A new class of functional elements in the human genome?
When regions of the human genome where the DNA can fold into unusual three-dimensional structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) are located in regulatory sequences or other functional, but non-protein coding, regions of the genome, they are maintained.....»»
How a nearby supernova left its mark on Earth life
When a massive star explodes as a supernova, it does more than release an extraordinary amount of energy. Supernovae explosions are responsible for creating some of the heavy elements, including iron, which is blasted out into space by the explosion......»»
Why do people breach their bail? Research shows it"s not because they"re committing more crimes
In Australia and most countries, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Because of this, keeping someone in detention before trial comes with serious legal, practical and human-rights consequences, not just for the person accused but also for thei.....»»
Murine study suggests cosmic radiation in outer space may affect long-term cognition
During missions into outer space, galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) will penetrate current spacecraft shielding and thus pose a significant risk to human health......»»
Can the "hard steps" in the evolutionary history of human intelligence be recast with geological thresholds?
What took so long for humans to appear on Earth? The Earth is 4.6 billion years old, and life began about 4 billion years ago, yet humans—the only intelligent, technological species we know of in the universe—have existed only for the last 200,0.....»»
Cryo-ET study provides viral close-up of HTLV-1, the "overlooked cousin of HIV"
In collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Cornell University, Martin Obr and Florian Schur from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) provide new details into the architecture of HTLV-1 (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1.....»»
Naked mole-rat found to have lost infection-resistant proteins
Scientists have found that the naked mole-rat—an underground rodent that lives up to 40 years—has lost a number of CD1 functional genes. The CD1 gene family in mammals is responsible for protein synthesis that protects the body against infectious.....»»
Deadly flooding in Central Europe made twice as likely by climate change
Human-caused climate change doubled the likelihood and intensified the heavy rains that led to devastating flooding in Central Europe earlier this month, a new flash study found......»»
Bottled water has a huge and growing toll on human and planetary health, experts warn
The huge and growing toll bottled water is taking on human and planetary health warrants an urgent rethink of its use as 1 million bottles are bought every minute around the globe, with that figure set to rise further still amid escalating demand, wa.....»»
Tropical and subtropical industrial fisheries account for about 70% of methylmercury fished from the ocean: Study
Industrial fishing practices are increasing human exposure to methylmercury, a neurotoxicant associated with developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults......»»
Better together: Gut microbiome communities found to have enhanced resilience to drugs
Many human medications can directly inhibit the growth and alter the function of the bacteria that constitute our gut microbiome. EMBL Heidelberg researchers have now discovered that this effect is reduced when bacteria form communities......»»
Q&A: What"s behind the ban on cell phones in K-12 schools?
This school year, many of the nation's adolescents and teens are sitting in class without the device that can sometimes feel like an added appendage: their smartphones......»»
Hybrid RV with a solar roof can power your home in an emergency
The hybrid powertrain has a range of 500 miles. Enlarge / This is Thor and Harbinger's test bed for a new Class A hybrid RV. (credit: Thor) Electrification is moving through different parts of the automotive industry at.....»»
Dealerships can start filing claims in CDK antitrust settlement
An Illinois federal judge has granted preliminary approval for CDK's agreement to pay $100 million to resolve a class-action antitrust lawsuit......»»
Compact "gene scissors" enable effective genome editing, may offer future treatment of high cholesterol gene defect
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissors" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells......»»
Human urine could be used as eco-friendly crop fertilizer: Study
Bacterial communities in soil are as resilient to human urine as synthetic fertilizers—making recycling the bodily fluid as a fertilizer for agricultural crops a viable proposition, according to a new study......»»
Florida company"s space balloon takes big step toward 1st human flight
The weekend trip was a success for Space Perspective, the company that already has more than 1,800 people waiting for their chance to take balloon rides in a posh capsule up to the edge of space......»»
Researchers decode oldest human DNA from South Africa to date
Researchers have reconstructed the oldest human genomes ever found in South Africa from two people who lived around 10,000 years ago, allowing a better understanding of how the region was populated, an author of the study said Sunday......»»
Can AI help save our planet?
Last year was the hottest on record. Around the world, we are witnessing more extreme events—from massive forest fires to floods to "hot tub'" ocean temperatures—with devastating consequences for human life and our planet's biodiversity......»»
Researchers found a simple way to make concrete 560% stronger
Scientists have created hollow concrete that is 5.6 times stronger than radiation concrete. The new design is based on the human femur, which features a … The post Researchers found a simple way to make concrete 560% stronger appeared first on.....»»
European leadership change means new adversaries for Big Tech
"Legislation has been adopted and now needs to be enforced." Enlarge If the past five years of EU tech rules could take human form, they would embody Thierry Breton. The bombastic commissioner, with his swoop of white h.....»»