ETH researchers have analyzed individual marine bacterial cells to show that metabolic processes inside them determine the amount of gas they release, which is involved in cloud formation.
In their work, which has just been published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers looked at the microorganisms that feed on the metabolic products of marine phytoplankton. This term encompasses a wide variety of microscopic algae that together perform more photosynthesis than all plants. That means the true lungs of the earth are not the forests, but the oceans: about half the oxygen in the earth's atmosphere is produced there. Each year the phytoplankton also produce over a billion tonnes of a substance called dimethylsulphoniopropionate, or DMSP for short.
"DMSP satisfies 95 percent of marine bacteria's sulfur demand and 15 percent of bacterial carbon demand," says Cherry Gao, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in Stocker's group. To convert DMSP into biomass, the bacteria have two different metabolic pathways: if they demethylate it, they use both the sulfur and the carbon; if, however, they cleave it into several small molecules, they use only the carbon—while the sulfur escapes into the atmosphere in the form of dimethyl sulphide (DMS). "DMS is what's responsible for the typical smell of the sea," Stocker says. In addition, DMS plays a pivotal role in cloud formation as a source of cloud condensation nuclei around which water vapor can condense.
Until now, scientists did not understand what drove the bacteria to opt for one metabolic pathway or the other. Stocker's research team genetically modified a marine bacterium of the species Ruegeria pomeroyi so that it fluoresced in different colors depending on the biochemical process it used to transform the DMSP. This enabled the researchers to show that at low concentrations of DMSP, the bacteria rely primarily on demethylation—while at high concentrations of a few micromoles per liter, the cleavage process dominates.
Cherry Gao et al. Single-cell bacterial transcription measurements reveal the importance of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) hotspots in ocean sulfur cycling, Nature Communications (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15693-z
Researchers develop synthetic novel coronavirus clones: The synthetic clones are being used by research groups worldwide to test corona samples, find antiviral drugs and develop vaccines as quickly as possible.
Electrical activity in living organisms mirrors electrical fields in atmosphere
As living organisms evolved over billions of years, the natural electromagnetic resonant frequencies in the atmosphere, continuously generated by global lightning activity, provided the background electric fields for the development of cellular electrical activity. Prof. Price's research found that, in some animals, the electrical spectrum is difficult to differentiate from the background atmospheric electric field produced by lightning.
Review of previous studies revealed that lightning-related fields may have positive medical applications related to our biological clock (circadian rhythms), spinal cord injuries and maybe other bodily functions related to electrical activity in our bodies. The connection between the ever-present electromagnetic fields, between lightning in the atmosphere and human health, may have huge implications in the future for various treatments related to electrical abnormalities in our bodies.
Colin Price et al, Natural ELF fields in the atmosphere and in living organisms, International Journal of Biometeorology (2020). DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01864-6
Coronavirus 'could be getting weaker' as scientists spot new mutation
Researchers from Arizona State University have analysed samples from hundreds of coronavirus patients in Arizona, and have discovered changes to the virus’ genetic material.
The coronavirus could be getting weaker, scientists have claimed after discovering a new mutation in the virus. These changes are similar to those seen in the SARS epidemic of 2003, and indicate that the virus could be weakening, according to the researchers.
In the study, the team analysed samples from 382 patients, and discovered the new mutation.
Coronavirus mutation gives hope pandemic could soon be over as virus may be getting weaker.
The feeling a limb doesn't belong is linked to lack of brain structure and connection People with the mental health condition known as body integrity dysphoria (BID) often feel as though one of their healthy limbs isn't meant to be a part of their bodies
Uncovering the potency and evasiveness of the COVID-19 virus
mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters cells: how the virus "unlocks" human cellsusing a surface spike protein as the "key." The three important findings:
the tip of the viral key binds strongly to human cells;
the tip of the viral key is often hidden; and
when new virus particles are made, the viral key is already pre-activated by a human enzyme.
How bad science is being blocked: Repositories are rapidly disseminating crucial pandemic science — and they’re screening more closely to guard against poor-quality work.
The endogenous compound anandamide—often referred to as the body's own marijuana—plays a role in erasing memories of a traumatic event.
--
Biobanks Reveal The Genes For Long Life An analysis of over 700,000 individuals has revealed that high blood pressure and obesity are the strongest risk factors for accelerated aging.
Microplastics are everywhere, study finds—including in our drinking water, table salt and in the air that we breathe. Having studied the scope of microplastics in a number of countries, researchers are worried.
Time to kill the scientific zombie that is the 'nature vs. nurture' debate
The authors argue that, first, behavior is not special in its evolution but evolves in the same manner as other traits. Second, no trait, whether behavioral or otherwise, is caused by either genes or the environment or even by an additive combination of the two; the interaction is the important feature. Third, genes do not and cannot code for behavior or any other characteristic.
New locust outbreak threatens food security for millions
Millions face famine and food insecurity caused by a second desert locust outbreak as management resources are directed towards the COVID-19 crisis, scientists warn.
Group screening of Corona Virus ... By pooling samples from many people into a few groups and evaluating pools rather than individuals, the scientists think they can use fewer tests on more people.
DNA sequence symmetries from maximum entropy: The origin of the Chargaff's second parity rule
Most living organisms rely on double-stranded DNA to perpetuate their genetic code. This biological information is the main target of evolution.
"By means of a multidisciplinary collaboration that includes biologists, anthropologists andtheoretical physicists, we have succeeded in the intent of explaining the origin of Chargaff's second parity rule through the hypothesis that this genomic symmetry emerges from the DNA double helix constraint and the principle of maximum randomness (entropy)," says Cristian Taccioli, professor of molecular biology and bioinformatics at the M.A.P.S Department of the University of Padova.
He concludes: "Moreover, we have been able to describe the evolution of the genome in terms of energy rather than focusing only on natural selection. Our idea is that DNA, like all the other systems in the universe, follows the stream of entropy, trying to reach an equilibrium and maximizing its stability. In fact, our results show that processes that increase the entropy of a double-stranded DNA molecule are favored during the evolution ofliving organisms."
Piero Fariselli et al. DNA sequence symmetries from randomness: the origin of the Chargaff's second parity rule, Briefings in Bioinformatics (2020). DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa041
The first thing the international research team found out was that, despite their different lifestyles and trapping mechanisms, Venus flytrap, sundew and waterwheel have a common "basic set" of genes that are essential for the carnivorous lifestyle.
