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Showing posts from December, 2021

Betty White: Biden leads tributes for Golden Girls actress

The long-time Hollywood star died on Friday at the age of 99 after an eight-decade film and TV career. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32TkNzz

New Year's Eve: Firework displays welcome 2022

Celebrations are under way across the world to usher in the New Year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FZbKMd

French ban on plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables begins

Effective from New Year's day, officials hope the law will prevent a billion items of single use plastics every year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zcTfRy

Desmond Tutu: Body of South African hero to be aquamated

In line with his eco-friendly beliefs, the water-based process uses a tenth of the energy of cremation. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EN86U2

Obituary: Betty White, the Golden Girl with a heart of gold

One of America's original screen stars, Betty White enjoyed a career spanning eight decades. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3eHBW1L

Covid booster 88% effective against hospital treatment with Omicron

UK health officials said the latest data reinforces the importance of getting a third dose. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3mNDMCB

Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel 'does not like' striker's comments

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says Romelu Lukaku's comments in an interview in which the striker said he was "not happy" with his role at the club "brings noise that we don't need". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3sMGkoc

Ghislaine Maxwell: Rape survivor describes 'locking eyes' with Maxwell in court

Sarah Ransome says Maxwell was the "enforcer" in the sexual abuse that was carried out by Maxwell and Epstein. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3sNn0as

Jeffrey Epstein: Charges dropped against prison guards who falsified records

The pair admitted falsifying records to show they had monitored Epstein on the night of his death. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zbWbxU

Covid-19: WHO chief optimistic disease will be beaten in 2022

The organisation ends the year on a positive note but warns about "nationalism and vaccine hoarding". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pFkK3g

Virginia Giuffre: Prince Andrew accuser seeks evidence he could not sweat

Lawyers for Virginia Giuffre call on the royal to submit medical reports to a New York court. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zaVXXW

Breakaway Super League, Tokyo's 'Covid Games', cricket's racism crisis - a huge year for sports news

BBC sports editor Dan Roan says 2021 has included two of the most dramatic, fastest-moving stories he has covered in two decades of sports reporting. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3JwuWTy

Rogel Aguilera-Mederos: Colorado truck driver's sentence cut by 100 years

Rogel Aguilera-Mederos was sentenced to 110 years in prison for a crash that killed four people. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Jq3IOt

Colorado Wildfires: Thousands evacuated as buildings burn

Around 30,000 people have been evacuated as wildfires sweep across US state of Colorado. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3sUlOC6

Cancer deaths rose to 10 million worldwide in 2019

Cancer deaths rose to 10 million and new cases jumped to over 23 million globally in 2019, according to a new scientific study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EL7luG

Healthy diet in early pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes

A healthy, comprehensive diet that lowers the body's inflammation reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, reveals a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pFJkkn

Safer carbon capture and storage

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have increased significantly over the last 50 years, resulting in higher global temperatures and abrupt changes to Earth's climate. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the new technologies that scientists hope will play an important role in tackling the climate crisis. It involves the capture of CO2 from emissions from industrial processes, or from the burning of fossil fuels in power generation, which is then stored underground in geological formations. CCS will also be key if we want to produce 'clean-burning' hydrogen from hydrocarbon systems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/343RgU9

Stopping dementia at the nose with combination of rifampicin and resveratrol

Researchers have shown in mice models of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies, that the intranasal administration of rifampicin and resveratrol in combination is safer and improves cognitive function more than rifampicin alone. The research results are expected to lead to the development of safe and effective nasal spray for the prevention of dementia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sM45go

Smart and sustainable food packaging keeps harmful microbes at bay

A team of scientists has developed a 'smart' food packaging material that is biodegradable, sustainable and kills microbes that are harmful to humans. It could also extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3z9N2Gd

Nits on ancient mummies shed light on South American ancestry

For the first time, scientists have recovered ancient human DNA from the sticky glue head lice use to attach their eggs to their host's hair. The new technique was trialled on mummified remains and the DNA has revealed clues about how the people died and the movements of populations thousands of years ago. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EEtoTF

Covid: Woman isolates in toilet for five hours after positive mid-flight test

A US teacher says she spent five hours in the toilet after testing positive for Covid-19. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32DGqnF

Africa Cup of Nations: Tournament is being 'disrespected', says former England striker Ian Wright

The Africa Cup of Nations is being "disrespected" by some negative media coverage, says former England striker Ian Wright. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zjfTYM

How DNA is preserved in archaeological sediments for thousands of years

The analysis of ancient DNA preserved in sediments is an emerging technology allowing for the detection of the past presence of humans and other animals at archaeological sites. Yet, little is known about how DNA is preserved in sediment for long periods of time. Scientists have now shed light on the matter by isolating DNA from solid blocks of undisturbed sediment that are embedded in plastic resin. The study reveals that ancient human and animal DNA is concentrated in small 'hot spots', particularly in microscopic particles of bone or feces. Micro-sampling of such particles can recover substantial amounts of DNA from ancient humans, such as Neanderthals, and other species and link them to archaeological and ecological records at a microscopic scale. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3JqnkSF

Virginia Confederate monuments likely headed to black history museum

A black history museum and culture centre in Richmond may soon receive the controversial memorials. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3HnvTeV

Tesla to recall 475,000 cars in the US

The number of cars being recalled is nearly equivalent to the firm's global deliveries last year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zbOdop

Syntropic agriculture: A new way of farming in dry climates?

Ernst Gotsch's method of agriculture increases, rather than decreases, biodiversity and wildlife. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3JEiC3R

Desmond Tutu: Religious and political leaders pay tribute in Cape Town

Politicians and leaders of different faiths gathered in Cape Town to remember the anti-apartheid leader. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EG3hMh

Berlin Zoo animals feast on unsold Christmas trees

The trees are seen as a way to minimise waste and support zoos during the Covid pandemic. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3zbDLO0

Ukraine tensions: Biden and Putin phone call seeks 'diplomatic path'

The presidents of the US and Russia will speak again in a bid to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3JsrfOI

Russia orders health and drug checks for foreigners

Business groups criticise a new law requiring mandatory fingerprinting, drug tests and STD checks. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32Q06oc

Covid: Omicron and Delta driving tsunami of cases - WHO

The warning comes as record cases are once again reported across the US and Europe. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32JWXGe

Alaska 'Icemageddon' warning follows heat record

The coldest US state faces weather extremes after heavy snowfall and torrential rain. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3sMFEPN

Malawians mourn ex-First Lady Anne Chidzira Muluzi

Tributes are paid to Anne Chidzira Muluzi, the first woman to hold the title there, who died aged 69. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3JCwZ8K

Robert E. Lee: Virginia workers open Civil War era time capsule

The 130-year-old capsule contained flags, books and bullets related to the Confederate States. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3sGUgQS

Richard Marcinko: Seal Team Six founder dies at 81

Richard Marcinko played a vital role in boosting America's counter-terrorism capabilities but was a divisive figure. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3mHqhEB

Israel tries to contain avian flu outbreak after 5,000 wild cranes die

Some 5,000 wild cranes have died and hundreds of thousands of chickens and turkeys are being culled. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3py3ZH0

Jordan MPs fighting in parliament session live-streamed on local television

The argument began as the chamber debated constitutional reforms, including gender equality. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3qzpjvd

Ghislaine Maxwell jury faces longer hours because of Covid

The judge in Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial asks jurors to meet for an extra hour each day. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/318DKxC

Desmond Tutu: Remembered by daughter as a 'hugger'

Nontombi Naomi Tutu says her father "went to meet his God, ready and willing." from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32oLZX3

Researchers use electron microscope to turn nanotube into tiny transistor

Researchers have used a unique tool inserted into an electron microscope to create a transistor that's 25,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3z48VGE

Fingers made of laser light: Controlled grabbing and rotation of biological micro-objects

Scientists develop concept for feedback-controlled optical tweezers.These tweezers made of highly focused laser light can grab cell clusters in a controlled manner and rotate them in any direction. This will allow objects such as miniature tumors to be studied more specifically under the microscope. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EJyIWd

Improving medication treatment leads to dramatic gains in emergency department care for opioid use disorder

Making initiation of buprenorphine easy and timely was associated with a 25 percent increase in the likelihood of its use of treatment in emergency departments. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Fwqhys

Climate and soil determine the distribution of plant traits

An international research team succeeded in identifying global factors that explain the diversity of form and function in plants. The researchers collected and analyzed plant data from around the world. For the first time, they showed for characteristics such as plant size, structure, and life span how strongly these are determined by climate and soil properties. Insights derived from this could be crucial to improving Earth system models with regard to the role of plant diversity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EwBkXf

Controlled burning of natural environments could help offset our carbon emissions

Planting trees and suppressing wildfires do not necessarily maximize the carbon storage of natural ecosystems. A new study has found that prescribed burning can actually lock in or increase carbon in the soils of temperate forests, savannahs and grasslands. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pum0Ga

Leading American naturalist EO Wilson, dubbed 'Darwin's heir', dies at 92

The award-winning naturalist and conservationist earned the Darwin nickname for his life's work. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pxQjvW

HIV infection: Better understanding the reservoir of virus in the body

Researchers have developed a method that allows resting human immune cells to be genetically analyzed in detail for the first time. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qta7j5

Scott Marsh: Viral and controversial art of 'Australia's Banksy'

He uses quintessential Australian larrikinism to skewer politicians, climate sceptics and others. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FxXjOH

How this clip restored one man's dream of being a pilot

The story behind a face mask clip that restored a young man's dream of being a pilot. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FHDBQw

India's unwinnable battle against spitting

The pandemic briefly renewed efforts to curb an infamous Indian habit - spitting in public. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EwyRfc

My art channels the pain from Ethiopia's war

US-based Tigrayan artist Gabrielle Tesfaye uses her work to share her feelings over the civil war. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3esK5ai

Desmond Tutu: Obama joins tributes to South Africa anti-apartheid hero

The former US president praises the churchman who helped end apartheid, after his death aged 90. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3qkOi5g

