Science News Recap 02/17/2024
- Evidence of geothermal activity within icy dwarf planets Abstract: A team found evidence for hydrothermal or metamorphic activity within the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake, located in the Kuiper Belt. Methane detected on their surfaces has the tell-tale signs of warm or even hot geochemistry in their rocky cores, which is markedly different than the signature of methane from a comet.
- Discovery of new Li ion conductor unlocks new direction for sustainable batteries Abstract: Researchers have discovered a solid material that rapidly conducts lithium ions. Consisting of non-toxic earth-abundant elements, the new material has high enough Li ion conductivity to replace the liquid electrolytes in current Li ion battery technology, improving safety and energy capacity. The research team have synthesized the material in the laboratory, determined its structure and demonstrated it in a battery cell.
- First-ever atomic freeze-frame of liquid water Abstract: Scientists report the first look at electrons moving in real-time in liquid water; the findings open up a whole new field of experimental physics.
- Diving deeper into our oceans: Underwater drones open new doors for global coral reef research Abstract: Scientists take innovation in coral e-DNA monitoring to the next level.
- The brain is ‘programmed’ for learning from people we like Abstract: Our brains are ‘programmed’ to learn more from people we like — and less from those we dislike. This has been shown by researchers in cognitive neuroscience in a series of experiments.
- School uniform policies linked to students getting less exercise, study finds Abstract: School uniforms could be restricting young people from being active, particularly primary school-aged girls, according to a new study. The study used data about the physical activity of more than a million five-to-17-year-olds in 135 countries. In countries where a majority of schools require students to wear uniforms, fewer young people are meeting the World Health Organization’s recommendations for physical activity (60 minutes per day). Fewer girls are meeting the guidelines than boys — with a standard gap of 7.6 percentage points between boys and girls.
- New epigenetic clocks reinvent how we measure age Abstract: Investigators unveil a new form of epigenetic clock — a machine learning model designed to predict biological age from DNA structure.
- Key genes linked to DNA damage and human disease uncovered Abstract: Scientists unveil 145 genes vital for genome health, and possible strategies to curb progression of human genomic disorders.
- Cleaned surfaces may be germ-free, but they’re not bare Abstract: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, surfaces in public spaces are cleaned more often. While disinfectant solutions eliminate germs, they don’t leave behind a truly bare surface. They deposit a thin film that doesn’t get wiped up, even after giving the surface a good polish. In a new study, researchers show that residues left by commercial cleaning products contain a wider range of compounds that could impact indoor air quality than previously thought.
- The role of jellies as a food source in the Arctic winter Abstract: The Arctic is changing rapidly due to climate change. It is not only affected by increasing surface temperatures, but also by warm water from the Atlantic, which is flowing in more and more — changing the structures and functions of the ecosystem as it also leads to species from warmer regions, such as sea jellies (also known as jellyfish) arriving in the Arctic. Using DNA metabarcoding, researchers have now been able to demonstrate that these jellyfish serve as food for amphipods on Svalbard during the polar night and thus play a greater role in Arctic food webs than previously assumed.
- Pesticides to help protect seeds can adversely affect earthworms’ health Abstract: While pesticides protect crops from hungry animals, pesky insects, or even microbial infections, they also impact other vital organisms, including bees and earthworms. And today, research reveals that worms are affected by the relatively small amounts of chemicals that can leach out of pesticide-treated seeds. Exposure to nonlethal amounts of these insecticides and fungicides resulted in poor weight gain and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in the worms.
- Researchers characterize the immune landscape in cancer Abstract: Researchers have unveiled a detailed understanding of immune responses in cancer, marking a significant development in the field. Utilizing data from more than 1,000 tumors across 10 different cancers, the study is the first to integrate DNA, RNA, and proteomics (the study of proteins), revealing the complex interplay of immune cells in tumors.
- A container ship just tested a system to capture its own CO2 emissions Abstract: Shipping companies are experimenting with onboard carbon capture systems, but they face difficult trade-offs on energy and space for regular cargo
- Nanobot uses a DNA clutch to engage its engine Abstract: A tiny robot with a clutch that mimics similar mechanisms found in microorganisms could be used to trigger the internal workings of a cell
- Russia’s space weapon: Is it nuclear and does it pose a threat? Abstract: US officials have warned of a new international security threat – a mysterious Russian space weapon that may possess nuclear capabilities. Here’s what you need to know
- There aren’t five love languages, despite claims on TikTok Abstract: The science of relationships doesn’t support the idea that there are five love languages. Instead, it’s better to think about love as akin to keeping a nutritionally balanced diet, say psychologists Emily Impett, Haeyoung Gideon Park and Amy Muise
- School uniforms may prevent children from getting enough exercise Abstract: Children who live in countries where school uniforms are the norm appear to be less active than those who don’t, possibly because the clothing restricts their movement
- Satellite beamed power from space to Earth for the first time ever Abstract: If we are ever going to have a solar power station in space, we will need to be able to transmit power from orbit – a feat that has now been achieved
- Submerged wall could be the largest Stone Age megastructure in Europe Abstract: A stone wall nearly a kilometre long found under the Baltic Sea may have been built by ancient hunters to channel deer into a confined space
- Intuitive Machines is about to launch its Odysseus moon lander Abstract: US company Intuitive Machines is launching its Odysseus lander towards the moon’s south pole. If all goes well, it will be the first private firm to put a spacecraft on the moon
Previous Post