"The function of these genes is related to the ability to sense and digest prey animals and to utilise their nutrients," explains Rainer Hedrich.
"We were able to trace the origin of the carnivory genes back to a duplication event that occurred many millions of years ago in the genome of the last common ancestor of the three carnivorous species," says Jörg Schultz. The duplication of the entire genome has provided evolution with an ideal playing ground for developing new functions.
Genetic poverty despite a special way of life
To their surprise, the researchers discovered that theplantsdo not need a particularly large number of genes for carnivory. Instead, the three species studied are actually among the most gene-poor plants known. Drosera has 18,111, Dionaea 21,135 and Aldrovanda 25,123 genes. In contrast, most plants have between 30,000 and 40,000 genes.
How can this be reconciled with the fact that a wealth of new genes is usually needed to develop new ways of life? "This can only mean that the specialization in animal food was accompanied by an increase in the number of genes, but also a massive loss of genes," concludes developmental biologist Hasebe.
Most of the genes required for the insect traps are also found in slightly modified form in normal plants. "In carnivorous plants, several genes are active in the trapping organs, which in other plants have their effect in the root. In the trapping organs, these genes are only switched on when the prey is secure," explains Hedrich. This finding is consistent with the fact that the roots are considerably reduced in Venus flytrap and sundew. In the waterwheel they are completely absent.
Gergo Palfalvi et al, Genomes of the Venus Flytrap and Close Relatives Unveil the Roots of Plant Carnivory, Current Biology (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.04.051
Inside Deep Undersea Rocks, Life Thrives Without the Sun Newly discovered worlds of microbes far beneath the ocean floor, inside old basaltic rocks, could point to a greater likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.
“Poached” takes you into the trenches of wildlife crime ... how and why illegal trade threatens to wipe some of our planet’s most charismatic animals off the map forever
New Math Proves That a Special Kind of Space-Time Is Unstable
Einstein’s equations describe three canonical configurations of space-time. Now one of these three — important in the study of quantum gravity — has been shown to be inherently unstable.
--
New research shows that magpies can recognise themselves - the first time this has been shown in non-mammals.
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We all heard the story of an intelligent crow when we 're young. Now watching it with our own eyes makes us kids again ...
Neuroscientists have traced neural pathways that connect the brain to the stomach, providing a biological mechanism to explain how stress can foster ulcer development.
Identifying theseneural pathwaysthat connect the brain and stomach could provide new insights into common gut disorders.
For example, Helicobacter pylori infection typically triggers ulcer formation, but descending signals from the cerebral cortex could influence the bacteria's growth by adjusting gastric secretions to make the stomach more or less hospitable to invaders.
These insights also could change clinical gastroenterology practice. Knowing that the brain exerts physical control over the gut gives doctors a new way to approach bowel problems.
"Several common gut disorders, such as dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome, might not get better with current treatments," said Levinthal, who also is a gastroenterologist at UPMC. "Our results provide cortical targets that will be critical for developing new brain-based therapies that might be helpful for our patients."
Presymptomatic virus patients can contaminate environments: study
About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms.
These included door handles,light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes,pillowcovers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.
A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.
Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel.
In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case.
The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time."
They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers.
Fa-Chun Jiang et al. Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA on Surfaces in Quarantine Rooms, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2020). DOI: 10.3201/eid2609.201435
Why Do We Blink So Frequently? Research indicates that the brain enters a momentary state of wakeful rest when we blink, perhaps allowing us to focus better afterward
Turning Plastic Bottles Into Antibiotic Sponges Researchers in South Korea have used waste PET bottles to create an adsorbent material for the removal of antibiotics from water.
These Three Biomarkers May Predict COVID-19 Death Risk: Study A machine learning model developed by Wuhan scientists predicted the death of COVID-19 patients ten days in advance of their outcomes with more than 90 percent accuracy.
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Stopping Deforestation Can Prevent Pandemics
Destroying habitats makes viruses and other pathogens more likely to infect humans
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stopping-deforestation-c...
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https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/artful-amoeba/scientists-waite...
Scientists Waited Two and a Half Years to See Whether Bacteria Can Eat Rock ... and what did they found?
--
https://www.the-scientist.com/features/how-time-is-encoded-in-memor...
How Time Is Encoded in Memories
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https://www.the-scientist.com/notebook/can-zapping-the-brain-boost-...
Can Zapping the Brain Boost Memory?
--
https://www.the-scientist.com/notebook/how-immune-cells-make-the-br...
How Immune Cells Make the Brain Forget
Microglia ingest nerve cell connections, leading to the loss of information stored in neuronal circuits.
--
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-a-warming-climate-co...How a Warming Climate Could Affect the Spread of Diseases Similar to COVID-19
A hotter planet could change the relationship among infectious agents, their hosts and the human body’s defense mechanisms
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https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52529830
Coronavirus: 'Missing link' species may never be found
May 5, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Study: Could dark matter be hiding in existing data?
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dark.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-technique-d-multimaterial-devices.htm...
A new technique for the 3-D printing multimaterial devices
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-recovered-covid-patients-var...
Recently recovered COVID-19 patients produce varying virus-specific antibodies
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-fossil-fuel-free-jet-propulsion-air.h...
Fossil fuel-free jet propulsion with air plasmas
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-ultrafast-camera-trillion-pictures.ht...
New ultrafast camera takes 70 trillion pictures per second
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-years-insights-muon-anomaly.html?utm_...
Four years of calculations lead to new insights into muon anomaly
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-law-metamaterials.html?utm_source=nwl...
A new law for metamaterials (which are engineered to have properties not found in nature)
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
High density imaging offers solution to counterfeiting
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-high-density-imaging-solution-counter...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-bacterial-behavior-cloud-formation.ht...
Bacterial behavior influences cloud formation
ETH researchers have analyzed individual marine bacterial cells to show that metabolic processes inside them determine the amount of gas they release, which is involved in cloud formation.
In their work, which has just been published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers looked at the microorganisms that feed on the metabolic products of marine phytoplankton. This term encompasses a wide variety of microscopic algae that together perform more photosynthesis than all plants. That means the true lungs of the earth are not the forests, but the oceans: about half the oxygen in the earth's atmosphere is produced there. Each year the phytoplankton also produce over a billion tonnes of a substance called dimethylsulphoniopropionate, or DMSP for short.