'A dark day': South Africans remember Tutu

The archbishop, who was a driving force in the anti-apartheid movement, has died aged 90. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Fx5fjd

In pictures: The life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The first black archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, was a much-loved figure around the world. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32A3W4u

Sudan coup: Security forces accused of violence against protesters

Some 178 anti-coup demonstrators are reportedly injured in clashes near the presidential palace. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3HdAYXb

Letter from Africa: Why Kenya's taxman is eyeing social media

Socialites are becoming wary of what they post online in case Kenya's revenue authority comes calling. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3En9exD

The Chinese mother backing bigger families

Chen Ting is a mother of three and businesswoman who encourages other women to have more children. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FwP6KA

Why a former oil executive is capping abandoned wells

Around the US, an estimated three million oil wells have been abandoned. They're more dangerous than we think. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3enbQ3I

Surfer killed in apparent shark attack in California

Beachgoers in Morro Bay area are ordered to stay out of the water after an accident on Christmas Eve. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3z5wjUn

Spain's La Palma volcano eruption declared over after three months

The Cumbre Vieja volcano in Spain's Canary Islands had been spewing lava and ash since September. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FtTMB4

NASA's Webb telescope launches to see first galaxies, distant worlds

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched Dec. 25 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, South America. The Webb observatory's mission is to seek the light from the first galaxies in the early universe and to explore our own solar system, as well as planets orbiting other stars, called exoplanets. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3HcEyAM

French zoo closed temporarily after pack of nine wolves escape

No people were injured during the incident, but the wolf pack was killed due to safety concerns. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Et8l6q

'Let's go, Brandon': Caller pranks Biden at White House event

A father from Oregon uttered a term that is code for an obscenity directed at the president. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3stok2d

Police stray bullet kills teen in LA store's dressing room

The teenager was in a changing room with her mother trying on dresses for her 15th birthday party. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Erx4rK

Russia fines Google over illegal content breach

The verdict marks the first time Russia has fined a technology giant based on their annual turnover. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32lUwd2

Pregnant woman among 15 charged for Uganda attacks

Police say the suspects are linked to four attacks by a branch of the Islamic State group. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3enOcEw

Templating approach stabilizes 'ideal' material for alternative solar cells

Researchers have developed a method to stabilize a promising material known as perovskite for cheap solar cells, without compromising its near-perfect performance. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3JcWNbh

‘Pop-up’ electronic sensors could detect when individual heart cells misbehave

UC San Diego engineers developed a powerful new tool that directly measures the movement and speed of electrical signals inside heart cells, using tiny 'pop-up' sensors that poke into cells without damaging them. It could be used to gain more detailed insights into heart disorders and diseases. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yS3hHO

Microorganism sheds new light on cancer resistance

Scientists describe T. adhaerens' unusual behavior, including its capacity to repair its DNA even after significant radiation damage and to extrude injured cells, which later die. The findings advance scientific investigations of natural cancer-suppression mechanisms across life. Insights gleaned from these evolutionary adaptations may find their way into new and more effective therapies for this leading killer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3z3qSp6

Covid: Christmas flights cancelled and new curbs amid Omicron spread

Millions face travel disruption and more restrictions as Omicron upends Christmas plans worldwide. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3yZElht

James Franco accusers call him 'completely insensitive' after interview

Oscar-nominated actor James Franco recently admitted having sex with students at his drama school. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3mvfDjU

Russian priest who adopted 70 children jailed for abuse

Nikolai Stremsky, reputed to have had Russia's biggest family, is convicted of raping children. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3st6Zq8

Chris Noth: Fourth woman accuses Sex and the City actor of assault

US singer Lisa Gentile alleges the Sex and the City actor groped her in a New York apartment in 2002. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3emdov1

Metabolic syndrome increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, death for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, study finds

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who had a combination of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome were at much higher risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pn6GuX

Innovative X-ray imaging shows COVID-19 can cause vascular damage to the heart

Researchers have detected significant changes in the heart muscle tissue of people who died from COVID-19. The study underpins the involvement of the heart in COVID-19 at the microscopic level by imaging and analyzing the affected tissue in the three dimensions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3eibFqD

Reduce frailty to lower dementia

Reducing frailty in older adults could be an effective strategy to prevent dementia, according to a largescale new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yTmjgU

Machine learning models quantum devices

Technologies that take advantage of novel quantum mechanical behaviors are likely to become commonplace in the near future. These may include devices that use quantum information as input and output data, which require careful verification due to inherent uncertainties. The verification is more challenging if the device is time dependent when the output depends on past inputs. For the first time, researchers using machine learning dramatically improved the efficiency of verification for time-dependent quantum devices by incorporating a certain memory effect present in these systems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sKda9B

Sudan women protest against 'rape by security forces'

Women and girls were allegedly sexually abused by security forces during a demonstration on Sunday. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3srdGcl

Study finds electric vehicles provide lower carbon emissions through additional channels

A recent study found that the total indirect emissions from the supply of chain of electric vehicles pale in comparison to the same indirect emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3elNN5e

Kêfa Sagbadjou Glèlè: Monarch of once-powerful West African kingdom dies

Kêfa Sagbadjou Glèlè, thought to have been in his nineties, had ruled over Abomey for two years. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ejTctH

President Putin: West must give us guarantees over Ukraine

In his annual press conference, President Putin demands Nato abandon military activity in Eastern Europe. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ejKzPP

Fueling the future with new perovskite-related oxide-ion conductors

Stable and high oxide-ion conductors based on a new hexagonal perovskite-related oxide has been reported in a recent study. These high-performance oxide-ion conductors could pave the way for the development of solid electrolytes for next-generation batteries and clean energy devices such as solid oxide fuel cells. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3FjkgFj

Could EKGs help doctors use AI to detect pulmonary embolisms?

Pulmonary embolisms are dangerous, lung-clogging blot clots. In a pilot study, scientists showed that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can detect signs of these clots in electrocardiograms (EKGs), a finding which may one day help doctors with screening. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yV6QNx

Genes are switched on in the human embryo from the get-go

Scientists have discovered that genes in human embryos rapidly become active after fertilization, opening a new window onto the start of human embryonic life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Fnpm3u

A new platform for controlled design of printed electronics with 2D materials

Scientists have shown how electricity is transported in printed 2D materials, paving the way for design of flexible devices for healthcare and beyond. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32nbmbF

Honing in on shared network of cancer genes

Using network modeling, researchers have honed in on a set of gene interactions that are critical to malignancy and likely to be fertile ground for broad cancer therapies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3swfzEy

Xi'an: Chinese city under lockdown as Covid cases rise

More than 13 million people in the city of Xi'an have been told to stay at home amid a Covid outbreak. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/33Ks1Gh

Breakthrough identification of proteins necessary for muscle regeneration

A researcher has identified the proteins necessary for efficient regeneration of skeletal muscles after acute injury and in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) clearing the way for drug development for skeletal muscle diseases. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qhzbcX

US safety body to probe Tesla on in-car gameplay

It follows a complaint from an owner who discovered he could play games while driving. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3H6oArS

Step forward in quest to develop living construction materials and beyond

Some engineered living materials can combine the strength of run-of-the-mill building materials with the responsiveness of living systems. Think self-healing concrete or paint that changes color when a specific chemical is detected. Critical early research sheds new light on this exciting advancement, which would revolutionize construction and maintenance, with wide-reaching economic and environmental implications and potential for biomedical applications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qlz9AA

NHL will not send players to Beijing Olympics

The National Hockey League (NHL) says it will not send its players to the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3eeug71

Fast and durable batteries to come: A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

To overcome the slow charging times of conventional lithium-ion batteries, scientists have developed a new anode material that allows for ultrafast charging. Produced via a simple, environmentally sound and efficient approach involving the calcination of a bio-based polymer, this novel material also retained most of its initial capacity over thousands of cycles. The findings of this study will pave the way to fast-charging and durable batteries for electric vehicles. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32bkPmp

Scientists discover White-handed gibbons that have been evolving in the south of Malaysia

Genetic assessment of captive gibbons to identify their species and subspecies is an important step before any conservation actions. A group of wildlife researchers recently discovered a previously unknown population of white-handed gibbons (subspecies lar) from Peninsular Malaysia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3H269Vn

Consciousness in humans, animals and artificial intelligence

A new theory of consciousness provides experimental access to the study of this phenomenon. Not just in humans. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GZxhnW

Spain police thwart raffle of Christmas hamper stuffed with drugs

Police have arrested two men allegedly trying to raffle off a "narco-basket" stuffed with drugs. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3eaj2jQ

Solar power: 'Wonder material' phosphorene nanoribbons live up to hype in first demonstration

Researchers have incorporated phosphorene nanoribbons into new types of solar cells, dramatically improving their efficiency. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3H24gYN

School uniforms don’t improve child behavior

Despite the belief of many parents and teachers, school uniforms don't seem to have any effect on young students' behavior or attendance overall, a new US national study found. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/33BGaWf

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

Human anatomy still has a few surprises in store for us: researchers have discovered a previously overlooked section of our jaw muscles and described this layer in detail for the first time. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3FmjhEk

Israel rejects 'alarm call' by Christian leaders in Jerusalem

Church leaders say "radical groups" are attempting to drive Christians out of the Holy Land. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3J7hOUy

Mauritius oil spill: Captain guilty over tanker spill

The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef last year leaking about 1,000 tonnes of fuel. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pfVDUj

Pain and anxiety impact breathing on a cellular level

A team of scientists has uncovered a neural network in the brain that coordinates breathing rhythm with feelings of pain and fear. Along with contributions to the fields of pain management, psychological theories of anxiety, and philosophical investigations into the nature of pain, their findings could lead to development of an analgesic that would prevent opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), the disrupted breathing that causes overdose deaths. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pbJgZj

New major discovery in the animal kingdom: 14 new species of shrews

Researchers recently made a major discovery -- 14 new species of shrews, which is the largest number of new mammals described in a scientific paper since 1931. After a decade-long journey taking inventory of Indonesian shrews living on the island of Sulawesi, a group of scientists has identified 14 new endemic species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3J5HCAn

Mitigating environmental impact of herbicides

Research looks at the interactions of different herbicides and what they mean for herbicide drift. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yIrBM9

Keeping active through varied activities can reduce risk of developing dementia

Older adults who participate in a variety of different activities are able to reduce their risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pfupgN

Gabon youth coach arrested after male rape claims which he denies

Patrick Eyi, a former Gabon U17 coach, is arrested after claims of sexual abuse against him, which he denies. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pdUiNL

New device advances commercial viability of solar fuels

A research team has developed a new artificial photosynthesis device with remarkable stability and longevity as it converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into two promising sources of renewable fuels -- ethylene and hydrogen. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3e9wAfn

Timed Teaser: Bruce Springsteen's back catalogue - who bought it?

