287 articles from WEDNESDAY 2.12.2020

Study shows promising material can store solar energy for months or years

Lancaster University researchers studying a crystalline material have discovered it has properties that allow it to capture energy from the sun. The energy can be stored for several months at room temperature, and it can be released on demand in the form of heat.With further development, these kinds of materials could offer exciting potential as a way of capturing solar energy during the summer...

SWOG Cancer Research Network hits SABCS with high impact research

SWOG Cancer Research Network members will share results of five network-led studies at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, or SABCS, an international gathering of breast cancer physicians and researchers expected to draw 8,000 virtual attendees from more than 80 countries that runs Dec. 8-11.

Visualisation reveals how a protein 'hunkers down' to conserve energy

A visualisation made from nearly 100,000 electron microscope images has revealed the ingenious way a protein involved in muscle activity shuts itself down to conserve energy. The protein is called myosin and it is known as a molecular motor because of the way it interacts with other proteins and energy molecules to generate force and movement. It is found inside muscle fibres where it forms long...

What's killing killer whales?

Pathology reports on more than 50 killer whales stranded over nearly a decade in the northeast Pacific and Hawaii show that orcas face a variety of mortal threats -- many stemming from human interactions.

What's killing killer whales?

Pathology reports on more than 50 killer whales stranded over nearly a decade in the northeast Pacific and Hawaii show that orcas face a variety of mortal threats--many stemming from human interactions. The study also presents a baseline understanding of orca health.

When the rains stopped

What can archaeologists tell us about the impacts of climate change on human history? Facets of human life, like breathing, cooking, bathing, agriculture, and engaging with the outdoors, become intertwined with a region's hydroclimate. Interactions with air and water, in turn, influence the ways humans construct and modify their societies.

Why does it matter if most Republican voters still think Biden lost?

As President-elect Joe Biden and his administrative team officially begin the transition process, only about 20 percent of Republican voters consider him the true winner of the election. Nearly half of all respondents--48 percent--still expect President Donald Trump to be inaugurated for a second term on January 20, despite plenty of indicators to the contrary. Those are among the findings of the...

Xenophobic and racist policies in the US may have harmful effect on birth outcomes

The first U.S. Executive Order of the 2017 travel ban targeting individuals from Muslim majority countries may be associated with preterm births for women from those countries residing in the U.S., according to a new study conducted at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The research also showed that structurally xenophobic and racist policies in the U.S. may have a harmful effect...

Melbourne Museum acquires world’s most complete triceratops skeleton in ‘immense’ dinosaur deal

Unlike the ‘dime a dozen’ T-Rex, there are only a handful of near-complete triceratops skeletons in the world – and one is coming to AustraliaMelbourne Museum will become permanent home to the world’s most complete triceratops skeleton, with the “immense and unprecedented” $3m acquisition of a 67m-year-old dinosaur fossil.After two years of negotiation and due diligence, the Victorian...

Chang’e-5: why has China sent a probe to the moon?

The unmanned Chang’e-5 spacecraft has landed on the moon to pick up lunar rock samples, something not attempted since the 1970sChina has successfully landed a probe on the moon. There, the unmanned Chang’e-5 will prepare to collect the first lunar samples gathered since the Soviet Union’s Luna 24 mission in 1976. Here is everything you need to know: Continue...

Coronavirus live news: CDC suggests first vaccines to US healthcare workers; England enters tier system

US hospitalisations surge; New tier system replaces lockdown; BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna file for EU approval of Covid-19 vaccineJohnson suffers biggest Commons revolt as MPs back tougher Covid tiers US hospitals fill with 100,000 Covid-19 cases CDC panel recommends giving vaccines to healthcare workers firstSee all our coronavirus coverage 2.20am GMT Texas surpassed 9,000 hospitalized...