"DMSP satisfies 95 percent of marine bacteria's sulfur demand and 15 percent of bacterial carbon demand," says Cherry Gao, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in Stocker's group. To convert DMSP into biomass, the bacteria have two different metabolic pathways: if they demethylate it, they use both the sulfur and the carbon; if, however, they cleave it into several small molecules, they use only the carbon—while the sulfur escapes into the atmosphere in the form of dimethyl sulphide (DMS). "DMS is what's responsible for the typical smell of the sea," Stocker says. In addition, DMS plays a pivotal role in cloud formation as a source of cloud condensation nuclei around which water vapor can condense.
Until now, scientists did not understand what drove the bacteria to opt for one metabolic pathway or the other. Stocker's research team genetically modified a marine bacterium of the species Ruegeria pomeroyi so that it fluoresced in different colors depending on the biochemical process it used to transform the DMSP. This enabled the researchers to show that at low concentrations of DMSP, the bacteria rely primarily on demethylation—while at high concentrations of a few micromoles per liter, the cleavage process dominates.
Cherry Gao et al. Single-cell bacterial transcription measurements reveal the importance of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) hotspots in ocean sulfur cycling, Nature Communications (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15693-z
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Researchers have found that plastic debris is incorporated in up to 80% of seabird nests.
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-seabird-full-discarded-plastic-debris...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-life-survive-hydrogen-world.html?utm_...
Life might survive, and thrive, in a hydrogen world: study
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-astronomers-jupiter-like-cloud-bands-...
Astronomers find Jupiter-like cloud bands on closest brown dwarf
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-reveals-spaceflight-affects-blood-clo...
Study reveals how spaceflight affects risk of blood clots in female astronauts
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https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-wirelessly-electric-cars.html?u...
Wirelessly charging electric cars as they drive
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https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-energy-future-photosynthetic-hy...
Energy of the future: Photosynthetic hydrogen from bacteria
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-bacteria-surface.html?utm_...
Scientists observe bacteria tumble their way out of surface traps
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Plants pass on 'memory' of stress to some progeny, making them more resilient
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-memory-stress-progeny-resilient.html?...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-shield-pathogens-acidic-environments-...
Protective shield: How pathogens withstand acidic environments in the body
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$$ https://phys.org/news/2020-05-synthetic-coronavirus-clones.html?utm...
Researchers develop synthetic novel coronavirus clones: The synthetic clones are being used by research groups worldwide to test corona samples, find antiviral drugs and develop vaccines as quickly as possible.
--
$$ https://phys.org/news/2020-05-electrical-mirrors-fields-atmosphere....
Electrical activity in living organisms mirrors electrical fields in atmosphere
As living organisms evolved over billions of years, the natural electromagnetic resonant frequencies in the atmosphere, continuously generated by global lightning activity, provided the background electric fields for the development of cellular electrical activity. Prof. Price's research found that, in some animals, the electrical spectrum is difficult to differentiate from the background atmospheric electric field produced by lightning.
Review of previous studies revealed that lightning-related fields may have positive medical applications related to our biological clock (circadian rhythms), spinal cord injuries and maybe other bodily functions related to electrical activity in our bodies. The connection between the ever-present electromagnetic fields, between lightning in the atmosphere and human health, may have huge implications in the future for various treatments related to electrical abnormalities in our bodies.
Colin Price et al, Natural ELF fields in the atmosphere and in living organisms, International Journal of Biometeorology (2020). DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01864-6
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Scientists uncover secret behind molecule that blocks HIV infection
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-uncover-secret-molecule-bl...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-worms-freeload-bacterial-defence.html...
Worms freeload on bacterial defence systems
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-evidence-human-brains-replay...
Evidence that human brains replay our waking experiences while we sleep $$
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-people-aged-stronger-brain.h...
People aged 95 and over show stronger brain connectivity
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-genetic-variation-brain-clea...
Genetic variation in a brain-cleansing water channel affects human sleep
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May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
COVID 19 crisis demonstrates how DST is rapidly evolving as architect of profound science
https://indiaeducationdiary.in/covid-19-crisis-demonstrates-how-dst...
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https://www.quora.com/q/sciencecommunication/COVID-Katha-A-multimed...
https://thenewsmill.com/covid-katha-a-multimedia-guide-on-covid-19-...
COVID Katha: A multimedia guide on COVID-19 pandemic brought by DST
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https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52530828?utm_source=Nature+Briefing...
Malaria 'completely stopped' by microbe
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https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01316-6
**
Galileo’s story is always relevant
Otters juggle stones when hungry, research shows
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-stars-scientists-world.html?utm_sourc...
scientists call for world not to 'go back to normal'
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Makes you feel safe: Crawling Neutrophil Chasing a Bacterium
May 6, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Cold, not hot, air rises—what that means for Earth's climate
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-cold-air-riseswhat-earth-climate.html...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-amphibian-stress-vulnerability-virus....
Amphibian study shows stress increases vulnerability to virus
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-unraveling-prion-disease-deadly-secre...
Unraveling one of prion disease's deadly secrets $$
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-outsmarting-enemy-tree-frogs-illusion...
Outsmarting the enemy: Tree frogs rely on illusions to find mates without being eaten
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-medicine-family-evolution-medicinal-c...
The evolution of medicinal plant compounds
May 7, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Researchers uncover new anti-phage defense mechanisms in bacteria
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-uncover-anti-phage-defense-mechanisms...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dual-personalities-visualized-shape-s...
The structure of RNA can influence how cells function.
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-super-immunity-coronaviruses.html?utm...
Bat 'super immunity' may explain how bats carry coronaviruses without getting infected
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-lyin-eyes-butterfly-moth-eyespots.htm...
Lyin' eyes: Butterfly, moth eyespots may look the same, but likely evolved separately
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-small-chromosomes-big-cell-attention....
How small chromosomes compete with big ones for a cell's attention
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-physical-basis-cellular-organelle-com...
New rules for the physical basis of cellular organelle composition
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-heavy-cannabis-affects-human...
Study finds heavy cannabis use affects human genome
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-obesity-linked-gut-microbiot...
Obesity is linked to gut microbiota disturbance, but not among statin-treated individuals
May 7, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Coronavirus 'could be getting weaker' as scientists spot new mutation
Researchers from Arizona State University have analysed samples from hundreds of coronavirus patients in Arizona, and have discovered changes to the virus’ genetic material.