Test your knowledge of the news these last few days - 10 questions, 10 seconds each. Go! from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pbuwtt

Research takes early step towards drug to treat common diabetes complication hypoglycemia

New research has taken an important step towards the goal for a treatment for the common diabetes complication hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Researchers found a way help to defend against hypoglycemia by boosting hormonal defense systems. The team believes they have identified a promising target in the brain could be useful for future drug development to create an anti-hypoglycemia drug. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3J2N6ft

Alaa Abdel Fattah: Leading Egyptian activist jailed for five years

Alaa Abdel Fattah is convicted of spreading false news after a trial called a sham by rights groups. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3J8JlVC

Redrawing the lines: Growing inexpensive, high-quality iron-based superconductors

Superconducting materials show zero electrical resistance at low temperatures, which allows them to conduct 'supercurrents' without dissipation. Recently, a group of scientists developed an inexpensive, scalable way to produce high-temperature superconductors using 'grain boundary engineering' techniques. The new method could help develop stronger, inexpensive, and high operating temperature superconductors with impactful technological applications. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3e7Pd3p

For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

Many IBS sufferers avoid certain types of food and often exclude gluten. However, a large new study does not show a relationship between high intake of gluten and increased IBS symptoms. The researchers did find that a certain type of carbohydrate called 'fodmaps' can aggravate intestinal problems, however, the overall results indicate that they also have less influence than previously thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IZmpIu

Drakeo the Ruler dies after stabbing at LA music festival

The 28-year-old was stabbed during an altercation backstage at a Los Angeles music festival. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3q8o6dV

As the mercury rises, the urban heat penalty grows, especially at night

City living translates to an extra two to six hours of uncomfortable weather per day in the summer for people in much of the United States. The urban-rural heat gap grows the warmer it gets. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3qaMqvR

‘Gentrification’ changes the personality make-up of cities in just a few years

A massive study of almost two million US residents reveals rising housing costs may drive increases in 'openness' of character among both old and new inhabitants of a city -- all in well under a decade. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q9hRqv

Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body

HIV replication in the human body requires that specific viral RNAs be packaged into progeny virus particles. A new study has found how a small difference in the RNA sequence can allow the viral RNA to be packaged for replication, creating potential targets for future HIV treatments. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32fDCwo

How to transform vacancies into quantum information

Researchers have made a breakthrough that should help pave the way for greatly improved control over the formation of quantum bits or qubits, the basic unit of quantum information technology. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32gV9o6

How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference

What you eat influences your taste for what you might want to eat next. So claims a University of California, Riverside, study performed on fruit flies. The study offers a better understanding of neurophysiological plasticity of the taste system in flies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q3s4o4

Jake Paul: YouTube star knocks out Tyron Woodley in Florida for fifth win

Jake Paul calls his sixth-round knockout of Tyron Woodley "the moment of my life" after he extends his perfect record to five wins. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3miSzF1

Sudan coup: Thousands protest on uprising anniversary

Demonstrations around the country demand an end to military rule, following a coup in October. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3si2QFm

Fire and ice: The puzzling link between western wildfires and Arctic sea ice

Researchers uncover the mechanics behind dwindling Arctic sea ice and its influence on wildfire weather in the western United States. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32gWzyX

Explosion at Pakistan bank kills at least 14

Officials say the blast in the southern city of Karachi may have been caused by a gas leak. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3E9614r

Sports Personality 2021: Simone Biles honoured with Lifetime Achievement award

American gymnast Simone Biles has been honoured with BBC Sports Personality of the Year's Lifetime Achievement award. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GVKvC5

Coast redwood and sequoia genome sequences completed

Scientists have completed the sequences for the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. The research helps better explain the genetic basis for these species' ability to adapt to their changing environments. The findings indicate that the coast redwood genome evolved from a single ancestral species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yBRYDv

Ghislaine Maxwell: Key moments in the trial so far

Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of grooming girls for abuse by late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lUpqQD

The Ashes: England collapse again as Australia take total control of second Test

England's Ashes hopes are in a sorry mess after another dismal batting collapse on day three of the second Test against Australia. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3FbYh2Z

Ethiopian civil war divides diaspora in the US

The conflict has deeply divided the Ethiopian community in Washington DC - the largest in the US. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GQolkL

Super Typhoon Rai: Walking through the storm's trail of destruction

Watch this video that shows the extent of the devastation in Cebu City in the Philippines. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GVBLvS

New discovery on how omega-3 fatty acids can reduce atherosclerosis

A receptor activated by substances formed from omega-3 fatty acids plays a vital role in preventing inflammation in blood vessels and reducing atherosclerosis, a new study reports. The discovery can pave the way for new strategies for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/326GSdN

Son's tribute to 'bawdy, fertile matriarch' goes viral

A son's colourful tribute to his mother, Renay Mandel Corren, has been shared widely on social media. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3yD8KSH

Using strategy to preserve biodiversity while saving space

The breathtaking variety of life on Earth is in danger; biodiversity is declining rapidly. As many as one million species are at risk; many could become extinct in the next few decades. Accordingly, protected areas are urgently needed, but are often poorly chosen from a strategic perspective. But how can the biological diversity of a given region best be measured? With the aid of an innovative new approach, a team of researchers have now identified the most valuable areas in Latin America. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GWRPxr

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate 'precancerous' ones

Normal epithelial cells show the ability to push out precancerous ones present in the epithelium, by means of 'cell competition.' But the exact molecular mechanism of this recognition by normal epithelial cells was unknown. Now, researchers have unraveled the interactions and cellular pathways leading to this extrusion, allowing them to identify a candidate for a therapeutic target for future cancer prevention research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Fbb7yw

Anti-5G necklaces found to be radioactive

Conspiracy theories about 5G have fuelled a market for "anti-5G" accessories. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3e3Rcpa

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

The invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) chews off the tails of freshwater fishes and tadpoles, leaving the native animals to perish while dining on other fishes' and amphibians' eggs. Researchers engineered a robot to scare mosquitofish away, revealing how fear alters its behavior, physiology, fertility -- and may help turn the tide against invasive species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3J2scx8

Greenland’s nutrients changing, with global impact

Scientists have discovered the availability of carbon in Greenland's waters is shifting poleward and appearing earlier than in previous decades. This finding will enhance understanding of carbon cycling and nutrient availability in this rapidly warming and changing environment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DXZ9qx

Better identification of sesame in food packaging needed to avoid anaphylaxis

A new study found that among those who self-reported an allergic reaction to sesame, more than 56% of products which contained sesame did not declare sesame on the label. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IV0W3y

SARS-CoV-2 protein interacts with Parkinson’s protein, promotes amyloid formation, study finds

Researchers have shown that, at least in the test tube, the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein interacts with a neuronal protein called alpha-synuclein and speeds the formation of amyloid fibrils, pathological protein bundles that have been implicated in Parkinson's disease. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3sggJUu

Haiti kidnappers release remaining missionaries

The missionaries from the US and Canada were abducted in mid-October by a powerful crime gang. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3q5bG6y

Ghislaine Maxwell trial: Defence attorneys begin arguments

A spokesperson for Ms Maxwell said on Wednesday she is "too fragile" to testify in her own defence. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3yxVdf8

Time lag between intervention and actual CO2 decrease could still lead to climate tipping point

A simplified mathematical model of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and temperature found a 'lag time' between human intervention and an actual decrease in CO2 levels. This lag time has ramifications for intervention strategies meant to avoid climate tipping points and potentially catastrophic temperature increases. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3p1GXrQ

Gallic acid and stretching decrease osteoarthritis markers in cartilage cells

Researchers used gallic acid, an antioxidant found in gallnuts, green tea and other plants, and applied a stretching mechanism to human cartilage cells taken from arthritic knees that mimics the stretching that occurs when walking. The combination not only decreased arthritis inflammation markers in the cells but improved the production of desired proteins normally found in healthy cartilage. While still at an early stage, the findings suggest a new procedure could be developed to treat cartilage cells extracted from a patient to grow a supply of cells or a tissue to be re-implanted. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IUjOiS

Reddit: Social media platform files to go public

Reddit was at the centre of the so-called "meme stock" phenomenon earlier this year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EWvPSC

Researchers first to predict when bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics

Scientists have spotted signs of 'pre-resistance' in bacteria for the first time -- signs that particular bacteria are likely to become resistant to antibiotics in the future -- in a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3F1SRHD

Claudette Colvin: Civil rights pioneer has record cleared

Ms Colvin was the first person to be arrested for challenging Montgomery's bus segregation policy from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/30xZHWt

Good mental health in young adults born after assisted reproduction

Use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) does not lead to poorer mental health in children across adolescence and young adulthood, according to a large observational study. The study found a slightly higher risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder for those born after ART but this was explained by parental background factors. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31XfgIa

Derek Chauvin pleads guilty in George Floyd civil rights case

The former police officer is already serving a 22 year prison sentence for the murder of Mr Floyd. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3q1KVzY

