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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 14


Page 14 of 510

Digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices helps to build a fully connected and intelligent world

Researchers highlight importance of digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices in building a fully connected and intelligent world. They discuss design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes for these devices, which are crucial for seamless integration with various electronic systems.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 15, 2021

Daylight causes road damage

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence worsen with age

A new study published in Menopause found that postmenopausal women aged 45-54 are more likely to develop overactive bladder syndrome. Stress urinary incontinence symptoms, however, increased with obesity and multiple births. The study suggests a significant association between age and menopause status with increased urinary symptoms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

“Drink your peas!” – Benefits of supplementing cow milk with plant protein

Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Welsh kids' self-reported wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic differed by gender, ethnicity and deprivation, with younger children reporting the need for playing with friends and older students wanting support with anxiety and educational pressures

Younger children report need for social interaction, while older students seek support for anxiety and educational pressures. The study surveyed 6291 young people in Wales to understand factors influencing their wellbeing during the pandemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 15, 2021

UC study: Mindfulness can get wandering thoughts back on track

A recent University of Cincinnati study investigated how mindfulness affects mind wandering and found that while it can be effective in reducing mind-wandering thoughts, the results differ depending on the research methodology. The study suggests using computer-based testing methods to measure mind wandering for more reliable findings.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2021

Masks activate corona fear

An international study found that masks can evoke fears of Covid-19 in anxious individuals, leading to avoidance behavior. Younger people are more cautious than older counterparts, suggesting media consumption plays a role. Policymakers should focus on reducing mask-related dread to promote public acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·DateDec 15, 2021

Extensive use of smartphones by parents might damage toddler’s development and have far-reaching consequences

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found that mothers' smartphone use reduces toddler interaction by a factor of four. Reduced interaction can have far-reaching consequences on child development, including language and social skills. The study also found no significant difference between browsing smartphones and reading magazines.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 15, 2021

How to transform vacancies into quantum information

Scientists have made a breakthrough in controlling the formation of vacancies in silicon carbide, a semiconductor material. The team's simulations tracked the pairing of individual vacancies into a divacancy and discovered the optimal temperatures for creating stable divacancies. This discovery could lead to highly sensitive sensors an...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat

Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Lundquist Institute investigator helps chart progress in clinical trial of patients with chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical trial tested an L-NMMA and taxane combination in patients with chemoresistant TNBC, showing a remodeling of the immune environment in responders. The study's results warrant further investigation in larger trials to identify potential biomarkers for predicting response.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Biased signalling for better drugs

Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Global loss of floristic uniqueness

Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2021

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

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

Study: Social connectedness essential for successful mental health interventions

Researchers found that successful mental health programs built on social connectedness, accountability, trust, and resilience can effectively address the needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. These elements are interconnected and crucial for developing effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2021

Research published in AACR journal and presented at ASH identifies potential approach to mitigate CAR T-cell therapy toxicity

A novel approach may reduce the serious adverse effect of cytokine release syndrome associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Supressing interferon gamma (IFNγ) appears to prevent activation of macrophages and other immune cells that drive the syndrome without impacting CAR T-cell efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateDec 15, 2021

What if we have to talk without moving our hands? A study shows whether there is any effect on speech

A study led by Alice Cravotta examined the impact of restricting hand gestures on speech. The researchers found that gesturing did not affect the fluency or acoustic characteristics of speech, but participants produced speech with different prosodic features when gesture production was prevented.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalSpeech Communication·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

A study shows reactive electrolyte additives improve lithium metal battery performance​

Researchers from KAIST have developed a new technology to stabilize the electrode-electrolyte interface of lithium metal batteries, leading to improved performance and lifespan. The technology uses fluorine- and nitrogen-donating ionic additives to create a dual-layer solid electrolyte interphase.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2021