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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 345


Page 345 of 510

In calculating the social cost of methane, equity matters

A new study reveals that the social cost of methane varies by an order of magnitude between industrialized and developing regions, with sub-Saharan Africa facing significantly lower costs. The study estimates a global mean cost of $922 per metric ton, decreasing to $130 for sub-Saharan Africa and rising to $8,040 for the US.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Scientists capture first ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have captured the first-ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton using a revolutionary technique. The image shows the distribution of an electron around a hole inside an exciton, providing new insights into the nature of these fleeting particles.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

COVID-19 peaks reflect time-dependent social activity, not herd immunity

Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021

Researchers identify potential subtype of PTSD

A new study found a marker of PTSD in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, particularly in those with impaired executive function. The researchers suggest that this subgroup may respond best to specific treatments targeting cognitive and brain functioning.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021

Shift-work causes negative impacts on health, affects men and women differently

New research from the University of Waterloo reveals shift work disrupts the circadian clock, affecting immune response and increasing risk of infection. The study shows sex differences in immune system reactivity, with males more prone to overactivation and females better prepared to fight off infections.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 21, 2021

Researchers share strategies for making geosciences more inclusive

The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 2021

Does listening to calming music at bedtime actually help you sleep?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 2021

New analysis addresses fear of cancer recurrence

A new analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that fear of cancer recurrence leads to increased use of healthcare resources by cancer survivors. Implementing existing effective interventions for fear of cancer recurrence may improve both mental health and reduce unnecessary healthcare usage.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 21, 2021

Climate 'tipping points' need not be the end of the world

New research suggests that reversing global warming quickly enough can prevent abrupt and irreversible changes triggered by climate tipping points. The study found that thresholds could be temporarily exceeded without permanent shifts, providing a lifeline to avoid dangerous climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Using floodwaters to weather droughts

A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.

SourceStanford University·DateApr 21, 2021

Lighting it up: Fast material manipulation through a laser

Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed a novel method for fast material manipulation using laser pulses, significantly reducing switching times. The technique involves shining light on a semi-metallic crystal to re-organize its internal electronic structure, changing conductivity and allowing for ultrafast control.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Study provides detailed look at intriguing property of chiral materials

Researchers have advanced understanding of light-matter interactions in chiral materials with a magnetic field, confirming the magneto-chiral dichroism theory. The study provides detailed measurements and quantum-chemical calculations for two model systems, opening the door to future applications.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Verbal fluency deficits in multiple sclerosis may reflect impaired language ability

Researchers found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experience subtle language impairments that can be attributed to impaired executive functions or language ability. The study suggests the need for more comprehensive neuropsychological testing to fully understand cognitive profiles and provide optimal interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateApr 21, 2021

Scientists reveal origin of neuronal diversity in hypothalamus

Researchers mapped the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus, revealing a stepwise strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity. The study provides insights into hypothalamic plasticity and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as anorexia and narcolepsy.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2021

Georgia Tech shares $15M from NASA to advance deep space exploration

Researchers at Georgia Tech will lead a five-year, $15M NASA grant to develop strategies for testing high-power electric propulsion systems. The Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS) aims to overcome infrastructure challenges and create accurate data translation for space travel.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 21, 2021

Babies surviving Group B strep more likely to require special educational support

A large study shows that infants infected with Group B strep are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments and need special education compared to uninfected children. The study also found significant long-term effects, including cognitive impairment and higher rates of hospitalization, in up to one in twenty survivors.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 21, 2021

Bypassing broken genes

Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 21, 2021

Swing vote 'trumped' turnout in 2016 election

A Yale University study reveals that conversion among swing voters was the primary factor behind Donald Trump's electoral success in 2016. The researchers found that voters switching from Democrat to Republican more consistently explained the GOP's gains than did increases in voter turnout.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Augmented reality in retail and its impact on sales

A new study examines the impact of augmented reality on retail sales. Researchers found that AR enhances product evaluation, reduces customer uncertainty, and promotes online channel adoption. The technology also benefits niche brands and premium products, leading to increased revenues for retailers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 21, 2021