Megan Thee Stallion 'told to dance' by Tory Lanez before alleged shooting

Rapper Tory Lanez is accused of hurting the songwriter after a party in Hollywood in July 2020. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3m8oXKC

New York City names first female police chief

Keechant Sewell, 49, will be the first woman to lead the US's largest police force in its 176 years. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DXTErO

2022 World Cup: Ex-media officer loses Qatar corruption appeal

Abdullah Ibhais claims he was prosecuted for corruption after raising concerns about migrant workers. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3oVOAzT

On the front line as Afghan children battle malnutrition and measles

The BBC reports from a hospital in remote Ghor province which is struggling to cope. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dRwLf9

Hamilton gets knighthood for services to motorsport

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton receives his knighthood for services to motorsport from Prince Charles during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3F5zA8A

Grindr fined £5.5m for sharing users' data

The dating app sold a host of data without seeking consent from users, the Norwegian regulator found. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3oWoSeU

Meltwater influences ecosystems in the Arctic Ocean

In the summer months, sea ice from the Arctic drifts through Fram Strait into the Atlantic. Thanks to meltwater, a stable layer forms around the drifting ice atop the salty seawater, producing significant effects on biological processes and marine organisms. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3q2eJfZ

Riccardo Ehrman: Journalist who prompted Berlin Wall to fall dies

Riccardo Ehrman asked the historic question that led to East Germans tearing down the wall in 1989. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3q1ERr8

Biodiversity loss in plants worldwide

Naturalized alien plants are causing a worldwide decline in the uniqueness of regional floras, according to the results of a global research project. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/324PYaq

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

Sophisticated analysis of a rock sample taken from the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission revealed new information about the complex cooling and evolutionary history of the Moon. The diffusion patterns preserved in the mineral grains were consistent with a rapid cooling history of no more than 20-million-years at high temperatures. The finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pXbZjS

Third of fertility specialists still recommend a type of IVF treatment which has no clear evidence of benefit

Despite a lack of evidence that the intrusive IVF treatment process of scratching the womb (endometrial scratching) increases the chances of having a baby, a third of fertility specialists are still offering this often-painful procedure. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3oVUVve

New guidelines may help reduce tick-borne illness

The number of cases of tick-borne illnesses (TBIs) reported annually to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more than doubled over the past two decades in the United States. An expert panel has developed a set of clinical practice guidelines that recommends low-risk interventions, employable with minimal resources, to help reduce the number of TBIs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3FaCWH2

Decade-old photographs shared on social media give away a new species of pygmy grasshopper

While scrolling the social network iNaturalist, researchers spotted photographs of what turned out to be a Peruvian species of grasshopper currently unknown to science. Having described the new insect with no formal name, the team demonstrates that first, it's not an easy task to describe a species from photographs only, and, secondly, there's a wealth of digital data ready to reveal the Earth's unknown biodiversity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/33BxFL7

German court jails hitman for Berlin murder on Russia's orders

A court finds Vadim Krasikov guilty of an ex-Chechen rebel's murder, which it says Russia ordered. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3qhmL4T

Decreased vehicle emissions linked with significant drop in deaths attributable to air pollution

As emissions fell over a decade, the number of deaths attributable to air pollution dropped by thousands, yielding billions of dollars in societal benefits. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IOn4fP

Congolese rumba wins Unesco world heritage status

The music and dance style from the two Congos is a fundamental part of the countries' identities. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pUzcTU

How organic neuromorphic electronics can think and act

The human brain works differently than a computer - while the brain works with biological cells and electrical impulses, a computer uses silicon-based transistors. Scientists have equipped a toy robot with a smart and adaptive electrical circuit made of soft organic materials, similarly to the biological matter. With this bio-inspired approach, they were able to teach the robot to navigate independently through a maze using visual signs for guidance. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EZtBlt

Low-cost AI soil sensors could help farmers curb fertilizer use

Smart sensing technology to help farmers use fertilizer more effectively and reduce environmental damage has been created by bioengineers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pUHjjp

Haiti fuel tanker blast kills dozens in Cap-Haïtien

The victims had been gathering leaking fuel from a vehicle involved in an accident, reports say. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pYjlU7

Researchers discover how cells from tumors remain dormant for years before metastasis occurs

Researchers have solved a major mystery in cancer research: How cancer cells remain dormant for years after they leave a tumor and travel to other parts of the body, before awakening to create metastatic cancer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3yobFyt

From flashing fireflies to cheering crowds -- Physicists unlock secret to synchronization

Physicists have unlocked the secret that explains how large groups of individual 'oscillators' -- from flashing fireflies to cheering crowds, and from ticking clocks to clicking metronomes -- tend to synchronize when in each other's company. This new discovery has a suite of potential applications, including developing new types of computer technology that uses light signals to process information. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3oQsZsX

Kentucky tornadoes: Race to find missing in flattened US towns

At least 64 residents are confirmed dead and over 100 are still missing, Governor Andy Beshear said. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EUpuqN

Golden Globes: Belfast and The Power of the Dog lead field for troubled awards

The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and Sir Kenneth Branagh's Belfast lead the race. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/30knvgm

Life arose on hydrogen energy, researchers suggest

How did the first chemical reactions get started at the origin of life and what was their source of energy? Researchers have reconstructed the metabolism of the last universal common ancestor, LUCA. They found that almost all chemical steps used by primordial life to piece together the molecular building blocks of cells are energy releasing reactions. This identified the long-sought source of energy needed to drive these reactions forward, which has been hiding in plain sight. The energy required to synthesize the building blocks of life comes from within metabolism itself, as long as one essential starting compound is included. The secret ingredient that releases the energy from within at life's origin is the cleanest, greenest, newest and oldest of all energy carriers: Hydrogen gas, H2. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IGGpQ9

A missing genetic switch at the origin of malformations

Embryonic development follows delicate stages: for everything to go well, many genes must coordinate their activity according to a very meticulous scheme and tempo. This precision mechanism sometimes fails, leading to more or less disabling malformations. By studying the Pitx1 gene, one of the genes involved in the construction of the lower limbs, a team has discovered how a small disturbance in the activation process of this gene is at the origin of clubfoot, a common foot malformation. Indeed, even a fully functional gene cannot act properly without one of its genetic switches. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EYaw3i

Significant energy savings when electric distribution vehicles take their best route

Range anxiety with electric commercial vehicles is real, since running out of battery can have serious consequences. Researchers have developed tools to help electric delivery-vehicles navigate strategically to use as little energy as possible. The secret lies in looking beyond just the distance traveled, and instead focusing on overall energy usage -- and has led to energy savings of up to 20 per cent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/320kkuZ

Israeli Prime Minister Bennett in first trip to UAE as Iran threat looms

Naftali Bennett meets Abu Dhabi's crown prince at a time of rising tensions in the region. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GIURoV

Police and migrants clash outside Mexico City

The migrant caravan has been slowly winding its way through Mexico to the United States border. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3yo2XjW

Black Axe: Leaked documents shine spotlight on secretive Nigerian gang

Documents suggest the feared 'cult' has infiltrated Nigerian politics and launched a global fraud operation. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3yk1NFM

Howard University: Why these students slept out in tents on campus for weeks

After reports of mould and rodents in dorms, protesters at Howard University took over a campus building. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3s0GVCC

The ultra-violent cult that became a global mafia

A BBC investigation into Black Axe has unearthed new evidence of political infiltration, and a scamming and killing operation spanning the globe. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pQ4Fqd

France resists US challenge to its values

The government is fighting back at what it sees as imported cultural ideas from the UK and US. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/30pJJhe

Omicron: India aims to avoid 'pandemic roulette'

A virology institute boss says India will see a third wave "depending on how warmly we invite it". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3mkccNh

Indian PM Modi's Twitter hacked with bitcoin tweet

The Indian prime minister's account had a message stating that bitcoin would be distributed to citizens. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31NIQiY

Alibaba fires employee who accused boss of rape

The Chinese e-commerce firm has fired the woman, who went public with accusations in August. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lXtJuo

Ethiopia war: World heritage site Lalibela back in rebel hands

Tigray forces had left Lalibela 11 days ago as federal forces and their allies had been advancing. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DIckMl

Obituary: Vicente Fernández, Mexico's king of ranchera

Known as the king of ranchera music, Fernández was immensely popular in Mexico and the US. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GBw9qu

Reckya Madougou: Opposition leader jailing damages Benin democracy - lawyer

Reckya Madougou becomes the second opposition figure to be convicted in Benin in less than a week. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GwMLzs

Russia Ukraine: Massive consequences if Moscow invades, G7 says

Moscow is amassing troops on Ukraine's border, but President Putin insists they pose no threat. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31QwGWm

Anne Rice, author of Interview with the Vampire, dies aged 80

The American author was best known for her 1976 gothic novel Interview with the Vampire. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rYyjMB

Alan Shepard: Bezos space company sends first US astronaut's daughter to space

Laura Shepard Churchley's father, Alan, became the first American in space in 1961. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ISSj9J

Albert Benaiges: Ex-Barcelona academy chief faces sex abuse claims

The allegations against Albert Benaiges date back to his time as a teacher in the 1980s and 90s. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ETYJ64

Kentucky weather man films tornado 'ground zero'

Weather man Noah Bergren shows the BBC the "utter devastation" of the tornadoes in the town of Mayfield. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dHkwBJ

'Deadliest tornado system to ever run through Kentucky'

The governor of the US state of Kentucky says Friday's tornadoes were the worst the state has seen. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GBAycY

Disrupting flow of wood from rivers to oceans impacts marine environments

Scientists have measured records of wood flowing to reservoirs and coastal regions to estimate the magnitude of global wood movement. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3oKAAZS

Researchers develop advanced catalysts for clean hydrogen production

New research into the design of catalysts has shown that hydrogen can be cleanly produced with much greater efficiency and at a lower cost than is possible with current commercially available catalysts. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GB6tdr

