Author: Dangist
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Evolution of pandemic coronavirus outlines the path from animals to humans
Summary A team of scientists studying the origin of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, found that it was especially well-suited to jump from animals to humans by shapeshifting as it gained the ability to infect human cells. Conducting a genetic analysis, researchers from Duke University, Los Alamos National Laboratory,…
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Global environmental changes leading to shorter, younger trees
Fig 1. Forests are becoming shorter and younger because of a range of factors, a new study says. Ongoing environmental changes are transforming forests worldwide, resulting in shorter and younger trees with broad impacts on global ecosystems, scientists say. In a global study published in the May 29 issue of the journal Science, researchers led…
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New linguistic findings on the prevalence of ‘LOL’
Summary A new study involving a scientific analysis of the prevalence of ‘LOL’ in students’ text messages demonstrates important potential applications for classroom learning. The study’s authors, Katie Welch and Marco Shappeck highlight how their work with students conducting linguistics research at the University of North Texas at Dallas aligns with an emerging…
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Microbial cyborgs: Bacteria supplying power
Fig 1. The bacteria (green) are embedded in a composite made of carbon nanotubes (grey) and silica nanoparticles (violet) interwoven with DNA (blue). Electronic devices are still made of lifeless materials. One day, however, “microbial cyborgs” might be used in fuel cells, biosensors, or bioreactors. Scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have created the…
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Mats made from nanofibers linked to a red wine chemical could help prevent oxidation
Fig 1. New mesh-like mats created by Texas A&M researchers are strong, stable and deliver antioxidant activity for prolonged periods of time. Spoiling foods, souring wine and worsening wounds have a common culprit—a process called oxidation. Although the ill effects of these chemical reactions can be curtailed by antioxidants, creating a sturdy platform capable of…
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Family environment affects adolescent brain development
Childhood environment and socioeconomic status affect cognitive ability and brain development during adolescence independently of genetic factors, researchers report. The study demonstrates how important the family environment is, not just during early infancy but also throughout adolescence. While the way in which genes and environment affect the brain and cognitive faculties is a…
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Scientists find first evidence of microplastics passing from insects to predators in rivers
A species of river bird is swallowing hundreds of plastic fibres every day via their insect prey, research by Cardiff University and the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter has shown. Dippers are also inadvertently feeding thousands of plastic fibers contained in insects to their nest-bound chicks during their development. The aquatic songbirds…
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New urine testing method holds promise for kidney stone sufferers
Simpler test that can be done in doctor’s office offers results in 30 minutes Summary An improved urine-testing system for people suffering from kidney stones inspired by nature may enable patients to receive results within 30 minutes instead of the current turnaround time of a week or more. An improved urine-testing system for…
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Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover
Fig 1. Acropora corals. Colourful bleaching in New Caledonia. A new study by the University of Southampton has revealed why some corals exhibit a dazzling colourful display, instead of turning white, when they suffer ‘coral bleaching’ – a condition which can devastate reefs and is caused by ocean warming. The scientists behind the research think…
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Heating poppy seeds, but not baking them in muffins, reduce opiate levels
Fig 1. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) You might have heard the advice to avoid eating a poppy seed bagel or muffin before a drug screen, lest you test positive for opiates. This urban legend is rooted in truth because the tiny black seeds contain small amounts of morphine and codeine that can show up in…