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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 215


Page 215 of 510

Species of gut bacteria linked to enhanced cognition and language skills in infant boys

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys with a high Bacteroidetes gut bacterial composition scored higher in cognition and language skills. The researchers believe this association may be due to the production of metabolites called sphingolipids, which are instrumental for neuron formation and structure.

Highlighting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines could hold key to converting doubters

A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that providing information on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase willingness to be vaccinated. The research showed that adults who received information about vaccine effectiveness scored 20% higher on a measure of willingness to be vacc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·DateJul 13, 2021

Scientists discover nanoclusters effective for cancer in the second near-infrared synergy therapy

Researchers have developed a new type of nanocarrier that combines photothermal, chemo-therapy, and chemodynamic therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. The nanoclusters, which are responsive to near-infrared light, show a significant inhibitory effect on mouse tumor growth in vivo experiments.

When a single tree makes a difference

A new study from American University found that individual trees can help mitigate urban heat, particularly in evening hours. The research showed that neighborhoods with at least half of the area covered by canopy were 1.4 degrees Celsius cooler than those with few trees.

SourceAmerican University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 12, 2021

Transport in 2050: Safer, cleaner and cost efficient?

A Cornell University-led team projects that vehicle electrification, driverless cars, and ride sharing could prevent 5,500 premature deaths and save $58 billion annually in the US by 2050. The study also finds that vehicle electrification is the most important piece for carbon mitigations and health benefits.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 12, 2021

Genome editing for food: how do people react?

A study of online surveys from five countries reveals that genome editing is generally viewed as beneficial for crops but raises concerns about animal welfare. The research found four distinct groups: strong supporters, supporters, neutrals, and opponents, with 21% strongly supporting the technology.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateJul 12, 2021

Songbirds like it sweet!

Researchers found that songbirds can sense sweetness regardless of their primary diets, with the ability emerging early within the songbird radiation. The team identified the molecular basis of this ability and found that it has been conserved in nearly half of all birds living today.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2021

Having a nice glass of French wine?

A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that France's Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system led to a significant increase in market value for French wines. The AOC system created production standards and mandatory tasting requirements, allowing wine growers to improve quality and be rewarded for it.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEuropean Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2021

MaxDIA -- taking proteomics to the next level

The new MaxDIA software provides a computational workflow for data-independent acquisition proteomics, combining library-based and library-free approaches. This enables highly sensitive and accurate data analysis for thousands of proteins, opening up new possibilities for medical applications in personalized medicine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 12, 2021

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers is strongly justified due to the higher mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 compared to influenza. The authors propose strategies to increase employee acceptance and overcome vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of protec...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021

Sea-level rise may worsen existing Bay Area inequities

Researchers found that coastal communities in San Mateo County are at risk of financial instability from flooding, with lower-income households disproportionately affected. The study's new methodology aims to provide a human-centered approach to risk assessment, focusing on the residents most likely to lose their livelihoods when water...

Two-thirds of romantic couples start out as friends, study finds

A new study found that nearly 75 percent of research on relationship beginnings focused on romance between strangers, while only eight percent examined friendships-to-romance transitions. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 university students and crowdsourced adults, finding a strong correlation between friends-first initiation an...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 12, 2021

Coastal ecosystems worldwide: Billion-dollar carbon reservoirs

Coastal ecosystems worldwide are estimated to have a significant impact on the global economy, with countries like Australia and Indonesia storing large amounts of carbon. The study found that these countries generate annual welfare gains of around $26.4 billion from reduced climate change costs, while other nations like India and Chin...

Promising new research on aggressive breast cancer

A new study published in PNAS has identified a protein called AXL as a crucial player in hypoxia, which promotes cancer progression and resistance to treatment. By blocking the action of this protein, researchers observed improved recovery of blood vessels and revitalization of the tumour's immune environment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021