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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 144


Page 144 of 510

Inspired by metamorphosis, researchers create materials for shape-shifting architecture

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a class of materials that can change their fundamental architecture, inspired by nature's metamorphosis. The metamorphosis system involves connecting kirigami units to create structures capable of bearing significant weight and transforming into different architectures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Today Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer names Australian researcher Dr. Michael Boyer 2021 recipient of the Adi F. Gazdar IASLC Merit Award

Dr. Michael Boyer is the chief clinical officer at The Lighthouse Chris O'Brien comprehensive cancer center in Sydney, Australia. He has been recognized with the Adi F. Gazdar IASLC Merit Award for his pioneering work in molecular pathology and dedication to lung cancer research.

Exploring the genetic ma(i)ze: Functional genomics can help molecular breeding of maize

Researchers used functional genomics to identify key genes involved in inducing callus from immature maize embryos, overcoming a major roadblock in plant breeding. The study found that nearly 30% of predicted A188 genes were structurally different from other maize lines, accounting for high protein divergence and phenotypic variations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

A study from Denmark found that long-term exposure to road traffic and railway noise is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The researchers estimate that up to 1,216 cases of dementia in 2017 could be attributed to these noise exposures.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

USC study identifies new risk factor for most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

HIV linked with increased risk of sudden cardiac death

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people living with HIV are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those without the virus. The study analyzed data from over 144,000 veterans and found that 26% of those who died from sudden cardiac death had HIV.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 8, 2021

Antioxidant drug reverses process responsible for heart attacks and strokes

A new antioxidant drug, cysteamine, has been found to reverse atherosclerosis by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This process reduces inflammation, damage, and clot formation, ultimately lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cysteamine was shown to decrease plaque size by up to 56% in mice with atherosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 8, 2021

Sunlight can break down marine plastic into tens of thousands of chemical compounds, study finds

A new study finds that sunlight can break down marine plastic into tens of thousands of chemical compounds, transforming it into a suite of polymer-, dissolved-, and gas-phased products. This process produces more complex transformation products than previously understood, with some bags producing up to 15,000 formulas.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Study finds critical data needed for monitoring and preserving biodiversity is missing

The world's largest repository of raw genomic sequences is missing critical data necessary for monitoring and preserving biodiversity. Only 14% of archived datasets contain information about when and where organisms were sampled, highlighting the need for community standards to preserve metadata.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Monash University researchers unlock the key that could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic pain

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new mode of targeting the adenosine A1 receptor protein, which could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic neuropathic pain. The study provides an opportunity for researchers to develop safer and more effective drugs.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Doing Poseidon’s work: How citizen scientists are restoring NSW’s endangered seagrass meadows

A study published in Biological Conservation enlisted the help of 80 citizen scientists to collect 1500 naturally detached Posidonia shoots washed up on the beach after storms. The 'Storm Squad' successfully rehabilitated populations of NSW's endangered Posidonia australis, with most transplanted fragments producing new shoots after on...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Museum collections predict species abundance in the wild

Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Steps per day matter in middle age, but not as many as you may think

A UMass Amherst researcher found that walking 7,000 steps per day significantly reduces middle-aged mortality risk, but further increases do not provide additional benefits. The study analyzed data from over 2,100 participants and suggests that even small increments in physical activity can have substantial health implications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

NIH-funded modern “white cane” brings navigation assistance to the 21st century

A newly improved robotic cane, funded by NIH/National Eye Institute, uses a color 3D camera, inertial measurement sensor, and onboard computer to guide users to desired locations while avoiding obstacles. The device can provide accurate navigation assistance in large spaces with sensory and auditory cues.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Immunologic resilience: A new metric to accurately gauge COVID-19’s path

Researchers developed a novel concept to predict COVID-19 severity using immunologic resilience, which was linked to patient outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, and SARS-CoV-2 levels. The study found that patients with inferior immune health grades had higher risks of severe illness and poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Insect protein has great potential to reduce the carbon footprint of European consumers

Researchers found that insect protein has great potential to reduce global warming associated with food consumption in Europe, especially when used in broiler meat production. Using edible insects or low-value food industry side stream products can increase the carbon footprint benefits of using insect protein over soybean meal protein.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 7, 2021

Eliminating cash could benefit average U.S. families

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that eliminating physical currency could benefit average Americans as long as certain taxes are lowered too. The research finds that reducing cash transactions would lead to lower tax evasion, allowing governments to reduce other taxes and boost overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 7, 2021

Under loading ceramics self-heal cracks by forming kink-bands

Researchers have discovered that MAX phases ceramics can form kink-bands under loading, which can effectively stop cracks from growing and even close and heal them. This self-healing mechanism makes MAX phases suitable for a variety of advanced structural applications, including efficient jet engines and safer nuclear reactors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateSep 7, 2021