The coronavirus could be getting weaker, scientists have claimed after discovering a new mutation in the virus. These changes are similar to those seen in the SARS epidemic of 2003, and indicate that the virus could be weakening, according to the researchers.
In the study, the team analysed samples from 382 patients, and discovered the new mutation.
Coronavirus mutation gives hope pandemic could soon be over as virus may be getting weaker.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-05/asu-ast050420.php
https://jvi.asm.org/content/early/2020/04/30/JVI.00711-20
May 7, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Footstep Sensors Identify People by Gait
The supersensitive system can also glean clues about health
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/footstep-sensors-identif...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-gene-honey-bees-virgin-birth.html?utm...
Researchers discover a gene in honey bees that causes virgin birth
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https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments...
How the Scientific Method Works
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https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments...
Why Do We Experiment on Mice?
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https://www.sciencenews.org/article/nuclear-power-plant-warm-water-...
Warming water can create a tropical ecosystem, but a fragile one
Warm water discharged into the Sea of Japan let tropical fish flourish in an artificial hot spot
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-skin-chemical-biological-agents.html?...
Second skin protects against chemical, biological agents
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-plasma-medicine-highlights-antibacter...
Plasma medicine research highlights antibacterial effects and potential uses
May 7, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Long-lived pionic helium: Exotic matter experimentally verified for the first time
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-long-lived-pionic-helium-exotic-exper...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-successfully-infinitesimal-mass-indiv...
Successfully measuring infinitesimal change in mass of individual atoms for the first time
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-quantum-resonances-absolute.html?utm_...
Quantum resonances near absolute zero
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-variance-tree-species-results-cleanes...
Variance in tree species results in the cleanest urban air
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-future-universe-invisible.html?utm_so...
In the far future, the universe will be mostly invisible
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https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-scientists-rewire-photosynthesi...
Scientists rewire photosynthesis to fuel our future
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-stem-cells-shown-death-aid.html?utm_s...
Stem cells shown to delay their own death to aid healing
May 8, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
May 8, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Indian tigers find lockdown grrreat
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-indian-tigers-lockdown-grrreat.html?u...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-limb-doesnt-linked-lack-brai...
The feeling a limb doesn't belong is linked to lack of brain structure and connection
People with the mental health condition known as body integrity dysphoria (BID) often feel as though one of their healthy limbs isn't meant to be a part of their bodies
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-antioxidant-reverses-fertili...
Antioxidant reverses damage to fertility caused by exposure to bisphenol A
May 8, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
These are the 21 hospitals approved by ICMR to conduct clinical trials of convalescent plasma on COVID-19 patients
https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/these-are-the-21-hospital...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-newly-mechanism-dementia.htm...
Newly discovered mechanism can explain increased risk of dementia
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-chemistry-breakthrough-drug.html?utm_...
Chemistry breakthrough could speed up drug development
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-quantumness-simulations-reveal-partic...
Controlling quantumness: Simulations reveal details about how particles interact
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-quantum-radar-prototype.ht...
Scientists demonstrate quantum radar prototype
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-artificial-chloroplast.html?utm_sourc...
Microfluidics meets Synthetic Biology: Researchers develop an artificial chloroplast
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-lymph.html?utm_source=nwletter&ut...
Growing back the lymph system
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https://www.sciencealert.com/new-device-splits-water-into-hydrogen-...
Clever New Device Can Produce Hydrogen Fuel Using Water And Sunlight
May 8, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Potentially fatal combinations of humidity and heat are emerging across the globe
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-potentially-fatal-combinations-humidi...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-uncovering-potency-evasivene...
Uncovering the potency and evasiveness of the COVID-19 virus
mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters cells: how the virus "unlocks" human cells using a surface spike protein as the "key." The three important findings:
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-brain-link-events-memory-rev...
How does the brain link events to form a memory? Study reveals unexpected mental processes
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-immune-discovery-chronic.htm...
Immune system discovery could end chronic organ rejection
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-brain-complex.html?utm_sourc...
Researchers develop a new model for how the brain processes complex information
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-individualized-mosaics-micro...
Individualized mosaics of microbial strains transfer from the maternal to the infant gut
May 9, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Hygiene reduces the need for antibiotics by up to 30%
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-hygiene-antibiotics.html?utm...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-role-diet-esophageal-cancer....
The role of diet in esophageal cancer
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-pupil-rhythm-environment.htm...
Our pupil moves to the rhythm of the environment
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-antibiotic-dosing-icu.html?u...
Better antibiotic dosing could save lives in ICU
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-canadian-temperature-latitud...
study finds temperature, latitude not associated with COVID-19 spread
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-day-covid-.html?utm_source=n...
By the third day most with COVID-19 lose sense of smell
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https://massivesci.com/articles/definition-of-life-earth-universe-v...
Our concept of life is too Earth-centric — alien life might look totally different
There are over 100 scientific definitions of “life,” and none might be accurate outside Earth
--
https://futurism.com/the-byte/physicists-discover-new-trick-to-stab...
PHYSICISTS DISCOVER NEW TRICK TO STABILIZE FUSION REACTORS
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/shrinking-snowcaps-in-the-himalayas-mi...
There's a Surprising Connection Between Dangerous Algal Blooms And The Himalayas
May 9, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Heat and Humidity Are Already Reaching the Limits of Human Tolerance
Events with extreme temperatures and humidity are occurring twice as often now as they were 40 years ago
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heat-and-humidity-are-al...
--
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-model-predicts-sudde...
New Model Predicts Sudden Rogue Waves
Unified theory describes formation of huge, mysterious waves
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/this-slow-moving-liquid-metal-structur...
Engineers Devise Slow-Moving Liquid Metal Structures Perfect For Creepy Terminators
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-mysterious-illness-is-striking-child...
A Mysterious Kawasaki-Like Illness Is Striking Children During The Pandemic
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/coronavirus-rna-found-in-semen-of-men-...
Coronavirus Has Been Found in Sperm Samples. Here's Why You Don't Need to Freak Out
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-build-a-new-method-for-deli...
Engineers Unveil a System That Delivers Electricity Wirelessly - To a Moving Target
--
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/how-dead-dwarf-galaxies-make-st...
