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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 147


Page 147 of 510

Longer relationship between elephant and its handler improves their co-operation during working tasks

A study by researchers from the University of Turku found that elephants who worked with their handlers for over a year performed better in new work tasks than those with shorter relationships. The team also observed that older elephants were more reluctant to cross a novel surface, suggesting a decrease in curiosity with age.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2021

HKU environmental scientists solve key observational issues in new generation of satellites, transforming the way to track fine-scale changes of our planet from space

HKU environmental scientists have developed novel observational methods to overcome limitations in CubeSat observations, enabling more accurate tracking of fine-scale changes on Earth's surface. The research advances the monitoring of atmospheric cloud covers and improves data quality assessments for land-surface monitoring.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateSep 6, 2021

Study explores why asthma worsens at night

Researchers investigate how the internal circadian clock affects asthma severity. The study found that people with worse asthma experience greater drops in pulmonary function at night, and exhibit more symptoms-driven bronchodilator use during nighttime hours. This understanding could lead to new treatments for asthma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

A picture of MRSA in the PALOP Countries

A whole genome analysis of a Staphylococcus aureus collection recovered from Cape Verde reveals high genetic variability among isolates. The study identifies three primary genetic clusters associated with lineages ST152, ST15, and ST5, commonly found in S. aureus infections worldwide.

Study shows how aspen forests maintain the diversity needed to adapt to changing environments

A decade-long study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers shows how aspen stands change their genetic structure over time, adapting to environmental fluctuations. The findings suggest that exposure to various environmental changes can maintain diverse forests capable of responding to different stresses.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Rescue and recovery workers and volunteers who arrived early at the World Trade Center site face higher risk of developing COPD

A study of 18,000 workers and volunteers found that those who arrived on the site soon after the Twin Towers collapsed face the greatest risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD often follows an earlier diagnosis of asthma, and its development can take many years to emerge. The research highlights the importance of mo...

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021

Microplastics from recyclable plastics on the rise

Researchers found most microplastic particles were from recyclable products, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices. The study also suggests higher levels of microplastic pollution in urban areas, including NSW, Queensland, WA, and Victoria.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021

X-ray street vision

A team of researchers at Osaka University created a custom dataset to train an AI algorithm to digitally remove unwanted objects from building façade images. The algorithm achieved high accuracy in inpainting occluded regions with digital inpainting.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Science is based on promises, not on mere rules

The removal of the 14-day rule from international guidelines on embryo research has sparked concerns among bioethicists about the lack of consideration for potential consequences. The authors argue that countries should not automatically amend their laws without thoughtful discussions involving stakeholders and citizens.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years, Stanford researchers find

A Stanford study finds that ninth-grade ethnic studies classes have a lasting positive impact on students, increasing overall engagement, probability of graduating and likelihood of enrolling in college. The course provides targeted psychological interventions promoting sense of belonging, affirming personal values and forewarning abou...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

As more US adults intend to have covid vaccine, national study also finds more people feel it’s not needed

A national study of 75,000 US adults found a near 18 percentage point increase in those willing to get vaccinated, but also a rise in skepticism among certain groups. Disparities persist in vaccine confidence, particularly among younger adults, non-Hispanic Black or multiple races, and lower socioeconomic status.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Volcano analysis in real time

A new algorithm detects small surface deformations in satellite images, allowing for earlier warnings of volcanic eruptions. This enables more precise monitoring of over 1,500 active volcanoes worldwide, providing a significant basis for improving eruption forecasts.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2021

HKU Engineering team develops a useful framework to identify high-risk antibiotic resistance genes

A research team at HKU has developed a framework to evaluate the risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) based on three factors: human-associated environments, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity. The framework provides a risk hierarchy for ARGs, allowing for informed decision-making on tackling environmental ARGs.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2021

Large rise in depression symptoms amongst UK over-50s during the COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

A significant overall rise in depression symptoms was found among UK over-50s during the COVID-19 pandemic. 26% of participants met the criteria for clinical depression, compared to 14% prior to the pandemic. The study identified key risk factors, including living alone, long-term health conditions, and urban environment.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2021

Ultraviolet light helps to realize light-controlled enhancement and fast stabilization of hot-electron photocurrent

Researchers developed all-optical-input transistors that use ultraviolet light to control hot-electron photocurrent, overcoming the limitation of small electron numbers and low energies. This enables fast response rates and stable states, making these devices promising for energy-efficient and low-carbon applications.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Research shows ethnic studies increases student engagement and high school graduation

New research from UMass Amherst found that enrolling academically struggling 9th graders in an ethnic studies course significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and enrolling in college. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,400 students, also showed improvements in attendance and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Schizophrenia study suggests advanced genetic scorecard cannot predict a patient’s fate

A Mount Sinai study found that polygenic risk scores were no better at predicting worsening symptoms than written reports in schizophrenia patients. The results raise questions about the use of polygenic risk scores in real-world situations, suggesting a doctor's report may be an untapped source of predictive information.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

A fluid-supported 3D hydrogel bioprinting method

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a Fluid-supported Liquid Interface Polymerization (FLIP) 3D printer that can rapidly print hydrogel structures with complex geometry. This approach addresses the key nutrient supply issue in bioprinting, enabling the rapid fabrication of complex geometrical shapes.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2021

Four independent studies show rovalpituzumab tesirine ineffective against small cell lung cancer

Recent studies published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology have found that rovalpituzumab tesirine is not effective against small cell lung cancer, despite initial promise shown in early clinical trials. The therapy has been plagued by high rates of side effects and lack of survival benefits.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2021

The Lancet journals: "Emergency action on climate and nature crisis cannot wait for the pandemic”, says unprecedented joint editorial from health journals

Health professionals call for world leaders to take emergency action to transform societies and limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health. The editorial urges governments to intervene with short-term plans to reduce emissions, conserve nature, and support low-income countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 5, 2021

Baby birds tune in from egg

Researchers at Flinders University found that embryos of three bird species can distinguish between their parents' calls and non-specific sounds, building on complexity of vocal learning. This study paves the way for new insights into evolutionary and developmental timescales.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2021