Machine-learning method creates a learnable chemical grammar to build synthesizable monomers and polymers

Chemical engineers and materials scientists are constantly looking for the next revolutionary material, chemical, and drug. The rise of machine-learning approaches is expediting the discovery process, which could otherwise take years. "Ideally, the goal is to train a machine-learning model on a few existing chemical samples and then allow it to produce as many manufacturable molecules of the same class as possible, with predictable physical properties," says Wojciech Matusik, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT. "If you have all these components, you can build new molecules with optimal properties, and you also know how to synthesize them. That's the overall vision that people in that space want to achieve"

How can local policies contribute to global sustainability goals?

The challenges of building a sustainable society are unprecedented. But the Dutch municipalities cannot be faulted for their commitment. They are working hard, conclude Professor Eefje Cuppen and Lian Merkx, program manager for energy at the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG). To exchange local knowledge and ideas about what does and does not work in energy transition, the University and VNG are holding the symposium "Liveable Planet: Local Policies for a Liveable Planet" on 14 April.

Study finds empowering workers can backfire

There is an increasing body of work demonstrating the benefits of empowering workers, but a new study finds that efforts to empower employees need to be coupled with efforts that allow those employees to do their jobs well. If institutional obstacles make it difficult for workers to thrive, empowering them can lead to unethical behavior.

Achieving climate goals will require transformational changes

The third and final installment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC's) Sixth Assessment Report calls for aggressive and comprehensive actions if we are to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century. It finds we still need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically, beyond what governments have pledged, and that this emissions gap is exacerbated by implementation gaps despite the mitigation efforts underway.

Reversible chemoenzymatic labeling strategy enables in-depth analysis of protein O-GlcNAcylation

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation), an important post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins, is involved in various biological functions.

How bacteria swim: Researchers discover new mechanisms

When pathogens invade a human host, they need maximum ability to move through the body as they navigate adverse environments and cause infection. Their ability to drill themselves through gel-like surroundings is often made possible through the rotation of a squiggly, tail-like machine known as the flagellum.

Artificial microswimmers work together like bacteria

Microscopic swimmers such as bacteria do not always swim alone. There are advantages to exchanging information and cooperating. Stefania Ketzetzi and colleagues now show in Nature Communications that human-made microswimmers, too, can cooperate.

Five fact-checking tips from disinformation experts

For International Fact Checking Day (April 2), we met with the European Digital Media Observatory, which is an EU-wide platform for combatting disinformation while protecting the core value of freedom of expression.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/five-fact-checking-tips-from-disinformation-experts

Opinion: Climate risk is not the only environmental risk companies should disclose

On March 21, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed rules requiring publicly traded companies to disclose their climate risk. According to the SEC Press Release:

People born in the '80s not likely to marry their first cohabiting partner

Compared to people born in the '70s, who are almost equally likely to marry or separate from their first cohabiting partners, '80s children are significantly more likely to separate from the first partner they live with, according to researchers from UCL.

Small wetlands can have big impacts

Crops need nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to grow and thrive. However, excess nutrients from farms can wash into streams and rivers, and even make their way into oceans. The surplus in nutrients can cause major damage to aquatic ecosystems; but small wetlands can be of tremendous help in reducing or preventing this damage.

Flexibility makes us happier, with 3 clear trends emerging in post-pandemic hybrid work

The first national study of working arrangements in Australia since government work-from-home directions were lifted shows post-pandemic office life is going to be dramatically different to what existed before.

Teens more likely to disengage from school after police stops

Teens who are stopped by the police are more likely to report greater disengagement from school the next day, and racial and ethnic minority youth reported more invasive police encounters than white youth, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

Gasoline costs and the effects of suspending gas taxes

Gas prices are spiking these days—well over $4 a gallon—and several states have temporarily lifted their gas taxes to give consumers some price relief. But how high are today's gas prices, if we adjust for inflation? And does eliminating the state gas tax really make a difference?

Solar-power satellites to collect stronger sunlight

Solar energy generation keeps on becoming cheaper and more efficient, but some basic limitations will always apply: solar panels can only generate power during the daytime, and much of the sunlight is absorbed by the atmosphere as it shines downward. So ESA is working on the concept of collecting solar power up in orbit, where sunlight is up to 11 times more intense than across European territory, then beaming it down to the ground for use.

Researchers discover new cell type in human lung with regenerative properties

A new type of cell that resides deep within human lungs and may play a key role in human lung diseases has been discovered by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Study: Many birds nesting, laying eggs earlier in Chicago

Many species of birds are nesting and laying eggs nearly a month earlier than they did 100 years ago in the Chicago area and researchers believe climate change is behind it.

Viruses that could save millions of lives

It may seem strange after a pandemic that has killed millions and turned the world upside down, but viruses could save just as many lives.

'Green steel' heating up in Sweden's frozen north

For hundreds of years, raging blast furnaces—fed with coking coal—have forged steel used in cars, railways, bridges and skyscrapers.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/green-steel-heating-up-in-swedens-frozen-north