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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiisciencejournal.blogspot.com).
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'Ice bucket challenge' reveals that bacteria can anticipate the seasons
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Image: Crystal Eye Studio/Shutterstock.com
New filtration material could remove long-lasting chemicals from water
A new filtration material might provide a nature-based solution to water contamination by PFAS chemicals. The material, based on natural silk and cellulose, can remove a wide variety of these 'forever' chemicals as well as heavy metals, and its antimicrobial properties can help keep the filters from fouling.
Some species of pterosaurs flew by flapping their wings while others soared like vultures, demonstrates a new study. Findings include a new pterosaur with a five-meter wingspan, which is one of the most complete pterosaurs ever recovered from Afro-Arabia.
Astrophysics: AI shines a new light on exoplanets
A team models the atmospheres of distant planets using neural networks.
Researchers create a one-dimensional gas out of light
Physicists have created a one-dimensional gas out of light. This has enabled them to test theoretical predictions about the transition into this exotic state of matter for the first time. The method used in the experiment by the researchers could be used for examining quantum effects.
Study suggests US droughts, rainy extremes becoming more severe
Severe drought in the American Southwest and Mexico and more severe wet years in the Northeast are the modern norm in North America, according to new research -- and the analysis suggests these seasonal patterns will be more extreme in the future. The middle of the United States, meanwhile, can expect bigger swings between wetter wet periods -- high-rainfall years known as pluvials -- and drier summers through the rest of this century, the study predicts.
100x improvement in sight seen after gene therapy trial
The vision of people with a rare inherited condition that causes them to lose much of their sight early in childhood was 100 times better after they received gene therapy to address the genetic mutation causing it. Some patients even experienced a 10,000-fold improvement in their vision after receiving the highest dose of the therapy, according to researchers.
Massive merger: Study reveals evidence for origin of supermassive black hole at galaxy's center
Researchers have discovered compelling evidence suggesting that the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, known as Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), is likely the result of a past cosmic merger. The study builds on recent observations from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), which captured the first direct image of Sgr A* in 2022.
A novel study addresses a critical yet under-explored question in cancer research: Why is aging the biggest risk factor for cancer? The study reveals how an aging immune system spurs tumor growth, offering new insights into cancer prevention and treatment, especially for older adults. In preclinical models, the research team found that anakinra, a drug typically used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be repurposed to block harmful signals between early lung cancer lesions and the bone marrow. This is critical, say the investigators, because as the immune system ages, it creates harmful inflammation that can drive cancer development.
Scientists make tissue of living animals see-through
In a pioneering new study, researchers made the skin on the skulls and abdomens of live mice transparent by applying to the areas a mixture of water and a common yellow food coloring called tartrazine.
The collapse of bat populations led to more than a thousand infant deaths
A new study shows that when communities experienced the near death of entire insect-eating bat populations, farmers increased their use of pesticides. This in turn increased the infant mortality rate.
Gravitational waves unveil previously unseen properties of neutron stars
A better understanding of the inner workings of neutron stars will lead to a greater knowledge of the dynamics that underpin the workings of the universe and also could help drive future technology. A new study details how new insights into how dissipative tidal forces within double -- or binary -- neutron star systems will inform our understanding of the universe.
Travel could be the best defense against aging
Forget about retinol night creams, researchers believe travel could be the best way to defy premature aging. An interdisciplinary study has applied the theory of entropy to tourism, finding that travel could have positive health benefits, including slowing down the signs of aging.
Researchers discover a space oddity -- an exoplanet moving in mysterious ways
A research team has discovered a small planet that displays peculiar orbital motion. The shimmying planet, located 455 light-years from Earth, shows that planetary systems can be considerably more complex than researchers have previously thought.
Fungus-controlled robots tap into the unique power of nature
In creating a pair of new robots, researchers cultivated an unlikely component, one found on the forest floor: fungal mycelia. By harnessing mycelia's innate electrical signals, the researchers discovered a new way of controlling 'biohybrid' robots that can potentially react to their environment better than their purely synthetic counterparts.
Preventing car battery fires with help from machine learning
New research proposes a way to predict and prevent temperature spikes and fires in the lithium-ion batteries commonly used to power electric vehicles.
