Showing 20 articles starting at article 1221
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Categories: Biology: Genetics, Geoscience: Earth Science
Published How male mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females in the malaria mosquito. This discovery helps scientists better understand the evolution of the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for equalizing gene expression between the sexes. The findings may contribute to the development of new ways to prevent the spread of malaria.
Published Climate change brings earlier arrival of intense hurricanes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research has revealed that since the 1980s, Category 4 and 5 hurricanes (maximum wind speed greater than 131 miles per hour) have been arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade of climate change.
Published Natural GM crops: Grasses take evolutionary shortcut by borrowing genes from their neighbors
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Grass may transfer genes from their neighbors in the same way genetically modified crops are made, a new study has revealed.
Published New discovery may 'unlock' the future of infectious disease and cancer treatment
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified a 'guard mechanism' for a protein which attacks microbes in infected cells, opening the possibility of new treatments for Toxoplasma, Chlamydia, Tuberculosis and even cancer.
Published The end of genes: Routine test reveals unique divergence in genetic code
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists testing a new method of sequencing single cells have unexpectedly changed our understanding of the rules of genetics. The genome of a protist has revealed a seemingly unique divergence in the DNA code signalling the end of a gene, suggesting the need for further research to better understand this group of diverse organisms.
Published AI-driven earthquake forecasting shows promise in trials
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new attempt to predict earthquakes has raised hopes that artificial intelligence could one day be used to limit earthquakes’ impact on lives and economies. The AI algorithm correctly predicted 70% of earthquakes a week before they happened during a seven-month trial in China. The system is limited because the AI needs an extensive database and years of seismic recordings to train itself on, but researchers said the effort is nonetheless a milestone for AI-driven earthquake forecasting. Researchers will soon begin testing the system at other locations.
Published Plants could worsen air pollution on a warming planet
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research shows that plants such as oak and poplar trees will emit more of a compound called isoprene as global temperatures climb. Isoprene from plants represents the highest flux of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere after methane. Although isoprene isn’t inherently bad — it actually helps plants better tolerate insect pests and high temperatures — it can worsen air pollution by reacting with nitrogen oxides from automobiles and coal-fired power plants. The new publication can help us better understand, predict and potentially mitigate the effects of increased isoprene emission as the planet warms.
Published New open-source method to improve decoding of single-cell data
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a new open-source computational method, dubbed Spectra, which improves the analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data. By guiding data analysis in a unique way, Spectra can offer new insights into the complex interplay between cells — like the interactions between cancer cells and immune cells, which are critical to improving immunotherapy treatments.
Published Climate intervention technologies may create winners and losers in world food supply
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A technology being studied to curb climate change – one that could be put in place in one or two decades if work on the technology began now – would affect food productivity in parts of planet Earth in dramatically different ways, benefiting some areas, and adversely affecting others, according to new projections.
Published Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented.
Published Study identifies jet-stream pattern that locks in extreme winter cold, wet spells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Winter is coming—eventually. And while the earth is warming, a new study suggests that the atmosphere is being pushed around in ways that cause long bouts of extreme winter cold or wet in some regions. The study’s authors say they have identified giant meanders in the global jet stream that bring polar air southward, locking in frigid or wet conditions concurrently over much of North America and Europe, often for weeks at a time. Such weather waves, they say, have doubled in frequency since the 1960s. In just the last few years, they have killed hundreds of people and paralyzed energy and transport systems.
Published Being a vegetarian may be partly in your genes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A person's genetic makeup plays a role in determining whether they can stick to a strict vegetarian diet, a new study has found. The findings open the door to further studies that could have important implications regarding dietary recommendations and the production of meat substitutes.
Published Proteins roll the dice to determine bee sex
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To date it has been unclear exactly how the sex of a bee is determined. A research team comprising biologists and chemists has now identified a key gene and the molecular mechanism linked with it. They describe how this process is similar to a game involving two dice.
Published Ancient carbon in rocks releases as much carbon dioxide as the world's volcanoes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research has overturned the traditional view that natural rock weathering acts as a carbon sink that removes CO2 from the atmosphere. Instead, this can also act as a large CO2 source, rivaling that of volcanoes.
Published Volcanic ash effects on Earth systems
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To bridge the knowledge gap between volcanologists and atmospheric scientists working on climate change and observing global systems, researchers have characterized volcanic ash samples from many explosive eruptions of a broad compositional range.
Published Avatars to help tailor glioblastoma therapies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have created a new zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma, according to a new study.
Published Discovery of massive undersea water reservoir could explain New Zealand's mysterious slow earthquakes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers working to image New Zealand's Hikurangi earthquake fault have uncovered a sea's worth of water buried in the Earth's crust. The water was carried down by eroding volcanic rocks and is believed to be dampening the earthquake fault, allowing it to release most of the pent-up tectonic stress through harmless slow slip earthquakes.
Published Honeybees are more selective in their choices for nutrition than previously thought
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An international research group examined which plants honeybees favor when collecting nectar and pollen. The choices honeybees make have an impact on their health and also on humans, as honeybees pollinate important crop plants.
Published Ancient technology turns plant-based cheese into 'something we want to eat'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source To produce plant-based cheeses that feel and taste like dairy cheese, scientists have their sights set on fermentation. In a new research result, scientists demonstrate the potential of fermentation for producing climate-friendly cheeses that people want to eat.
Published New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants -- saving money and emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a breakthrough for environmentally friendly chemical production, researchers have developed an economical way to make succinic acid, an important industrial chemical, from sugarcane. The team has created a cost-effective, end-to-end pipeline for this valuable organic acid by engineering a tough, acid-tolerant yeast as the fermenting agent, avoiding costly steps in downstream processing. Succinic acid is a widely used additive for food and beverages and has diverse applications in agricultural and pharmaceutical products. This same pipeline can be used to produce other industrially important organic acids from crops rather than petroleum-based processes, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.