Science news

• Google moves toward quantum supremacy with 72-qubit computer

  05-03-2018 23:17
  
  Google’s 72-qubit quantum chip may eventually perform a task beyond the ability of traditional computers.
  
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• Permafrost contains world's largest deposit of mercury, study suggests

  05-03-2018 23:10 via cbc.ca
  Mercury toxicity can cause neurological problems such as motor impairments or birth defects if it enters the food chain.
  
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• Restoring lipid synthesis could reduce lung fibrosis

  05-03-2018 22:58
  Increasing the body's ability to produce lipids in the lungs after damage prevents the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in preliminary studies.
  
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• 'Epigenetic landscape' is protective in normal aging, impaired in Alzheimer's disease

  05-03-2018 22:58
  Researchers profiled the epigenomic landscape of Alzheimer's brains, specifically in one of the regions affected early in AD, the lateral temporal lobe. They compared these to both younger and elderly cognitively normal control subjects. The team described the genome-wide enrichment of a chemical modification of histone proteins that regulates the compaction of chromosomes in the nucleus. Changes along the genome in disease versus normal aging brains may signify places for future drug developmen
  
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• Wildfires: Smoke and cloud interactions unexpectedly result in cooling

  05-03-2018 22:02
  For years, scientists determined that smoke, overall, diminishes clouds' cooling effect by absorbing light that the clouds beneath the aerosols would otherwise reflect. This new study does not dispute that phenomenon. However, more dominantly, the new study found that smoke and cloud layers are closer to each other than previously thought. This makes the clouds more reflective of light and, thus, accelerates the clouds' cooling effect.
  
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• Tropical forest response to drought depends on age

  05-03-2018 22:02
  Factors most important for regulation of transpiration in young forests in Panama had to do with their ability to access water in the soil, whereas older forests were more affected by atmospheric conditions.
  
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• Roton quasiparticles observed in quantum gas

  05-03-2018 22:02
  An team of physicists has for the first time observed so-called roton quasiparticles in a quantum gas. Empirically introduced by Landau to explain the bizarre properties of superfluid liquid Helium, these quasiparticles reflect an 'energy softening' in the system as precursor of a crystallization instability. The new work demonstrates similar phenomena in the quantum-gas phase thanks to magnetic interactions, paving the way for a novel understanding of paradigmatic states of quantum fluids, such
  
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• New dual-atom catalyst shows promise to yield clean energy by artificial photosynthesis

  05-03-2018 22:02
  An international team of researchers has synthesized a dispersed catalyst featuring two atoms, yielding a stable and highly active platform that could facilitate solar water oxidation for the production and storage of clean energy, the team reports.
  
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• New gene therapy corrects a form of inherited macular degeneration in canine model

  05-03-2018 22:01
  Researchers have developed a gene therapy that successfully treats a form of macular degeneration in a canine model. The work sets the stage for translating the findings into a human therapy for an inherited disease that results in a progressive loss of central vision and which is currently untreatable.
  
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• Low blood sugar poses unaddressed threat to people with type 2 diabetes

  05-03-2018 22:01
  New research finds that clinicians lack the resources to identify, assess and manage patients who are at a high risk of developing hypoglycemia, or episodes of dangerously low blood sugar.
  
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• Genetic 'seeds' of metastatic breast cancer

  05-03-2018 22:01
  Researchers have identified genetic clues that explain how breast cancer spreads, or metastasizes - findings that may lead to better treatments or approaches to prevent its spread at the onset.
  
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• Examination of nearly 100 prior studies on cell phone use in cars underscores hazards

  05-03-2018 22:01
  Analysis of research from 1991 to 2015 on talking on the phone while driving can inform lawmakers in crafting driver safety legislation.
  
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• Suburban sprawl worse than urban growth for CO2 emissions

  05-03-2018 21:06
  Atmospheric scientists report that suburban sprawl increases CO2 emissions more than similar population growth in a developed urban core.
  
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• Submerged aquatic vegetation return is sentinel of Chesapeake Bay ecosystem recovery

  05-03-2018 21:05
  A new research article analyzes the positive impact of long-term nutrient reductions on an important and valuable ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay. Scientists indicate the resurgence of underwater grasses supports nutrient reductions from EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) along with conservation incentives have resulted in a healthier Chesapeake Bay.
  
