Science – Page 136 – PossibleThreat Articles

Cracking how tardigrades survive the extremes

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Biochemistry Research, Biology, Biotechnology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Extreme Survival, Genetics, Molecular Biology

Scientists have gained a new understanding of how tiny, ultra-resilient invertebrates known as tardigrades, or 'water bears,' are protected in extreme conditions. Tardigrades are found in water environments around the world — including mountainous, deep sea and Antarctic environments. The researchers discovered that a tardigrade protein named Dsup binds to chromatin — DNA inside cells — and forms a protective cloud against extreme survival threats such as radiation damage.

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Jellyfish's 'superpowers' gained through cellular mechanism

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Biology, Biotechnology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology

Jellyfish are animals that possess the unique ability to regenerate body parts. A team of scientists has now revealed the cellular mechanisms that give jellyfish these remarkable 'superpowers.'

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Exposure to BPA in the womb linked to wheezing and poorer lung function in children

October 1, 2019 0 Comments COPD, Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Lung Cancer, Lung Disease, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Severe Weather, Wildfires

Pregnant women exposed to higher levels of the commonly used chemical bisphenol A (BPA) are more likely to have children who suffer with wheezing and poorer lung function, according to new research.

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New research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of super material

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Energy Technology, Engineering, Engineering and Construction, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology

Scientists have measured how the super-plastic material ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, commercially known as Dyneema or Spectra, interacts when bolted to other materials. The research has established guidelines and failure maps for use of the material in joints with steel bolts. The research shows that while the material deforms at the joints, it's incredible difficult to actually break the fibers.

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Handling traumatic grief reactions in children and adolescents post-9/11

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Accident and Trauma, Children's Health, Depression, Mental Health, Mental Health Research, Psychiatry, PTSD, Teen Health

In the wake of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001 (9/11), researchers defined the 'traumatically bereaved' as those who experienced the loss of a mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, other family member, friend, and/or someone else after 9/11 happened. A new study reports that this disorder warrants separate clinical attention.

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250-million-year-old evolutionary remnants seen in muscles of human embryos

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Biotechnology, Charles Darwin, Developmental Biology, Early Humans, Evolution, Evolutionary Biology, Human Evolution, Nature

A team of evolutionary biologists have demonstrated that some limb muscles known to be present in many mammals but absent in the adult human are actually formed during early human development and then lost prior to birth. These findings offer insight into how our arms and legs evolved from our mammalian ancestors, and also help explain rare limb anomalies found in humans born with congenital malformations.

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Rising ozone is a hidden threat to corn

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Air Quality, Atmosphere, Botany, Endangered Plants, Environmental Issues, Food and Agriculture, Nature, Ozone Holes

By exposing a genetically diverse group of corn plants in the field to future ozone levels, researchers discovered hidden vulnerabilities.

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Did long ago tsunamis lead to mysterious, tropical fungal outbreak in Pacific northwest?

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Accident and Trauma, Cystic Fibrosis, Fungus, Geography, Human Biology, Microbes and More, Natural Disasters, Soil Types, Tsunamis

The Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 and the tsunamis it spawned may have washed a tropical fungus ashore, leading to a subsequent outbreak of often-fatal infections among people in coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, according to a new article.

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Better sleep habits lead to better college grades

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Child Development, Disorders and Syndromes, Educational Psychology, Insomnia, Numeracy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Parenting, Sleep Disorders

Two professors have found a strong relationship between students' grades and how much sleep they're getting. What time students go to bed and the consistency of their sleep habits also make a big difference. And no, getting a good night's sleep just before a big test is not good enough — it takes several nights in a row of good sleep to make a difference.

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The hidden ark: How a grassroots initiative can help save fish from extinction

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Biodiversity, Ecology, Environmental Policy, Exotic Species, Fish, Nature, New Species, Wild Animals

Freshwater fish are the most threatened vertebrate group, and species are disappearing faster than scientists can describe them. A new study shows that aquarium hobbyists can play an important role in freshwater fish conservation by filling in the gaps left by the scientific community and conservation organizations.