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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 123


Page 123 of 510

Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia

A new study found that schizophrenia is associated with a loss of excitation but an increase in inhibition, resulting in hallucinations. The researchers used EEG data from 107 participants to demonstrate decreased synaptic gain, which may guide pharmacological and neurostimulation treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

University of South Carolina researcher to advance smart manufacturing with help from National Science Foundation

A new $3.8 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant will enable the expansion of Future Factories Lab at the UofSC McNair Aerospace Center, investigating interactions between humans and automation in manufacturing facilities. The project aims to create a manufacturing resilience ecosystem with significant workforce development opportunities.

Dual action: RNA binding protein also binds DNA and acts as a damage sensor across the genome

Researchers at MUSC have discovered that hnRNP E1, a tumor suppressor protein, not only binds RNA but also DNA to maintain genome integrity and sense or prevent DNA damage. The protein's binding is sequence- and structure-specific, suggesting its potential role in preventing cancer metastasis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Intensified water cycle slows down global warming, new study finds

A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that changes in ocean salinity due to a more intensified water cycle lead to reduced surface warming. This phenomenon enhances ocean heat uptake into the deep ocean, moderating the pace of global warming.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Why don’t adrenal gland metastases respond to immunotherapy?

Researchers discovered that adrenal gland metastases are unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors due to the secretion of corticosteroids. Surgical removal is the current best course of action for patients with these metastases. The study's authors hope to develop a nonsurgical treatment option in the future.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 23, 2021

A 15-user quantum secure direct communication network

A new quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) network has been demonstrated by a team of scientists, enabling 15 users to communicate securely over long distances. The network uses time-energy entanglement and sum-frequency generation (SFG), achieving a fidelity of greater than 95% for entangled states shared between users.

Can sustainability standards effectively mitigate food system challenges?

A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases has released its final report

The NKF-ASN Task Force recommends adopting a new eGFR 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation to estimate kidney function without a race variable. This new approach may alter the stage of kidney diseases in some people, emphasizing the importance of patient education and consultation with healthcare professionals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 2021

Diversity matters

Researchers found that high biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions by 20%, with environmental heterogeneity significantly boosting this positive impact. Species richness was more important for ecosystem functioning than species turnover in African ecosystems along Mount Kilimanjaro's elevational gradient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Life support cooked up from lunar rocks

Engineers have successfully extracted water and oxygen from lunar soil using a two-step process, which could support future human exploration of the Moon. The system uses a mineral mixture that mimics lunar soil and produces gases through electrolysis, making it scalable and self-sustained.

New online tool to help residents reduce the impact of traffic-related air pollution

The Hedge Design for the Abatement of Traffic Emissions (HedgeDATE) online tool offers personalized recommendations for reducing traffic-related air pollution. By inputting their environment details, users can receive tailored advice on how to improve air quality through simple and effective actions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Future fertility of obese boys may be protected by early weight loss

A study found that early weight loss in obese boys can improve reproductive function and reverse alterations in Leydig cell function, which could help prevent future fertility problems. The research suggests that managing childhood obesity may be necessary to prevent reproductive issues and lower the risk of other diseases.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Effect of micellization studied for inhibition of hydrate formation

Researchers from Kazan Federal University discovered that micelle-forming polyurethane inhibitors can effectively inhibit hydrate formation. The study found that the presence of surface-active properties and ability to form micelles can hinder hydrate formation, providing a new mechanism for gas storage and flow assurance.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Mapping words to colors

A team of researchers developed an algorithm that infers the communicative needs of different linguistic communities regarding colors. The study found that warm hues like reds and yellows have a higher demand for language, while less prominent colors are underrepresented.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

A call for research on food insecurity among migrants on the move

Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 23, 2021

Study identifies mechanism by which nicotine withdrawal increases junk food consumption

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that nicotine withdrawal can lead to overeating high-calorie foods, possibly linked to the brain's opioid system. This connection may hinder smoking cessation and increase the risk of relapse, emphasizing the need for better understanding the factors driving cravings for unhealthy food.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 23, 2021

From Alpha to Epsilon: Consortium study illuminates surfaces of Spike most resistant to antibody escape

A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England expected to be unaware of status by 2025

Researchers estimate that by 2025, fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England will be unaware of their status. The study suggests that combination prevention strategies, including HIV testing and early treatment, are working effectively in reducing undiagnosed HIV cases. However, gaps persist, particularly among heterosexua...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

If endangered primates disappear, so will their parasites. That's actually a problem

A Duke University-led study finds that if endangered primates disappear, up to 250 parasites could go extinct, including those with no other suitable hosts. This potential extinction cascade could have significant consequences for biodiversity and human health.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Micro-scale opto-thermo-mechanical actuation in the dry adhesive regime

Researchers develop a theory and experimentally demonstrate micro-scale opto-thermo-mechanical actuation using nanosecond laser pulses, enabling sub-nanometer resolution and controllable motion. The technique has potential applications in lab-on-a-chip technologies and optical modulation.

Active Living After Cancer program improves physical functioning of breast cancer survivors

The study found that participants who completed the Active Living After Cancer program showed significant improvements in physical activity, six-minute walk distance, and mental health. The program is effective for minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and can be implemented through a community-based model.

Hopkins Med news update

Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 23, 2021

Bat guts become less healthy through diet of 'fast food' from banana plantations

Research reveals that nectar-feeding bats foraging in intensively managed banana plantations have less diverse gut microbes compared to those feeding in natural forest habitats or organic plantations. This association between habitat alteration and sustainable agriculture on bat gut microbiota is a significant finding.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Fiber-tip polymer clamped-beam probe for high-sensitivity nanoforce measurements

A novel fiber-tip-polymer clamped-beam probe micro-force sensor was developed using femtosecond-laser-induced two-photon polymerization technique. The sensor exhibited an ultrahigh force sensitivity of 1.51 nm/μN and a detection limit of 54.9 nN, opening avenues for high-precision biomedical and material science examination.

Are too many Phase III cancer clinical trials set up to fail?

A recent study published in JNCCN found that four out of five cancer therapies tested in Phase III trials did not achieve clinically-meaningful benefits in prolonging survival. The researchers analyzed 362 industry-sponsored trials and found that 87% were either false-positive or true-negative for meeting overall survival goals.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 23, 2021

Brought into line

Researchers from FAU and TU Darmstadt have developed a method to control electron pulses over long distances using 'alternating phase focusing', which can be used to guide electrons in three dimensions. The technology has the potential to miniaturize particle accelerators, making them more efficient and powerful.