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• Seeing sounds: Researchers uncover molecular clues for synesthesia

  05-03-2018 21:05
  One in 25 people have synesthesia, perceiving the world in unusual ways. An experience with one sense automatically leads to perception in another sense: for example, seeing colors when listening to music. Now researchers report clues into biological origins of such variations in human perception. They studied families with synesthesia, and describe genetic changes that might contribute to their differences in sensory experience.
  
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• Culprit in Parkinson's brain cell die-off

  05-03-2018 21:05
  Researchers investigate the connection between misfolded proteins and the destruction of mitochondria in neurons.
  
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• Pollution regulations help Chesapeake Bay seagrass rebound

  05-03-2018 21:00
  
  Regulations that have reduced nitrogen runoff into the Chesapeake Bay are driving the recovery of underwater vegetation.
  
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• Comet 'Chury's' late birth

  05-03-2018 20:25
  Comets which consist of two parts, like Chury, can form after a catastrophic collision of larger bodies. Such collisions may have taken place in a later phase of our solar system, which suggests that Chury can be much younger than previously assumed.
  
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• Sustainable ocean development

  05-03-2018 20:24
  Earth's vast and vital oceans are a critical source of economic productivity, but issues of space management, interindustry conflict and environmental degradation often limit sustainable commercial development.
  
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• Gastric bypass surgery can give better control for diabetes and obesity than lifestyle modification

  05-03-2018 20:24
  Patients treated with a form of bariatric surgery did significantly better than patients provided with an intensive diabetes and weight management program.
  
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• By 2100, damaged corals may let waves twice as tall as today’s reach coasts

  05-03-2018 19:41
  
  Structurally complex coral reefs can defend coasts against waves, even as sea levels rise.
  
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• These tropical hummingbirds make cricket-like sounds other birds can't hear

  05-03-2018 19:06
  Researchers have found that a tropical species of hummingbird called a black jacobin makes vocal sounds with an unusually high-frequency pitch that falls outside birds' normal hearing range. It's not yet clear whether the hummingbirds can even hear themselves, the researchers say.
  
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• Retaining talent is paramount for successful firm acquisitions

  05-03-2018 19:06
  A recent study found that when acquiring firms avoid the exodus of scientists from the target firms, their likelihood of creating highly impactful knowledge increases.
  
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• Lens-free fluorescent microscope

  05-03-2018 19:06
  Engineers are developing their FlatScope as a fluorescent microscope able to capture three-dimensional data and produce images from anywhere within the field.
  
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• Deep-sea fish choose habitat according to genotype, new research says

  05-03-2018 19:06
  Scientists have found evidence of natural selection in a deep-sea fish species adapting to the depth of ocean that it inhabits.
  
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• Biochemists zero in on key molecules that enable cells to crawl

  05-03-2018 19:06
  Biochemists have made a discovery that sheds light on the molecular machinery that allows some cells, such as immune cells or even malignant cancer cells in humans, to wiggle their way through tissues like organs, skin or bones.
  
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• Novel PET imaging agent targets copper in tumors, detects prostate cancer recurrence early

  05-03-2018 19:04
  A new study demonstrates that a novel nuclear medicine imaging agent targeting copper accumulation in tumors can detect prostate cancer recurrence early in patients with biochemical relapse (rising prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level).
  
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• Researchers pinpoint gene responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism

  05-03-2018 19:03
  Researchers found alterations of the gene thousand and one amino-acid kinase 2, known as TAOK2, plays a direct role in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. This is the first comprehensive study that supports previous research suggesting the involvement of this gene.
  
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• Algorithm for large-scale brain simulations

  05-03-2018 19:03
  Researchers have made a decisive step towards being able to simulate brain-scale networks on future supercomputers of the exascale class. The breakthrough algorithm allows larger parts of the human brain to be represented, using the same amount of computer memory. Simultaneously, the new algorithm significantly speeds up brain simulations on existing supercomputers.
  
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• Technique to see objects hidden around corners

  05-03-2018 17:15
  Someday your self-driving car could react to hazards before you even see them, thanks to a laser-based imaging technology that can peek around corners.
  
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• Models show how to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C

  05-03-2018 17:15
  There are several ways to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2100, and new research shows under what conditions this could happen.
  
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• Massive astrophysical objects governed by subatomic equation

  05-03-2018 17:15
  Surprisingly, a quintessential equation of quantum mechanics emerges while studying astronomical disks of orbiting material.
  
