ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

---

• Half the earth relatively intact from global human influence
• Stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency
• An aspirin a day keeps the bowel doctor away
• Scientists carry out first space-based measurement of neutron lifetime
• Slow down: Reduced speed limits save lives in busy cities
• Recovery of sea otter populations yields more benefits than costs
• Plastic in the deep sea: Virtually unaltered after a quarter of a century
• Brain cells can harbor and spread HIV virus to the body
• Denisovan DNA influences immune system of modern day Oceanian populations
• 'Matador' guppies trick predators
• More than 1000 tons of plastic rains into Western US protected lands annually
• Scientists detect unexpected widespread structures near Earth's core
• Utah's arches continue to whisper their secrets
• New distance measurements bolster challenge to basic model of universe
• Sound waves transport droplets for rewritable lab-on-a-chip devices
• Neuroscientists discover neural circuits that control hibernation-like behaviors in mice
• Ancient crocodiles walked on two legs like dinosaurs
• The brain uses minimum effort to look for key information in text
• Tropical disease in medieval Europe revises the history of a pathogen related to syphilis
• Ancient origin for key hormone system: Sea cucumbers
• Elite gamers share mental toughness with top athletes, study finds
• The mystery of visual stability
• Compound in the gills of clams may fight common infections
• Astronomers discover how long-lived Peter Pan discs evolve
• Reaction microscope 'X-rays' individual molecules
• After a century of searching, scientists find new liquid phase
• Scientists apply 'twistronics' to light propagation and make a breakthrough discovery
• Human embryo-like model created from human stem cells
• High doses of ketamine can temporarily switch off the brain
• Crop pathogens 'remarkably adaptable'
• Lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children
• Cascade sets the stage for superconductivity in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene
• Solving a Parkinson's disease puzzle through protein design
• Ultra-thin camera lenses of the future could see the light of day
• Novel approach for treating eczema
• New genetic defect linked to ALS
• Island 'drowning' is not inevitable as sea levels rise
• Bedrock type under forests greatly affects tree growth, species, carbon storage
• Researchers mimic nature for fast, colorful 3D printing
• Newly synthesized fungal compound can switch on a self-destruct button for cancer
• Roadkill study identifies animals most at risk in Europe
• Can gut microbiome alter drug safety and efficacy?
• What can maritime shipping learn from brain network science?
• Kissing bugs also find suitable climatic conditions in Europe

Half the earth relatively intact from global human influence Posted: 11 Jun 2020 03:39 PM PDT If we act quickly and decisively, there is a slim window in which we can still conserve roughly half of Earth's land in a relatively intact state, a new study suggests.

Stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency Posted: 11 Jun 2020 03:39 PM PDT A theoretical study suggests that small changes in roadway paving practices could reduce that efficiency loss, potentially eliminating a half-percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, at little to no cost.

An aspirin a day keeps the bowel doctor away Posted: 11 Jun 2020 03:39 PM PDT A regular dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of inherited bowel cancer lasts at least 10 years after stopping treatment, research has revealed.

Scientists carry out first space-based measurement of neutron lifetime Posted: 11 Jun 2020 03:39 PM PDT Scientists have found a way of measuring neutron lifetime from space for the first time -- a discovery that could teach us more about the early universe.

Slow down: Reduced speed limits save lives in busy cities Posted: 11 Jun 2020 03:39 PM PDT Traffic accidents are the leading cause of non-natural deaths worldwide. Lower speed limits may help prevent accidents. But speed-reduction policies can be controversial and effects are not well documented. A new study shows that speed reductions in São Paulo, Brazil, dramatically reduced fatal accidents and increased travel times only minimally.

Recovery of sea otter populations yields more benefits than costs Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:25 PM PDT Researchers have created a new model to evaluate the long-term economic benefits of top predator recovery, using sea otter recovery along the west coast of Canada as a case study.

Plastic in the deep sea: Virtually unaltered after a quarter of a century Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:24 PM PDT Even in the most remote regions of the oceans plastic debris can be found. Usually it is impossible to determine how long they have been lying on the seabed. Up to now, this has also hampered attempts to estimate how long plastic degradation might take. Scientists have now examined plastic items that have verifiably been at the abyssal seabed for more than 20 years. They could not find any traces of fragmentation or even degradation.

Brain cells can harbor and spread HIV virus to the body Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:24 PM PDT Researchers have found that astrocytes, a type of brain cell can harbor HIV and then spread the virus to immune cells that traffic out of the brain and into other organs. HIV moved from the brain via this route even when the virus was suppressed by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), a standard treatment for HIV.

Denisovan DNA influences immune system of modern day Oceanian populations Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:24 PM PDT More than 120,000 novel human genetic variations that affect large regions of DNA have been discovered, some of which are linked to immune response, disease susceptibility or digestion.

'Matador' guppies trick predators Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:24 PM PDT Trinidadian guppies behave like matadors, focusing a predator's point of attack before dodging away at the last moment, new research shows.

