Welcome to the Saturday edition of “Hawaii Science Digest”–a Hawaii Island-based blog focusing on science, technology, medicine, health, the environment, cyber security, and artificial intelligence (AI). Views express in this science news summary are those of the reporters and correspondents. Today’s post cites articles in the current edition of “Science News”–a publication of the Society for Science & the Public.
Here are the details:
Accessed on 06 January 2018, 0400 UTC.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org
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NEWS
4 ways to tackle ocean trash besides Ocean Cleanup’s broken system
Here are three approaches to reducing ocean pollution that might be more effective than a controversial plan to fish trash out of the Pacific.
NEWS IN BRIEF
High-speed video reveals physics tricks for shooting a rubber band
To fire a rubber band flawlessly, use a wide band and don’t pull too hard, physicists suggest.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
NEWS
Satellites make mapping hot spots of ammonia pollution easier
There’s a more accurate way to estimate ammonia emissions.
NEWS
DNA tests of Lassa virus mid-outbreak helped Nigeria target its response
New technology for analyzing genetic data quickly in the field guided how Nigeria dealt with an outbreak of Lassa fever in 2018.
NEWS IN BRIEF
The physics of fluids explains how crowds of marathon runners move
A new liquid-inspired theory can predict the movements of marathoners lining up for a race.
NEWS
A new way to genetically tweak photosynthesis boosts plant growth
A new chemical road map for a process called photorespiration in plant cells could reduce energy waste to increase plant productivity.
NEWS IN BRIEF
China just landed the first spacecraft on the moon’s farside
China’s Chang’e-4 lander and rover just became the first spacecraft to land on the farside of the moon.
NEWS
New Horizons shows Ultima Thule looks like a snowman, or maybe BB-8
Ultima Thule’s snowmanlike shape shows the New Horizons target was probably two space rocks that got stuck together.
NEWS
A new implant uses light to control overactive bladders
Experiments in rats show that a new soft device could help alleviate frequent, sudden urges to urinate.
THE SCIENCE LIFE
This scientist watches meat rot to decipher the Neandertal diet
This scientist is studying how meat changes as it rots to figure out what Neandertals might have eaten.
NEWS
Known as the ‘mother of Hubble,’ astronomer Nancy Roman dies at 93
Astronomer Nancy Roman, the “mother of Hubble,” has died.
NEWS
Macaques take turns while chattering
Japanese monkeys take turns while communicating. Adjusting response times while chattering, macaques intentionally pause like humans do when chatting.
NEWS
Live updates: New Horizons’ flyby of a distant Kuiper Belt object
The New Horizons spacecraft is ready for the most distant close flyby of a rocky object in the solar system, a rocky body called MU69 or Ultima Thule.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
These are the most-read Science News stories of 2018
From male birth control to wombat poop, Science News online readers had a wide variety of favorite stories on our website.
YEAR IN REVIEW
What will be the big science stories of 2019? Here are our predictions
From black hole insights to the future of self-driving cars to figuring out what it means to be human, 2019 will be a big year in science.
YEAR IN REVIEW
Artificial intelligence is mastering a wider variety of jobs than ever before
In 2018, AI bested humans at following fauna, diagnosing disease, mapping the moon and more.
50 YEARS AGO
50 years ago, astronauts orbited the moon for the first time
Apollo 8 launched on December 21, 1968, with three astronauts on board, making 10 revolutions around the moon — the first manned lunar orbits.
YEAR IN REVIEW
2018 was a busy year in space
This year, some missions started exploring the cosmos, while others were winding down.
SCIENCE STATS
Americans are sleeping less than they were 13 years ago
A survey suggests that nearly one-third of American adults are sleeping fewer than 6 hours a night, and minority groups are most affected.
YEAR IN REVIEW
These 2018 findings could be big news — if they turn out to be true
Discoveries about fossils, the Big Bang and more could shake up the scientific world – if they turn out to be true.
NEWS IN BRIEF
How decorating for Christmas sends people to the ER
A study takes a stab at quantifying Christmas-related mishaps.
SCIENCE VISUALIZED
Pterosaurs may have been covered in fur and primitive feathers
A new study provides evidence of plumelike structures in ancient flying reptiles.
NEWS
More plants survived the world’s greatest mass extinction than thought
Fossil plants from Jordan reveal more plant lineages that made it through the Great Dying roughly 252 million years ago.
YEAR IN REVIEW
The #MeToo movement shook up workplace policies in science
In the #MeToo era, the scientific community is confronting its own sexual harassment problems and looking to research for solutions.