Getting childhood obesity initiatives across the finish line

Too often, strategies proven in research studies to reduce pediatric obesity are never implemented in the 'real world.' Researchers describe a school-based program that gets these interventions across the finish line by inviting schools to tailor them to their own needs. Thanks to this flexible approach, 200 schools in South Carolina have signed on and seen improvements in both health and educational outcomes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/33qqiWN

Study on genetic changes in neuroblastoma

When cells within a single tumor differ in terms of their genetic makeup, this is referred to as intratumor heterogeneity. Researchers have been able to reconstruct the process by which this genetic heterogeneity develops in neuroblastoma, a type of cancer which primarily affects young children. According to their findings, the genetic makeup of individual tumors shows marked spatial and temporal variability. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ISgvZR

Drone footage shows Amazon warehouse collapse

Tornadoes have ripped through several states killing more than 50 people, authorities say. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dK4QxL

A step toward 'living biotherapeutics'

Chemical engineers have developed a protective coating that helps anaerobic microbes survive the manufacturing process, making it potentially easier to use them to treat gastrointestinal disease. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31MH69R

Development of a high-energy-resolution, LaB6 nanowire-based field emission gun

Engineers have developed a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nanowire-based field emission gun that is installable on an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (TEM). This combined unit is able to perform atomic resolution observation at an energy resolution of 0.2 eV -- the highest resolution ever recorded for non-monochromatic electron guns -- with a high current stability of 0.4%. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Gsb0yK

Atom laser creates reflective patterns similar to light

Cooled to almost absolute zero, atoms not only move in waves like light but also can be focused into shapes called caustics, similar to the reflecting or refracting patterns light makes on the bottom of a swimming pool or through a curved wine glass. In experiments, scientists have developed a technique to see these matter wave caustics by placing attractive or repulsive obstacles in the path of a cold atom laser. The results are curving cusps or folds, upward or downward 'V' shapes. These caustics have potential applications for highly precise measurement or timing devices such as interferometers and atomic clocks. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IDYb6s

Real-world study shows the potential of gait authentication to enhance smartphone security

A study showed that -- within an appropriate framework -- gait recognition could be a viable technique for protecting individuals and their data from potential crime. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EMJGe9

Differentiating friends from foes in the fungal root microbiome

A collaborative project has shed light on the fungal genetic determinants that explain why some fungi from the root microbiome can colonize roots and cause disease more efficiently than others. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DI1UfI

Singapore: Man feared for life during otter attack

Graham George Spencer was left with more than 20 wounds after he was bitten by the animals. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IB7hkh

Artificial intelligence that can discover hidden physical laws in various data

Researchers have successfully developed artificial intelligence technology that can extract hidden equations of motion from regular observational data and create a model that is faithful to the laws of physics. This technology could enable us to discover the hidden equations of motion behind phenomena for which the laws were considered unexplainable. For example, it may be possible to use physics-based knowledge and simulations to examine ecosystem sustainability. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rQhHqp

Swedish artist Anna von Hausswolff gives secret gig after Satanic slur

Two of Anna von Hausswolff's French gigs were cancelled under pressure from fundamentalist Catholics. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lSm9kw

Ghana's Covid restrictions: All adult arrivals must be vaccinated

Unvaccinated Ghanaians have two weeks to return home - and will be given a jab at the airport. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lUYL6a

Bipin Rawat: India holds funerals for top general and his wife after crash

Gen Bipin Rawat, who died in a helicopter crash, was cremated with full military honours. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GtLjOr

Football fans spending millions on club crypto-tokens

Supporters have spent at least £260m on controversial fan tokens from major clubs, data suggests. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pLNpCo

Omicron: WHO concerned rich countries could hoard vaccines

There are concerns that booster rollouts in wealthy nations could threaten supply to poorer countries. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rPfcoc

In pictures: Israel hands seized relics to Egypt

The haul includes figurines of ancient queens, hieroglyphic inscriptions and burial offerings. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lSjuaJ

Woman fined €1,200 for causing Tour de France pile-up

The woman's cardboard sign brought down dozens of cyclists during a stage of the elite race in June. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lKnH03

China committed genocide against Uyghurs, independent tribunal rules

A London-based unofficial tribunal says China is deliberately preventing births among Uyghurs. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IvAiOx

Saudi camel beauty pageant cracks down on cosmetic enhancements

More than 40 camels are disqualified for receiving injections and other cosmetic enhancements. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pEYSUf

I remember how to control my body, therefore, I am

Researchers have demonstrated that when bodily self-consciousness was distorted in virtual reality, the recovery of a sense of body ownership could be predicted by different kinds of memories. This indicates that the bodily self is represented by multiple types of motor memory with unique characteristics. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dyieVw

Farm laws: India farmers end protest after government accepts demands

The announcement was made after hectic negotiations between farmer groups and the government. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31O2r24

Engineers teach AI to navigate ocean with minimal energy

New AI uses reinforcement learning to efficiently navigate oceans from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rPLks2

Sauti Sol singer Chimano hailed in Kenya for coming out as gay

Kenyan gay rights activists welcome Sauti Sol star Chimano's decision to "no longer live a lie". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/308k8sQ

Human remains found in car linked to 45-year-old cold case

Tests are under way to confirm that the remains belong to missing student Kyle Wade Clinkscales. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pJrfR9

China warns nations will 'pay price' for Olympic boycott

The US, UK, Australia and Canada won't be sending government representatives to the Winter Olympics. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dC8bPa

Ancient DNA found in soil samples reveals mammoths, Yukon wild horses survived thousands of years longer than believed

Mere spoonsful of soil pulled from Canada's permafrost are opening vast windows into ancient life in the Yukon, revealing rich new information and rewriting previous beliefs about the extinction dynamics, dates and survival of megafauna like mammoths, horses and other long-lost life forms. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DAaywD

Wearable sensor measures airborne nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes

Some studies have shown that nicotine, an addictive substance in electronic cigarettes, increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. But to get a full understanding of its potential health effects, a real-time nicotine monitoring device is needed. Such a device could also help vapers -- as well as non-vapers who encounter second-hand smoke -- measure their exposure. Now, researchers report that they have developed a battery-free, wearable device that could accomplish this task. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DuC1Qk

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing boosts effectiveness of ultrasound cancer therapy

Sonodynamic therapy uses ultrasound in combination with drugs to release harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of a tumor. However, the treatment isn't very effective because cancer cells can activate antioxidant defense systems to counteract it. Now, researchers have breached these defenses with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, allowing sonodynamic therapy to effectively shrink tumors in a mouse model of liver cancer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ydg9YD

Wastewater helps decipher the popularity of new synthetic drugs

Over the years, hundreds of new synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of illegal and legal substances have emerged. The underground nature of each drug's development and distribution makes its international popularity hard to track. Now, using wastewater from the days near the 2021 New Year holiday, researchers report an increased international usage of some synthetic drugs, including eutylone and 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) compared to the previous year. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/335xVBz

AI-powered computer model predicts disease progression during aging

Using artificial intelligence, a team of researchers has developed a novel system that models the progression of chronic diseases as patients age. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IwqdRi

Large field hospital study shows rapid COVID-19 test compares solidly with PCR detection

Researchers report that a rapid antigen detection test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, proved more effective than expected when compared with virus detection rates using the established standard test, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rOSoF8

Miniature llama antibodies could help fight SARS-CoV-2 variants

Llamas make antibodies that are much smaller than their human counterparts, yet still potent. Scientists hope that future drugs based on these molecules could provide new weapons against SARS-CoV-2. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GnFMc8

How SARS-CoV-2 evades our immune system

Scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to evade host immune systems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3y85DBZ

Boss says sorry for 'blundered' mass Zoom firing

Vishal Garg says he "is deeply sorry" for sacking 900 staff in an online meeting. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Izqx1u

SRC-2 is at the center of survival adaptations to food shortages

The steroid receptor coactivator-2 (SRC-2) is crucial to coordinate the biological responses to the lack of food. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ozUqXN

Which personality traits can be improved without personal motivation? Research says 'it depends'

Could a company train an employee to become more conscientious, even if the worker isn't invested in improving that trait? A new study suggests yes. But improving someone's emotional stability without that person's commitment is not likely to happen. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rMgO2b

Sanna Marin: Finland's PM sorry for clubbing after Covid contact

Sanna Marin went on a night out on Saturday, hours after her foreign minister had tested positive. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31x6z7d

Morocco sex for grades: Hassan I University lecturers in court

They are charged with incitement to debauchery, gender discrimination and violence against women. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IvOirr

Evidence emerges for dark-matter free galaxies

Astronomers have found no trace of dark matter in the galaxy AGC 114905, despite taking detailed measurements over a course of forty hours with state-of-the-art telescopes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GpIqxQ

Powerful new tool makes coral reef monitoring faster, easier, cheaper

As coral reefs face increasing threats around the world, a team of researchers has developed a genetic analysis tool that can determine many different types of coral on a reef with just a sample of seawater. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/33cyzxr

Important role of prokaryotic viruses in sewage treatment uncovered

Prokaryotic viruses (phages) existing in activated sludge (AS), a biological treatment process widely used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), act to regulate the composition of microbial community in the activated sludge. Phages are major bacterial predators, through virus-host interactions with key bacterial populations in AS systems, they can influence the removal efficiency of pollutants. Phages of high specificity could be used to curb undesired bacteria, e.g., the undesired foaming-associated filamentous bacteria that could disrupt the removal efficiency of AS system. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rHROZL

Grammy Awards: Drake withdraws nominations

The decision has reportedly been made at the request of Drake and his management. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DubWkb

Syria blames Israel for rare air strike on main port of Latakia

An Iranian weapons shipment was reportedly the target of the attack on Latakia's container yard. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31xKdCg

Indonesia volcano: BBC reporter surrounded by houses buried in ash

Watch Valdya Baraputri in Indonesia describe the path of destruction from Mount Semeru's eruption. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Dul9cf

Indonesia volcano: Toll rises after Mount Semeru buries villages

Mount Semeru has continued to be active since the major eruption on the island of Java on Sunday. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Is8dY5

Kenyan policeman shoots dead six people including wife

Authorities are calling the incident a "shooting spree", in which the killer also took his own life. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31AK6pi

Male spiders are attracted by a female like planets orbiting a star

The tiny male golden orb-weaving spider faces a considerable challenge when searching for a mate. He is a fraction of the size of the massive female, but must carefully enter her web and approach her without being noticed, because the cannibalistic female will kill and eat him if he makes one wrong move on her web. Add to this gamble the competition he faces from other males also on the delicate arena of the web, and you have a complex optimization problem that even human analysts would find daunting. Yet these little spiders barely have what we would recognize as a brain. How then do they manage? from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DGtvOp

Omicron: Why is Nigeria on the travel red list?

