Wednesday, June 19, 2019

science news 19.6.2019

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 (using quotation marks) in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about. My own thoughts appear without quotation marks, if I have any.


astrobiology

Origin of life - A prebiotic route to DNA


ecology

Risky business: New data show how manatees use shipping channels

Scientists challenge notion of binary sexuality with naming of new plant species
A flower that has confused researchers for many years with its gender-fluidity ...



The unusual fluidity the flower form of S. plastisexum inspired its name
Credit: Chris Martine (CC-BY 4.0)



climate change

Coral bleaching causes a permanent change in fish life

Climate change enhances carbon dioxide flux from lakes

New insight from Great Barrier Reef coral provides correction factor to climate records


humans

Dark centers of chromosomes reveal ancient DNA
"Geneticists exploring the dark heart of the human genome have discovered big chunks of Neanderthal and other ancient DNA. The results open new ways to study both how chromosomes behave during cell division and how they have changed during human evolution."

One day of employment a week is all we need for mental health benefits -- study
"Latest research finds up to eight hours of paid work a week significantly boosts mental health and life satisfaction. However, researchers found little evidence that any more hours -- including a full five-day week - provide further increases in wellbeing. They argue the findings show some paid work for the entire adult population is important, but rise of automation may require shorter hours for all so work can be redistributed."

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