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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 170


Page 170 of 510

Package delivery robots' environmental impacts: Automation matters less than vehicle type

A University of Michigan study found that package delivery robots and automation contribute less than 20% to a package's carbon footprint, while the vehicle itself is the largest contributor. The researchers suggest that switching to electric vehicles and reducing electricity intensity can have the biggest impact on sustainable parcel ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 18, 2021

Wind turbine night noise

Researchers find wind turbine night noise contains 'amplitude modulation' (AM) sound that worsens sleep and annoyance after sunset. The 'swoosh' sound is detected up to 60% of the night-time at distances around 1 km from a wind farm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Plastics aren’t what we think. New study finds they’re a tad rubbery, paving the way for better products

Researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that glassy polymers, or plastics, have a soft, rubbery layer on their surface that can be controlled. This breakthrough could lead to improved properties such as adhesion and scratch resistance in materials like automobile paint and cellphone screens.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Delivering packages at transit stations: Considering accessibility and equity in site placement

Researchers at Portland State University propose a multiple-criteria approach to ensure equitable distribution of common carrier parcel lockers at transit facilities. The study evaluates accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, and sociodemographic profiles, to identify high-potential locations for...

SourceSAGE·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 18, 2021

Researchers devise simple, fast method to diagnose sleep disorders among stroke survivors

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has found that a portable sleep testing device can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in stroke patients. The researchers screened over 80% of their patients for mild or severe sleep apnea and found that it was common among non-white racial and ethnic populations.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

First 3D-bioprinting of entire active tumor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully printed the first entirely active and viable glioblastoma tumor using a 3D printer. The 3D-bioprinted model includes functional blood vessels that simulate a real tumor, making it a promising tool for predicting treatment efficacy and drug development.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 18, 2021

How people manipulate their own memories

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum explain how people construct memories of important events, influenced by positive or negative feelings, narrative self-image, and descriptive language. This process shapes memories to protect the positive self and mitigate negative memories that don't fit the self-image.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalReview of Philosophy and Psychology·DateAug 18, 2021

Empathy training could cut crime figures

Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychology Crime and Law·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

Health­care mu­si­cians can up­lift fam­i­lies with pre­ma­ture in­fants dur­ing in­ten­sive care, re­search sug­gests

Research suggests that healthcare musicians can help families cope with premature infants in intensive care by creating an intimate atmosphere and improving their relationship. Music practitioners work collaboratively with medical staff to provide emotional support and create a sense of calm during difficult times.

Scientists develop alternative cement with low carbon footprint

Researchers at MLU and Brazilian University of Pará create climate-friendly cement alternative by replacing limestone with Belterra clay, a previously unused overburden from bauxite mining. The new cement is just as stable as traditional Portland cement and reduces CO2 emissions during production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Grieving spouses should focus on the body, study suggests

A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that a six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly improved grief severity and yearning in widows and widowers. This approach was more effective than mindfulness training, which also showed improvements but not to the same extent.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

NIH study shows no significant benefit of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 outpatients with early symptoms

A NIH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that administering convalescent plasma to outpatients with early symptoms of COVID-19 did not prevent disease progression. The trial, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed a significant reduction of less than 2% in disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists dig deep to understand the effects of population pressure on violence levels

Researchers found a positive correlation between population pressure and higher levels of violence during the Middle Yayoi period in northern Kyushu, Japan. Despite peak population pressures in some regions, lower frequency-of-violence values were observed, suggesting other factors may have influenced violence levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists discover novel mechanism of CircRNA inhibiting gastric cancer metastasis

Researchers identified a novel mechanism by which circURI1 suppresses gastric cancer metastasis through hnRNPM decoy and alternative splicing modulation. This study provides new insights into the molecular basis of cancer metastasis and suggests circURI1 as a potential therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2021

One in five researchers globally report being pressured by funders to delay, alter, or not publish the findings of “unfavorable” health behavior intervention trials

Researchers worldwide experience funder suppression of negative health behavior intervention trials, with one in five reporting pressure to delay, alter, or not publish results. Funders' influence can distort research outcomes, hindering the development of effective public health strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Nanostructure based lasers for information and communication technologies

Laser technology utilizing nanostructures like quantum dots and dashes enables high-speed data transmission and low-latency communications. Scientists highlight the importance of these devices for industry and society, particularly in applications such as coherent communication and quantum key distribution.

Physical activity associated with better cognition in breast cancer patients

A new study from WashU Medicine found a strong association between high physical activity and maintaining cognitive function among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. The research suggests that moderate to vigorous exercise may help ward off 'chemo brain,' a decline in cognitive function common during cancer treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

New study provides insight into tailoring exercise therapy to each heart failure patient

A recent study published in European Heart Journal: ESC heart failure shows that increased oxidative stress during exercise adversely affects heart failure prognosis. Tailoring exercise therapy to individual patients based on their level of oxidative stress may be more effective than conventional exercise therapies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Does Alzheimer’s disease start inside nerve cells?

A study from Lund University reveals that Alzheimer's protein accumulates inside nerve cells, leading to increased production and potentially devastating effects. The research suggests that targeting misfolded amyloid-beta within cells may be a more effective approach than focusing on plaques outside the brain.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Thwaites glacier: Significant geothermal heat beneath the ice stream

Researchers have mapped significant geothermal heat beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, revealing a new potential weak spot in the ice sheet's stability. This heat flow, estimated to be up to 150 milliwatts per square meter, could lead to easier sliding of the glacier and potentially accelerate its collapse.

Scientists reveal how landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming

Researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol found that banning CFCs preserved plant's ability to absorb CO2, preventing a further acceleration of climate change. The study predicts a 2.5°C rise in global temperatures without the ban, exceeding the 1.5°C limit seen as critical for avoiding climate damage.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2021

The fewer forests, the more space giant anteaters need

A study found that giant anteaters in less forested habitats have larger home ranges, allowing them to access thermal shelters and regulate body temperature. Sex and body size also play a role in space use, with males using more space than females of similar size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

New research may help scientists grow more complex and mature heart tissue in the lab

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed pre-epicardial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which support embryonic heart formation and can be used to generate functioning heart tissue. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for heart failure, end-stage lung disease, and kidney disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2021