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• CO converted to CO2 with a single metal atom

  05-03-2018 17:15
  Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that a single metal atom can act as a catalyst in converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction that is commonly used in catalytic converters to remove harmful gases from car exhaust. The research could improve catalytic converter design and also has major implications in the field of computational catalysis.
  
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• Chemical sleuthing unravels possible path to forming life's building blocks in space

  05-03-2018 17:15
  Scientists have used experiments to retrace the chemical steps leading to the creation of complex hydrocarbons in space. They showed pathways to forming 2-D carbon-based nanostructures in a mix of heated gases.
  
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• New way to 'see' the quantum world

  05-03-2018 17:13
  Scientists have invented a new imaging technique that produces rapid, precise measurements of quantum behavior in an atomic clock in the form of near-instant visual art.
  
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• Rare mineral discovered in plants for first time

  05-03-2018 16:16
  A rare mineral that holds enticing potential as a new material for industrial and medical applications has been discovered on alpine plants.
  
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• Producing handy gels from a protein found in human blood

  05-03-2018 16:16
  From blood to the lab: the protein albumin is responsible for many vital processes in the human body. In nature it only appears as a solution when dissolved in water. Chemists have developed a method of producing various albumin-based gels. Their findings may one day help to develop innovative drug carrier systems that more easily reach the bloodstream.
  
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• Mammals share mechanisms controlling the heart with a 400 million-year-old fish

  05-03-2018 16:16
  Primitive air-breathing fish, whose direct ancestors first appeared around 400 million years ago, show mechanisms controlling the heart which were previously considered to be found only in mammals -- according to a new study.
  
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• How microplastics are affecting marine organisms

  05-03-2018 16:16
  A group of scientists who use Crepdiula onyx as a model organism to test microplastics immunity have found that they will threaten other marine organisms that are less resilient towards mircoplastic pollution.
  
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• 'Filter' hones GWAS results to help researchers avoid dead ends

  05-03-2018 16:16
  A genetics research team has solved a dilemma facing researchers who use genomewide association studies (GWAS) by developing a new approach that strategically 'filters' which genes are worth further study. The researchers hope this strategy will accelerate the study of diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and even addiction by helping researchers avoid 'dead-end paths.' They are optimistic that this strategy will gain widespread use and will save researchers time and money.
  
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• A leopard may not change its spots but venomous creatures change their venom recipe often

  05-03-2018 16:16
  For a long time scientists believed that an animal's venom was consistent over time. However, through a close study of sea anemones, researchers found that animals change their venom several times over the course of a lifetime, adapting the potency and makeup of their venom to suit changing predators and aquatic environments.
  
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• Inuvik satellite dish installations remain unused, still waiting for final federal approval

  05-03-2018 15:00 via cbc.ca
  Satellite dish installations in Inuvik await final approval more than 18 months after the application process started.
  
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• Invasive python devours deer bigger than itself in Florida

  05-03-2018 14:57 via cbc.ca
  Researchers studying invasive Burmese pythons in Florida came upon something they'd never seen before: a 3.4-metre long python had consumed an entire deer that weighed more than the snake itself.
  
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• Lassa fever

  05-03-2018 13:58 via bbc.co.uk
  Since the beginning of the year, Nigeria has been gripped by an outbreak of the deadly Lassa fever.
  
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• Sound of speed

  05-03-2018 13:38 via bbc.co.uk
  The Bloodhound supersonic car will produce a huge amount of noise when it starts running later this year.
  
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• Massive stellar flare may have fried Earth’s nearest exoplanet

  05-03-2018 13:00
  
  A massive flare made Proxima Centauri 1,000 times brighter in 10 seconds, dimming hopes that its planet may be habitable.
  
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• A Promising Backup to the Honeybee Is Shut Down

  05-03-2018 13:00 via rss.sciam.com
  The world’s largest almond grower has suddenly closed an eight-year research project to develop a new commercial pollinator -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
  
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• "My Brain Made Me Do It" Is Becoming a More Common Criminal Defense

  05-03-2018 12:45 via rss.sciam.com
  Ethicists and scientists are considering the place of neuroscience in the courtroom-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
  
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• Baby bird fossil is 'rarest of the rare'

  05-03-2018 11:10 via bbc.co.uk
  Fossil gives a peek into the lives of primitive birds that shared the Earth with the dinosaurs.
  
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• Tree loss pushing beetles to the brink

  05-03-2018 10:08 via bbc.co.uk
  Nearly a fifth of European beetles that live in old and hollowed wood are at risk of extinction.
  
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