Miniature treadmills accelerate studies of insects walking
Fruit flies walking on minature treadmills are helping scientists learn how the nervous system enables animals to move in an unpredictable and complex world. The researchers engineered these small-scale machines from inexpensive parts. The treadmills are used in studies of how fruit flies recognize and deal with unexpected changes underfoot while they are walking.
How Earth's most intense heat wave ever impacted life in Antarctica
An atmospheric river brought warm, moist air to the coldest and driest corner of the planet in 2022, pushing temperatures 70 degrees above average. A new study reveals what happened to Antarctica's smallest animals.
Distorted galaxy forming cosmic question mark
It's 7 billion years ago, and the universe's heyday of star formation is beginning to slow. What might our Milky Way galaxy have looked like at that time? Astronomers have found clues in the form of a cosmic question mark, the result of a rare alignment across light-years of space.
Agriculture accelerated human genome evolution to capture energy from starchy foods
Scientists have suspected that modern humans have more genes to digest starch than our hunter-gatherer ancestors, but the amylase locus of the genome is hard to study. Researchers have now developed new methods to isolate the multiple amylase genes and compare the locus to ancient genomes. They found that amylase gene number has increased from an average of eight to more than 11 over the past 12,000 years.
Researchers identify mechanism underlying allergic itching, and show it can be blocked
Researchers identified a mechanism for why some people will itch from an allergen or mosquito bite exposure, while others will not in a new study, and showed this pathway can be targeted to prevent allergic responses in preclinical models.
At-risk butterflies more likely to survive with human help
Some of the butterflies most in danger of fluttering out of existence fare better when their habitats are actively managed by humans, a recent study found. Scientists have long warned that insect populations worldwide are falling rapidly due to the combined effects of climate change, habitat loss and pesticides. The study analyzed data on 114 populations of 31 butterfly species in 10 U.S. states. Overall, the research team found that these at-risk butterflies are particularly vulnerable, with populations declining at an estimated rate of 8% a year, which translates to about a 50% drop over a decade. However, the study findings offer hope that habitat management can slow or even potentially reverse those sharp declines.
Regular mobile phone use may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, study suggests
A new study has found that regular mobile phone use was positively associated with incident cardiovascular diseases risk. In addition, this association was partly attributed to poor sleep, psychological distress, and neuroticism.
New population model identifies phases of human dispersal across Europe
Researchers have developed a model that captures the dynamics of human dispersal across the continent during the last Ice Age in unprecedented detail.
'Forever chemicals' influence the development and function of the brain
Some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are poorly degradable and are also known as 'forever chemicals'. They adversely affect health and can lead to liver damage, obesity, hormonal disorders, and cancer. A research team has investigated the effects of PFAS on the brain. Using a combination of modern molecular biology methods and the zebrafish model, the researchers revealed the mechanism of action and identified the genes involved.
Newly discovered gene may influence longevity
It turns out that a particular gene has a great influence on longevity, a new study concludes. This may pave the way for new treatment.
Uncollected waste and open burning leading causes of the plastic pollution crisis
A new study shines a light on the enormous scale of uncollected rubbish and open burning of plastic waste in the first ever global plastics pollution inventory. Researchers used A.I. to model waste management in more than 50,000 municipalities around the world. This model allowed the team to predict how much waste was generated globally and what happens to it.
Major leap for nuclear clock paves way for ultraprecise timekeeping
Nuclear clocks would measure time based on changes inside an atom's nucleus, which would make them less sensitive to external disturbances and potentially more accurate than atomic clocks. These clocks could lead to improved timekeeping and navigation, faster internet speeds, and advances in fundamental physics research. Scientists have demonstrated key components of a nuclear clock, such as precise frequency measurements of an energy jump in a thorium-229 nucleus.
Novel immunotherapy improves recovery from spinal cord injury
Researchers have designed, in mice, an approach to minimizing the damage from a spinal cord injury through the use of engineered immune cells. Mice given the treatment had improved recovery from injuries, demonstrating potential for developing the therapy for people.
Chemists explain why dinosaur collagen may have survived for millions of years
Chemists offer a new explanation for how collagen in dinosaur bones may have survived millions of years: An atomic-level interaction prevents its bonds from being broken down by water.
