Global warming – we have lessons to learn from the Pliocene epoch
Carbon levels around 3 million years ago were similar to those of today and temperatures were even warmer. If something so significant is mirrored in the past, what else can we learn about extreme climate changes?Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-global-lessons-pliocene-epoch.html
Video: Why study mouse lemurs?
Like humans, mouse lemurs sometimes develop amyloid brain plaques and other Alzheimer's-like symptoms as they age. Because mouse lemurs are primates, they are a closer genetic match to humans than mice or rats are.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-video-mouse-lemurs.html
Moulds produce plant growth hormone
Plants, bacteria and various fungi produce a specific group of hormones known as auxins. Together with other hormones, they cause plant cells to stretch and thus, for example, the rapid growth of young shoots. The manner in which plants produce these substances has been intensively studied for decades, and is accordingly described in great detail. In contrast, how this biosynthesis takes place in fungi has hardly been studied to date. Researchers already know that some species of fungi which are plant pests are able to produce auxins, which trigger the growth of harmful tissue in their host plants. Now, for the first time, Professor Frank Kempken, head of the Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology at Kiel University, together with his working group, has described the mechanism by which the mould Neurospora crassa produces auxins. The Kiel researchers have also shown that fungi which are not harmful organisms are also able to make these growth hormones. Their findings have now been published in the scientific journal PLoS One.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-moulds-growth-hormone.html
An international plastics treaty could avert a 'Silent Spring' for the seas
Global problems —like our plastic-choked seas —need global solutions.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-international-plastics-treaty-avert-silent.html
'Walking' fish help scientists to understand how we left the ocean
Our ancestors' transition out of the water and onto the land was a pivotal moment in evolution. No longer buoyed by water, early tetrapods (animals with four limbs) had to overcome gravity in order to move their bodies. Exactly how those early pioneers first evolved the fundamental capacity to walk has fascinated scientists for many years.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-fish-scientists-left-ocean.html
In a first, scientists successfully induce spawning in wild bonefish
A team led by Florida Institute of Technology's Jonathan Shenker and Paul Wills of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University has for the first time successfully induced spawning of wild bonefish and hatched the fertilized eggs into larvae.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-scientists-successfully-spawning-wild-bonefish.html
Researchers patent quick tests for cocaine
FIU students and their professor have patented a series of new tests that can quickly, accurately and cost-effectively confirm the presence of cocaine.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-patent-quick-cocaine.html
Leaky atmosphere linked to lightweight planet
The Red Planet's low gravity and lack of magnetic field makes its outermost atmosphere an easy target to be swept away by the solar wind, but new evidence from ESA's Mars Express spacecraft shows that the Sun's radiation may play a surprising role in its escape.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-leaky-atmosphere-linked-lightweight-planet.html
No glaciers, no water?
The world's largest rivers begin in glaciated mountain regions. However, climate change may cause many glaciers to disappear. Will water become scarce?Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-glaciers.html
Modeling human behavior with Airbnb
Researchers at Idiap and EPFL have been working with psychologists to understand how people form first impressions from photos. They focused on how people respond to properties available on Airbnb. Better analysis of human behavior should allow scientists to program machines capable of making more "human" decisions.Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-human-behavior-airbnb.html
Source: https://phys.org/