391 articles from THURSDAY 28.1.2021
From heat to spin to electricity: Understanding spin transport in thermoelectric devices
Thermoelectric materials, which can generate an electric voltage in the presence of a temperature difference, are currently an area of intense research; thermoelectric energy harvesting technology is among our best shots at greatly reducing the use of fossil fuels and helping prevent a worldwide energy crisis. However, there are various types of thermoelectric mechanisms, some of which are less...
People's acceptance of inequality affects response to company wrongdoings
People who do not accept inequality are more likely to negatively evaluate companies that have committed wrongdoings than people who do accept inequality, and this response varies by culture, according to researchers at Penn State. The team also found that companies can improve their standing with consumers when they offer sincere apologies and remedies for the harm they caused to victims.
Scholars reveal the changing nature of US cities
Cities are not all the same, or at least their evolution isn't, according to new research from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Immune system sets 'tripwire' to protect against viruses
Scientists are opening new windows into understanding more about the constantly shifting evolutionary arms race between viruses and the hosts they seek to infect. Host organisms and pathogens are in a perennial chess match to exploit each other's weaknesses.
New biosensors quickly detect coronavirus proteins and antibodies
Scientists have created a new way to detect the proteins that make up the pandemic coronavirus, as well as antibodies against it. They designed protein-based biosensors that glow when mixed with components of the virus or specific COVID-19 antibodies. This breakthrough could enable faster and more widespread testing in the near future. The research appears in Nature.
Experiments show the record of early life could be full of 'false positives'
For most of Earth's history, life was limited to the microscopic realm, with bacteria occupying nearly every possible niche. Life is generally thought to have evolved in some of the most extreme environments, like hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean or hot springs that still simmer in Yellowstone. Much of what we know about the evolution of life comes from the rock record, which preserves rare...
Covid apps could get a second chance under Biden—but it will take work
As the Biden administration ramps up, it inherits soaring cases and a muddled vaccine rollout— so it’s reasonable to wonder what else can possibly slow the spread of covid-19. Some strategies in the administration’s covid plan are basics, like calling on people to wear masks, doing more testing, and communicating more clearly. But digital technology gets a nod, too: tucked into a list of...
Scientists capture the moments of nascent crystal formation and growth
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
Scientists used high-performance TEM to image the process of gold atoms assembling into nanocrystals. It was discovered that the atoms undergo a spontaneous transition between disordered and crystalline states.
'Be a man': Why some men respond aggressively to threats to manhood
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
When their manhood is threatened, some men respond more aggressively than others. New research suggests who may be most triggered by such threats - younger men whose sense of masculinity depends heavily on other people's opinions.
Genetic analysis of symptoms yields new insights into PTSD
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
A new study uncovers intriguing genetic similarities between PTSD and other mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The findings also suggest that existing drugs commonly used for other disorders might be modified to help treat individual symptoms of multiple disorders.
Chemists settle battery debate, propel research forward
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
Chemists have identified new details of the reaction mechanism that takes place in batteries with lithium metal anodes. The findings are a major step towards developing smaller, lighter, and less expensive batteries for electric vehicles.
Loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs in multiple locations to improve reproductive success
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
Although loggerhead sea turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, a new study finds individual females lay numerous clutches of eggs in locations miles apart from each other which increases the odds that some of their offspring will survive.
Why anesthetic stops cell's walkers in their tracks
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
Researchers detail the mechanism that allows propofol, a common anesthetic, to halt the movement of kinesin proteins that deliver cargoes to the far reaches of cells.
Marine heatwaves becoming more intense, more frequent
- ScienceDaily
- 21/1/28 21:56
When thick, the surface layer of the ocean acts as a buffer to extreme marine heating -- but a new study shows this 'mixed layer' is becoming shallower each year. The thinner it becomes, the easier it is to warm. The new work could explain recent extreme marine heatwaves, and point at a future of more frequent and destructive ocean warming events as global temperatures continue to climb.
Marine heatwaves becoming more intense, more frequent
When thick, the surface layer of the ocean acts as a buffer to extreme marine heating—but a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder shows this "mixed layer" is becoming shallower each year. The thinner it becomes, the easier it is to warm. The new work could explain recent extreme marine heatwaves, and point at a future of more frequent and destructive ocean warming events as global...
Study examines attitudes toward climate change risk
A University of Otago study explored factors which influence Americans' levels of concern over climate change, providing discussion on how those factors could impact mitigation efforts.
3-D printing resins in dental devices may be toxic to reproductive health
Two commercially available 3-D-printable resins, which are marketed as being biocompatible for use in dental applications, readily leach compounds into their surroundings. These compounds can induce severe toxicity in the oocyte, the immature precursor of the egg which can eventually be fertilized, reports a new Northwestern Medicine study in mouse oocytes.
Study shows why anesthetic stops cell's walkers in their tracks
Like a wrench that gums up the gears, a common anesthetic keeps the motor proteins in your cells from making their rounds.
Management without morals can lead to employees' unethical behavior, study finds
An organization that projects an ethical face but whose managers fail to respond to internal ethical situations sends mixed messages to its employees, which can lead to a lack of employees' moral courage and an increase in unethical behavior, according to a study led by a Baylor University researcher.