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On Jan. 1, 2024, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Japan, resulting in extensive damage in the region caused by uplift, when the land rises due to shifting tectonic plates. The observed uplift, however, varied significantly, with some areas experiencing as much as a 5-meter rise of the ground surface. To better understand how the characteristics of the affected fault lines impact earthquake dynamics, researchers in Japan used recently developed simulations to make a detailed model of the fault. The findings could help develop models to simulate scenarios of different earthquakes and mitigate disasters in the future.
Less intensive farming works best for agricultural soil (link is external)
The less intensively you manage the soil, the better the soil can function. Such as not plowing as often or using more grass-clover mixtures as cover crops. Surprisingly, it applies to both conventional and organic farming.
Animal energy usage made visible through video (link is external)
Strong methods do exist for measuring animal movement in the context of energy expenditure, but these are limited by the physical size of the equipment used. Now, in a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers from the Marine Biophysics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), in collaboration with Professor Amatzia Genin from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, describe an innovative method for measuring energy usage during movement with video and 3D-tracking via deep learning.
Single-dose baloxavir reduces household influenza transmission (link is external)
A landmark study reveals that a single oral dose of baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) significantly reduces the transmission of influenza within households, marking a major advancement in influenza management. The trial provides robust evidence that an antiviral treatment can curb the spread of influenza to close contacts.
Affordable hydrogen fuel production using surface reconstruction strategy (link is external)
Researchers found a strategy to create catalysts that make the production of hydrogen for clean fuel more efficient and affordable.
Study on the reproducibility of behavioral experiments with insects now published (link is external)
A recent study provides evidence that some results of behavioral experiments with insects cannot be fully reproduced. So far, possible reproducibility problems have been little discussed in this context.
'Cryosphere meltdown' will impact Arctic marine carbon cycles and ecosystems, new study warns (link is external)
A new study has found worrying signs that climate change may be undermining the capacity of Arctic fjords to serve as effective carbon sinks. The findings suggest that the capacity of polar oceans to remove carbon from the atmosphere may be reduced as the world continues to heat up.
Cinnamon could affect drug metabolism in the body (link is external)
Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most commonly used spices in the world, but a new study indicates a compound in it could interfere with some prescription medications.
Finding 'win-win-wins' for climate, economics and justice (link is external)
In examining how different countries have rolled out climate change mitigation strategies, research has found reasons to be optimistic about preserving our environment while promoting prosperity and well-being.
How to break through climate apathy (link is external)
A new study finds that presenting the same continuous climate data, such as incremental changes in temperature, in binary form -- such as whether a lake did or did not freeze in the winter -- significantly increases people's ability to see the impact of climate change.
A new recycling process for silicones could greatly reduce the sector's environmental impacts (link is external)
A study describes a new method of recycling silicone waste (caulk, sealants, gels, adhesives, cosmetics, etc.). It has the potential to significantly reduce the sector's environmental impacts. This is the first universal recycling process that brings any type of used silicone material back to an earlier state in its life cycle where each molecule has only one silicon atom. And there is no need for the raw materials currently used to design new silicones. Moreover, since it is chemical and not mechanical recycling, the reuse of the material can be carried out infinitely.
Blocking a surprising master regulator of immunity eradicates liver tumors in mice (link is external)
'Cold' tumors are resistant to common immunotherapies. Researchers have uncovered a master regulator that can be manipulated to prevent tumor growth in mice.
Invasive weed threatens Southern California's deserts (link is external)
Once thought resistant to invasion, California's deserts are losing native plants to aggressive weedy species like Saharan mustard. New research shows its spread is disrupting biodiversity and reducing the desert's ability to recover from extreme climate swings.
Keeping tabs on native woodlands in times of flood and drought (link is external)
Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding, so future management decisions need more sophisticated systems to monitor and manage their water needs. A new study aims to provide a good estimate of water used by trees and plants and bushes under the treetops (or the forest understorey) to help improve management of native woodlands.
No more copy-pasting: DNA base editing for better Lactobacillus strains (link is external)
A team was able to edit the DNA of Lactobacillus strains directly without a template from other organisms. This technique is indistinguishable from natural variation and enabled the researchers to create a strain that doesn't produce diabetes-aggravating chemicals.
Controlling starch levels in algae could have biotechnology and sustainability benefits (link is external)
High-starch algae are important in biofuel production, as a feed supplement in agriculture and as an efficient way to bind carbon dioxide. Researchers have now found a new method to control starch storage in algae -- a finding with potential applications in areas such reducing greenhouse gases.
One gene defines the many patterns of snake skin (link is external)
In many animals, skin coloration and its patterns play a crucial role in camouflage, communication, or thermoregulation. In the corn snake, some morphs display red, yellow, or pink blotches, and their dorsal spots can merge or turn into stripes. But which genetic and cellular mechanisms determine these colorful patterns? A team discovered that a single gene, CLCN2, is involved in these variations.
Monkey database reveals shift towards open science (link is external)
A database about monkey behavior reveals how science is evolving towards a more open, collaborative approach.
Trawling-induced sediment resuspension reduces CO2 uptake (link is external)
When bottom trawls are dragged across the seafloor, they stir up sediments. This not only releases previously stored organic carbon, but also intensifies the oxidation of pyrite, a mineral present in marine sediments, leading to additional emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Could seismic signals from earthquakes mask the signals of an underground explosion? (link is external)
Could the seismic signal of an underground nuclear test explosion be 'hidden' by the signal generated by a natural earthquake?
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