How tiny ‘dead’ galaxies get their groove back and make stars again
Gas falling into the dwarf galaxy must fight the galaxy’s old stars before making new ones
--
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/oobleck-cornstarch-water-runnin...
Physicists have found a way to foil a classic oobleck science trick
The cornstarch and water mixture solidifies under impact. A new technique makes it stay liquid
May 9, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
May 10, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Some scientists think BCG vaccination can work to fight COVID 19 better. Now they are putting this theory to test
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/can-century-old-tb-vaccine-...
--
Persistence of coronaviruses on different types of inanimate surfaces
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670120300463
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-seahorse-pipefish-window-marine-genet...
Seahorse and pipefish study opens window to marine genetic diversity
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-reopenings-cases-korea-virus...
Reopenings bring new cases in S. Korea, virus fears in Italy because of some reckless people
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-uvc-lamps-virus.html?utm_sou...
Tests show UVC lamps could light the way in virus fight
--
https://theconversation.com/why-are-there-so-many-drugs-to-kill-bac...
Why are there so many drugs to kill bacteria, but so few to tackle viruses?
--
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/comb-jellies-cannibalism-young-...
Some comb jellies cannibalize their young when food is scarce
Adults chow down on their larvae to survive the winter
May 10, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
New study shines light on mysterious giant viruses
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-mysterious-giant-viruses.html?utm_sou...
--
https://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/features/halloween_sounds.html
Space 'Sounds'
--
https://www.space.com/30302-lagrange-points.html
Lagrange Points: Parking Places in Space
--
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-found-in-semen-of-young-men...
Coronavirus found in semen of young men with COVID-19
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-relative-sars-cov-evidence-evolved-na...
A close relative of SARS-CoV-2 found in bats offers more evidence it evolved naturally
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-species-earliest-modern-artifacts-eur...
New research determines our species created earliest modern artifacts in Europe
--
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-critical-thunderbolt-flaw-enabl...
A new attack method affecting Thunderbolt-equipped computers can bypass locks, password-protection and encryption on ports produced before 2019.
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-exceptional-euv-hot-tin-plasma.html?u...
The exceptional origin of EUV light in hot tin plasma
--
Scientists reveal solar system's oldest molecular fluids could hold the key to early life
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-reveal-solar-oldest-molecu...
May 11, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Men's blood contains greater concentrations of enzyme that helps COVID-19 infect cells
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-men-blood-greater-enzyme-cov...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-animals-benefit-social-distance-disea...
Research shows even animals benefit from social distance to prevent disease
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-tale-kinds-volcanoes.html?utm_source=...
A tale of two kinds of volcanoes
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-genes-sex-biases-autoimmune-...
Researchers pinpoint genes behind sex biases in autoimmune disorders, schizophrenia
--
** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-pupil-dilation-reveal-decisi...
Gaze and pupil dilation can reveal a decision before it's made
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-ancestry-molecular-makeup-ca...
Study shows connection between the ancestry and the molecular makeup of cancer
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-loss-green-space-india-shown...
Loss of green space in India shown to be associated with higher cardiometabolic risk
--
https://theconversation.com/not-all-twins-are-identical-and-thats-b...
Why twinning?
May 12, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
A Quick Look at Bending the Bridge Between Two Galaxy Clusters
May 12, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
How bad science is being blocked: Repositories are rapidly disseminating crucial pandemic science — and they’re screening more closely to guard against poor-quality work.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01394-6?utm_source=Natur...
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01316-6?utm_source=Natur...
Galileo’s story is always relevant
When Should You Get Tested For Coronavirus Antibodies? An Expert Explains
https://www.sciencealert.com/researcher-explains-when-to-get-tested...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-discovery-antibiotics.html?utm_source...
Leap forward in the discovery and development of new antibiotics
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-temperatures-pathogens.html?utm_sourc...
Rising temperatures likely to increase damage caused by plant pathogens
May 12, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
The Unusual Symptoms of COVID-19
Scientists document a growing list of atypical coronavirus infection symptoms, giving doctors more insight into the emerging disease.
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/the-unusual-symptoms-of-...
--
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-there-is-no-global-south-ex...
Coronavirus: there is no global south exceptionalism
--
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-research-reveals-way-to-pre...
Coronavirus: research reveals way to predict infection – without a test
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-anti-covid-nanocoating-surface.html?u...
New anti-COVID-19 nanocoating surface developed
--
https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-waste-ppe-during-the-co...
What happens to waste PPE during the coronavirus pandemic?
--
Disposing COVID-19 biowaste not limited to incineration
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-disposing-covid-biowaste-limited-inci...
May 12, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Exploring the role of cells in the lateral thalamus in controlling fear behavior
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-exploring-role-cells-lateral...
--
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-soft-robotic-exosuit-survivors-...
Soft robotic exosuit makes stroke survivors walk faster and farther
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-male-female-dinosaurs.html?utm_source...
Can we really tell male and female dinosaurs apart?
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-scientists-mri-efficacy-stem...
Scientists show MRI predicts the efficacy of a stem cell therapy for brain injury
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-medicinal-biodiversity-hotspots.html?...
Medicinal plants thrive in biodiversity hotspots
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-unexpected-behavior-hydrogen-flames.h...
The unexpected behaviour of hydrogen flames ...
May 13, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Space travel impact on human body
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-space-impact-body-sodium.html?utm_sou...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-older-women-twins-due-evolution.html?...
Older women more likely to conceive twins due to evolution
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-insights-early-embryonic.html?utm_sou...
New insights into early embryonic development
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dangerous-costly-social-animals-lower...
Learning what's dangerous is costly, but social animals have a way of lowering the price
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-visual-perception-decision.h...
Why visual perception is a decision process
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-physical-presence-spouse-par...
Physical presence of spouse alters how parents' brains respond to stimuli from children
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-brainstem-neurons-mice-left....
Brainstem neurons control how mice turn left and right
May 13, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Researchers link high calcium levels in mitochondria to neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-link-high-calcium-mitochondr...
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-ability-focus-falter-meal-hi...
Our ability to focus may falter after eating one meal high in saturated fat
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-body-marijuana-traumatic-mem...
The endogenous compound anandamide—often referred to as the body's own marijuana—plays a role in erasing memories of a traumatic event.
