New research reveals that species of the seagrass genus Posidonia have evolved a remarkable adaptation for ocean survival: a winged seed whose shape harnesses the force of underwater currents to hold it on the seafloor for rooting.

New pathogenic mechanism for influenza NS1 protein found

Researchers report the biological effects of influenza protein NS1 binding to RIG-I -- the binding directly quiets the alarm that activates the cellular innate immunity defense against the infection. This is a newly described way for flu to antagonize the host cellular antiviral response.

Reshaping modern play spaces for children's health

A world first review of the importance of nature play could transform children's play spaces, supporting investment in city and urban parks, while also delivering important opportunities for children's physical, social and emotional development.

Galactic cosmic rays affect Titan's atmosphere

Planetary scientists have revealed the secrets of the atmosphere of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. The team found a chemical footprint in Titan's atmosphere indicating that cosmic rays coming from outside the Solar System affect the chemical reactions involved in the formation of nitrogen-bearing organic molecules. This is the first observational confirmation of such processes, and impacts the...

5200-year-old grains in the eastern Altai Mountains redate trans-Eurasian crop exchange

Cereals from the Fertile Crescent and broomcorn millet from northern China spread across the ancient world, integrating into complex farming systems that used crop-rotation cycles enabled by the different ecological regions of origin. The resulting productivity allowed for demographic expansions and imperial formation in Europe and Asia. In this study, scientists illustrate that people moved these...