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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 393


Page 393 of 510

Important advance in research on future drugs

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have determined the 3D structure and mechanism of MGST2, an enzyme involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study's findings reveal three functional units controlled by sophisticated movements, regulating vital functions and offering insights into future drug development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

How do humpback whales rest?

Researchers attached an omnidirectional camera to a humpback whale to study its resting behavior. The whale was found to be inactive for half the recorded period, with active behavior in the latter half, suggesting it may have been recovering from foraging.

SourceKobe University·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateMar 19, 2021

A new dye shakes up solar cells

Researchers have developed a new dye called MS5 that significantly enhances the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are already being manufactured on a large scale. The new dye produces an open-circuit voltage of 1.24 Volts and achieves a power conversion efficiency of 13.5%, surpassing previous records in the field.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

For good health, trust your gut

University of Cincinnati assistant professor Ashley Ross is developing tools to detect and study chemical signals between the brain and immune system using a federal grant. Her research aims to understand how neurons regulate inflammation and develop new therapies.

Turns out altruism is for the fish

A research group at Osaka City University has shown that convict cichlid fish display prosocial choice tasks, choosing to share food with a partner rather than an unknown or rival fish. This behavior suggests that these small fish have an altruistic nature and can distinguish between paired females, unknown females, and rival males.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

Happiness can be learned

A nine-month program combining theoretical studies and meditation practices improved life satisfaction, perceived well-being, and emotional regulation. The study suggests that happiness is linked to inner equilibrium and offers a secular approach to develop authentic happiness.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 19, 2021

In pandemic, potentially avoidable hospitalizations for non-COVID conditions fell more among whites

During the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially avoidable hospitalizations for non-COVID conditions dropped more among white patients than Black patients. This UCLA study suggests that existing racial healthcare disparities worsened, with African Americans facing worse access to outpatient care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 19, 2021

80% of Spanish health professionals were willing to be vaccinated during the second COVID-19 wave

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 80% of Spanish health professionals are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The main reasons for not wanting vaccination were concerns about safety and side effects. The low acceptance rate among nursing staff is particularly worrying, as they are closely involved with patients.

The eukaryotic cell nucleus resembles the layout of a superstore

The eukaryotic cell nucleus has an organized layout, similar to a superstore, with DNA-packed into compact structures and molecules moving efficiently through channels. The chromatin fibers work like shelves, holding genetic information, while proteins move randomly within the channels according to Brownian motion rules.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 19, 2021

Reactive boride infusion stabilizes ni-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

A new coating technology has been developed to stabilize Ni-rich cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, improving cycling stability and capacity retention. The technique involves infusing a cobalt boride metallic glass into the grain boundaries of the cathode material, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and safety.