141 articles from MONDAY 2.8.2021

Improving the observation of protein bonding

Researchers working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new method to observe how proteins, at the single-molecule level, bind with other molecules and more accurately pinpoint certain molecular behavior in complex physiological environments.

Building a better model of Arctic ecosystems

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory added new plant data to a computer model that simulates Arctic ecosystems, enabling it to better predict how vegetation in rapidly warming northern environments may respond to climate change.

A higher-yield fuel catalyst

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers have developed a new catalyst for converting ethanol into C3+ olefins—the chemical building blocks for renewable jet fuel and diesel—that pushes the amount produced to a record-high 88%, a more than 10% gain over their previously developed catalyst.

First additively-manufacture thermal protection shield is going to space

A research team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have 3D printed a thermal protection shield, or TPS, for a capsule that will launch with the Cygnus cargo spacecraft as part of the supply mission to the International Space Station. The launch will mark the first time an additively manufactured TPS has been sent to space.

Birnessite study offers insights for electrochemistry, energy storage

The adsorption of ions from the electrolyte at an electrode surface is a ubiquitous process, of use for both existing and emerging electrochemical energy technologies. But what happens when these ions penetrate very small spaces? To address this question, researchers at NC State re-examined the behavior of a "classic" material, birnessite.

Sea levels influence eruptions on volcanic island

The rise and fall of sea levels influence the likelihood of volcanic eruptions on the Greek island of Santorini, new research led by Oxford Brookes University has discovered. Analyzing the timings of eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years, the researchers found that a 40 meter fall in sea level is a crucial point beyond which eruptions are more likely to occur. The findings could have...

New pathway to mitigate climate change and boost progress on UN Sustainable Development Goals

A world that combats climate change while simultaneously improving on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is possible, a new study finds. Scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the German Development Institute have developed a new integrated strategy that combines ambitious climate action with dedicated policies for development, food and energy access,...

Decline in CO2 cooled Earth's climate more than 30 million years ago

New research led by the University of Bristol demonstrates that a decline in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 played a major role in driving Earth's climate from a warm greenhouse into a cold icehouse world around 34 million years ago. This transition could be partly reversed in the next centuries due to the anthropogenic rise in CO2.

Trapped Saltwater Caused Mangrove Death After Hurricane Irma, NASA Data Show

Portal origin URL: Trapped Saltwater Caused Mangrove Death After Hurricane Irma, NASA Data ShowPortal origin nid: 472930Published: Monday, August 2, 2021 - 10:50Featured (stick to top of list): noPortal text teaser: When Hurricane Irma hit southern Florida in September of 2017, the storm buffeted coastal mangrove forests with winds strong enough to rip off leaves and...

New solid-state thermal diode developed with better rectification performance

The effective control of heat transfer is important in improving energy efficiency. The thermal diode is one of the key elements of heat flow control. Like the current rectification effect found in electronic diodes, heat flow is easily maintained in one direction in a thermal diode, while it is obstructed in the opposite direction. Sizable heat rectification can be obtained using a junction of...

Finding new types of 2D material defects could enable better electronics

Two-dimensional materials are essential for developing new ultra-compact electronic devices, but producing defect-free 2D materials is a challenge. However, discovery of new types of defects in these 2D materials may give insight into how to create materials without such imperfections, according to a group of Penn State researchers.

Common insecticide is harmful to bees in any amount

The dangers of neonicotinoid insecticides likely can't be watered down. That's the conclusion of a new study showing an insecticide made for commercial plant nurseries is harmful to a typical bee even when applied well below the label rate and the plant receives high levels of irrigation.

Bird and mammal diversity is declining with biological invasions

The introduction of invasive species leads to a decline in certain native species: a team of researchers has managed to show that 11% of the global phylogenetic diversity of birds and mammals, in other words their accumulated evolutionary history, is threatened by biological invasions. Their ability to adapt to environmental changes could thus be largely lost due to biological invasions.

New York City's hidden old-growth forests

Tree-ring scientists have mined rare old-growth timbers from demolition at an iconic Manhattan building to produce historical and climate data. Ongoing salvage efforts at other buildings promise to expand on these findings.

Plastic creates 'evolutionary trap' for young sea turtles

Plastic pollution creates an 'evolutionary trap' for young sea turtles, new research shows. After hatching on beaches, sea turtles travel on currents and spend their early years in the open ocean. But these currents now accumulate vast quantities of plastic and -- feeding near the surface -- many young turtles swallow it.

How people prefer to receive life-changing news, be it good or bad

When finding out life-changing news, whether good or bad, some people prefer to receive information as soon as possible. Others wish to receive and process bits of information over time or wait until the last minute to hear the news. Economists have tended to ignore consumers' attitudes toward how information is disclosed.

Higher resolution in ocean models: Is it worth it?

Realistic ocean models require significant computing power, especially as resolution increases from scales of tens of kilometers to a single kilometer. These models are used for short-term and seasonal weather predictions, as well as in long-term climate simulations, all of which are used routinely for decision making. The better the resolution, the better potential dangers can be understood and...

First comprehensive assessment of climate change impacts on coasts and seas across the UK Overseas Territories

Professor John Turner and Dr. Gareth Williams of the School of Ocean Sciences were co-authors of the Indian Ocean Region Assessment which highlighted four priorities, which are the changes in coral species; changes to coral reef habitats; changes to reef islands and sandy beaches and the impacts on the provision of natural coastal protection and island resilience to sea-level rise.