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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 227


Page 227 of 510

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

Comprehensive genetic study of cleft lip and palate

A comprehensive genetic study led by the University of Bonn has identified 45 new regions in the human genome associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and palate. These regions are linked to variations in DNA sequences that regulate gene activity, disrupting normal facial development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Integrate disciplines to conserve biodiversity

The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJul 5, 2021

COVID gets quantum treatment for drug discovery

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory used Stampede2 to refine the screening of potential drug molecules targeting COVID-19's spike protein. The method, developed by Stephan Irle and Van Quan Vuong, uses quantum mechanics-based ranking refinement and binding analysis to identify top candidates for further testing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJul 5, 2021

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

New advice on arthritis drugs

Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJul 5, 2021

How fish got their spines

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

European settlers and mortality of Indigenous people

A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

A team of Japanese astronomers developed a new AI technique to remove noise in astronomical data. They applied this tool to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with currently accepted models of the Universe. This powerful new tool will analyze big data from current and planned astronomy surveys.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 4, 2021

Stress-free path to stress-free metallic films paves the way for next-gen circuitry

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to create thin films of tungsten with minimal stresses using high power impulse magnetron scattering. This breakthrough technology enables efficient deposition of metallic films without heat treatment, opening up new possibilities for the electronics industry.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 3, 2021

Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 2, 2021

More than half of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury needed repairs in past 6 months

A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2021