Age at the menopause can be assessed using predictive modeling

Researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the age of natural menopause in middle-aged women based on hormone levels, menstrual cycle irregularities, and lifestyle factors. The study demonstrated adequate prediction accuracy, suggesting potential benefits for health promotion and family planning decisions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMenopause·DateApr 21, 2021

The wave beneath their wings

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a theoretical model explaining how pelicans exploit wind updrafts from breaking waves to conserve energy during flight. This discovery has potential applications in drone control and weather forecasting, highlighting the intricate dance between ocean, wind, and bird behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMovement Ecology·DateApr 21, 2021

Jane Austen quote encoded in a polymer

Scientists have successfully encoded a passage from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park in a series of oligomers, allowing for efficient information storage. The technique uses urethane-like plastics and enables dense data storage without DNA-based approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 21, 2021

Fast mitigation of power grids instability risks

Researchers from Skoltech, University of Arizona, and Los Alamos National Laboratory developed an approach to quickly stabilize power grids after demand response perturbation. The study analyzes relaxation of energy consumption dynamics in thermostatically controlled loads, demonstrating super-relaxation and efficient load management.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 21, 2021

Inflammatory diet linked to testosterone deficiency in men

A diet high in pro-inflammatory foods may be associated with increased odds of developing testosterone deficiency among men. Men who consume refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as polyunsaturated fats, are more likely to experience low libido, decreased energy, and depression.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 21, 2021

Picture perfect: Camera traps find endangered dryas monkeys

Scientists from Florida Atlantic University used non-invasive camera-trap techniques to detect and survey the elusive dryas monkey, confirming its occurrence at seven locations in Lomami National Park. The study suggests that the species prefers structurally complex understories and forest edges, rarely traveling on the ground.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateApr 21, 2021

Marine animals inspire new approaches to structural topology optimization

Researchers at Georgia Tech and Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University developed a new framework for designing hierarchical, spatially-varying microstructures with potential applications in cranial reconstruction, space exploration, and biomaterials. This approach combines design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 20, 2021

Database developed on key mollusk to study pollution in coastal areas

A new study has identified the transcriptome and proteome of Scrobiculariaplana, a bivalve used as a bioindicator for pollution. The database provides insights into molecular functions related to stress response mechanisms under pollution, helping to better gauge the effects on marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalGenomics·DateApr 20, 2021

Study reveals roadmap of muscle decline with age

A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021

Fast brainwave oscillations identify and localize epileptic brain

Researchers have discovered that fast brainwave oscillations can pinpoint brain tissues responsible for epileptic seizures. The collaborative research leverages noninvasive EEG technology to automatically identify high-frequency oscillations and epileptiform spikes, which are key links related to epilepsy.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

Overgrowth of gut yeast in newborns may increase asthma risk

A study published in eLife found that an overgrowth of yeast in the gut within the first few months of life may increase the risk of asthma later on. The period after birth is critical for immune system development and gut microbiome health, and disruptions to gut bacteria can lead to asthma.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021

Ten ways to ensure bees benefit from the solar power boom

A Lancaster University-led team reviewed evidence on solar park land management practices to enhance pollinator biodiversity. They highlighted ten ways to protect and even enhance bee populations, including sowing wildflowers and connecting parks to nearby habitats.

SourceLancaster University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateApr 20, 2021

Explanations in online symptom checkers could improve user trust

Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 20, 2021

Rock glaciers will slow Himalayan ice melt

New research suggests Himalayan rock glaciers, which account for 1/25 of glacial ice, will resist global warming more than traditional 'true' ice glaciers. These slow-moving glaciers are well-insulated and contain about 51 cubic kilometers of ice.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 20, 2021

Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease

Scientists at Beam Therapeutics have created a redesigned base editor that successfully repairs the single-base mutation causing sickle-cell disease. The therapy targets an upstream regulatory pathway to express fetal hemoglobin, offering a potential solution for this genetic disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 20, 2021

Individualized training is key for autistic adolescents learning to drive

A collaborative study identified strengths and challenges autistic teens face while learning to drive. Researchers recommend scaffolded instruction and caregiver-supervised practice to overcome obstacles. Autistic drivers show similar crash rates to non-autistic peers, with lower license suspension rates.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·DateApr 20, 2021