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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 266


Page 266 of 510

Meiosis: Mind the gap

Cells introduce hundreds of DNA DSBs to facilitate genetic recombination, but researchers found that approximately 20% of breaks correspond to closely positioned pairs of DSBs, which can initiate recombination at chromosome gaps

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2021

Study examines care received by patients with knee osteoarthritis

A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that only a minority of patients with knee osteoarthritis used non-surgical care such as physical therapy and knee injections. The study suggests that surgery may be more commonly substituted for conservative care in regions with high rates of knee replacements.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 9, 2021

Measuring sound diversity of quietness

Researchers develop Composite Urban Quietness Index to measure sound diversity of quietness, aiming to provide a new understanding of comfortable quiet. The study reveals that high-intensity sound and silent acoustic environments can cause stress, highlighting the need for quantifiable characteristics of quietness.

Lower and safer doses of laughing gas relieve treatment-resistant depression in phase 2 trial

A phase 2 trial found that a single one-hour treatment with nitrous oxide can relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression for several weeks. The study showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, with a four-fold lower risk of adverse effects at lower concentrations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

How catalysts age

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a new experimental method to investigate the ageing process of vanadium phosphorus oxides (VPO) catalysts. The method allows for precise measurement of chemical properties in three dimensions, revealing changes in the material's structure and chemistry over time.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2021

Immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant and dialysis patients

A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination leads to strong T cell responses against the virus in all patients on dialysis, and nearly 58% of kidney transplant recipients. However, low antibody responses were observed in kidney transplant recipients, raising concerns about their protection from COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 9, 2021

Major study of diabetes trends shows Americans' blood sugar control is getting worse

A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Māori connections to Antarctica may go as far back as 7th century, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that indigenous Māori people may have set eyes on Antarctic waters and possibly the continent as early as the 7th century. The research uncovers a deep-rooted connection between Māori people and Antarctica, which continues to this day.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateJun 9, 2021

The impact of double-cropping

Double-cropping in Brazil's Centre-West region contributed significantly to the country's grain boom, increasing from 19% to 33% between 2003 and 2016. The practice allowed for increased corn production without expanding cropland, offsetting around 76.7 million hectares of arable land.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·DateJun 9, 2021

'Transportation is a form of freedom': How to make it more equitable

A new study by University of Michigan researchers highlights common barriers to improving equitable access to transportation, including data collection and information on needs. Practitioners cited need for better communication between disciplines and structures in place to advocate for equity-minded funding allocations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 9, 2021

How the amphibians got their vertebrae

A study found that ancient amphibians' spine stiffness varied with habitat, with more aquatic species having more rigid backbones. The researchers collected measurements on over 40 species of temnospondyls, providing valuable information on early vertebrate adaptations to water-to-land transitions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021

Birth weight is associated with osteoporosis risk later in life

Research from the UK Biobank and the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis consortium found that heavier birth weight is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis. The study suggests that genes affecting birth weight may also influence an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis as they age.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 9, 2021

More 'fairness' needed in conservation

Researchers found that local stakeholders consider fairness in distribution of money from marine protected areas according to who holds rights over the area, rather than equality or costs incurred. This challenges common assumptions in conservation literature and practice, emphasizing the importance of explicit identification of local ...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJun 9, 2021

Predisposition to addiction may be genetic

A Rutgers study suggests that individuals with high sensation-seeking traits may be more susceptible to drug addiction due to a genetic predisposition. High-sensation-seeking rats showed stronger motivation for cocaine, making them more prone to developing addictive behavior.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJun 9, 2021