141 articles from MONDAY 1.11.2021
Curbing air pollution could prevent millions of deaths in North America over next 50 years
Curbing climate change and improving air quality could provide greater health benefits in our lifetime than previously thought, potentially preventing millions of deaths and hospitalizations in the U.S. alone during the next half-century, new research...
Environmental DNA is a reliable way to learn about migration from the ocean twilight zone
The mid-ocean "twilight zone" holds the key to several tantalizing questions about the marine food web and carbon-sequestering capacity of the ocean. But studying this vast and remote area is extremely difficult. Many inhabitants of the twilight zone are easily destroyed during sampling—or are quick to avoid any disturbance—so it's difficult to sample them with traditional nets. Advances in...
How 1.5 C temperature rise can cause significant changes in coastal species
A temperature increase of around 1.5°C—just under the maximum target agreed at the COP23 Paris meeting in 2017—can have a marked impact on algae and animal species living on UK coastlines, new research has found.
Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory
In the last few years, a class of materials called antiferroelectrics has been increasingly studied for its potential applications in modern computer memory devices. Research has shown that antiferroelectric-based memories might have greater energy efficiency and faster read and write speeds than conventional memories, among other appealing attributes. Further, the same compounds that can exhibit...
How conspiracy theorists exploited COVID-19 science
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy theorists have exploited the conditional nature of science and questioned the trustworthiness and motives of federal agencies and officials to depict scientists and health authorities as malign actors.
The Guardian view on spooky science: AI needs regulating before it’s too late | Editorial
If by 2052 a computer could match the human brain then we need better ways to build it“Progress in AI is something that will take a while to happen, but [that] doesn’t make it science fiction.” So Stuart Russell, the University of California computing professor, told the Guardian at the weekend. The scientist said researchers had been “spooked” by their own success in the field. Prof...
Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:18
A team of researchers has discovered unexpectedly familiar behavior in the antiferroelectric material known as zirconium dioxide, or zirconia.
Researchers boost human mental function with brain stimulation
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
Researchers show it is possible to improve specific human brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility by merging artificial intelligence with targeted electrical brain stimulation.
Study shows how 1.5°C temperature rise can cause significant changes in coastal species
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
As COP26 leaders gather in the UK, new research shows a temperature increase of around 1.5°C -- just under the maximum target agreed at the COP23 Paris meeting in 2017 -- can have a marked impact on algae and animal species living on our coastlines.
Antibody treatment prevents inflammation in lungs, nervous system in macaques with SARS-CoV-2, study finds
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
Monoclonal antibodies protected aged, diabetic rhesus macaque monkeys from disease due to SARS-CoV-2 and reduced signs of inflammation, including in cerebrospinal fluid, according to a new study.
What’s down there? WHOI study shows environmental DNA is a reliable way to learn about migration from the ocean twilight zone
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
The mid-ocean 'twilight zone' holds the key to several tantalizing questions about the marine food web and carbon-sequestering capacity of the ocean. But studying this vast and remote area is extremely difficult. Many inhabitants of the twilight zone are easily destroyed during sampling -- or are quick to avoid any disturbance -- so it's difficult to sample them with traditional nets. Advances in...
New test to diagnose aggressive childhood brain tumors
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
Researchers have developed a new test to more easily diagnose medulloblastoma, the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. The test -- which can distinguish between extremely high-risk medulloblastoma cases that need radiation therapy from those that are lower-risk and do not need radiation -- could help pave the way for personalized treatment options for children suffering from the disease....
Sperm switch swimming patterns to locate egg
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
A new study reveals how sperm change their swimming patterns to navigate to the egg, shifting from a symmetrical motion that moves the sperm in a straight path to an asymmetrical one that promotes more circular swimming.
How bread wheat got its gluten: Tracing the impact of a long-lost relative on modern bread wheat
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:17
Genetic detective work has uncovered an obscure ancestor of modern bread wheat, in a finding similar to uncovering a famous long-lost relative through DNA analysis in humans.
Uncovering the secrets behind Earth’s first major mass extinction
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:15
New research reveals more information about the first and oldest of the 'big five' extinctions. Around 85% of marine species, most of which lived in shallow oceans near continents, disappeared during that time.
Climate change to stir up global agriculture within next decade
- ScienceDaily
- 21/11/1 19:15
New computer simulations predict deep changes in growing conditions affecting the productivity of major crops already within the next 10 years if current global warming trends continue. Maize crop yields are projected to decline by almost a quarter by the end the century, while wheat could potentially see global yield increases of about 17%. Current key breadbasket regions will see severe changes...
Climate change: Is Greta Thunberg right about UK carbon emissions?
The climate activist has questioned the UK's figure on its carbon emissions reduction.
Schools Could Help More Kids Get the COVID-19 Vaccine. But History Has Some Warnings
Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for kids aged 5 to 11, the Biden Administration has signaled that it will rely on a “trusted messenger” to get information to parents and provide access to vaccines once they’re approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: schools. As part…
COP26: The Queen's message and other key moments in the global climate change conference's 1st day
Global leaders have gathered at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, to discuss urgent action to combat a rapidly warming world. Here are some memorable quotes from heads of state and government and others who are giving speeches Monday, the second day of the two-week conference in...
Did you solve it? The playful genius of Hungarian puzzles
The solutions to today’s 3D logic puzzlesEarlier today I set you the following “three-dimensional” logic puzzles, a genre thought to have emerged decades ago in Hungary. (For more details about the Hungarian link here’s the story.) The idea is that the solution is mapped out on a three-dimensional grid.1. Date night Continue...
World leaders urged to 'save humanity' at climate summit
World leaders must act to "save humanity", UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Monday as they met for the historic COP26 climate summit that observers said got under way with more talk than action.