Epigenetic changes reprogram astrocytes into brain stem cells
Resting brain stem cells hardly differ from normal astrocytes, which support the nerve cells in the brain. How can almost identical cells perform such different functions? The key lies in the methylation of their genetic material, which endowes these special astrocytes with stem cell properties. In mice, the researchers showed that experimentally induced lack of blood supply in the brain epigenetically reprograms astrocytes into brain stem cells, which in turn can give rise to nerve progenitor cells. This discovery shows that astrocytes could potentially be used in regenerative medicine to replace damaged nerve cells.
Gigantic asteroid impact shifted the axis of Solar System's biggest moon
Around 4 billion years ago, an asteroid hit the Jupiter moon Ganymede. Now, a researcher realized that the Solar System's biggest moon's axis has shifted as a result of the impact, which confirmed that the asteroid was around 20 times larger than the one that ended the age of the dinosaurs on Earth, and caused one of the biggest impacts with clear traces in the Solar System.
How bright is the universe's glow? Study offers best measurement yet
Over billions of years, the universe's stars and galaxies shined their light into space, leaving behind an imperceptibly faint night light known as the cosmic optical background. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has traveled to the edge of Earth's solar system and captured the most accurate measurement of this glow to date.
Researchers give adult zebra finches back their ability to learn new songs
We all know the adage, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' As we age, our ability to learn new skills, like mastering a foreign language or picking up a musical instrument, seems to fade. The culprit? A decline in brain plasticity - the brain's capacity to rewire itself and adapt to new challenges. But what if we could rewind the clock on this age-related decline? A new study offers a tantalizing glimpse into this possibility.
Open wide: Human mouth bacteria reproduce through rare form of cell division
New research has uncovered an extraordinary mechanism of cell division in Corynebacterium matruchotii, one of the most common bacteria living in dental plaque. The filamentous bacterium doesn't just divide, it splits into multiple cells at once, a rare process called multiple fission.
How cells control gene expression by cleaning up their mistakes
New research suggests that alternative splicing may have an even greater influence on biology than just by creating new protein isoforms. The study shows that the biggest impact of alternative splicing may come via its role in regulating gene expression levels.
The risk of global water scarcity is greater when accounting for the origin of rain
Securing the world's water supply is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Researchers are now presenting an alternative method for quantifying the global risk of water scarcity. Results indicate higher risks to water supply than previously expected if accounting for the environmental conditions and governability where rain is produced.
Clinical trial finds finerenone reduces worsening heart failure and cardiovascular death
Finerenone reduced the composite of total first and recurrent heart failure (HF) events (hospitalizations for HF or urgent HF visits) and cardiovascular death in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, according to an international clinical trial.
Genomic dark matter solves butterfly evolutionary riddle
Researchers have uncovered a surprising genetic mechanism that influences the vibrant and complex patterns on butterfly wings. The team discovered that an RNA molecule, rather than a protein as previously thought, plays a pivotal role in determining the distribution of black pigment on butterfly wings.
Doughnut-shaped region found inside Earth's core deepens understanding of planet's magnetic field
A doughnut-shaped region thousands of kilometers beneath our feet within Earth's liquid core has been discovered, providing new clues about the dynamics of our planet's magnetic field.
Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition
Facial recognition is a critical part of self-image and social interactions. In an era of advanced digital technology, we face intriguing questions about communication and identity. How does altering our facial identity affect our sense of 'self' and our interactions with others?
What a submerged ancient bridge discovered in a Spanish cave reveals about early human settlement
Geologists examined a submerged 25-foot bridge to tackle a long-lasting archaeological controversy: When humans settled on the islands in the western Mediterranean. Their findings narrow a historical gap between the settlement timelines of the eastern and western Mediterranean regions.
Scientist's method could give months' warning of major earthquakes
The public could have days or months of warning about a major earthquake through identification of prior low-level tectonic unrest over large areas, according to research by scientists who analyzed two major quakes in Alaska and California.
Dancing galaxies make a monster at the cosmic dawn
Astronomers have spotted a pair of galaxies in the act of merging 12.8 billion years ago. The characteristics of these galaxies indicate that the merger will form a monster galaxy, one of the brightest types of objects in the Universe.
