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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 111


Page 111 of 510

Study: New Pacific Ocean circulation findings may hold key to better predicting impact of El Niño and La Niña

Researchers at York University have discovered a conveyer-like motion of heat across the equator in the Pacific Ocean called the Cross Equatorial Cell (CEC), which influences El Niño and La Niña. This finding may lead to improved prediction of year-to-year disruptions to weather patterns, benefiting countries worldwide.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

JILA’s comb breathalyzer is now a thousandfold more sensitive to disease biomarkers

Researchers at JILA have enhanced the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer to detect four biomarkers of disease in human breath. The upgraded system can also identify six additional chemicals, with potential implications for COVID-19 testing and real-time health monitoring.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Reducing plastics in gardens

A new study by Flinders University and The University of Newcastle reveals that microplastics from various sources can contaminate garden soil after seven years, posing a risk to household environments. The research suggests that careful design and gardening practices can reduce contamination in suburban backyards.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

At-risk teens may face increased online threats

Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

More memory B cells exist in those fully vaccinated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, study says

A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2021

Specific UV light wavelength could offer low-cost, safe way to curb COVID-19 spread

A specific wavelength of Far ultraviolet-C light has been discovered that is both safe for humans and highly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This breakthrough could lead to affordable systems for reducing viral spread in crowded public spaces, complementing ventilation, mask wearing, and vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 4, 2021

Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down

A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Do ‘Dear CEO’ letters make a difference?

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that BlackRock's 'Dear CEO' letters have a significant effect on portfolio firms, influencing their language in financial disclosures. The research suggests that institutional investors are impacting corporate decisions through broad-based public engagement.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateOct 4, 2021

Ketone supplement might be a novel therapeutic for boosting brain function in obesity

A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

The hidden talent of fungi

Researchers at TU Wien propose a new method to interpret and mine fungal genomes to predict essential genes for the production of valuable substances. The FunOrder method identifies co-evolved genes that are functionally necessary, distinguishing them from gap genes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Depression rates tripled and symptoms intensified during first year of COVID-19

A new study found that depression rates among US adults tripled during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with those experiencing multiple stressors and lower incomes being disproportionately affected. The study used data from over 5,000 respondents to track changes in depression prevalence before and during the pandemic.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

The unique brain state of team flow

Researchers discovered a distinct brain signature associated with team flow, characterized by increased beta and gamma waves in the middle temporal cortex. This neural pattern is linked to enhanced information processing and synchronization between teammates during the team flow state.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 4, 2021

Finding better ways to deliver medicine in the body

University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...

Cancer breakthrough: Exercise may stop disease in its tracks

A clinical trial found that obese prostate cancer patients who underwent regular exercise training for 12 weeks had increased levels of anti-cancer myokines, which suppressed tumour growth and helped fight cancerous cells. The study suggests exercise may be a key weapon in cancer patients' battle against the disease.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2021

Story tips: Carbon goes to space, cybersecurity put to the test, fusion’s power trip, cost-cutting controls and fungal infusion

Researchers have developed a novel process to manufacture extreme heat-resistant carbon-carbon composites, which will be tested on a U.S. Navy rocket launching with NASA this fall. Additionally, they created a technology that more realistically emulates user activities to improve cyber testbeds and prevent cyberattacks.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Patients with “red flag” cancer symptoms not referred for urgent investigation in 6 out of ten cases

A new study found that six out of ten patients with common 'alarm' symptoms were not referred for urgent cancer investigation within two weeks, leading to a higher risk of delayed diagnosis. The study suggests that stricter adherence to guidelines and increased awareness of missed symptom groups could improve diagnosis rates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Hidden mangrove forest in the Yucatan peninsula reveals ancient sea levels

Researchers discovered an ancient mangrove ecosystem in the Yucatan Peninsula, revealing how coastal mangroves adapted to a warmer world with higher sea levels. The study provides insights into past climate change impacts and its relevance to future scenarios of relative sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

University of Limerick, Ireland, study reveals link between Crohn’s disease and fatty tissue in the gut

A study by University of Limerick researchers has found that Crohn's disease is associated with higher depositions of fat in the abdominal areas where the intestines are located. This suggests a direct link between fatty tissue and Crohn's disease, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Sandwich-style construction: Towards ultra-low-energy exciton electronics

Australian researchers have made a significant step towards ultra-low energy electronics by demonstrating the dissipationless flow of exciton polaritons at room temperature. The breakthrough involves placing a semiconductor material between two mirrors, allowing the excitons to propagate without losing energy.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2021

Gas-related intestinal symptoms affect nearly all adults on a daily basis, and are associated with psychological distress and poorer quality of life, new multi-national survey finds

A multi-national survey of nearly 6,000 people found that gas-related symptoms are a common experience for most adults, with almost eight out of ten reporting symptoms in the previous 24 hours. The study also showed that these symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life and mental health, particularly among younger people.

SourceBeyond·DateOct 2, 2021