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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 448


Page 448 of 510

Researchers discover promising biomarkers to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has identified two potential biomarkers, miR-9a-3p and miR-136-3p, which could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury. These microRNAs were found to be elevated in both animal models and human patients, suggesting their potential use in diagnosing the condition....

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Spanish scientists uncover early links between cardiovascular risk and brain metabolism

Researchers found a link between elevated cardiovascular risk and low brain metabolism in middle-aged individuals, with hypertension being the most closely associated factor. Atherosclerosis was also linked to lower brain metabolism, particularly in areas implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 15, 2021

New physics rules tested on quantum computer

A team of researchers used a quantum computer to explore non-Hermitian quantum mechanics and demonstrated experimental results that are forbidden by regular Hermitian quantum theory. They also showed that entanglement can be altered in a way that is not possible under regular quantum physics.

SourceAalto University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateFeb 15, 2021

The comet that killed the dinosaurs

A new study by Harvard researchers suggests that a comet originating from the Oort cloud was bumped off-course by Jupiter's gravitational field, increasing the rate of impacts on Earth. The theory provides a satisfactory explanation for the origin and composition of Chicxulub impactor, potentially shedding light on other similar craters.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 2021

Quantum leaps in understanding how living corals survive

Researchers used non-invasive microscopy to study coral-algal symbiosis, tracking changes in algal concentrations and biomolecules under varying environmental conditions. Shallow water corals produce more algae to compensate for reduced sunlight, while deeper waters rely on algal partners for photosynthesis.

New hope for treating chronic pain without opioids

A new study from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry confirms that low-dose naltrexone is a good option for patients with orofacial and chronic pain, reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life. Low-dose naltrexone works by targeting sensitized nervous cells to reduce pain threshold and sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateFeb 15, 2021

Researchers measure temperature effect of plasmon in chemical reactions using organic "sensors"

Scientists have developed a method to estimate the temperature of chemical reactions activated by plasmons, revealing that properties of plasmons depend on thermal effects and other factors. The study used organic molecules as ultra-small sensors, showing different temperatures for two molecules triggered by plasmon energy.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 15, 2021

Almost half of virus sufferers report depression

A new study reveals nearly half of coronavirus patients experience symptoms of depression, particularly those with persistent symptoms and low family income. Researchers emphasize the need for improved mental health services in light of the pandemic's disruption to these vital resources.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 15, 2021

Cost of human-wildlife interactions

A study in India found that human fatalities from wildlife conflict result in much higher damages than crop and livestock losses, highlighting the need to focus on reducing negative interactions with high-risk species. The researchers estimated that farmers in conflict with elephants suffer up to 900 times higher damages.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Avian insights into human ciliopathies

Researchers have discovered that abnormal skeletal differentiation and remodelling are key causes of ciliopathic micrognathia in a chick model. The study sheds light on the etiology of human ciliopathic micrognathia, highlighting distinct cellular processes impaired during its onset.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 15, 2021

Improving amputation surgery

Researchers developed an agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) that restored physiological feedback, enabling greater precision of movement and reducing pain in amputees. Studies showed improved muscle activity coordination and lower pain levels compared to traditional amputation procedures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Moffitt uses mathematical modeling to identify factors that determine adaptive therapy success

The study found that cell turnover and cost of resistance are important factors impacting adaptive therapy success, with higher cell density and smaller pre-existing resistance levels doing better under adaptive conditions. Researchers developed a mathematical model to visualize the dynamics of cell populations and competition between ...

Tropical paper wasps babysit for neighbours

Research by the University of Bristol team found that tropical paper wasps provide crucial support to extended family members, including helping neighboring nests. By observing twenty thousand baby wasps and their carers, the team discovered that workers become less useful as colony sizes rise due to a surplus of help.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 15, 2021

Collagen structures get the royal reveal

Researchers have created an algorithm called SCEPTTr that predicts the stability of collagen triple helices, a critical structure in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The program expands on previous work to understand natural amino acids and provides detailed melting temperatures for each possible combination of sequences.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2021

Enormous ancient fish discovered by accident

A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth discovered a massive ancient fish fossil, estimated to be around 5 meters long, which is the largest of its type ever found. The fossil, composed of many thin bony plates arranged like a barrel, was identified as a coelacanth, a species believed to be extinct for millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCretaceous Research·DateFeb 15, 2021

Corn belt farmland has lost a third of its carbon-rich soil

The US Department of Agriculture has underestimated the true magnitude of farmland erosion in the Corn Belt, which has lost nearly 30 million acres of its carbon-rich topsoil. Researchers used remote sensing to quantify the previously underestimated erosion, highlighting the need for tillage erosion inclusion in soil loss models.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021