--
Biobanks Reveal The Genes For Long Life An analysis of over 700,000 individuals has revealed that high blood pressure and obesity are the strongest risk factors for accelerated aging.
https://www.asianscientist.com/2020/05/health/biobank-longevity-pol...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-mysterious-delta-scuti-stars-surrende...
Astronomers find regular rhythms among pulsating stars
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-microscopic-feather-features-reveal-f...
Microscopic feather features reveal fossil birds' colors and explain why cassowaries shine
May 13, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
How Coronavirus Spreads through the Air: What We Know So Far
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-coronavirus-spreads-...
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-scientists-millions-mature-h...
Scientists generate millions of mature human cells in a mouse embryo
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-successfully-resistant-cor...
Scientists successfully develop 'heat resistant' coral to fight bleaching
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-moths-secret-vital-role-pollinators.h...
Moths have a secret but vital role as pollinators in the night
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-tiny-rna-coronavirus-diminis...
Tiny RNA that should attack coronavirus diminish with age, disease
May 13, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
COVID-19's silent spread: Study explores role of symptomless transmission
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-covid-silent-explores-role-s...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-chemical-composition-bedrock-limits-v...
Chemical composition of bedrock limits vegetation growth in karst regions, research shows
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-rapid-mechanism-atmospheric-particle-...
New, rapid mechanism for atmospheric particle formation
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-cold-war-nuke-rainfall.html?utm_sourc...
Cold War nuke tests changed rainfall: study
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-mimicking-nature-medicine-door-treatm...
Mimicking nature's best medicine opens door to new treatments
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
A possible explanation for the Earth's North magnetic pole moving toward Russia
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-explanation-earth-north-magnetic-pole...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-small-disturbances-trigger-catastroph...
Researchers find even small disturbances can trigger catastrophic storms
--
https://www.quora.com/q/sciencecommunication?__filter__=all&__n...
--
https://theconversation.com/how-the-earths-last-supercontinent-brok...
How the Earth’s last supercontinent broke apart to form the world we have today
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-covid-future-plastic.html?utm_source=...
How COVID 19 increased our plastic consumption ...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-microplastics.html?utm_source=nwlette...
Microplastics are everywhere, study finds—including in our drinking water, table salt and in the air that we breathe. Having studied the scope of microplastics in a number of countries, researchers are worried.
--
https://theconversation.com/grounded-aircraft-could-make-weather-fo...
Grounded aircraft could make weather forecasts less reliable
--
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-websites-moresimilar.html?utm_s...
Yes, websites really are starting to look more similar
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
3-D VR blood flow to improve cardiovascular care
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-d-vr-blood-cardiovascular.html?...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-durable-washable-textile-coating-repe...
Researchers create durable, washable textile coating that can repel viruses
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-cells-thermometer-molecular-imbalance...
Color of cells a 'thermometer' for molecular imbalance, study finds
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientific-zombie-nature-nurture-deba...
Time to kill the scientific zombie that is the 'nature vs. nurture' debate
The authors argue that, first, behavior is not special in its evolution but evolves in the same manner as other traits. Second, no trait, whether behavioral or otherwise, is caused by either genes or the environment or even by an additive combination of the two; the interaction is the important feature. Third, genes do not and cannot code for behavior or any other characteristic.
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-drug-resistant-mutations.html?utm_sou...
Computer model identifies drug-resistant mutations
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
New research could help save many plant and animal species from extinction
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-animal-species-extinction.html?utm_so...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dynamics-gut-bacteria-ecological-laws...
utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwl...
Dynamics of gut bacteria follow ecological laws
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-locust-outbreak-threatens-food-millio...
New locust outbreak threatens food security for millions
Millions face famine and food insecurity caused by a second desert locust outbreak as management resources are directed towards the COVID-19 crisis, scientists warn.
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-gut-microbiome-als-outcomes....
Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-uncovering-dark-regions-geno...
Uncovering how 'dark matter' regions of the genome affect inflammatory diseases
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-powerful-gene-variant-height...
Researchers identify most powerful gene variant for height known to date
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
How the body makes triglycerides
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-body-triglycerides.html?utm_...
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-hiv-treatment.html?utm_sourc...
Researchers discover how HIV hides from treatment
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-deep-gut-hormones.html?utm_s...
Why or how do you feel hungry? A deep look into the gut's hormones
--
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01285-w?utm_source=Natur...
Revealed: two men in China were first to receive pioneering stem-cell treatment for heart-disease
Aircraft spies gravity waves being sucked into Antarctica’s polar vortex
Coronavirus: Does lockdown easing 'follow the science'?
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Coronavirus vaccine: reasons to be optimistic
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-vaccine-reasons-to-be-optim...
--
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/coronavirus-test-shortag...
Group screening of Corona Virus ... By pooling samples from many people into a few groups and evaluating pools rather than individuals, the scientists think they can use fewer tests on more people.
--
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-new-alzheimers-air-p...
The New Alzheimer’s–Air Pollution Link
Toxic airborne particles can travel from lungs and nose to the brain, and exposure is linked to memory loss
--
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/05/old-math-reveals...
Old math reveals new secrets about these alluring flowers
A model developed by Alan Turing can help explain the spots on these astoundingly diverse flowers—and many other natural patterns as well.
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-virus-eminently-capable-spee...
Virus 'eminently capable' of spreading through speech: study
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Seven things you might not know about blood
https://theconversation.com/seven-things-you-might-not-know-about-b...
--
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-heavy-is-the-univers...
How Heavy is the Universe? Conflicting Answers Hint at New Physics
The discrepancy could be a statistical fluke—or a sign that physicists will need to revise the standard model of cosmology
--
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/countries-begin-large-sc...
Countries Begin Large-Scale Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage
Researchers have found traces of the coronavirus at wastewater treatment plants in various locations around the world.
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-tool-sequence-circular-dna...
Scientists develop tool to sequence circular DNA
--
$$ https://theconversation.com/a-new-type-of-chemical-bond-the-charge-...
A new type of chemical bond: The charge-shift bond
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-genetic-hybrid-dysfunction.html?utm_s...
Genetic origins of hybrid dysfunction
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-limits-ability-soil.html?utm_source=n...
What limits the ability of plants to draw water from dry soil?
May 14, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
COVID-19 facts or fiction: 1 in 4 YouTube videos misleads viewers
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-covid-facts-fiction-youtube-vid...
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-copper-protein-complexes.html?utm_sou...
