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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 134


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Coconut tree cloning breakthrough will help propagation and preservation

Researchers at KU Leuven and the Alliance of Bioversity International have developed a method to multiply coconut trees faster and store them more efficiently in gene banks. This technique allows for the preservation of coconut shoots for eternity through cryopreservation, ensuring the long-term conservation of genetic diversity.

Study reveals rates of the most common form of liver cancer are rising in rural areas while slowing in urban areas

The most common form of liver cancer is on the rise in rural areas, with men aged 60-69 and non-Hispanic Blacks disproportionately affected. Urban areas, however, have seen a decline in HCC rates since 2013, including among younger individuals and certain ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Scientists pretend to be Neanderthals to explore how they caught birds in caves for food

Researchers used a 'role-play' approach to study how Neanderthals caught choughs in caves. They found that the birds were vulnerable to artificial light and could be caught using nets or by hand. The findings suggest that catching birds was another skill of Neanderthals, which is surprising given their intelligence and adaptability.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Stem cells model genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers used human-induced stem cells carrying different versions of the APOE gene to study their interaction with neurons and astrocytes. The study found that astrocytes carrying the AD-associated APOE4 gene released more cholesterol, which led to increased beta-amyloid production in neurons.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

COVID-19 slows birth rate in US, Europe

A new study found that COVID-19 led to a significant decline in births across high-income countries, with the strongest declines observed in southern Europe, while northern Europe showed little impact. The researchers attribute this variation to differences in economic disruption and social support policies.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop ‘optimal strategies’ computer model that could significantly reduce future COVID-19 infections and deaths

A team of NTU Singapore scientists developed a predictive computer model called NSGA-II, which proposed strategies to reduce COVID-19 infections and deaths by an average of 72%. The model recommended timely and country-specific advice on interventions such as home quarantines and social distancing measures.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

More effective partnerships between medics and dance professionals needed to discover the benefits of dance to health, report finds

Researchers found that dance impacts health in key areas, including sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth. They call for more collaboration with dancers and co-research with participants to better capture the benefits of dance on its own terms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2021

Combining melatonin with vancomycin reduces kidney failure

A study found that adding melatonin to vancomycin treatment significantly reduces acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients, alleviating oxidative stress and restoring kidney function. The findings could lead to larger therapeutic breakthroughs and pave the way for further clinical studies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

New research supports stricter social and economic mandates to reduce COVID-19 spread

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that stricter non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as policy restrictions on business operations and indoor mask mandates, are associated with reduced COVID-19 cases in Ontario. The study also suggests that increases in workplace attendance correlate with higher case counts.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateSep 15, 2021

A statistical fix for archaeology's dating problem

Archaeologists have developed a new statistical approach to overcome the challenges of radiocarbon dating, allowing for more accurate population estimates. The new method uses Bayesian reasoning and flexible probability models to combine radiocarbon dates with additional archaeological information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Marching band kids at risk from heat illness

A comprehensive study found that marching band students are at risk of heat-related illnesses due to their physical demands and lack of protective measures. The study analyzed news reports of heat illnesses among band members from 1990 to 2020, revealing nearly 400 cases, including hospitalizations and heat stroke.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateSep 15, 2021

No, stress isn’t always bad. Here’s how to harness it

University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Test screening for leading infectious cause of hearing loss in babies feasible and well-received

A new saliva test for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been shown to be feasible and well-received by parents, with high uptake and accuracy rates. The test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2021

Planets form in organic soups with different ingredients

Astronomers have mapped out the chemicals inside planetary nurseries with unprecedented detail, revealing dozens of molecules within five protoplanetary disks. The locations of these molecules vary dramatically across each disk, resulting in diverse chemical environments that may impact planetary formation and potential for life.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateSep 15, 2021

Aquarium-led landmark study finds some shark species are tougher than others when it comes to surviving catch and release

A new five-year study found that some shark species, like sandbar and tiger sharks, have low mortality rates after being caught and released, while others, like blacktip and spinner sharks, face higher mortality rates. The study's findings are crucial for sustainably managing shark populations.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2021

Pregnancy intentions following COVID-19 outbreak

The study examines changes in pregnancy intentions among women following the COVID-19 outbreak. Women's reproductive healthcare and family planning were significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and decreased access to reproductive health services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 15, 2021

Coconut tree cloning breakthrough will help propagation and preservation

Scientists at KU Leuven developed a method to multiply coconut trees faster and store them more efficiently, preserving genetic diversity and meeting the demand for coconuts. The technique allows thousands of new specimens with the same genetic profile to be obtained, offering potential for coconut plantations worldwide.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Atmosphere and caring teachers at special schools more important to parents of children with SEN than educational standards, study shows

A study found that parents prioritize atmosphere and teacher approach over academic standards when selecting a special school for their child. High-quality inclusive education provision means a sense of belonging, social acceptance, and individualized curriculum. Only a minority reported experiencing 'hard choice' due to limited options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2021

An explosive Cosmic Chinese Conundrum - a hot detective story from a very cold case: HKU astrophysicists solve a 900-year-old mystery, giving an ancient Chinese guest star of AD 1181 a place to stay and rest

HKU astrophysicists identify historical supernova of AD 1181 with recent discovery of 'Parker's star' and its surrounding nebula Pa30. The team found the event matches ancient Chinese reports within 3.5 degrees, providing a firm historical basis for the rare Type Iax designation.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 15, 2021

Astrophysicists identify large reservoirs of precursor molecules necessary for life in the birthplaces of planets

Researchers found significant reservoirs of large organic molecules in protoplanetary disks, providing a potential pathway for life to form elsewhere. The presence of these molecules suggests basic chemical conditions that led to life on Earth could exist more widely across the Galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Lasers light up neutron generation for radiography

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a laser-driven neutron source that can generate fast neutrons in short bursts, enabling rapid imaging. The technique was used to detect hazardous substances in batteries and images materials like boron carbide.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 15, 2021