Cell ‘bones’ mystery solved with supercomputers
Thin, flexible protein strands called actin filaments act like bones for our cells and are critical for its movement. Supercomputer simulations have helped solve a decades-old mystery of how actin filaments polymerize, or chain together. Space-filling model from molecular dynamics simulation showing actin filament barbed end (blue) and pointed end (red). Credit: Vilmos Zsolnay, University […]
Ritual monument discovered in Scotland dates to the time of Stonehenge
A massive “cursus” monument, a site for ancient rituals, that was built around the same time as Stonehenge, has been discovered on the Scottish Isle of Arran. Cursus monuments, which were constructed during the Neolithic period (4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C.) are long rectangular earthwork enclosures, meaning that they are built by modifying the land. […]
Genetically-modified mosquitoes key to stopping Zika virus spread — ScienceDaily
In 2016, the World Health Organization called the Zika virus epidemic a “public health emergency of international concern” due to the virus causing birth defects for pregnant women in addition to neurological problems. Since then, researchers have wrestled with different strategies for controlling the spread of Zika virus, which gets transmitted to humans from female […]
Suicide Rates May Rise After Natural Disasters
Content warning: This article discusses suicide and potential risk factors of suicide. Natural disasters can continue to cause pain long after homes have been rebuilt and businesses reopened. According to a recent U.S.-based study, rates of suicide increase somewhat during the first 3 years postdisaster. “These are, in a sense, preventable deaths.” “These […]
The first ‘robots’ were made of flesh and bone
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The longevity gene mammalian Indy (mINDY) is involved in blood pressure regulation
Authors from the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) presented data showing that the longevity gene mammalian Indy (mINDY) is involved in blood pressure regulation in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI) insight. Reduced expression of mINDY, which is known to extend life span in lower organisms and to prevent from diet induced obesity, fatty […]
Scientists identify flank instability at a volcano with history of collapse
Scientists identified flank instability at Pacaya, an active volcano in Guatemala. Credit: Kirsten Stephens/Penn State Landslides caused by the collapse of unstable volcanoes are one of the major dangers of volcanic eruptions. A method to detect long-term movements of these mountains using satellite images could help identify previously overlooked instability at some volcanoes, according to Penn […]
6,500 medieval coins and rare gold rings unearthed in Polish cornfield
A medieval hoard brimming with silver ingots, gold rings and thousands of silver coins was recently discovered in a Polish cornfield by an archaeologist, with the help of a priest and local firefighters. The nearly 900-year-old hoard, found in Słuszków, a village in west-central Poland, held a one-of-a-kind treasure — a gold ring etched with […]
‘Fundamentals’ shows how a few basic ingredients build reality
FundamentalsFrank WilczekPenguin Press, $26 As the story is usually told, science began when some deep thinkers in ancient Greece decided to reject the popular mythological explanations for various natural phenomena. Those early philosophers sought logical explanations for things like thunderstorms, rather than attributing them to Zeus throwing temper tantrums in the form of thunderbolts. But […]
Center of the island of stability is not located at element 114 — Heavier elements will move into the spotlight — ScienceDaily
An international research team succeeded in gaining new insights into the artificially produced superheavy element flerovium, element 114, at the accelerator facilities of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. Under the leadership of Lund University in Sweden and with significant participation of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) as well as the Helmholtz Institute […]
