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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 177


Page 177 of 510

Researchers identify neurons involved in overdose deaths

Researchers identified a group of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in opioid-induced respiratory depression, which causes overdose deaths. Blocking these receptors can restore breathing during an overdose, offering potential new treatment targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Is it always right to save the lives of premature babies? A radical proposal.

A new proposal aims to enable parents to participate in decision-making about life-saving treatment for premature infants. This balance is crucial as treatment can do great harm, while without it, the infant dies. Guidelines vary between countries, with some allowing treatment up to gestational week 23.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 12, 2021

Origins of mutation

A new study has pinpointed nine processes that lead to most human genetic mutations, including inaccurate DNA copying and chemical damage. The research analyzed 400 million rare DNA variants and identified a set of biological processes responsible for heritable human mutations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2021

Fine aerosols emitted during talking and singing may play a crucial role in COVID-19 transmission: Singapore study

A new study found that fine aerosols generated during talking and singing can contain more viral particles than coarse aerosols, highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to these particles in indoor environments. The research suggests that these aerosols may play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 11, 2021

Less is more: 'Reduction' allows for cleaner and more efficient catalytic reactions

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a high-yield synthesis pathway through reduction of rhodium complexes, enabling the addition of electron-deficient boron groups to arenes. This new strategy uses a cyclopentadienyl-rhodium-based catalyst and produces arylboronates with high yields and cleaner conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Pumping iron: Inhibition of key pathway promotes iron-dependent cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

What does ride-hailing mean for parking?

Researchers investigate associations between ride-hail trips and on-street parking occupancy in Seattle, predicting decline if ride-hail demand exceeds 2.24 times the 2016 average. Flexible parking policies can manage changes driven by ride-hailing, but cities must plan ahead.

SourcePortland State University·JournalCase Studies on Transport Policy·DateAug 11, 2021

More pepper, please

Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study shows differences in rapidly processing sensory feedback among people with autism spectrum disorder

A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

Rare new orchid species just discovered in the Andes

In Ecuador's northwestern Andes, researchers from WSL and Aves y Conservation identified three new endemic orchid species, including Lepanthes microprosartima and Lepanthes caranqui. These rare species are threatened by habitat destruction and human activities, prompting conservation efforts to protect them.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateAug 11, 2021

Will COVID-19 become a mostly childhood disease?

New modeling results suggest that COVID-19 may behave like common-cold coronaviruses, affecting mostly young children who have not been vaccinated or exposed. The overall burden from this disease is expected to decline due to lower severity in children.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 11, 2021

Stanford researchers develop a better way to track methane in the skies

A new model developed by Stanford researchers provides a more accurate baseline for tracking methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The model, which uses bottom-up approach with component-level data, closely approximates top-down inventories and highlights specific activities that should be targeted for remediation or regulation.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Younger children in a school class at greater risk of long-term negative outcomes like low educational achievement and substance misuse

New research from King's College London found that younger children in a school class are more likely to experience low educational achievement, substance misuse disorder, and depression. However, ADHD symptoms may be less of a concern for these young students.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Science alone won’t save humpback dolphins

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in South African waters. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the cumulative effects of human activities, including coastal construction and pollution, which are impacting population numbers.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Researchers link brain memory signals to blood sugar levels

A new study published in Nature found that brain signals known to help memories form may also regulate metabolism and lower blood sugar levels. Researchers discovered that clusters of hippocampal neurons firing in cycles, called sharp wave ripples, were followed by decreases in blood sugar levels, possibly through the release of hormones.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Understanding lung damage in patients with COVID-19

Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

A fast, accurate system for quickly solving stubborn RNA structures from pond scum, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and more

A new system developed at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory determines the 3D structures of RNA-only molecules with high resolution, applying it to a ribozyme from pond scum and a piece of viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2. The study reveals tiny pockets in the viral RNA that could be targeted for COVID-19 treatments.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

Like humans, apes communicate to start and end social interactions

A study published in iScience found that apes purposefully use signals to start and end interactions, similar to human politeness. The researchers observed that the social dynamics between interacting apes affected the communication efforts used, with closer bonobo pairs showing shorter entry and exit phases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Getting oxygenated blood to exercising muscles

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that exercise promotes the formation of thin blood capillaries in muscles by stimulating cell division of endothelial cells with high levels of ATF4. These 'metabolically primed' cells are activated to form new vessels, leading to improved blood supply to exercising muscles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

New COVID-19 vaccine moves ahead

A South Australian-developed SARS-CoV-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, confirming its safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 lung infection. The vaccine, named COVAX-19, incorporates an adjuvant derived from a plant sugar called inulin.

SourceFlinders University·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Study shows privilege, politics influence vaccine’s racial disparity

Researchers found that socioeconomic privilege and political ideology play a significant role in racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with higher median incomes displayed lower disparities, while county-level educational disparities had a greater impact on unequal vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021