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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 133


Page 133 of 510

Why salespeople avoid big-whale sales opportunities

Research reveals that salespeople conduct rational benefit–cost analyses when deciding which opportunity to pursue. They also use a calibration decision-making strategy for solution selling, which can lead to serious under- or overestimation of conversion rates. The findings highlight the importance of managing salespeople's avoidance ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 16, 2021

The deforestation risk of making livestock systems greener

New research suggests that scaling up silvopastoral systems in Colombia's Amazon Rainforest can lead to deforestation if safeguards are not put in place. The study found that excess male cattle produced by these systems may be sold to farms in nearby areas, contributing to deforestation.

Research provides new insight into fundamental workings of the immune system in response to therapy to treat skin cancer

Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that T cells send messages from five specific genes in their immune response to drugs given to treat skin cancer. This finding suggests that an optimal level of stimulation is required for a strong immune response, and blocking certain immune brakes may re-awaken dormant T cells.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalImmunity·DateSep 16, 2021

Finding new alloys just became simpler

Researchers developed a theoretical model to predict the strength of millions of alloys at high temperatures. Experiments confirmed the predictions, highlighting the importance of edge dislocations in determining yield strength in complex high-entropy alloys.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2021

Chemists provide a new look at the problem of energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries

A new study refutes a long-standing explanation for low energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries, suggesting that voltage hysteresis is caused by reversible electron transfer between oxygen and transition metal atoms. This phenomenon could be mitigated through manipulation of electron transfer barriers.

September/October 2021 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The article highlights the need for financial and technological support to enable effective interprofessional teams in primary care. The authors suggest training community members to serve their communities and exploring how diversity impacts patient care outcomes. They also advocate for innovative payment models that allow primary car...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 16, 2021

New meat analogue developed by Lithuanian scientists – healthier, more flavours and environmentally friendly

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and the University of Helsinki have developed a nutritious meat analogue using fermented okara, which can help alleviate digestive problems due to its probiotics. The product contains less salt and saturated fats than real meat while maintaining protein levels.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Scientists demonstrate pathway to forerunner of nanotubes that could lead to widespread industrial fabrication

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have identified a chemical pathway to produce boron nitride nanotubes, a material with properties similar to carbon nanotubes but more difficult to produce. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale industrial production of the nanomaterial for various applications.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNanotechnology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 16, 2021

Hot-band absorption of Indocyanine Green for advanced anti-Stokes fluorescence bioimaging

Scientists discovered hot-band absorption (HBA) in FDA-approved Indocyanine Green, enabling advanced anti-Stokes fluorescence bioimaging. HBA-based ASF has high thermal sensitivity and allows for IR perception, making it suitable for applications such as tumor detection and blood vessel imaging.

Cartilage resurfacing implant reduces pain, restores hip joint function in dogs

A textile-based implant containing cartilage derived from stem cells reduced pain and restored hip joint function to baseline levels in a study of dogs with moderate osteoarthritis. The implant successfully integrated into the hip joints, effectively resurfacing them and allowing the dogs to regain activity levels.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2021

World first for AI and machine learning to treat COVID-19 patients worldwide

Researchers developed an AI tool using data from hospitals across four continents to predict oxygen needs of hospital Covid patients anywhere in the world. The study achieved high-quality predictions with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of over 88%, demonstrating the transformative power of federated learning in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

Heterogeneous development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-associated microcephaly

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that children born with congenital Zika Virus-related microcephaly have varying levels of neurodevelopmental impairment. The researchers used a routine neurological assessment to track the children's development, revealing differences in cognitive and motor skills. The findings suggest that HINE ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2021

Subthreshold depression in adolescents can be successfully treated with psychological interventions

A new study found that psychological interventions can have a significant effect on the treatment of subthreshold depression in adolescents. The meta-analysis showed that approximately eight adolescents need to be treated to see one more positive outcome than no treatment, with moderate effects size.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Are there DBPs in that cup of tea?

A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 15, 2021

Scientists from Pusan National University emphasize the health benefits of ginseng

Researchers from Pusan National University have compiled a comprehensive review of ginsenosides, the main component of ginseng, which can prevent inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides insights into how to improve ginsenoside production through chemical and enzymatic treatments, as well as microbial action.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2021

Municipal takeover in Michigan: A rational, apolitical response to financial distress, or something else?

A study of Michigan cities under state emergency management found that the likelihood of takeover was not driven solely by financial distress, but also by factors such as race and economic status. Changes to drinking water systems were common in takeovers, often leading to poor water quality and increased bills.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalState and Local Government Review·DateSep 15, 2021

Have we detected dark energy? Cambridge scientists say it’s a possibility

Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest that unexplained results from the XENON1T experiment could be attributed to dark energy, rather than dark matter. The study proposes a physical model to explain the findings, which may have originated from dark energy particles produced in the Sun's strong magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Many mothers may have delayed or abandoned plans for additional children because of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that nearly half of New York City mothers who were trying to become pregnant again before the COVID-19 pandemic began stopped in the first few months of the outbreak. Additionally, one-third of women who had been thinking about becoming pregnant but hadn't yet started trying said they were no longer considering it.

Roads have far-reaching impact on chimpanzees

A recent study found that roads can extend the impact zone for western chimpanzees by an average of 17.2 km from major roads and 5.4 km from minor roads. This results in a significant decrease in population density, with the species facing mounting pressure from infrastructure expansion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Rising temperatures reshape when and how much people get outdoors on public lands

Rising temperatures are projected to decrease outdoor recreation during summers by 18% over the next 30 years, but increase winter recreation by 12% in mid-century. This shift may lead to a decline in popular winter sports like downhill skiing and an increase in winter mountain biking.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens

Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

Classifying EGFR mutations by structure and function offers better way to match non-small cell lung cancer patients to treatments

A study identifies four novel subgroups of EGFR mutations that predict drug response, offering a more accurate framework to match patients with targeted therapies. The findings reveal that certain mutations respond better to specific classes of TKIs, providing new clinical opportunities for approved treatments.

Further evidence that vitamin D might protect against severe COVID-19 disease and death

Researchers found that ambient UVB radiation before COVID-19 infection was strongly associated with reduced hospitalization and death. The study suggests that vitamin D may protect against severe COVID-19 disease and death, particularly in individuals who do not produce enough vitamin D through sun exposure.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021