Science News
The Physics of a "Blood Moon"
Physics Buzz - 1 Feb 2018 00:50
Once in a rare while, the moon turns red--because the sky is blue. That might sound like nonsense, but it's the simplest accurate way to explain what happened early this morning, when the moon disappeared from view befor...
This 'Cosmic GPS' Tech Will Help Us Explore the Furthest Reaches of Space
Singularity Hub - 1 Feb 2018 17:00
Anyone who has tried their hand at sailing, or even read about the exploits of maritime explorers, understands the importance of the lighthouse. Indeed, the solitary beam of light emanating from a lighthouse's crest is a...
Magnesium makes chromosomes
EurekAlert! - 1 Feb 2018 07:00
(Osaka University) Japanese researchers report a new ion detector, MARIO. Using it, they show that changes in the intracellular concentration of free magnesium ions (Mg2+) is critical for the chromosome folding that must...
Cancer 'vaccine' eliminates tumors in mice
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 01:47
Injecting minute amounts of two immune-stimulating agents directly into solid tumors in mice can eliminate all traces of cancer in the animals, including distant, untreated metastases, according to a new study.
Stand up -- it could help you lose weight
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 01:47
You might want to read this on your feet. A new study found that standing instead of sitting for six hours a day could prevent weight gain and help people to actually lose weight.
Researchers observe electrons zipping around in crystals
Phys.org - 1 Feb 2018 23:40
The end of the silicon age has begun. As computer chips approach the physical limits of miniaturization and power-hungry processors drive up energy costs, scientists are looking to a new crop of exotic materials that cou...
I Want to Believe
Physics Buzz - 1 Feb 2018 22:05
Many physicists have a moment they can point to as the moment they decided to study physics. Often it is a teacher, or an experiment, or a demo show that made them think physics was the most interesting and fascinating s...
New research advances spintronics technology
Phys.org - 1 Feb 2018 21:29
Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have reported advances in so-called "spintronic" devices that will help lead to a new technology for computing and data storage. They have developed methods to detect...
Changes in genes involved in DNA repair and packaging linked to risk of multiple myeloma
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 21:28
Researchers have identified two gene regions that contribute to multiple myeloma, an inherited cancer that occurs in bone marrow, through a new method that makes use of human disease pedigrees.
Small molecules set up security system to defend the genome
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 21:15
Thousands of short RNA molecules with diverse genetic sequences serve as security guards to identify and silence attempts to invade the genome, such as DNA inserted by viruses or parasitic elements known as transposons.
Postnatal Depression Has Greater Impact on Child Development When it is Persistent and Severe
Neuroscience News - 1 Feb 2018 21:06
According to researchers, postnatal depression that last longer than 6 months can have severe implications for children as they grow. The study reveals children of mothers who experienced persistent PND were more likely ...
At least three types of bacteria may help cause bowel cancer
New Scientist - 1 Feb 2018 21:00
Evidence is growing that bacteria can cause bowel cancer. Now two common species have been found to cause DNA damage, and have been linked to tumours in mice
Polar bears waste lots of their energy and it could be a problem
New Scientist - 1 Feb 2018 21:00
We thought polar bears had neat tricks for conserving energy in lean periods, but it turns out they are not that thrifty, which could cause them trouble in the future
Dancing galaxies may shake up our ideas of galaxy formation
New Scientist - 1 Feb 2018 21:00
We thought satellite galaxies were usually in random orbits around larger ones, but a handful in coordinated orbits may force us to rethink galaxy formation
Slow But Steady: Shedding Light on Evolution of Turtle Brains
Neuroscience News - 1 Feb 2018 20:54
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution reveals turtle brains have evolved slowly, but constantly, over the last 210 million years. The study also reveals the first turtles with fully formed shells we...
Zeroing in on Dopamine
Neuroscience News - 1 Feb 2018 20:47
Researchers have identified the molecular machinery responsible for the release of dopamine. The findings could help develop new treatments for disorders such as Parkinson's disease and addiction.
Stroke Recovery Improved by Sensory Deprivation
Neuroscience News - 1 Feb 2018 20:41
A new study, using mouse models, demonstrates sensory deprivation can activate the brain to rewire networks following a stroke. The findings could have major implications for stroke rehabilitation in humans.
Meet the 'odderon': Large Hadron Collider experiment shows potential evidence of quasiparticle sought for decades
Phys.org - 1 Feb 2018 20:22
In a 17-mile circular tunnel underneath the border between France and Switzerland, an international collaboration of scientists runs experiments using the world's most advanced scientific instrument, the Large Hadron Col...
Zeroing in on dopamine
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 19:59
Scientists have identified the molecular machinery responsible for secretion of the neurotransmitter dopamine, opening the door for strategies to precision target dopamine release to treat disorders such as Parkinson's a...
How the most common DNA mutation happens
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 19:59
Shape-shifters aren't just the stuff of fiction, they're real -- and they're inside our DNA. Researchers now describe how two mismatched bases in human DNA are able to change shape in order to avoid the body's natural de...
Experimental therapy could boost stroke recovery
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 19:59
An experimental therapy that targets the spinal cord may one day be key to spurring on enhanced recovery for stroke victims. By injecting a drug called chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) into the spinal cord of rats 28 days afte...
Study of Salts in Water Causing Stir
Science Daily - 1 Feb 2018 19:33
A pair of Argonne scientists uncover fresh insights about the structure of saltwater.