Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 356


Page 356 of 510

Cultivating Matsutake, valuable edible fungi

Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated matsutake mushrooms by germinating spores and inducing mycelia in the soil of Japanese red pine roots. This breakthrough could lead to an artificial cultivation technique for these valuable edible fungi, addressing declining natural habitats.

SourceShinshu University·JournalMycorrhiza·DateApr 14, 2021

Using sound waves to make patterns that never repeat

Mathematicians and engineers at the University of Utah have developed a method to create quasiperiodic structures using ultrasound waves, which could lead to customizable materials. The researchers created a pattern similar to a Penrose tiling by arranging carbon nanoparticles in an octagonal setup.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2021

New study reveals brain basis of psychopathy

A Finnish study found that psychopathic criminal offenders and well-functioning individuals with similar traits have altered brain structure and function in emotional regulation areas. The more psychopathic characteristics a person has, the more their brain resembles that of psychopathic criminals.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 14, 2021

Most differences in DNA binding compounds found at birth in children conceived by IVF not seen in early childhood, NIH study finds

A NIH study found that newborns conceived through IVF had certain chemical modifications to their DNA, but these changes were not seen in early childhood. The study also found no differences in growth and development for this group.

HSE University researchers track language abilities of russian children with ASD

A study published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders describes the language abilities of Russian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at various linguistic levels. The researchers found significant differences between groups in all subtests, except for the simplest word repetition. Children with ASD had lower accu...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 14, 2021

Mystery canine illness identified

A 2019-2020 canine vomiting outbreak was identified as a variant of canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV), affecting male dogs more than females. A national surveillance system is being developed to monitor canine health.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2021

Magic mushroom compound performs at least as well as leading antidepressant in small study

In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021

Elusive particle may point to undiscovered physics

Researchers confirm the original findings that suggested a significant discrepancy in the muon's magnetic field from the Standard Model prediction. This discovery may indicate the presence of an undiscovered type of fundamental physics, leading to further investigation into the nature of particles and forces.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 13, 2021

Narratives can help science counter misinformation on vaccines

Author Michael Dahlstrom's paper examines how narratives or storytelling can help counter misinformation on vaccines by providing context and connection between facts. This approach recognizes the disproportionate influence of narratives on attitudes and behaviors, and highlights their potential as a tool for public health education.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

Life expectancy lower near superfund sites

A nationwide review of hazardous waste sites found that living near a Superfund site could decrease life expectancy by over two months. Those with lower incomes and sociodemographic disadvantage face the greatest risk, with decreases in life expectancy ranging from seven to 15 months.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021

New method of artificially creating genetic switches for yeast

Researchers from Kobe University and Chiba University developed a flexible method to create genetic switches for yeast, allowing for the control of gene expression. They successfully produced yeast that biosynthesized orange pigment under AND-gated control, paving the way for sophisticated, artificially regulated cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021