Researchers discover new and harmful copper-protein complexes
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dark-shaded-body-surface-key-animals....
Dark-shaded body surface the key to animals avoiding predators
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-reveals-mechanisms-pluripotency-trans...
Novel system reveals mechanisms of pluripotency transition
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-tuberculosis.html?utm_source=nwletter...
Fighting tuberculosis with light and sound
--
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-vaccines-artificial-proteins...
Designing vaccines from artificial proteins
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/this-demonstration-shows-just-how-easi...
This Video Shows Just How Easily an Infection Can Spread Through Contact
May 15, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
1o films that got the science wrong
https://sports.yahoo.com/films-bad-science-065413189.html
--
https://theconversation.com/why-women-leaders-are-excelling-during-...
Why women leaders are excelling during the coronavirus pandemic $$
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-bizarre-species-twitter.html?utm_sour...
Bizarre new species discovered... on Twitter
--
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-dna-sequence-symmetries-maximum-entro...
DNA sequence symmetries from maximum entropy: The origin of the Chargaff's second parity rule
Most living organisms rely on double-stranded DNA to perpetuate their genetic code. This biological information is the main target of evolution.
"By means of a multidisciplinary collaboration that includes biologists, anthropologists and theoretical physicists, we have succeeded in the intent of explaining the origin of Chargaff's second parity rule through the hypothesis that this genomic symmetry emerges from the DNA double helix constraint and the principle of maximum randomness (entropy)," says Cristian Taccioli, professor of molecular biology and bioinformatics at the M.A.P.S Department of the University of Padova.
He concludes: "Moreover, we have been able to describe the evolution of the genome in terms of energy rather than focusing only on natural selection. Our idea is that DNA, like all the other systems in the universe, follows the stream of entropy, trying to reach an equilibrium and maximizing its stability. In fact, our results show that processes that increase the entropy of a double-stranded DNA molecule are favored during the evolution of living organisms."
Piero Fariselli et al. DNA sequence symmetries from randomness: the origin of the Chargaff's second parity rule, Briefings in Bioinformatics (2020). DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa041
May 15, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
The carnivorous plant lifestyle is gene costly
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-carnivorous-lifestyle-gene-costly.htm...
Basic genes for carnivory
The first thing the international research team found out was that, despite their different lifestyles and trapping mechanisms, Venus flytrap, sundew and waterwheel have a common "basic set" of genes that are essential for the carnivorous lifestyle.
"The function of these genes is related to the ability to sense and digest prey animals and to utilise their nutrients," explains Rainer Hedrich.
"We were able to trace the origin of the carnivory genes back to a duplication event that occurred many millions of years ago in the genome of the last common ancestor of the three carnivorous species," says Jörg Schultz. The duplication of the entire genome has provided evolution with an ideal playing ground for developing new functions.
Genetic poverty despite a special way of life
To their surprise, the researchers discovered that the plants do not need a particularly large number of genes for carnivory. Instead, the three species studied are actually among the most gene-poor plants known. Drosera has 18,111, Dionaea 21,135 and Aldrovanda 25,123 genes. In contrast, most plants have between 30,000 and 40,000 genes.
How can this be reconciled with the fact that a wealth of new genes is usually needed to develop new ways of life? "This can only mean that the specialization in animal food was accompanied by an increase in the number of genes, but also a massive loss of genes," concludes developmental biologist Hasebe.
Most of the genes required for the insect traps are also found in slightly modified form in normal plants. "In carnivorous plants, several genes are active in the trapping organs, which in other plants have their effect in the root. In the trapping organs, these genes are only switched on when the prey is secure," explains Hedrich. This finding is consistent with the fact that the roots are considerably reduced in Venus flytrap and sundew. In the waterwheel they are completely absent.
Gergo Palfalvi et al, Genomes of the Venus Flytrap and Close Relatives Unveil the Roots of Plant Carnivory, Current Biology (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.04.051
May 16, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
'Hot and messy' entanglement of 15 trillion atoms
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-hot-messy-entanglement-trillion-atoms...
--
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-ai-discriminate.html?utm_source...
Does your AI discriminate? You might be surprised with the answer!
--
https://www.quantamagazine.org/inside-deep-undersea-rocks-life-thri...
Inside Deep Undersea Rocks, Life Thrives Without the Sun
Newly discovered worlds of microbes far beneath the ocean floor, inside old basaltic rocks, could point to a greater likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.
--
https://massivesci.com/articles/poached-review-wildlife-nuwer/?utm_...
“Poached” takes you into the trenches of wildlife crime
... how and why illegal trade threatens to wipe some of our planet’s most charismatic animals off the map forever
--
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/countries-begin-large-sc...
Countries Begin Large-Scale Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage
Researchers have found traces of the coronavirus at wastewater treatment plants in various locations around the world.
--
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/droplets-from-speech-can...
Droplets from Speech Can Float in Air for Eight Minutes: Study
The experiments did not involve SARS-CoV-2, but researchers say the results support precautions to avoid possibly spreading COVID-19 by talking.
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/amazon-could-be-next-virus-hot-zone-sc...
The Amazon Could Easily Be The Next Source of Coronaviruses, Scientist Warns
May 16, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Scientists break the link between a quantum material's spin and orbital states
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-link-quantum-material-orbi...
--
https://www.quantamagazine.org/black-holes-prove-that-anti-de-sitte...
New Math Proves That a Special Kind of Space-Time Is Unstable
New Brain Implant Lets Blind People 'See' Letters Without Using The...
"They described seeing glowing spots or lines forming the letters, like skywriting."
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/ancient-marine-animals-evolved-bodies-...
These 80-Million-Year-Old Sea Creatures Look Shockingly Similar to Buckyballs
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/some-children-with-covid-19-are-experi...
COVID-19 Symptoms in Kids, And What You Need to Know About a Rare Post-Viral Syndrome
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-strange-properties-of-twisted-grap...
Two Studies Just Revealed How Twisted Graphene Gets Even Weirder at a 'Magic Angle'
--
https://www.sciencealert.com/our-continents-took-shape-thanks-to-a-...
How Earth's Last Supercontinent Split Apart to Create The World We See Today
May 16, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Neuroscientists Think They've Found a Previously Unknown Form of Neural Communication
https://www.sciencealert.com/neuroscientists-think-they-ve-found-an...
--
$$ https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-how-fear-a...
