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Categories: Biology: Biochemistry, Environmental: General
Published Controlled burns help prevent wildfires; Climate change is limiting their use
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Climate change means the American West will have 17% fewer safe days to light prescribed fires for wildfire management, according to new research. Winter, however, will see a net 4% increase in the number of favorable days. Implementing controlled burns in the West will require changes to policy and the availability of firefighters.
Published Disaster-proofing sustainable neighborhoods requires thorough long-term planning
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Engineers and scientists look at how thoughtful design can reduce a sustainably-designed neighborhood’s energy vulnerability during power disruptions, as well as which design characteristics are needed if and when local populations need to move to shelters. Researchers analyzed the design and energy characteristics of particular kinds of buildings and neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities and their access to alternative and renewable energy sources. The authors use several scenarios involving different lengths of power disruption to see which kind of response is most beneficial to the populations affected.
Published Improved mangrove conservation could yield cash, carbon, coastal benefits
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A shift in the way we think about the benefits mangroves provide to coastal regions could yield significant economic and biodiversity gains and protect millions from flooding, research has revealed.
Published Gut bacteria found in wild wolves may be key to improving domestic dogs' health
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Gut microbes found in wild wolves may be the key to alleviating a debilitating gastrointestinal condition common to domestic dogs.
Published When cells go boom: Study reveals inflammation-causing gene carried by millions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have found that a genetic change that increases the risk of inflammation, through a process described as ‘explosive’ cell death, is carried by up to 3% of the global population.
Published Metal-loving microbes could replace chemical processing of rare earths
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have characterized the genome of a metal-loving bacteria with an affinity for rare earth elements. The research paves the way towards replacing the harsh chemical processing of these elements with a benign practice called biosorption.
Published Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Mining brings huge social and environmental change to communities: landscapes, livelihoods and the social fabric evolve alongside the industry. But what happens when the mines close? What problems face communities that lose their main employer and the very core of their identity and social networks?
Published Viruses dynamic and changing after dry soils are watered
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Viruses in soil may not be as destructive to bacteria as once thought and could instead act like lawnmowers, culling older cells and giving space for new growth, according to research.
Published Scientists investigate Grand Canyon's ancient past to predict future climate impacts
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team explores relationship between warming post-Ice Age temperatures and intensifying summer monsoon rains on groundwater reserves.
Published Scientists identify evolutionary gateway helping pneumonia bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An evolutionary gateway which helps pneumonia cells become resistant to antibiotics has been discovered.
Published How new plant cell walls change their mechanical properties after cell division
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists reveal new plant cell walls can have significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental cell walls, enabling cells to change their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs.
Published DNA from discarded whale bones suggests loss of genetic diversity due to commercial whaling
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Commercial whaling in the 20th century decimated populations of large whales but also appears to have had a lasting impact on the genetic diversity of today’s surviving whales, new research shows.
Published Preventing spread of parasitic DNA in our genomes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified a new enzyme called PUCH, which plays a key role in preventing the spread of parasitic DNA in our genomes. These findings may reveal new insights into how our bodies detect and fight bacteria and viruses to prevent infections.
Published Swap red meat for Quorn protein to improve heart health and reduce waist circumference, study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source People looking to reduce their cholesterol and trim fat from around their waist could try swapping meat for Quorn protein, according to the findings from a new study, which saw positive effects in both areas in just two weeks.
Published Pheromones influence death feigning behavior in beetles
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In the natural world, predators play a significant role in shaping how animals defend themselves. A previously documented tactic called 'death feigning' involves prey insects faking death when targeted by predators. However, the impact of chemical substances called pheromones on death-feigning remains largely unexplored. A team of researchers recently found out how the aggregation pheromone 4,8-dimethyldecanal affects the death-feigning behavior of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.
Published Water makes all the difference
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Water is a major driving force in the formation of separate reaction compartments within cells.
Published Genetics of attraction: Mate choice in fruit flies
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Genetic quality or genetic compatibility? What do female fruit flies prioritize when mating? Researchers show that both factors are important at different stages of the reproductive process and that females use targeted strategies to optimize the fitness of their offspring.
Published Engineering study employs deep learning to explain extreme events
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source At the core of uncovering extreme events such as floods is the physics of fluids – specifically turbulent flows. Researchers leveraged a computer-vision deep learning technique and adapted it for nonlinear analysis of extreme events in wall-bounded turbulent flows, which are pervasive in numerous physics and engineering applications and impact wind and hydrokinetic energy, among others. Results show the technique employed can be invaluable for accurately identifying the sources of extreme events in a completely data-driven manner.
Published A hygiene program for chromosomes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers identified and characterized a new cellular compartment in vertebrate cells that might be a precursor of today's eucaryotic nucleus. The study reveals that mammalian cells recognize, cluster, sort and keep extrachromosomal DNA -- like transfected plasmid DNA and endogenous circular DNAs originating from telomeres of the chromosome -- away from chromosomal DNA. That suggests that there is a cell autonomous genome defense system.
Published Sustainable protection of rapidly subsiding coastlines with mangroves
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Along the Asian coast lines there are many areas where rural communities experience alarming rates of sea level rises due to land subsidence up to 10 cm per year. This causes tremendous challenges on how to live there and protect these coasts. Scientists have now investigated the potential and limitation of mangrove restoration as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for coastal protection in rapidly subsiding areas.