Category: Science

pnas.org

New clues to the origin of cells on Earth found by adding amino acids to protocells that self-assembled from fatty acids.
Fatty-acid protocell membranes are stabilized after adding amino acids, and become fertile ground for basic life.
As the substances bond, they create molecular building blocks which eventually may have aided the formation of proteins.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on August 16, 2019

ecu.edu.au

Analysis of diet, cancer and health data collected from 53,048 Danes over 23 years, shows that flavonoid-rich foods reduce risk of heart-disease related death.
It’s important to consume multiple flavonoid-rich foods -- like tea, apples, oranges, blueberries, and broccoli.
The strongest health benefits were noticed in people at risk of chronic diseases due to smoking and drinking alcohol.
Though it helps ease the symptoms, the best way to avoid the dangers of smoking and alcohol is still not to indulge.
Only an association was found -- the exact nature of how flavonoids generate these health benefits are unknown.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on August 16, 2019

inverse.com

Study of 2,422 sleep clinic patients shows that 1 in every 300 people might be genetically predisposed to wake up early in the morning.
These people have strict sleeping schedules, and feel more awake than others when they first wake up.
Those who don’t sleep at night, due to work or differences in circadian rhythm, are at bigger risk of health and sleep issues.
Study author says that the healthiest approach would be to listen to one’s body clock, and organize sleep in sync with our biology.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on August 9, 2019

uu.se

Researchers have produced microorganisms that can efficiently create butanol using only carbon dioxide and solar energy.
They are cyanobacteria built to specialise in producing energy, developed with the help of synthetic biology and genetic modifications.
Cyanobacteria are the most efficient photosynthetic organisms on Eearth.
The modified bacteria is efficient enough that it could be used to produce fuel, or components for tyre rubber.
It could also potentially be used in industries with large greenhouse gas emissions to significantly reduce them.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 30, 2019

caltech.edu

Graphene phenomenon - the electrokinetic effect - discovered in rust, as it can convert kinetic energy of saltwater into electricity, without any chemical reaction.
It would be difficult to fabricate graphene films, but it’s much easier to make layers of rust on iron, which would make it a valid method for generating electricity.
To form a consistently thin layer, researchers used physical vapor deposition to turn iron oxide into a vapor that condensed on the desired surfaces.
Various concentrations of salt water generated several tens of milivolts and several microamps per square cm.
10 sq meters could generate enough power for a standard US home, but short-term less demanding uses are more likely, like low-power devices in remote locations.

Bulleted by Michał Słupski
on July 30, 2019

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