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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 43


Page 43 of 510

Logistical Herculean tasks

A team of researchers developed a sophisticated study design to investigate the effects of climate change and land use on species diversity. The design allowed for the selection of 179 study sites across Bavaria, taking into account various factors such as habitat size, distance to other habitats, and land use patterns.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2021

Before geoengineering, some fundamental chemistry

A new study suggests that atmospheric conditions in the stratosphere pose a challenge to generating sulfuric acid, a crucial component of a proposed geoengineering strategy to mitigate climate change. Researchers found that solar radiation causes HOSO2 to quickly photolyse, breaking it down into harmful sulfur dioxide, which may reduce...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2021

Activation of a key protein that allows glioblastoma cells to complete apoptosis

Researchers have discovered a substance derived from the cotton plant, gossypol, which enhances the activity of DFF40/CAD, allowing glioblastoma cells to complete apoptosis. This breakthrough treatment shows promise in promoting cell death and may provide new tools for developing effective strategies against this incurable disease.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

COVID-19 testing kits also can measure oral microbiome in saliva

A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.

SourceRutgers University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

New device modulates visible light—without dimming it—with the smallest footprint and lowest power consumption

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a compact and power-efficient phase modulator that can control the phase of visible light waves. This breakthrough enables large-scale integration of devices for applications such as chip-scale LIDAR, AR/VR goggles, and quantum information processing chips.

Using short-acting opioids in the hospital could improve care for patients experiencing opioid withdrawal without pain

Experts suggest expanding treatment options for hospital patients with opioid withdrawal symptoms, potentially allowing more individualized and patient-centered care. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of short-acting opioids in this context.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 22, 2021

Closing in on a new test for Schistosomiasis

Researchers have made progress towards a new diagnostic test for schistosomiasis, which could help interrupt transmission and eventually eliminate the disease. The test targets proteins produced by the parasite and can detect even low-intensity infections.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

High-speed propeller star is fastest spinning white dwarf

Astronomers have detected a white dwarf star that spins at an incredible rate of once every 25 seconds, completing one rotation faster than Earth. The star is thought to be the size of the Earth but massive enough to pull material from its companion star, creating a magnetic propeller system.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·DateNov 22, 2021

Fundamental particles modelled in beam of light

Researchers have successfully created an experimental model of a skyrmion particle in a beam of light, providing a real system to demonstrate the behavior of this elusive type of fundamental particle. The study reveals the intricate structure and topological properties of skyrmions, which can be distorted but not broken.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

COVID gets airborne

UC San Diego researchers developed a computer model to understand how viruses travel through the air, shedding new light on airborne COVID-19 transmission. The model simulates aerosol behavior and helps explain why SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible through the air.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2021

Ultrathin solar cells get a boost

Researchers have achieved a new benchmark in designing atomically thin solar cells made of semiconducting perovskites. Sunlight effectively shrinks the space between atomic layers, improving photovoltaic efficiency by up to 18%. This breakthrough addresses stability concerns and offers significant implications for studying excited stat...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Model suggests extending annual mammography screening past age 75 may be cost-effective for some healthy older women

A modeling study found that annual mammography screening beyond age 75 may provide little to no benefit in terms of lives saved, while increasing costs and potential harms from overdiagnosis. Biennial screening up to age 80 is more cost-effective but yields a small number of deaths averted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2021

Allergic inflammation and experimental skin cancer risk

A recent study at Tampere University discovered that the expression of an allergy-related receptor chain for proinflammatory IL-13 cytokine protects against experimental skin cancer. The absence of this receptor led to increased regulatory T cells and a suppressed immune response, allowing cancer cells to grow and form tumors.

SourceTampere University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 22, 2021

'Mantle wind' blows through slab window beneath Panama

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have discovered a 900-mile-long mantle conduit beneath Panama, which allows hot material to travel laterally through the shallow mantle. This 'mantle wind' helps explain why plume-derived volcanic material appears in central America despite the absence of active volcanoes.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Requests for anti-racism classroom curricula increased following recent police brutality events

A study found a significant increase in requests for anti-racism books and materials following police brutality events and BLM protests, particularly among teachers of younger students. The demand for inclusive curriculum materials also rose sharply, with over $3.4 million worth of books acquired for half a million students.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 22, 2021

Study digs up roles bacteria play in global carbon cycle

Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel method to track microbes and understand their role in processing soil carbon. The study found that different types of bacteria have varying strategies for assimilating carbon, categorized into guilds based on their access to food.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

How people understand other people

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that people combine different strategies to comprehend others, with mindreading playing a crucial role in building and maintaining long-term relationships. This approach suggests that social cognition should not be viewed as competing strategies, but rather as interacting and flexible methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalErkenntnis·DateNov 22, 2021

Ultrathin solar cells get a boost

Researchers discovered that sunlight contracts the space between atomic layers in 2D perovskites, improving photovoltaic efficiency and stability. The new material shows a threefold increase in electron conduction and is less prone to degradation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Are political parties getting in the way of our health?

Historical state-level analysis finds that increased party competition leads to higher spending on infrastructure, human capital, literacy, earnings, and longevity. States with more party competition tend to have lower infant mortality, higher life expectancy, and greater social well-being.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

Novel Lyme vaccine shows promise

Researchers developed a novel vaccine using mRNA technology that prompts a quick response to components of tick saliva, limiting infection. The vaccine offers broad-based protection against other tick-borne diseases and can be used in conjunction with traditional vaccines.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 22, 2021

Not all patients with type 2 diabetes receive appropriate care to prevent cardiovascular diseases

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that patients with type 2 diabetes often do not receive adequate cholesterol-lowering treatment, despite guidelines recommending statin prescriptions for elevated LDL-C levels. Women tend to have higher average LDL-C levels and receive less statin treatment than men.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2021

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong.

Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

Using the law to advance public health equity: JPHMP presents update on public health interventions to address disparities related to structural racism

A special article in JPHMP presents a pathway for public health departments and practitioners to incorporate law into efforts to advance equity in health outcomes. The article highlights the illustrative case of Coal Run, where residents filed a civil rights complaint and ultimately received water services after decades of denial.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateNov 22, 2021

Ending market exclusivity for statins saves US $12 billion and individuals nearly $1,000 annually

A recent study from George Mason University found that introducing generic statin medications can reduce prices by up to 95% when six or more generic competitors exist. The study reveals average annual cost savings per individual of $211.9 for out-of-pocket, translating to an $11.9 billion savings for the US.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

GeSnOI mid-infrared laser technology

Researchers developed a GeSn-on-insulator (GeSnOI) technology for high-performance GeSn lasers, tackling interface defects, strain engineering, thermal management, and optical confinement. This leads to improved laser properties, including lower threshold, higher maximum lasing temperature, and stronger lasing intensity.

Warnings may reduce hate speech on Twitter, new study finds

A new study by New York University's Center for Social Media and Politics found that warning users of the potential consequences of their use of hate speech can decrease their subsequent posting of hateful language for a week. Researchers examined the impact of issuing warnings to users who had been suspended for posting tweets with ha...

SourceNew York University·JournalPerspectives on Politics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021