186 articles from THURSDAY 20.1.2022
Research demonstrates a new technique for improving long-distance quantum key distribution in a real-world field
An experiment, performed by Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRIM) on 200 km of the Italian Quantum Backbone, in collaboration with Toshiba Europe, shows that coherent laser interferometry considerably improves the performances of quantum key distribution protocols in long-distance, real-world networks. The study has been published in Nature Communications.
Pristine groundwater seeps support native algae on Hawai'i's coasts
Native marine macroalgae, also known as limu, or as seaweed, thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, specifically benefiting from the combined effects of enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels, according to a review published recently by a team of University of Hawai'i at Mānoa researchers. Conversely, in areas where the seeping groundwater is tainted by excess...
Geothermal heating co-op shares warmth among Montreal neighbours
In this week's issue of our environment newsletter, we look at a geothermal heating project that emerged in a Montreal laneway and what might be in store for Canada's nuclear...
Scientists confirm a highly eccentric black hole merger for the first time
For the first time, scientists believe they have detected a merger of two black holes with eccentric orbits. According to a paper published in Nature Astronomy by researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology's Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation and the University of Florida, this can help explain how some of the black hole mergers detected by LIGO Scientific Collaboration...
Babies can tell who has close relationships based on one clue: Saliva
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Neuroscientists have identified a specific signal that young children and even babies can use to determine whether two people have a strong relationship and a mutual obligation to help each other: whether those two people kiss, share food, or have other interactions that involve sharing saliva.
Quantum dots boost perovskite solar cell efficiency and scalability
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Scientists have boosted the efficiency and scalability of perovskite solar cells by replacing their electron-transport layers with a thin layer of quantum dots.
Development of a lithium-air battery with an energy density over 500 wh/kg
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Researchers have developed a lithium-air battery with an energy density over 500Wh/kg -- significantly higher than currently lithium ion batteries. The research team then confirmed that this battery can be charged and discharged at room temperature. In addition, the team found that the battery developed by the team shows the highest energy densities and best cycle life performances ever achieved....
Artificial pancreas proves ‘life-changing’ for very young children with type 1 diabetes and their families
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
An artificial pancreas is helping protect very young children with type 1 diabetes at a particularly vulnerable time of their lives. A study published today found that it is both safe to use and more effective at managing their blood sugar levels than current technology.
Just what is a ‘resilient’ forest, anyway?
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
What does a 'resilient' forest look like in California's Sierra Nevada? A lot fewer trees than we're used to, according to a study of frequent-fire forests.
Advancing materials science with the help of biology and a dash of dish soap
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Scientists have finally found a way to probe delicate microcrystals with powerful X-ray laser beams. They say their method could help advance semiconductor and solar cell development.
Zeolite nanotube discovery
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Researchers discover crystalline zeolites in a nanotubular (1D) shape.
Undescended testis: Fate of fertility predicted by blood biomarkers
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
In boys with undescended testis, the risk of developing infertility is traditionally predicted based on a decrease in germ cell count observed using testicular biopsy samples. However, the process of testicular biopsy carries the risk of injury, infection, and developing subfertility. In a new study, researchers from Japan have identified an alternative means of predicting future infertility based...
Scientists identify new genus and species of legume, now mysteriously extinct
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Researchers have described a new legume tree from flowers embedded in several lumps of amber recovered from deep within an amber mine in the mountains of the Dominican Republic.
Branching worm discovered in Japan named after Godzilla’s nemesis
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 20:07
Branching marine worms are bizarre creatures with one head but a body that branches over and over again into multiple posterior ends. Until now, only two species of these curious beasts, thought to be extremely rare, were known. However, a third species has now been discovered and described. The worm, named Ramisyllis kingghidorahi after King Ghidorah, Godzilla's monster enemy, was discovered in...
Landmark advancement in flow cytometry technology
Becton, Dickinson and Company, a global medical technology company, today announced that a study conducted in collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and published as the cover story of the January 21 issue of the journal Science profiles a new BD innovation in flow cytometry that adds fluorescence imaging and image-based decisioning to sort individual cells at...
COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility, study finds
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 19:51
New findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccination does not impair fertility, but males who become infected by the coronavirus may experience short-term reduced fertility.
Creating sustainable material from waste
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 19:51
A team of researchers looking for ways to upcycle biomass into new products has demonstrated that it is possible to efficiently turn industrially processed lignin into high-performance plastics, such as bio-based 3D-printing resins, and valuable chemicals. An economic and life-cycle analysis reveals the approach can be competitive with similar petroleum-based products, too.
You can feel this acid when you work out. Now it may increase knowledge of cancer medicine
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 19:51
New research shows that specific enzymes can remove lactic acid marks. This finding may increase our understanding of cancer medicine and how physical exercise, among other things, can affect human epigenetics.
An all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 19:51
A team of researchers has come up with a new approach to streamline the process that people with diabetes use to estimate the carbohydrate content of a meal, draw blood to measure current blood glucose levels, and calculate and deliver the correct insulin dose.
Mapping dementia-linked protein interactions yields potential new treatment targets
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 19:51
By mapping all the protein interactions of a dementia-linked protein in the brain called Tau, a team of investigators has created a road map for identifying potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
Doomsday Clock remains at 100 seconds to midnight amid climate change, cybersecurity and pandemic
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists revealed their annual Doomsday Clock announcement, leaving the hands of the metaphorical clock the closest to midnight in its 75-year...
The Guardian view on dropping Covid restrictions: follow the scandal | Editorial
The scrapping of plan B is driven by the prime minister’s political panic, not scientific guidanceNo one is under the illusion that the ending of Covid restrictions in England from next week is driven by science. The prime minister’s announcement on Wednesday was prompted by political desperation, not data. The daily death rate on Wednesday was reported as 359.Scientists warn that infections...
Sidewinding young stellar jets spied by Gemini South
Young stellar jets are a common by-product of star formation and are thought to be caused by the interplay between the magnetic fields of rotating young stars and the disks of gas surrounding them. These interactions eject twin torrents of ionized gas in opposite directions, such as those pictured in two images captured by astronomers using the Gemini South telescope on Cerro Pachón on the edge...
Polish researchers invent anti-smog sound cannon
In a battle against Poland's constant smog, scientists are testing out a new "cannon" that uses soundwaves to push toxic particles higher into the atmosphere to allow residents to breathe.
The cellular response that protects pigs from COVID-19
- ScienceDaily
- 22/1/20 18:54
Studies since the start of the pandemic have noted that pigs exposed to the coronavirus don't show clinical signs of disease nor do they transmit the virus to other animals. Scientists have uncovered important clues that shed light on why pigs don't get sick, and the discovery could lead to better treatments for COVID-19 in humans.