How fear and anger change our perception of coronavirus risk
A behavioral scientist discusses the role of emotions in assessing risks and making decisions
--
https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/twin-antibodies-show-neutralizi...
Twin antibodies show neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2: Good implications in vaccine development
--
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/climate-change-actions-reduce-c...
What lifestyle changes will shrink your carbon footprint the most?
How to take steps that will make a difference
--
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/an-open-letter-from-scient...
An open letter from scientists across the globe calling for use of fabric masks to prevent COVID-19
May 17, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
How Long Can Viruses Live on Surfaces?
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/long-ca...
--
https://theconversation.com/experts-are-back-in-fashion-now-more-th...
Experts are back in fashion – now more than ever we need to question them but only according to scientific rules.
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Astronomers Find a Star That's Nearly as Old as The Universe
https://www.sciencealert.com/astronomers-find-a-record-breaking-sta...
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https://www.sciencenews.org/article/africa-biggest-collection-ancie...
Africa’s biggest collection of ancient human footprints has been found
Hundreds of fossilized impressions are providing a glimpse into ancient human behavior
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-strange-hollow-ball-like-million-year...
Strange hollow ball-like structures found in 80-million-year-old fossils
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$$ https://phys.org/news/2020-05-fluid-dynamics-covid-spreadand.html?u...
What fluid dynamics can explain about COVID-19 spread—and how to protect yourself $$
May 17, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
The Universe - Created Out Of Nothing?
Self-Healing Devices Gain or Regain Function After Being Cut
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-05-self-healing-devices-gain-regai...
What Color Is A Mirror?
May 17, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Live streaming of coral reefs ...
--New research shows that magpies can recognise themselves - the first time this has been shown in non-mammals.
We all heard the story of an intelligent crow when we 're young. Now watching it with our own eyes makes us kids again ...
May 18, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Investigating neural mechanisms underlying individual differences in perception
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-neural-mechanisms-underlying...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-12-link-brain.html
The link between drawing and seeing in the brain
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-path-boosts-quantum-gain.html?utm_sou...
Observing the path less traveled boosts quantum gain
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-mystery-lava-like-mars-scientists.htm...
Mystery of lava-like flows on Mars solved by scientists
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This is why placebos work: Scientists find brain center that 'profoundly' shuts down pain
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-scientists-brain-center-prof...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-brain-to-gut.html?utm_source...
Neuroscientists have traced neural pathways that connect the brain to the stomach, providing a biological mechanism to explain how stress can foster ulcer development.
Identifying these neural pathways that connect the brain and stomach could provide new insights into common gut disorders.
For example, Helicobacter pylori infection typically triggers ulcer formation, but descending signals from the cerebral cortex could influence the bacteria's growth by adjusting gastric secretions to make the stomach more or less hospitable to invaders.
These insights also could change clinical gastroenterology practice. Knowing that the brain exerts physical control over the gut gives doctors a new way to approach bowel problems.
"Several common gut disorders, such as dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome, might not get better with current treatments," said Levinthal, who also is a gastroenterologist at UPMC. "Our results provide cortical targets that will be critical for developing new brain-based therapies that might be helpful for our patients."
David J. Levinthal el al., "Multiple areas of the cerebral cortex influence the stomach," PNAS (2020). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002737117
May 19, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
No evidence of an influence of dark matter on the force between nuclei
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-evidence-dark-nuclei.html?utm_source=...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-superconductors-zeitgeist-materials-d...
Superconductors with 'zeitgeist' – when materials differentiate between the past and the future
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-discovery-unknown-hydrogen-mid-ocean-...
Discovery of unknown hydrogen in mid-ocean ridge points to hidden biosphere
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-pandemic-night-satellites-weather.htm...
Seeing the pandemic at night: How satellites observe more than just weather
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-groupie-galaxies-orbiting-milky-dark....
Satellite galaxies orbiting Milky Way tell us about dark matter, how galaxy formed
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https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/05/long-acting-injectable-drug...
Long-acting injectable drug prevents HIV infections
May 19, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
How to Snuff Out the Next Pandemic
High-speed sequencing technology, placed strategically in urban hospitals, could flag a new pathogen before it has a chance to spread widely
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/how-to-snuff-out-...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-odds-life-intelligence-emerging-plane...
New study estimates the odds of life and intelligence emerging beyond our planet
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-scientists-pressure-liquid-magnetism-...
Scientists use pressure to make liquid magnetism breakthrough
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-scientists-china-drug-pandem...
Scientists found a drug based on neutralising antibodies that can stop pandemic - the experiments done on mice 're promising ...
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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-presymptomatic-virus-patient...
Presymptomatic virus patients can contaminate environments: study
About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms.
These included door handles, light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes, pillow covers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.
A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.
Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel.
In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case.
The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time."
They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers.
Fa-Chun Jiang et al. Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA on Surfaces in Quarantine Rooms, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2020). DOI: 10.3201/eid2609.201435
May 19, 2020
Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa
Researchers observe Pauli crystals for the first time
https://phys.org/news/2020-05-team-germany-pauli-crystals.html?utm_...
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https://phys.org/news/2020-05-powerful-drugs-unwanted-side-effects....
Designing powerful drugs without unwanted side effects - scientists are exploring the possibilities ...
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https://www.sciencealert.com/we-re-about-to-experience-solar-minimu...
Yes, a Solar Minimum Is Coming. No, It's Not Going to Mess Up The World
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https://www.sciencealert.com/sudden-loss-of-smell-is-a-reason-to-se...
Should You Self-Isolate if You Suddenly Lose Your Sense of Smell? Here's What We Know till now
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https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-do-we-blink-so-fr...
Why Do We Blink So Frequently?
Research indicates that the brain enters a momentary state of wakeful rest when we blink, perhaps allowing us to focus better afterward
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https://www.asianscientist.com/2020/05/tech/pet-bottles-antibiotics...
Turning Plastic Bottles Into Antibiotic Sponges Researchers in South Korea have used waste PET bottles to create an adsorbent material for the removal of antibiotics from water.
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https://www.asianscientist.com/2020/05/health/machine-learning-covi...
These Three Biomarkers May Predict COVID-19 Death Risk: Study A machine learning model developed by Wuhan scientists predicted the death of COVID-19 patients ten days in advance of their outcomes with more than 90 percent accuracy.
May 20, 2020