More than 1000 tons of plastic rains into Western US protected lands annually Posted: 11 Jun 2020 12:14 PM PDT Watershed researchers estimate more than 1000 tons of microplastics (equal to more than 123 million plastic water bottles) are deposited in national parks and wilderness areas each year. Researchers used high-resolution atmospheric deposition data and identified samples of microplastics and other particulates collected over 14 months in 11 western U.S. national parks and wilderness areas. They identified plastic and polymers' composition to identify sources of plastic emitted into the atmosphere and tracked its movement.

Scientists detect unexpected widespread structures near Earth's core Posted: 11 Jun 2020 11:31 AM PDT A new study has produced the first analysis of seismic echoes from hundreds of earthquakes at once, revealing widespread structures at the core-mantle boundary. Previous studies were limited to analysis of single earthquakes, providing only a narrow window into the structure deep inside the Earth. This study enables a much wider view than ever before, revealing new, unexpected features and expanding the size of a previously known feature beneath Hawaii.

Utah's arches continue to whisper their secrets Posted: 11 Jun 2020 11:30 AM PDT Two new studies show what can be learned from a short seismic checkup of natural rock arches and how erosion sculpts some arches -- like the iconic Delicate Arch -- into shapes that lend added strength.

New distance measurements bolster challenge to basic model of universe Posted: 11 Jun 2020 10:31 AM PDT A cosmic measurement technique independent of all others adds strong evidence pointing to a problem with the current theoretical model describing the composition and evolution of the Universe.

Sound waves transport droplets for rewritable lab-on-a-chip devices Posted: 11 Jun 2020 10:31 AM PDT Engineers have demonstrated a versatile microfluidic lab-on-a-chip that uses sound waves to create tunnels in oil to digitally manipulate and transport droplets. The technology could form the basis of a small-scale, programmable, rewritable biomedical chip that is completely reusable for disparate purposes from on-site diagnostics to laboratory-based research.

Neuroscientists discover neural circuits that control hibernation-like behaviors in mice Posted: 11 Jun 2020 10:31 AM PDT Neuroscientists have discovered a population of neurons in the hypothalamus that controls hibernation-like behavior, or torpor, in mice, revealing for the first time the neural circuits that regulate this state. By better understanding these processes in mice and other animal models, the authors envision the possibility of one day working toward inducing torpor in humans.

Ancient crocodiles walked on two legs like dinosaurs Posted: 11 Jun 2020 08:45 AM PDT An international research team has been stunned to discover that some species of ancient crocodiles walked on their two hind legs like dinosaurs and measured over three metres in length. University of Queensland palaeontologist Dr Anthony Romilio said the researchers first thought the similar-shaped fossilised footprints were from another ancient animal known as the pterosaurs.

The brain uses minimum effort to look for key information in text Posted: 11 Jun 2020 08:45 AM PDT The human brain avoids taking unnecessary effort. When a person is reading, she strives to gain as much information as possible by dedicating as little of her cognitive capacity as possible to the processing.

Tropical disease in medieval Europe revises the history of a pathogen related to syphilis Posted: 11 Jun 2020 08:45 AM PDT Plague was commonplace in medieval times, so finding its victims in a 15th century Lithuanian graveyard was no surprise. However, discovering one woman with a second disease, yaws -- a close relative of modern syphilis found today only in tropical settings -- was something researchers did not expect. The current study's findings are changing perspectives on the evolutionary history of a disease family thought to be out of reach for the study of ancient DNA.

Ancient origin for key hormone system: Sea cucumbers Posted: 11 Jun 2020 07:48 AM PDT A key set of proteins that help regulate hormones necessary for many essential functions in humans and other vertebrates have ancient origins in much simpler creatures such as sea cucumbers, says a new study.

Elite gamers share mental toughness with top athletes, study finds Posted: 11 Jun 2020 07:48 AM PDT In one of the first studies to investigate mental toughness and stress and coping in high performing esports athletes, researchers have found similarities to traditional elite athletes.

The mystery of visual stability Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:42 AM PDT We move our eyes several times per second. These fast eye movements, called saccades, create large image shifts on the retina -- making our visual system work hard to maintain a stable perceptual world. Remapping the retinal image compensates for this; however, errors in actual eye movements cause image shifts, even with remapping.

Compound in the gills of clams may fight common infections Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:42 AM PDT A compound discovered in the gills of wood-eating clams could be the solution to a group of parasites responsible for some of the world's most common infections.

Astronomers discover how long-lived Peter Pan discs evolve Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:42 AM PDT New research has revealed how long-lived Peter Pan discs form, which could provide new insights into how planets arise.

Reaction microscope 'X-rays' individual molecules Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:42 AM PDT For more than 200 years, we have been using X-rays to look inside matter, and progressing to ever smaller structures -from crystals to nanoparticles. Now, physicists have achieved a qualitative leap forward: using a new experimental technique, they have been able to 'X-ray' molecules such as oxygen and view their motion in the microcosm.

After a century of searching, scientists find new liquid phase Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Researchers have discovered an elusive phase of matter, first proposed more than 100 years ago and sought after ever since.