The UK has placed travel restrictions on arrivals from Nigeria and several other African countries - are they fair? from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lEFW72

Minimal effort required: A ten-minute run can boost brain processing

Researchers found that as little as ten minutes of moderate-intensity running could benefit mental health. In study participants, both mood and cognitive functions improved, and the activation of bilateral prefrontal subregions associated with cognitive function and mood also increased. These results demonstrate the potential advantages of exercise prescriptions for various conditions including mental health treatment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EwazmC

The sunshine vitamin that ‘D’elivers on cardio health

Free from the sun, vitamin D delivers a natural source for one of the hormones essential to our bodies, especially the bones. But when you're down on this essential nutrient, it's not only your bones that could suffer, but also your cardio health, according to new research. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xXAZv4

Spaceflight wreaks havoc on liver metabolism

Researchers have demonstrated that microgravity and other environmental factors in space play different roles in inducing oxidative stress, which, in turn, alters the metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds in the liver of mice. The study highlighted steps that can be taken, such as boosting antioxidant capacity with dietary supplements, to safeguard astronaut health. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lEruvS

Diagnosis from the sky: Catching insect infestations within forests before it’s too late

Researchers are working to improve remote sensing technology's ability to detect subtle changes in real-time across the landscape, namely to diagnose insect infestations in forests before irreparable damage is done. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dprE5S

Glucose control is a key factor for reduced cancer risk in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Good glucose control is important for reduction of cancer risk in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Large durable weight loss, as such, appears to afford protection against cancer, but with good glucose control the number of cancer cases also drops radically, a new study shows. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dmb4nk

Migratory birds have lighter-colored feathers

Migratory birds are specially adapted to find their way over extreme distances that represent remarkable tests of endurance. Now, researchers have discovered an unexpected way that migratory birds keep their cool during such arduous journeys: lighter-colored feathers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rFddmd

Cataract surgery linked with lessened dementia risk

Based on the longitudinal data of over 3,000 study participants, researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause compared with those who did not. This lowered risk persisted for at least a decade after surgery. Cataract surgery was also associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Ey2Owy

Discovering new drugs with help from Darwinian principles

Our body must constantly defend itself against bacteria and viruses. It generates millions of different antibodies, which are selected to recognise the enemy and trigger the best possible immune response. Scientists use these antibodies to for therapeutic purposes to target proteins and disrupt their harmful. However, identifying the small molecules that will form the basis of the drug is a long and tedious process. Chemists have now developed a technique inspired by the theory of Darwinian evolution: amplifying the best combinations and generating diversity allows biology to find solutions to new problems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31CmVuB

Teaching an old chemical new tricks

Chemists have put a new spin on an old catalyst called 'Barton's base' to invent a faster, 'greener' chemical reaction. Their new chemistry speeds up molecule synthesis used for discovering new materials and drugs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IobGHk

Haiti kidnappers release three more missionaries after abduction

Three people among a group of 17 North American missionaries abducted in October are freed. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/304A5jW

New York's workers must all have vaccine by 27 December

The city's mayor is introducing a vaccine mandate for all private sector employees from 27 December. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3y795Ni

Brexit: Ireland to receive €920m for Brexit impact

The country is the first to receive money from the European Commission's Brexit Adjustment Reserve. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xYGiKu

Sylvester Oromoni: Nigerians demand justice over Dowen College death

The father of Sylvester Oromoni, 12, believes he was attacked for refusing to join a “cult group”. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2ZZIRQ1

Big gaps in quest to sequence genomes of all animals

Efforts to sequence the genomes of the world's animals tend to focus on those that most resemble humans with the work conducted almost entirely in the Global North, according to new analysis. Researchers warn current efforts are overlooking huge swathes of diversity and opportunity. Their analysis found that nearly 3,300 animal species have had their genomes sequenced and assembled, a process that gives organizational context to an organism's DNA. While the rate is picking up, the number is small in comparison to the world's 1.66 million animal species, and vertebrates make up the lion's share of current sequences. They account for 54% of all the assemblies, despite representing only 3.9% of animal species. In contrast, the invertebrates of the Arthropoda phylum, which includes insects and spiders, comprise only 34% of current datasets while representing 78.5% of all species. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2ZZALaf

X-ray laser reveals how radiation damage arises

An international research team has used the X-ray laser European XFEL to gain new insights into how radiation damage occurs in biological tissue. The study reveals in detail how water molecules are broken apart by high-energy radiation, creating potentially hazardous radicals and electrically charged ions, which can go on to trigger harmful reactions in the organism. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31zwY3V

Microplastic pollution aids antibiotic resistance

Microplastics dispersed in the environment may enhance antibiotic resistance. A study found the chemical-leaching plastics draw bacteria and other vectors and make them susceptible to antibiotic resistant genes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32Y1QeV

Trees are biggest methane ‘vents’ in wetland areas – even when they’re dry

Most of the methane gas emitted from Amazon wetlands regions is vented into the atmosphere via tree root systems -- with significant emissions occurring even when the ground is not flooded, say researchers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pCkIrM

Covid-19: Italy tightens restrictions for unvaccinated

A so-called Super Green Pass will be needed to access theatres, cinemas and restaurants. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Iiai9b

Far-right target critics with Twitter's new media policy

Far-right activists are using Twitter's new media policy to target anti-extremism researchers. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3doV83z

Covid: UK red list criticised as 'travel apartheid' by Nigeria

Nigeria - which was added to the red list on Monday - describes the restrictions as "selective". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xXzexO

Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler pick up Kennedy Center Honors

The legendary Canadian singer makes a rare public appearance at a ceremony hosted by Joe Biden. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IqeMdW

Eric Zemmour: Far-right French presidential candidate grabbed at rally

A man grabs Eric Zemmour by the neck at the far-right presidential candidate's first rally. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rEUvLt

Aung San Suu Kyi: Myanmar court sentences ousted leader to four years jail

This is the first verdict delivered for the ex-leader, who faces a total of 11 charges. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xWLeQ8

FARC: Colombian rebel commander 'El Paisa' killed in Venezuela

The feared ex-Farc commander had become notorious for his bloody guerrilla attacks and kidnappings. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dnU3Jp

Pakistan: Brutal mob killing of Sri Lankan sparks protests

More than 100 have been arrested over the lynching of a Sri Lankan man accused of insulting Islam. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IpPrAy

Dalio: Comments on China's human rights misunderstood

Last month, JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon apologised for comments he made about the Chinese Communist Party. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31nh0dr

Tennis governing body to keep playing in China

The ITF says it has not followed the WTA in suspending tournaments in China because it "does not want to punish a billion people". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EuRAZv

Thomas Massie: US Congressman condemned for Christmas guns photo

The image shows Thomas Massie and his family holding firearms days after a deadly school shooting. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lCjcEA

Climate change: Is ‘blue hydrogen’ Japan’s answer to coal?

The Fukushima disaster turned Japan away from nuclear. A new energy source may help it quit coal. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xYE4uX

Putin in India: What Russian president's visit means for world politics

Russia and India ties are facing challenges from fast-changing geopolitics in Asia and beyond. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32S0pi2

The tech helping shops - and Santa - deliver this Christmas

A number of tech solutions are out there to help retailers optimise sending out our presents. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lEEUIi

Covid in Uganda: The man whose children may never return to school

The 20-month school closure in Uganda could have a long-term impact on many lives there. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rSS5cD

The Palestinian jailbreak that rocked Israel

The search for six Palestinian fugitives from an Israeli prison unearths a story of dispossession, violence and bitter division in a fractured region. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xWLBtU

James Webb Space Telescope scientist: 'It's the future of astrophysics'

The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be 100 times more powerful than the Hubble. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DsLCHp

How Lebanon's economic problems could leave Sara blind

Lebanon stopped has stopped subsidising many medical expenses, which leaves poorer patients in danger. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ds2J1a

Gambia elections: Adama Barrow declared presidential election winner

The electoral commission names Adama Barrow the winner despite his opponents questioning the vote. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Ez3nWY

Bob Dole: Biden leads tributes to a 'dear friend'

Tributes have been paid across the US political divide to the late Republican leader Bob Dole. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xYWIm5

Indonesia volcano: Villages buried under hot ash

Rescuers are searching for survivors after Mt Semeru erupted in eastern Java on Saturday. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rCDfqd

Trump social media firm says it has raised $1bn

The former US president is working to launch a social media app called Truth Social early next year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3onM4SJ

Veteran Republican leader Bob Dole dies

Long-serving senator, who recovered from terrible injuries to run for president, dies at 98 from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Dq40AD

Chemical pollutants disrupt reproduction in anemonefish

Ocean pollution is unfortunately becoming more commonplace, raising concerns over the effect of chemicals that are leaching into the water. In a new study, researchers have discovered how these chemicals can affect the reproduction in common anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3diZf1f

Military truck rams into group of Myanmar protesters in Yangon

Several people have been injured during a demonstration against the country's military rulers. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IpuvcY

French climber handed Mont Blanc gems after 2013 find

The stones are believed to be from an Air India plane which crashed into the mountain in 1966. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IjA1Ol

