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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 255


Page 255 of 510

Subterranean investigations

Researchers have developed a fast and controllable soft robot that can burrow through sand with minimal resistance. The robot's design is inspired by plants and animals that navigate subterranean spaces, enabling new applications for underwater exploration and potentially paving the way for future space missions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 16, 2021

CNIO researchers find molecular switch that allows organisms to adapt to fasting conditions

Researchers at CNIO have identified RagA as a molecular switch that allows cells to adapt to low nutrient levels, enabling an 'energy-saving mode' similar to what occurs in yeasts. This discovery has significant implications for understanding metabolic regulation and potential strategies to fight obesity and related diseases.

Lies to hide doping in professional sport

A study by University of Göttingen sports sociologist Dr. Marcel Reinold analyzes autobiographies of professional cyclists, revealing they use complex techniques to manipulate information and conceal doping. The results show athletes play down the extent of the doping problem and portray themselves as victims to avoid suspicion.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEuropean Journal for Sport and Society·DateJun 16, 2021

Convergent mechanism of aging discovered

Researchers have discovered folate metabolism as a common mechanism underlying aging and lifespan extension across different species. The study found that altering folate metabolism increases lifespan in worms and mice by up to 30 percent, suggesting a potential new approach to improving human health during aging.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2021

We cannot cheat ageing and death

A new study led by Fernando Colchero reveals a strong link between human life expectancy and lifespan equality. Researchers analyzed data from nine human populations and 30 non-human primate populations, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and baboons, to explore the invariant rate of ageing hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2021

Research study suggests BAT's Modern Oral products have similar toxicant profile to NRT

A recent study published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology found that BAT's modern oral nicotine pouches have a comparable toxicant profile to NRTs, with significantly lower levels of toxicants than traditional oral snus. The study suggests that MO products should be placed close to NRTs on the reduced-risk product continuum.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalDrug and Chemical Toxicology·DateJun 16, 2021

Survival among adults with early-onset colorectal cancer

A recent study found that adults with early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before age 50) have significantly better survival rates than those diagnosed later in life. The research used data from the National Cancer Database and found a significant difference in survival rates between the two groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2021

Smartphone bans in the workplace

A field experiment involving 100 students showed that soft smartphone bans can increase efficiency for standard routine tasks, but have no notable impact on more complex tasks. The success of soft bans also depends on employees' perceptions of social norms and freedom of choice.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalExperimental Economics·DateJun 16, 2021

Particles with 'eyes' allow a closer look at rotational dynamics

A team of researchers created particles with an off-center core that can be tracked under a microscope to study rotational dynamics. Their findings show that neighboring spheres rotate coupled and move in opposite directions, like meshed gears, and that there is a relationship between local crystallinity and rotational diffusivity.

Pandemic planning: Government should embrace uncertainty rather than confront it or shy away from it

New research suggests the UK's pandemic planning was limited by an outdated modelling structure, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to decision-making. Professor Ashraf Labib proposes a hybrid model combining resilience triangle and bowtie modelling with five guiding principles to enhance public policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalSafety Science·DateJun 16, 2021

US sex trafficking survivors face challenges as mothers

US sex trafficking survivors experience difficulties building parenting confidence and exhibiting emotional withdrawal, impacting their ability to be protective parents. The study highlights the need for targeted support to help these individuals overcome challenges in motherhood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2021

Ocean circulation is key to understanding uncertainties in climate change predictions

Thirty state-of-the-art IPCC-climate models predict varying climates for Europe due to differing simulations of North Atlantic ocean currents. The analysis highlights the importance of incorporating ocean circulation into climate models, suggesting that uncertainties in predictions may be largely dependent on changes to this circulation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2021

Online mental health therapy significantly aids the isolated, immunosuppressed in pandemic

Researchers found that online mental health intervention improved anxiety and depression in people with scleroderma, a disease causing skin and connective tissue tightening. The four-week program offered group mental health intervention from trained peer support leaders, resulting in significant improvements six weeks later.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateJun 16, 2021

Quantum-nonlocality at all speeds

Quantum nonlocality is a universal property that prevails regardless of particle speed or indeterminacy. Researchers designed an experiment to test this phenomenon, using the principle of physical phenomena being independent of frame of reference, to prove nonlocality for any quantum particle.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2021