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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 387


Page 387 of 510

Decades of radiation-based scientific theory disproven by Ben-Gurion University US-based study

A large-scale study found that people living in areas with high background radiation had a 2.5-year longer life expectancy and lower rates of certain cancers, including lung, pancreatic, colon, and rectal cancer. The researchers suggest re-evaluating the linear no-threshold paradigm for low-dose radiation.

Fighting 'forever chemicals' with microbes

Researchers explore using microbes to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent environmental pollutants. A study suggests that certain microbe strains can defluorinate PFAS, but further research is needed to develop a feasible method for cleaning up the compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 24, 2021

A better treatment for sickle cell disease

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University developed an organ-on-a-chip device that can model the disease physiology of patients with sickle cell disease. The device uses blood outgrowth endothelial cells to mimic a patient's vessel, allowing for personalized treatment and predicting disease progression.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateMar 24, 2021

Harvard, Smithsonian astronomers help capture first image of black hole's magnetic fields

Astronomers have captured the first-ever image of a black hole's magnetic fields, revealing that polarized light reveals the structure of these fields just outside the event horizon. This breakthrough observation will help scientists understand how energy is extracted from spinning black holes to produce powerful jets.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2021

Mixed reality gets a machine learning upgrade

Osaka University researchers use deep learning to improve mobile mixed reality generation, enabling the automatic removal of obstructions and addition of greenery. This technology may revolutionize green architecture and city revitalization by providing real-time visualizations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Informatics·DateMar 24, 2021

Effective Field Theories and the nature of the universe

Effective Field Theories were introduced to simplify mathematics involved in unifying interactions. Steven Weinberg shares his expertise on these theories, which unify weak and electromagnetic interactions with the strong interaction. He also discusses implications for future research and applications in diverse areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMar 24, 2021

The world's earliest stone technologies are likely to be older than previously thought

Researchers have found that Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool technologies are likely to be tens of thousands of years older than previously thought. Using statistical modeling techniques, the study estimates the origins of these early stone tools at 2.617-2.644 million years ago for Oldowan and 1.815-1.823 million years ago for Acheulean.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 24, 2021

Pilot study finds evidence of bartonella infection in schizophrenia patients

A pilot study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found evidence of Bartonella infection in the blood of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study suggests a potential link between Bartonella infection and neuropsychiatric disease, particularly schizophrenia.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMar 23, 2021

Association found between consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks and colorectal cancer risk

A large study found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with a 10% increment in consumption leading to an 11% increase in risk. Ultra-processed foods were also linked to less healthy diets among breast cancer cases, while no association was found with prostate cancer.