Pope condemns treatment of migrants in Europe

Visiting a camp in Greece, Francis calls the neglect of migrants the "shipwreck of civilisation". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xXX0cV

Why France faces so much anger in West Africa

Despite engaging better with the African continent recently, the ex-colonial power faces a backlash. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EuQGfB

Pacific Ocean garbage patch is immense plastic habitat

Researchers discover coastal species living on debris miles from their natural surroundings. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3onUSrV

Mandatory vaccinations: Three reasons for and against

Blanket vaccination mandates are on the agenda but do they work and what are their costs? from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Dnynru

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

Our understanding of how microscopic structure and changes in the shape of food affect food texture remains underdeveloped, so researchers from Denmark and Germany conducted a series of experiments relating food microstructure and rheology to texture. They used coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy to relate the molecular makeup of the fat in foods with the rheological and mechanical properties of the food. The foods in question: foie gras and pâté. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3diNK9V

Printing technique creates effective skin equivalent, heals wounds

Researchers have developed an approach to print skin equivalents, which may play a future role in facilitating the healing of chronic wounds. They used suspended layer additive manufacturing, creating a gel-like material to support the skin equivalent that can then support a second phase of gel injection. During printing, the skin layers are deposited within the support gel. After printing, the team washed away the support material, leaving behind the layered skin equivalent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31qumWd

3D fault information improves alert accuracy for earthquake early warning

Three-dimensional fault models are generally more accurate than two-dimensional line models at sending ground shaking alerts to the correct areas as part of an earthquake early warning system, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DoAQ4T

ALS therapy should target brain, not just spine

The brain is indeed a target for treating ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), scientists have discovered. This flips a long-standing belief the disease starts in the spinal motor neurons and any therapy would need to target the spine as the key focus. The new study shows the brain degenerates early in ALS, sends warning signals and shows defects very early in the disease. Degeneration of brain motor neurons is not merely a byproduct of the spinal motor neuron degeneration, as had been previously thought. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rzqRrd

Gene discoveries give new hope to people who stutter

Researchers describe a 'genetic architecture' for developmental stuttering and report the discovery of new genetic variations associated with the condition. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lCl93X

Chris Cuomo: CNN fires presenter over help he gave politician brother

The star TV presenter is sacked over efforts to help his brother fight off sexual harassment claims. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/331Ggq3

South Africa: The rape survivor who convicts rapists

Rape survivor Sgt Catherine Tladi has secured several convictions for rape in South Africa's courts. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Drlyw2

Biden and Putin to hold call amid Ukraine invasion fears

The US and Russian leaders will discuss Ukraine amid mounting concerns about a possible Russian invasion. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DlsHhv

Where did western honey bees come from? New research finds the sweet spot

For decades, scientists have hotly debated the origin of the western honey bee. Now, new research has discovered these popular honey-producing bees most likely originated in Asia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31yvI0D

Brain drain: Scientists explain why neurons consume so much fuel even when at rest

Pound for pound, the brain consumes vastly more energy than other organs, and, puzzlingly, it remains a fuel-guzzler even when its neurons are not firing signals called neurotransmitters to each other. Now researchers have found that the process of packaging neurotransmitters may be responsible for this energy drain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EBkF5q

Bus carrying choir members plunges into Kenya river

At least 23 die as a bus taking a church choir group to a wedding plunges into a flooded river. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EwaQpK

Michigan school shooting: Suspect's parents deny involuntary manslaughter

Bail is set at $1m for the couple arrested in Detroit after failing to attend court on Friday. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3InwnTy

Belgian zoo hippos test positive for Covid

Officials at Antwerp zoo do not know how the pair - now in quarantine - caught the virus. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GaMGRS

Gambia elections: Ex-President Yahya Jammeh's shadow looms over poll

Exiled leader Yahya Jammeh - who ruled the country for 22 years - is a key figure in the poll. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31owH3z

Eitan Biran: Cable car survivor returned to Italy after custody battle

Eitan Biran, the sole survivor of a cable car crash, is now in Italy after a custody battle. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Dp1NWa

Afghanistan: Macron reveals plans for joint European mission

The French president says a number of European nations are working on a joint diplomatic mission. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DnMAEA

ICYMI: Jumping into an active volcano, and other ways to spend the festive season

Jumping into an active volcano is just one way to spend the festive season, in news you may have missed this week. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31rCRjN

Indonesia volcano: Residents flee as Mt Semeru spews huge ash cloud

Airlines have been warned about a plume of ash rising 15,000m from Mt Semeru in Java. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pnvLVz

Ghislaine Maxwell trial: Key moments from the first week

The socialite is accused of grooming girls for abuse by late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lUpqQD

Daytime meals may reduce health risks linked to night shift work

A small clinical trial has found that eating during the nighttime -- like many shift workers do -- can increase glucose levels, while eating only during the daytime might prevent the higher glucose levels now linked with a nocturnal work life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pjjqBu

Covid-19: Ireland closes nightclubs and tightens Covid rules

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces a number of new restrictions in a televised address. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pmtHgA

Ethiopia closes schools to boost civil war effort

The government wants secondary school students to harvest crops to help frontline fighters. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3GdyQ10

Covid: Don't panic about Omicron variant, WHO says

The World Health Organization urges people to be cautious and prepare for the Omicron variant. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ElVALH

Michigan school shooting: Parents of gunman charged with manslaughter

Authorities say the suspect killed four students and injured seven people with his dad's handgun. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3IkySX1

Wraparound care coordination associated with many positive outcomes amongst youth with serious and complex behavioral health needs

A study finds that Wraparound Care Coordination (Wraparound), which has been adopted in states and jurisdictions across the country to help meet the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional and behavioral disorders, produces more positive outcomes for youth when compared to more common service approaches. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Gbcmhd

Precise new form of brain surgery requires no incisions, scalpels

Researchers have developed a noninvasive way to remove faulty brain circuits that could allow doctors to treat debilitating neurological diseases without the need for conventional brain surgery. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ojhZDP

Italian man tries to dodge Covid jab using fake arm

The man is so keen to get a vaccine pass he turns up with a plastic arm, but doctors aren't fooled. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3olGroe

Another reason why batteries can’t charge in minutes

Researchers find new issue complicating fast charging. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DkEQTS

Perovskite solar cells soar to new heights

Researchers have developed a novel method to fabricate lead halide perovskite solar cells with record efficiency. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3dim70M

Genes associated with hearing loss visualized in new study

Researchers have been able to document and visualize hearing loss-associated genes in the human inner ear, in a unique collaboration study between otosurgeons and geneticists. The findings illustrate that discrete subcellular structures in the human organ of hearing, the cochlea, are involved in the variation of risk of age-related hearing loss in the population. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ruD0O4

Unlocking the cause of UTI-induced delirium

Researchers have found that blocking the action of a protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6), part of the immune system, could resolve the delirium that often accompanies urinary tract infection (UTI) in elderly patients. Their study could pave the way for clinical trials of IL-6 inhibitors as a treatment for UTI-associated delirium in humans. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rxXQfn

The layered effect: A single-cell map of corn’s root reveals a regulator of cellular diversity

A new study uses novel single-cell profiling techniques to reveal how plants add new cell layers that help them resist climate stressors like drought or flooding. The research focuses on corn -- a critically important crop around the world -- in an effort to create a cell-by-cell map of the plant's root system, which mediates drought stress and absorbs nutrients and fertilizer from the soil. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3IkXm24

Whether people inform themselves or remain ignorant is due to three factors

People choose whether to seek or avoid information about their health, finances and personal traits based on how they think it will make them feel, how useful it is, and if it relates to things they think about often, finds a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xQ2qqw

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

Having an elevated resting heart rate in old age may be an independent risk factor of dementia, according to a new study. Since resting heart rate is easy to measure and can be lowered through exercise or medical treatment, the researchers believe that it may help to identify people with higher dementia risk for early intervention. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ohtjR6

Never-before-seen state of matter: Quantum spin liquids

Physicists said they have finally experimentally documented quantum spin liquids, a long sought-after exotic state of matter. The work marks a big step toward being able to produce this elusive state on demand and to gain a novel understanding of its mysterious nature. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Dkx6RO

South Africa battles Omicron fear and jab jitters

The new variant threatens to overshadow the holiday season as campaigners fight vaccine fears. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31hrECt

Can seven questions determine how wise you are?

Researchers report that an abbreviated, seven-item scale can help determine with high validity a person's level of wisdom, a potentially modifiable personality trait that has been shown to have a strong association to well-being. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xQvEFM

Gene-editing used to create single sex mice litters, 100% efficiency

Scientists have used gene editing technology to create female-only and male-only mice litters with 100% efficiency. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/32WsWmO

Austria ruling party picks Nehammer for chancellor

Karl Nehammer is chosen as party leader and next chancellor in a bid to end days of turmoil. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EgM6l0

Omicron coronavirus variant: Your questions answered

How long do symptoms last for, is it more harmful to children? Experts answer your questions. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DkKNQH

Ghislaine Maxwell: Employee told 'not to look Jeffrey Epstein in the eye'

A former housekeeper said Ghislaine Maxwell acted as "lady of the house" at Jeffrey Epstein's US home. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dg2S7X

Lamine Diack: Disgraced athletics boss dies in Senegal

The disgraced former head of world athletics governing body Lamine Diack dies in Senegal aged 88. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DkEzQP

A pair of gold flakes creates a self-assembled resonator

For exploring materials right down to the nano-level, researchers often need to construct a complex structure to house the materials -- a time-consuming and complicated process. But imagine if there was a way the structure could simply build itself? from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pnvMJ6

Climate modeling confirms historical records showing rise in hurricane activity

Scientists have now used climate modeling, rather than storm records, to reconstruct the history of hurricanes and tropical cyclones around the world. The study finds that North Atlantic hurricanes have indeed increased in frequency over the last 150 years, similar to what historical records have shown. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3luS4rc

