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Mutant genes can promote genetic transfer across taxonomic kingdoms
Researchers from Hiroshima University now have a better understanding of the mechanism underlying how certain bacteria can transfer genetic material across taxonomic kingdoms, including to fungi and protists. Their work, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, could have applications in changing how bacteria perform certain functions or react to changes in their environment.
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First report of dorsal navigation in a flying insect
Sweat bees navigate through dark tropical forests guided by canopy patterns.
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Prototype may diagnose common pregnancy complications by monitoring placental oxygen
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have developed a prototype device that could potentially diagnose pregnancy complications by monitoring the oxygen level of the placenta. The device sends near-infrared light through the pregnant person's abdomen to measure oxygen levels in the arterial and venous network in the placenta.
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Numerical study first to reveal origin of 'motion of the ocean' in the straits of Florida
Using a numerical model that simulates ocean currents, researchers are shedding light on the important "motion of the ocean" in the Straits of Florida. They have conducted a first-of-its-kind study identifying the mechanisms behind the formation of sub-mesoscale eddies, which have important environmental implications and play a significant role in the health of the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem.
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Study of young chaotic star system reveals planet formation secrets
A team of scientists using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to study the young star Elias 2-27 have confirmed that gravitational instabilities play a key role in planet formation, and have for the first time directly measured the mass of protoplanetary disks using gas velocity data, potentially unlocking one of the mysteries of planet formation.
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Alpine plant spins its own flavonoid wool
Like the movie version of Spider-Man who shoots spider webs from holes in his wrists, a little alpine plant has been found to eject cobweb-like threads from tiny holes in specialised cells on its leaves. It's these tiny holes that have taken plant scientists by surprise because puncturing the surface of a plant cell would normally cause it to explode like a water balloon.
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When tyrannosaurs dominated, medium-sized predators disappeared
A new study in the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences shows that medium-sized predators all but disappeared late in dinosaur history wherever Tyrannosaurus rex and its close relatives rose to dominance. In those areas -- lands that eventually became central Asia and Western North America -- juvenile tyrannosaurs stepped in to fill the missing ecological niche previously held by other carnivores.
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Pandemic adolescent mental health study reveals turnaround finding
Young people with poor mental health took a turn for the better during the pandemic but those with good mental health saw a considerable decline, new research reveals.The first nationally representative evidence regarding the diverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health in the UK was led by researchers at Lancaster University working with the University of British Columbia in Canada.
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New invention keeps qubits of light stable at room temperature
Researchers from University of Copenhagen have developed a new technique that keeps quantum bits of light stable at room temperature instead of only working at -270 degrees. Their discovery saves power and money and is a breakthrough in quantum research.
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Disadvantaged neighborhoods see more COVID-19 infections and deaths
New York City neighborhoods that had higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage experienced more COVID-19 infections and deaths, according to Mount Sinai scientists who created a neighborhood-level COVID-19 inequity index.
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Hired blade: Anchoring complex in plant cells recruits its own katana sword
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology have found that an anchoring complex in plant cells recruits its own version of the katana sword for cutting microtubules. The Msd1-Wdr8 complex is used to stabilize sites within plant cells where new microtubules are created, before it recruits katanin -- an enzyme named after the katana sword -- to cut and release new microtubules. This research will inform future studies on cell biology in plants and animals.
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Study identifies trigger for 'head-to-tail' axis development in human embryo
Scientists have identified key molecular events in the developing human embryo between days 7 and 14 -- one of the most mysterious, yet critical, stages of our development.
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AI system-on-chip runs on solar power
CSEM engineers have developed an integrated circuit that can carry out complicated artificial-intelligence operations like face, voice and gesture recognition and cardiac monitoring. Powered by either a tiny battery or a solar panel, it processes data at the edge and can be configured for use in just about any type of application
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A biological blueprint for tough color
The unique mechanical and optical properties found in the exoskeleton of a humble Asian beetle has the potential to offer a fascinating new insight into how to develop new, effective bio-inspired technologies.
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Red meat consumption may promote DNA damage-assoc. mutation in colorectral cancer patients
Genetic mutations indicative of DNA damage were associated with high red meat consumption and increased cancer-related mortality in patients with colorectal cancer.
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Focus on emotions is key to improving heart health in people living with obesity
People living with obesity who attended a non-judgemental and personalised lifestyle modification programme improved their cardiovascular and mental health during just 10 weeks, according to a study presented today at EuroHeartCare - ACNAP Congress 2021, an online scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Participants lost weight and achieved benefits in anxiety and depression and physical measurements including blood pressure. 'We focus on changing behaviors and improving people's relationship with food,' said study author.
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'Smart' segmented ring device delivers medications to stop HIV transmission
Researchers have designed a device that delivers two medications that help stop HIV transmission.
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Commercial video games could help treat mental illness
Popular video games have the potential to provide low-cost, easy access, effective and stigma-free support for some mental health issues, researchers at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, have found.
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Stress during pandemic linked to poor sleep
A study found that stress, anxiety and depression during the first few weeks of the pandemic were associated with less and lower quality sleep. In a survey of more than 900 twins, about half of the respondents reported no change in sleep patterns, but 32.9% reported decreased sleep. Another 29.8% reported sleeping more. The researchers found that any change in sleep was connected to self-reported mental health issues, though more strongly associated with decreased sleep.
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Unitized regenerative fuel cells for improved hydrogen production and power generation
Green hydrogen, a source of clean energy that can be generated without using fossil fuels, has recently gained immense attention as it can be potentially used to promote carbon neutrality. Korean researchers have succeeded in improving the efficiency of unitized regenerative fuel cells that can be used to efficiently produce green hydrogen and generate power.
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