New process vaporizes plastic bags and bottles, yielding gases to make new, recycled plastics
Chemists have developed a catalytic process that turns the largest component of today's plastic waste stream, polyolefin plastic bags and bottles, into gases -- propylene and isobutylene -- that are the building blocks of polypropylene and other types of plastics. The process uses inexpensive solid catalysts that can be scaled to industrial production, making this a potentially viable means of creating a circular economy for these throw-away plastics.
Researchers predict that 12.7% of marine teleost fish species are at risk of extinction, up fivefold from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's prior estimate of 2.5%. Their report includes nearly 5,000 species that did not receive an IUCN conservation status due to insufficient data.
Ancient gene gives spiders their narrow waist
An ancient gene is crucial for the development of the distinctive waist that divides the spider body plan in two, according to a new study.
Scientists discover how starfish get 'legless'
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how sea stars (commonly known as starfish) manage to survive predatory attacks by shedding their own limbs. The team has identified a neurohormone responsible for triggering this remarkable feat of self-preservation.
Ancient sea cow attacked by a crocodile and sharks sheds new light on prehistoric food chains
A new study showing how a prehistoric sea cow was preyed upon by not one, but two different carnivores -- a crocodilian and a shark -- is revealing clues into both the predation tactics of ancient creatures and the wider food chain millions of years ago.
Supercomputer simulations reveal the nature of turbulence in black hole accretion disks
To understand the mysteries surrounding black holes, researchers at Tohoku University have created a simulation of accretion disk turbulence that possesses the highest-resolution currently available.
Blinding diseases lead to permanent vision loss by damaging photoreceptor cells, which humans cannot naturally regenerate. While researchers are working on new methods to replace or regenerate these cells, the crucial question is whether these regenerated photoreceptors can fully restore vision. By studying zebrafish, an animal naturally capable of photoreceptor regeneration, a team showed that regenerated photoreceptors are as good as original ones and regain their normal function, allowing the fish to recover complete vision.
Land-sea 'tag-team' devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists
A 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents millions of years ago devastated marine life and altered the course of evolution on Earth, according to a new study. Scientists say a string of severe environmental crises which happened between 185 and 85 million years ago triggered mass extinctions among ocean-living species.
Researchers map 50,000 of DNA's mysterious 'knots' in the human genome
Innovative study of DNA's hidden structures may open up new approaches for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.
Can fungi turn food waste into the next culinary sensation?
Fungi can transform plant and animal products into delicious foods like cheese, miso and beer. A researcher argues that a type of filamentous mold -- Neurospora intermedia -- could also turn food waste into culinary treats. Currently, only Indonesians have discovered this secret; they grow the mold on leftover soy pulp from making tofu to create oncom. A new study suggests that it can transform many types of food waste into novel and tasty foods.
Gene therapy gets a turbo boost
For decades, scientists have dreamt of a future where genetic diseases, such as the blood clotting disorder hemophilia, could be a thing of the past. Gene therapy, the idea of fixing faulty genes with healthy ones, has held immense promise. But a major hurdle has been finding a safe and efficient way to deliver those genes. Researchers have now made a significant breakthrough in gene editing technology that could revolutionize how we treat genetic diseases.
Study reveals crucial role of mixing Atlantic and Arctic waters in global ocean circulation
A new study sheds light on the vital role that the mixing of Atlantic and Arctic waters plays in sustaining the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is crucial for regulating Earth's climate.
New model to enhance extreme rainfall prediction
Scientists have developed new guidance and tools that could significantly improve the prediction of life-threatening flash flooding.
This tiny backyard bug does the fastest backflips on earth
Move over, Sonic. There's a new spin-jumping champion in town -- the globular springtail (Dicyrtomina minuta). This diminutive hexapod backflips into the air, spinning to over 60 times its body height in the blink of an eye, and a new study features the first in-depth look at its jumping prowess.
Researchers unveil scalable graphene technology to revolutionize battery safety and performance
Researchers have developed a pioneering technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors. This breakthrough promises to significantly enhance the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), addressing a critical challenge in energy storage technology.
Neuroscientists explore the intersection of music and memory
New research explores music's impact on learning, memory, and emotions in two studies. One reveals that familiar music can enhance concentration and learning, while the other demonstrates that music with a strong emotional tone can reshape the quality of existing memories. These findings suggest that music could be used for therapeutic interventions for cognitive function, or in conditions like PTSD and depression.
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