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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 412


Page 412 of 510

The aurora's very high altitude booster

Scientists at Nagoya University have found that an electric accelerator for auroras exists much higher in space than previously thought, beyond 30,000 kilometres above the Earth's surface. This finding offers insight into Earth and other planets as well, shedding light on the process of aurora formation.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2021

Rare mutations may have big impact on schizophrenia pathology

Researchers identified somatic gene mutations in brain cells of people with schizophrenia that disrupted synaptic function and affected proteins critical for neural signaling. The study found that these rare mutations could contribute to the disease's neuropathology, particularly in genes associated with glutamate receptor function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2021

Can chips replace animal testing?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed human-on-a-chip technology that allows for real-time monitoring of drug treatments in humans. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce testing and production time for drugs, saving time, money, and unnecessary suffering.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021

A new co-driver in breast cancer

UC researchers found that cooperation between HER2 and MED1 genes promotes breast tumor growth, spread, and treatment resistance. Targeting MED1 alone or in combination with current therapies may be an effective treatment strategy for nearly 90% of breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 9, 2021

NYU Abu Dhabi study predicts motion sickness severity

A new study by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers found that individuals with higher sensitivity to visual cues experience more severe motion sickness symptoms in virtual reality. The study suggests personalized device settings and reduced sensory cues can mitigate motion sickness, making VR technology more accessible.

SourceNew York University·JournalEntertainment Computing·DateMar 9, 2021

Pungent-variable of sweet chili pepper Shishito: genes and seeds

Researchers found that shishito peppers with fewer seeds exhibit a range of spiciness, from weak to strong. The genes involved in capsaicinoid synthesis showed a positive correlation with pungent intensity. By suppressing these gene expressions, breeders may develop varieties with consistent flavor and reduced spicy fluctuations.

SourceShinshu University·JournalMolecular Genetics and Genomics·DateMar 9, 2021

Bird parents that receive help live longer

Researchers found that bird parents who get help with childcare live an average of one to two years longer than those who do not. This is because helpers reduce the burden of care on parents, allowing them to reproduce again and again. The study highlights the importance of hard-working helpers in ensuring the longevity of bird parents.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 9, 2021

Having an unhealthy heart could lead to a higher risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19

Research by Queen Mary University of London found that people with pre-existing unhealthy heart structures and poorer functioning hearts are more likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study, which used the UK Biobank database, suggests that these relationships may be linked to a higher risk of subsequent COVID-19.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateMar 9, 2021