Scientists apply 'twistronics' to light propagation and make a breakthrough discovery Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT A research team has employed ''twistronics'' concepts (the science of layering and twisting two-dimensional materials to control their electrical properties) to manipulate the flow of light in extreme ways. The findings hold the promise for leapfrog advances in a variety of light-driven technologies, including nano-imaging devices; high-speed, low-energy optical computers; and biosensors.

Human embryo-like model created from human stem cells Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Scientists have developed a new model to study an early stage of human development, using human embryonic stem cells.

High doses of ketamine can temporarily switch off the brain Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Researchers have identified two brain phenomena that may explain some of the side-effects of ketamine. Their measurements of the brain waves of sheep sedated by the drug may explain the out-of-body experience and state of complete oblivion it can cause.

Crop pathogens 'remarkably adaptable' Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Pathogens that attack agricultural crops show remarkable adaptability to new climates and new plant hosts, new research shows.

Lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that excessive degradation of the power plants of our cells plays an important role in the onset of mitochondrial disease in children. These inherited metabolic disorders can have severe consequence such as brain dysfunction and neurological impairment.

Cascade sets the stage for superconductivity in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT The researchers used scanning tunneling microscopy to observe what happens when they add additional electrons to magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. They observed a cascade of transitions in the electronic properties, patterns that could help unlock how superconductivity emerge in these materials.

Solving a Parkinson's disease puzzle through protein design Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT Scientists have developed a computational protein design approach, and used it to obtain the first ever high-resolution structure of an activated dopamine receptor in its natural cell membrane environment. The breakthrough will open up a new dimension in drug discovery for Parkinson's disease and perhaps other disorders.

Ultra-thin camera lenses of the future could see the light of day Posted: 11 Jun 2020 06:41 AM PDT In the future, camera lenses could be thousands of times thinner and significantly less resource-intensive to manufacture. Researchers now present a new technology for making the artificial materials known as 'metasurfaces', which consist of a multitude of interacting nanoparticles that together can control light. They could have great use in the optical technology of tomorrow.

Novel approach for treating eczema Posted: 10 Jun 2020 01:04 PM PDT Researchers have identified a key enzyme that contributes to eczema, which may lead to better treatment to prevent the skin disorder's debilitating effects.

New genetic defect linked to ALS Posted: 10 Jun 2020 01:04 PM PDT Researchers have identified how certain gene mutations cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The pathway identified by the researchers may also be responsible for a certain form of dementia related to ALS. The finding could offer potential new approaches for treating this devastating condition.

Island 'drowning' is not inevitable as sea levels rise Posted: 10 Jun 2020 12:20 PM PDT An international study suggests islands composed of gravel material can evolve in the face of overtopping waves, with sediment from the beach face being transferred to the island's surface.

Bedrock type under forests greatly affects tree growth, species, carbon storage Posted: 10 Jun 2020 12:20 PM PDT A forest's ability to store carbon depends significantly on the bedrock beneath, according to researchers who studied forest productivity, composition and associated physical characteristics of rocks in the Appalachian ridge and Valley Region of Pennsylvania.

Researchers mimic nature for fast, colorful 3D printing Posted: 10 Jun 2020 12:20 PM PDT Brilliantly colored chameleons, butterflies, opals - and now some 3D-printed materials -- reflect color by using nanoscale structures called photonic crystals. A new study demonstrates how a modified 3D-printing process provides a versatile approach to producing multiple colors from a single ink.

Newly synthesized fungal compound can switch on a self-destruct button for cancer Posted: 10 Jun 2020 10:51 AM PDT Cancers cells use a special technique to propagate; they delete their 'programmed death' gene through mutation, 'forget' to die when their lifetime is over, and continue to grow instead. A research team has developed a method through which a fungal compound capable of rearming the self-destruct gene in certain cancer cells can be artificially produced in marketable quantities, providing a potential cancer therapeutic strategy.

Roadkill study identifies animals most at risk in Europe Posted: 10 Jun 2020 10:51 AM PDT New method used to predict how many birds and mammals are being killed on European roads, as well as identifying species whose long-term survival is threatened by roads. Roadkill risk is not currently considered when assessing impact of new roads on wildlife, meaning conservation efforts may currently be misplaced.

Can gut microbiome alter drug safety and efficacy? Posted: 10 Jun 2020 10:50 AM PDT Researchers have developed an approach for studying how the gut microbiome chemically alters oral medications, unlocking possibilities for improving efficacy, reducing side effects, and creating drugs personalized to an individual's microbiome.

What can maritime shipping learn from brain network science? Posted: 10 Jun 2020 10:50 AM PDT Researchers show how network science computational theories used for brain analysis can help us to understand global shipping networks and their impact on the world economy.

Kissing bugs also find suitable climatic conditions in Europe Posted: 10 Jun 2020 10:50 AM PDT An infection with Chagas disease is only possible in Latin America since the insect species that spread the disease only occur there. Scientists have now used ecological niche models to calculate the extent to which habitats outside of the Americas may also be suitable for the bugs.

You are subscribed to email updates from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States