139 articles from TUESDAY 2.8.2022

First global map of cargo ship pollution reveals effects of fuel regulations

A new study used satellite data from 2003 -- 2020 to determine the effect of fuel regulations on pollution from cargo ships. The research team's data revealed significant changes in sulfur pollution after regulations went into effect in 2015 and 2020. Their extensive data set can also help scientists determine the extent of the cooling effect of particulate matter when it interacts with clouds....

Why are some birds more intelligent than others?

If you've ever seen a grackle steal your dog pellets or a starling peck open a garbage bag, you get a sense of that some birds have learned to take advantage of new feeding opportunities -- a clear sign of their intelligence. Scientists have long wondered why certain species of birds are more innovative than others, and whether these capacities stem from larger brains (which intuitively seems...

With innovative bioreactor as womb, mouse stem cells transform into organ-filled embryos

What happens in embryonic development is one of nature’s best guarded secrets, unfolding deep in the mother’s body. Now, researchers have opened a new window on the process. They’ve made artificial mouse embryos from stem cells—no sperm or eggs required—and used an innovative bioreactor to nurture their creations for longer than any previous embryo models. The simulated embryos...

Scientists reveal method of converting methane gas into liquid methanol

A group of researchers has succeeded in converting methane into methanol using light and dispersed transition metals such as copper in a process known as photo-oxidation. According to an article reporting the study published in Chemical Communications, the reaction was the best obtained to date for conversion of methane gas into liquid fuel under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure (25...

Major research associations submit Supreme Court amicus brief in support of race-conscious admissions practices

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) and six other leading research associations have submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of narrowly tailored race-conscious admissions practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Joining AERA on the brief were the American Anthropological Association, the American Association for the Advancement...

The Guardian view on long Covid: an unknown enemy | Editorial

At least 2 million people in the UK are struggling with symptoms months or years after falling ill. They need support as well as treatmentHow do you tackle a problem when you don’t know what it is? Covid-19 was an unknown enemy, but was quickly identified. Long Covid, its equally unwelcome offspring, is a lesser threat, but is proving harder to pin down. Doctors are clear that it is widespread...

Computer modelling aims to inform restoration, conservation of coral reefs

A research team has created a computer modelling program to help scientists predict the effect of climate damage and eventual restoration plans on coral reefs around the globe. This is a critical objective because climate change is killing many coral species and can lead to the collapse of entire coral reef ecosystems, according to researchers.