129 articles from MONDAY 6.6.2022

Ultrafine ruthenium nanocrystals as an alternative to platinum for a pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction

Currently, electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the most inexpensive, clean, reliable, quiet and affordable industrial-grade efficient hydrogen (H2) production technologies. However, the most effective platinum (Pt) based catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are subject to high price and unsatisfactory stability. Therefore, low cost, high efficiency and high stability HER...

Examining how lichens defend themselves against toxic metals and high acidity

The chemical composition of lichens depends on the basis (substrate) on which they grow. In this way lichens adapt to adverse conditions—such as a high level of acidity (low pH) or the presence of toxic metals. A new property of these organisms was discovered by biologists of the Ural Federal University (UrFU), who studied more than 740 species of lichens. Samples were collected from rocks and...

Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn

Although about 20% of Illinois cropping systems are planted to continuous corn, it's nearly impossible to find fields planted this way for decades at a time. Yet long-term experiments like one at the University of Illinois, including over 40 years of continuous corn under different nitrogen fertilizer rates, provide incredible learning opportunities and soil management lessons for researchers and...

Analysis of huntsman spiders reveals patterns of social behavior

A new study of huntsman spiders links evolutionary lineages with life history traits, providing patterns for predicting social behaviors in other less-studied species. Sociality is very rare in spiders—only five out of close to 1,300 huntsman species are known to exhibit social behaviors.

Revelations of genetic diversity of bass species can enhance conservation

A new study by Yale ichthyologists provides a clearer picture of species diversity among black basses—one of the most cherished and economically important lineages of freshwater gamefish. Their findings can help guide the conservation and management of bass species that are both prized by anglers across the globe and ranked among the world's most invasive organisms.

Carbon dioxide levels are now 50% higher than during the pre-industrial era

CO2 has not been so high since before hominids walked upright – and are not dropping fast enough to avert catastropheThe level of carbon dioxide in the world’s atmosphere is now more than 50% higher than during the pre-industrial era, further pushing the planet into conditions not experienced for millions of years, well before the emergence of humans, US government data shows.The latest...

Research sheds light on relationship between political affiliations and interpretations of COVID-19 graphs

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we've been inundated with data in the form of charts and graphs that show important metrics related to the virus. For example, bar graphs have been used to plot the number of cases in various countries, and line graphs have been used to show trends in the number of cases over time ("the curve"). Data visualizations like these are critically important tools that...

What is the best radiation shielding for the surface of Mars?

The planet Mars is calling to us. At least, that is the impression one gets when examining all the planned and proposed missions to the red planet in the coming decade. With so many space agencies currently sending missions there to characterize its environment, atmosphere, and geological history, it seems likely that crewed missions are right around the corner. In fact, both NASA and China have...

Are the ethics of synthetic biology fit for purpose?

Synthetic biology promises far reaching solutions to human concerns, from averting climate catastrophes to medical breakthroughs. But are ethics keeping pace with emerging technology? The case study of engineered Artemisinin, used to combat malaria, suggests a more nuanced approach is needed to address the ethical challenges such advances bring.

Research finds tree plantations encroaching on essential ecosystems

Trees store carbon, filter the air, create habitat, and supply a host of other benefits for animals and people. Planting the right trees, in the right places, in consultation with local communities, can support goals like addressing climate change and improving lives. However, new research led by Matthew Fagan, assistant professor of geography and environmental systems at UMBC, finds that some...

New model offers physics-inspired rankings evaluation

The world is rife with rankings and orderings. They show up in tennis—as in the French Open, which ends with a final ranking of champion players. They show up in pandemics—as when public health officials can record new infections and use contact tracing to sketch networks of COVID-19 spread. Systems of competition, conflict, and contagion can all give rise to hierarchies.

New way to identify influenza A virus lights up when specific virus targets are present

The influenza A virus, which is responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks, is also the only influenza virus that has previously caused flu pandemics. This makes influenza A an important research topic, as the seasonal flu causes between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths per year globally. Because the influenza A virus is constantly changing, or mutating, it can be difficult to detect, treat, and inoculate...

Indigenous Borneans knew a tree was two distinct species -- genetic analysis confirms they were right

Over 200 years ago, a Spanish botanist described Artocarpus odoratissimus, a species of fruit-bearing tree found in Borneo and the Philippines. The Iban people, who are Indigenous to Borneo, know the tree to have two different varieties, which they call lumok and pingan, distinguished by their fruit size and shape. Despite this knowledge, Western botanists have long considered the tree as a single...

Including all types of emissions shortens timeline to reach Paris Agreement temperature targets

Looking beyond carbon dioxide emissions to include other human-generated pollutants, like methane, nitrogen oxide and particulate pollution, changes the picture for how much warming is already 'baked in' to the climate system. Earth will continue to warm even if all emissions cease, and Earth will be committed to reaching peak temperatures about five to 10 years before experiencing them.

Molecules found in mucus can thwart fungal infection

Researchers have identified components of mucus that can specifically interact with the fungus Candida albicans and prevent it from causing infection. These molecules, known as glycans, are a major constituent of mucins, the gel-forming polymers that make up mucus.

Body versus brain: New evidence for an autoimmune cause of schizophrenia

Researchers have found that some people with schizophrenia have autoantibodies -- which are made by the immune system and recognize the body's own proteins, rather than outside threats such as viruses or bacteria -- against NCAM1, a protein that's important for communication between brain cells. The patients' autoantibodies also caused schizophrenia-related behaviors in mice. These findings may...

Origin of the boson peak in amorphous solids

Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo used molecular dynamics simulations to better understand the unusual properties of amorphous solids, such as glass. They found that certain dynamical defects help explain the allowed vibrational modes inside the material. This work may lead to controlling the properties of amorphous materials.

New nanoparticles aid sepsis treatment in mice

Sepsis, the body's overreaction to an infection, affects more than 1.5 million people and kills at least 270,000 every year in the U.S. alone. The standard treatment of antibiotics and fluids is not effective for many patients, and those who survive face a higher risk of death.