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Solar panels are contagious - but in a good way: Study

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
The number of solar panels within shortest distance from a house is the most important factor in determining the likelihood of that house having a solar panel, when compared with a host of socio-economic and demographic variables. This is shown in a new study by scientists using satellite and census data of the city of Fresno in the US, and employing machine learning.
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Bypassing broken genes

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
A new approach to gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system bypasses disease-causing mutations in a gene, enabling treatment of genetic diseases linked to a single gene, such as cystic fibrosis, certain types of sickle cell anemia, and other rare diseases. The method involves inserting a new, fully functional copy of the gene that displaces the mutated gene.
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Great white feeding ground

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
A new study suggests the white shark population for the eastern north Pacific, especially those listed in the Gulf of California, might be underestimated. Researchers found that the mortality rates for these white sharks might be underestimated as well, as an illicit fishery for the species was uncovered in the Gulf of California, suggesting that fishers were killing many more white sharks than has been previously understood.
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Consistent use of food pantries needed to address food insecurity, related health issues

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Food banks should be used more consistently rather than only during emergencies to better address food insecurity and related health issues, a joint study by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas shows.
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Age at the menopause can be assessed using predictive modeling

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
The age at menopause is known to vary significantly between individuals and it has been associated with postmenopausal health. In a recent study, the researchers developed two models for predicting the age at natural menopause. The results of the study indicated that sex hormone levels, irregular menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, and life habits can be used for predicting the age at menopause.
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Direct observation of the ad- and desorption of guest atoms into a mesoporous host

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
How these guest atoms are absorbed into or released from the pores is crucial to understanding the porous materials' functionality. However, usually these processes can only be observed indirectly. A team from the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has employed two experimental approaches using the ASAXS instrument at the PTB X-ray beamline of the HZB BESSY II synchrotron to directly observe the adsorption process of atoms in a mesoporous model system. The work lays the foundations for new insights into these kinds of energy materials.
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Early Neolithic farmers modified the reproductive cycle of sheep

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
The study on the remains of animals found at the site of the Chaves cave in Huesca, led by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, obtains new data on the control of breeding and feeding of the first domesticated sheep heards found in the western Mediterranean region during the Neolithic. The modification of their natural birthing cycles affected their physiology and resulted in prolonged periods of fertility.
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Microplastics affect global nutrient cycle and oxygen levels in the ocean

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
The effects of the steadily increasing amount of plastic in the ocean are complex and not yet fully understood. Scientists at GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany have now shown for the first time that the uptake of microplastics by zooplankton can have significant effects on the marine ecosystem even at low concentrations. The study indicates that the resulting changes may be responsible for a loss of oxygen in the ocean beyond that caused by global warming.
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First study into prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms amongst high-risk children

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Children with weakened immune systems have not shown a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection despite commonly displaying symptoms, a new study suggests.
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Genes linked to creativity were the "secret weapon" in the survival of Homo sapiens

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
An international team of scientists, led by the University of Granada (UGR), has identified for the first time a series of 267 genes linked to creativity that differentiate Homo sapiens from Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) and the chimpanzee. Their study indicates that these genes acted as a "secret weapon" that enabled Homo sapiens to avoid extinction
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SARS-CoV-2: Infection induces antibodies capable of killing infected cells

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Teams from the Institut Pasteur, the CNRS and the Vaccine Research Institute (Inserm/University Paris-Est Créteil) demonstrated that infection induces polyfunctional antibodies. Beyond neutralization, these antibodies can activate NK cells or the complement system, leading to the destruction of infected cells. Polyfunctional antibodies were found in all individuals (symptomatic and asymptomatic). These findings show that infection induces antibodies capable of killing infected cells regardless of the severity of the disease.
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Esophage cancer: Discovery of the mechanisms involved

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Publication in Cell Stem Cell: Researchers at the Université libre de Bruxelles, ULB uncover a new mechanism involved in the development of metaplasia in the oesophagus.
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Insect evolution was more complex than previously assumed

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Study shows that in several insect species, a pathogen defence signalling pathway independently gained a central function in the evolution of axis formation.
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AI-based system could help triage brain MRIs

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
An artificial intelligence-driven system that automatically combs through brain MRIs for abnormalities could speed care to those who need it most, according to a new study.
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The sweet taste of success for a supported nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Osaka University researchers produced a nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst (nano-Ni2P) on a hydrotalcite support for the hydrogenation of maltose to the in-demand sweetener maltitol. The catalyst is selective, highly active, air stable, effective under mild conditions and reusable. The hydrotalcite support and nano-Ni2P worked cooperatively, with the support increasing the turnover number by more than 300 times. The catalyst is expected to contribute to green and sustainable maltitol production.
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Identification of the wettability of graphene layers at the molecular level

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Scientists identify the wettability of graphene layers and improve the understanding of graphene interface properties at molecular levels
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PSU study challenges idea that students with cognitive disabilities can't be in STEM

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
A new Portland State study challenges the idea that youth with cognitive disabilities are unable or lack potential to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
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Beyond space-age tech: Hybrid material moves next-generation transport fuel cells closer

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Protons are the next big thing when it comes to fuel cell technology. The subatomic exchange produces power on a scale that challenges contemporary solid-state fuel cell technology, used to help power space shuttles. To realize the proton-based technology sooner, an international team of researchers have developed a hybrid material that effectively transports protons at high temperatures and humidity -- two major challenges in past attempts.
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No-Cath forecast

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
A recent study examined a noninvasive method to predict which coronary artery blockages require surgical intervention (stent placement or bypass surgery) and which can be treated without surgery. The noninvasive technique uses artificial intelligence to predict coronary artery plaque composition and significance based on CT imaging, without the risks of invasive procedures.
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Outback radio telescope discovers dense, spinning, dead star

Eurekalert - Apr 21 2021 - 00:04
Astronomers have discovered a pulsar--a dense and rapidly spinning neutron star sending radio waves into the cosmos--using a low-frequency radio telescope in outback Australia. The new pulsar is located more than 3,000 light-years from Earth and spins about once every second. Pulsars are used by astronomers for applications including testing the laws of physics under extreme conditions.The study of pulsars is one of the headline areas of science for the multi-billion-dollar Square Kilometre Array.
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