science news 21.02.2020

Today's selection of science news. Links are normally to press releases on EurekAlert (at the bottom end I may also add a couple of newspaper stories). I include quotes from the summary in italics in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about. My own thoughts appear without italics if I have any.


astrobiology

How newborn stars prepare for the birth of planets
An international team of astronomers used two of the most powerful radio telescopes in the world to create more than three hundred images of planet-forming disks around very young stars in the Orion Clouds. These images reveal new details about the birthplaces of planets and the earliest stages of star formation.

Sub-Neptune sized planet validated with the habitable-zone planet finder

18-hour year planet on edge of destruction

The Earth formed much faster than previously thought
By measuring iron isotopes, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have shown that our planet originally formed much faster than previously thought. This finding provides new insights on both planetary formation and the likelihood of water and life elsewhere in the universe.


evolution

Paleontology: Tiny prehistoric lizard sheds light on reptile evolution

DNA from ancient packrat nests helps unpack Earth's past


ecology

How transient invaders can transform an ecosystem

Diversifying traditional forest management to protect forest arthropods

Watching TV helps birds make better food choices
Until the advertising industry discovers this niche ...

Social networks reveal dating in blue tits
Blue tits that are already associated in winter are more likely to have young together in the spring.


conservation

A better pregnancy test for whales



Humpback Whale Breaching - but how can you tell if she's pregnant?
Credit: Sally Mizroch (NOAA)


light and life

Let there be 'circadian' light
Researchers publishing in Current Biology describe the science behind creating lighting to make us all happy and productive indoors. A company is using the technology to create commercial lightbulbs available later this year.


biomedical

Artificial intelligence yields new antibiotic

On the trail of cancer stem cells


sustainability

Newly found species of bacteria fights climate change, soil pollutants


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From the news media:


Coronavirus impact on air travel - if humans can't curb carbon emissions, viruses can ...