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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 244


Page 244 of 510

Cold weather cost New England electric customers nearly $1.8 billion in one month; A new study suggests ways to mitigate fuel shortages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that storing both oil and gas on-site at power plants can reduce dependence on gas grids and mitigate fuel shortages. This could reduce costs for electric customers in New England, where gas supply constraints have led to frequent power plant outages.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Electricity Journal·DateJun 23, 2021

Rare genetic defect replicated in fish model

Researchers at Heidelberg University successfully introduced a rare genetic mutation into a fish model to study the causes of complex metabolic diseases. The study found that supplying fully functional ALG2 mRNA could reverse the genetic defect, allowing analysis of individual function areas of the enzyme.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 23, 2021

Differences in countries' COVID-19 guidelines created confusion for healthcare professionals

The study analyzed 114 COVID-19 guidelines from leading organizations in the UK, France, Germany, and the US, finding significant variations in respiratory protection recommendations. The variations were attributed to differences in national and international guidelines, as well as shortages of equipment.

10 keys to integrating health into urban and transport planning

The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has identified 10 key principles for integrating health components into urban design, aiming to reduce premature mortality. The study provides a checklist for urban planners to incorporate public health into their work, promoting active and public transport, green spaces, and mixed land use.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateJun 23, 2021

The origins of farming insects

Researchers found that the symbiotic relationship between ambrosia fungi and beetles originated more than 100 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of insect farming, a strategy similar to human agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 23, 2021

Mapping methane sources in Paris

A study conducted by researchers in Paris identified the natural gas distribution network as a major source of methane emissions, accounting for 63% of total emissions. The study also found that sewage networks were another significant source of methane, with 33% of total emissions attributed to these systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 23, 2021

Cellular signatures of kidney tumours discovered

The study confirms that childhood cancers originate from specific developmental cells and exhibit unique 'cellular signals' that can be used to classify them. This method holds promise as a tool for diagnosing patients with rare cancers, including one patient's cryptic kidney cancer identified through cellular signal analysis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021

Providing clean, safe and private toilet, menstrual hygiene management for the homeless: An audit

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.

Immune cells in the human biliary system mapped

The study reveals a dominant network of neutrophils and tissue-resident T cells in the bile ducts of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a severe inflammatory disease. This discovery may pave the way for new treatment strategies against PSC and other biliary disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

The mysterious Chinese mountain cat probably was not involved in feline domestication

A genomic study of 51 high-quality samples reveals the Chinese mountain cat is a wildcat subspecies (Felis silvestris bieti) and was not directly involved in feline domestication in China. This finding supports the theory that housecats originated solely from African wildcat domestication, but raises conservation concerns for the species.

Schools should strive to improve students' food literacy

K-12 schools should focus on improving students' food literacy to bridge health gaps between lower-income and higher-income families. A conceptual model offers guidance for schools to enhance health and food literacy through practice opportunities, research, policy, or interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJun 23, 2021

Critical cell process shown to be missing in humans

A group of patients with neurological disease have been found to lack a critical cell process called autophagy. This discovery challenges the understanding that humans cannot survive if their cells completely fail to carry out autophagy, and may have important implications for research and therapies in neurodegeneration and cancer.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

Quantum birds

Researchers discover that cryptochrome 4, found in birds' retinas, is sensitive to magnetic fields and could be the long-sought magnetic sensor. The team deciphered the mechanism behind this sensitivity, which arises from electrons moving within the molecule after blue-light activation.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021

Study on fiscal policy advocates for making hay while the sun shines

A study published in Economic Inquiry examined data from 133 countries from 1950-2014, finding that reduced fiscal space in high-income countries after the 2007-2009 global financial crisis led to procyclical policy actions. This resulted in prolonged economic downturns and aggravated business cycle fluctuations.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJun 23, 2021

Study explores how readers at partisan news sites respond to challenging news events

Researchers from Bentley University analyzed reader comments on two partisan news sites after a challenging news event, revealing obstacles to sense-making and breakdowns in deliberation. The study adds to the understanding of political discourse and polarization, highlighting the need for solutions to combat misinformation.

SourceBentley University·JournalACM Transactions on Social Computing·DateJun 23, 2021

MicroRNAs may play a role in COVID-19

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 produces microRNAs affecting individuals' respiratory systems and immune responses. Understanding these impacts may provide new insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

'Lady luck' - Does anthropomorphized luck drive risky financial behavior?

A new study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research posits that increased accessibility to anthropomorphized luck can lead consumers to pursue higher-risk financial behavior. The authors suggest that preferences for riskier options are driven by shared risk perceptions that may engender feelings of security.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 23, 2021