Covid: Germany puts major restrictions on unvaccinated

Chancellor Angela Merkel describes the far-reaching measures as an act of "national solidarity". from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pornWa

US and Mexico to restart Trump-era 'Remain in Mexico' policy

More than 60,000 asylum seekers have been sent back to Mexico under the controversial programme. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dtOE3H

Ikea customers and staff sleep in store after snowstorm

The group was left stranded after up to 30cm (12in) of snow fell in the Danish city of Aalborg. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ltEQuQ

Mouse study suggests manipulation of certain nerve cells can help regenerate lost heart muscle

Human heart muscle cells cease to multiply after birth, making any heart injury later in life a permanent one, reducing function and leading to heart failure. Now, however, researchers say they have new evidence from mouse experiments that manipulating certain nerve cells or the genes that control them might trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells and restore heart function after heart attacks and other cardiac disorders. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xPxeaJ

Cannabis impacts sperm counts, motility in two generations of mice

An intense but short-term exposure to cannabis vapor lowered sperm counts and slowed sperm movement, or motility, not only in the directly exposed male mice but also in their sons, according to a new study. The findings build on other human and animal research, showing that cannabis can impede male reproductive function. The current study uses more controlled circumstances than human studies, which often have to rely on surveys, and is the first known reproductive study to use vaporized whole cannabis in mice, which is the more common form humans use. Previous animal studies use other administration methods such as injections of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Geov5f

Septic system waste pervasive throughout Florida’s Indian River lagoon

There are more than 300,000 septic systems permitted in six counties adjacent to the 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. Researchers assessed water quality and measured stable nitrogen isotopes in groundwater, surface water, and macrophyte tissue to identify nitrogen sources impacting the lagoon. Sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is not completely broken down by septic systems or wastewater treatment plants, was used as a human wastewater tracer, and fecal indicator bacteria density was used as an indicator of wastewater pollution. Results showed that nitrogen enrichment of all sub-drainage basins in this study supports that even 'properly functioning' septic systems contribute nitrogen to surficial (shallow) groundwater. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ogekGS

Improving perceptions of emerging technologies can help ease strain on health-care systems

More attention must be paid to improving perceptions of emerging technologies like AI-powered symptom checkers, which could ease the strain on health-care systems, according to a recent study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GbEf98

Ocean plastic is creating new communities of life on the high seas

Coastal plants and animals have found a new way to survive in the open ocean -- by colonizing plastic pollution. A new commentary reports coastal species growing on trash hundreds of miles out to sea in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, more commonly known as the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch.' from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DerCbf

Israel PM: Nuclear talks must end over Iran ‘blackmail’ tactics

Naftali Bennett's call comes as Iran and world powers try to save their nuclear deal from collapse. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xQW76e

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

An analysis of the effect role models have on students' motivation in studying STEM subjects points to new ways to deploy these leaders in order to encourage learning across different populations. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3G2Z3zk

From corals to humans, a shared trigger for sperm to get in motion

Coral sperm require a specific pH to move, which identified a signaling pathway that is shared by organisms including humans. The results have implications for how corals may fare in shifting marine conditions due to climate change. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3I7p7v0

Margaux Pinot: Shock over release of judoka’s partner in assault case

Margaux Pinot accuses her partner of domestic abuse, but a court acquits him, citing lack of proof. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3Ie31Hn

Russia Ukraine: Lavrov warns of return to military confrontation nightmare

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov floats the idea of a new European security pact to prevent Nato expansion. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ryOCzx

Merkel picks German punk singer Hagen for last serenade

Nina Hagen's song will be played during a military ceremony in the outgoing chancellor's honour. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dbVlqH

Afghanistan: Hamid Karzai says the Taliban are his brothers

In a BBC interview, Hamid Karzai also calls on the international community to help rebuild Afghanistan. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31mIbon

Covid: South Africa new cases double in 24 hours as Omicron spreads

The new Omicron variant has now become dominant, the country's top medical scientists say. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3DsC8fn

Ghislaine Maxwell: Defence lawyers seek to discredit key accuser

Ghislaine Maxwell's defence team try to poke holes in an alleged victim's testimony at her trial. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3lpAV1R

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla: My wife's vaccine death is fake news

In an exclusive interview, Albert Bourla hits out at the "rubbish" that has been published about him. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xLKSM3

Curious leopard enters classroom in India

The five-year-old leopard attacked a student before it was captured in the northern city of Aligarh. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xPEm7k

Home Alone house available to book on Airbnb

The home from the 1990 Christmas classic starring Macaulay Culkin will be available for one night only. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xSzQor

In children with multiple sclerosis, teriflunomide tempers lesion growth

A phase 3 clinical trial tested the safety and efficacy of teriflunomide, an oral immunomodulatory drug, in children with multiple sclerosis. Although the medication did not prevent disease relapses to a greater extent than placebo, the option for some patients to switch from placebo to teriflunomide before the end of the trial likely biased the results against treatment efficacy. The drug appeared to reduce the number of new or enlarged lesions that are detected through MRI. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rsW8Mm

HIV: The misinformation still circulating in 2021

Huge progress has been made in treatment, prevention and understanding of HIV - but falsehoods still hurt people living with it. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3rDUacj

WHO: ‘Omicron is a variant of concern, not panic’

The world needs to be alert but not overreact, the World Health Organization’s spokesperson says. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xJMOEM

Early interventions could help counteract muscle loss

Weakening muscles are a natural part of the aging process, but for some people with a condition called sarcopenia the decline is abnormally fast. A new study suggests that the early stages of sarcopenia could be counteracted with timely interventions designed to preserve physical and cognitive function and manage chronic conditions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3daKwFv

Researchers model circadian clock neurons in a day-active animal

It's no secret that jet lag and night-shift work can wreak havoc on the way our body's internal clock syncs up our daily wake-sleep cycle, known as circadian rhythm, but now researchers say they are a step closer to understanding how the brain creates behavioral rhythms optimized for diurnal, rather than nocturnal, life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/31bO48b

Satellites reveal Ethiopian elephants under threat

Tens of thousands of illegal human settlements pose a real threat to the continued existence of an endangered elephant population, according to satellite analysis of the Babile Elephant Sanctuary in eastern Ethiopia. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rsTmqq

Rates of type 2 diabetes are higher in people with one of various common psychiatric disorders

A new study finds that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is elevated in people with a psychiatric disorder compared with the general population. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Ed9Arj

Telehealth-delivered diet and exercise program eased knee pain and triggered weight loss

Combined diet and exercise Telehealth program saw 80 per cent of participants experience reduced knee pain with an average weight loss of approximately 10.2 per cent. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Im2Z0j

Heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack

Twenty years ago, clinicians first attempted to regenerate a failing human heart by injecting muscle myoblasts into the heart during a bypass operation. Despite high initial hopes and multiple experimental and clinical studies since then, outcomes have been neutral or marginally positive for a wide variety of attempts to remuscularize an injured heart. Yet hope remains that current and future strategies will yield clinical regenerative heart therapies, experts explain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pevJPO

Crash safety: New traffic lights absorb kinetic energy

Game-changing technology to design traffic lights that absorb kinetic energy, stopping them from crumpling when hit by a vehicle, will prevent thousands of fatalities and injuries each year and make our roads much safer. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3rwdhF7

De-cluttering may not help people with dementia

A clutter-free environment may not help people with dementia carry out daily tasks -- according to a new study. Researchers studied whether people with dementia were better able to carry out tasks, such as making a cup of tea, at home - surrounded by their usual clutter - or in a clutter-free environment. They were surprised to find that participants with moderate dementia performed better when surrounded by their usual clutter. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DgwaOm

Munich WW2 bomb blows up near station, wounding four

The "aerial bomb" blows up on a railway construction site close to the main station. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3xFW5xU

Which side is which? How the brain perceives borders

Researchers have made headway into understanding how the brain decides which side of a visual border is a foreground object and which is background. The research has sheds light on how areas of the brain communicate to interpret sensory information and build a picture of the world around us. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3do4v3L

Which glioblastoma patients will respond to immunotherapy?

Scientists have discovered a new biomarker to identify which patients with brain tumors called glioblastomas -- the most common and malignant of primary brain tumors -- might benefit from immunotherapy. The treatment could extend survival for an estimated 20% to 30% of patients. Currently, patients with glioblastoma do not receive this life-prolonging treatment because it has not been fully understood which of them could benefit. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xHyLjg

Steam disinfection of baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles

Using a new microspectroscopic technique, scientists have found that steam disinfection of silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lma9Yb

Challenges to ongoing clean-up of burnt and unburnt nurdles along Sri Lanka’s coastline

When a fire broke out on the deck of the M/V XPress Pearl cargo ship on May 20, 2021, an estimated 70-75 billion pellets of preproduction plastic material, known as nurdles, spilled into the ocean and along the Sri Lankan coastline. That spill of about 1,500 tons of nurdles, many of which were burnt by the fire, has threatened marine life and poses a complex clean-up challenge. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3xLqfj9

'Transformational' approach to machine learning could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers have developed a new approach to machine learning that 'learns how to learn' and out-performs current machine learning methods for drug design, which in turn could accelerate the search for new disease treatments. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lqhiHc

Why US abortion laws could be changed by Supreme Court ruling

If Roe v Wade is overturned, millions of American women will lose access to legal abortions. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/31g2UKa

Nigeria boat capsize: At least 29 die in Kano state

The boat was carrying more than 50 people, most of whom were heading to an Islamic religious event from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3pgS6UB

Tel Aviv named as world's most expensive city to live in

Soaring inflation and supply-chain problems have pushed up prices in the 173 cities surveyed. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3d4cenn

Why Gambians won't stop voting with marbles

The Gambia has witnessed a flourishing of democracy but its curious election system remains unchanged. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3I5ZdYx

Roe v Wade: How a Mississippi legal challenge could upend abortion rights

The Supreme Court is being asked to overturn the 1973 ruling that legalised abortion in the US. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3EfkVqM