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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 381


Page 381 of 510

How AI beats spreadsheets in modelling future volumes for city waste management

A recent study by researchers at the University of Johannesburg shows how AI can forecast municipal solid waste in a large African city. By using machine learning algorithms and combining data from various sources, including census data and landfill site records, the team was able to predict the city's waste management needs until 2050...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 29, 2021

Researchers first to link silicon atoms on surfaces

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a highly efficient method to produce silicon polymers using surface chemistry. The breakthrough allows for the creation of long polymers with mild reaction conditions, paving the way for new material properties and potential applications as organic semi-conductors.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 29, 2021

Glaucoma linked to increased risk of dementia

Researchers at Flinders University in Australia have found a link between normal-tension glaucoma and cognitive impairment, with patients having this type of glaucoma being more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The study suggests that normal-tension glaucoma may share similar neurodegenerative pathways with dementia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateMar 29, 2021

Laser lights the way

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new way to observe laser interactions, enabling accurate control over laser-based manufacturing processes. The discovery could lead to significant improvements in precision and efficiency in industries such as laboratory, commercial, and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 29, 2021

How will climate change affect hailstorms?

A global review of hail trends suggests climate change will lead to increased hailstorm frequency in most regions, particularly Australia, while reducing it in East Asia and North America. Hail severity is expected to increase globally due to warmer temperatures and increased atmospheric instability.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateMar 28, 2021

Calcium-sensing receptor of immune cells and diseases

Researchers found that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes, regulating cytokine secretion, chemotaxis, and ligand delivery. This receptor also contributes to the development of several diseases, including sepsis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and rheumatism.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021

Atezolizumab-induced autoimmune diabetes mellitus presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis

A case of atezolizumab-induced autoimmune diabetes mellitus presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis is reported, highlighting the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels in patients treated with PD-L1 inhibitors. The patient's condition was successfully managed with cessation of atezolizumab treatment and insulin therapy.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021

Climate change significantly increases population displacement risk

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that climate change greatly increases the risk of flood-related displacement, with a 50% increase for each degree of global warming. Even if population growth is stabilized, the risk will still rise significantly, with projected increases of up to 110% by the end of this ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2021

Forest restoration action must prioritize diversity over scale for cheaper, long-term success

Research shows investing in tree diversity leads to greater long-term benefits and lower costs. High genetic diversity is crucial for tropical forests' resilience to climate change and pests, producing more seeds and fruit. This approach may increase initial costs but offers significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.

Slc20a1b is essential for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell expansion in zebrafish

Researchers found that a point mutation in the zebrafish slc20a1b gene significantly reduces the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, resulting in a severe defect of hematopoietic development. The study reveals the indispensable role of slc20a1b in HSPCs, highlighting a novel regulation gene for cell cycle expansion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 26, 2021

Gray's beaked whales 'resilient' to ecosystem changes

Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 26, 2021

How COVID-19 affects the brain

A recent study published in JAMA Network explores how COVID-19 affects the brain, highlighting potential mechanisms behind brain dysfunction. The research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause inflammation and damage to specific brain regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 2021

Controlled scar formation in the brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Video gamers skills enhanced by training 10 minutes a day

Researchers at Lero found that novice gamers benefit most from tDCS before training sessions, improving performance on complex sensory-motor actions. The study suggests that neurostimulation can accelerate motor performance improvements in novice esports participants.

SourceLero·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 26, 2021

DNA--Metal double helix

A team developed a novel approach to generate precisely controlled, helical palladium-DNA systems that mimic the organization of natural base pairs in double-stranded DNA molecules. The process is based on self-organized assembly of a special palladium complex and single-stranded DNA molecules.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 26, 2021

The persistent danger after landscape fires

Researchers from the University of Vienna detected high concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in charcoal samples from fires worldwide. These toxic chemicals can persist for years and may harm ecosystems and human health, posing a significant threat after landscape fires.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 26, 2021

How teeth sense the cold

Research reveals that teeth contain cold-sensitive proteins called odontoblasts, which detect temperature changes and trigger pain signals to the brain. This discovery explains how clove oil eases toothaches and may lead to new treatments for tooth sensitivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021