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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 450


Page 450 of 510

Here comes the new generation of climate models: the future of rainfall in the Alps

The study reveals that next-generation climate models will provide valuable information on hourly precipitation, enabling better adaptation policies for infrastructure and economies. The research demonstrates the added value of high-resolution climate simulations, confirming their worth in areas with complex orography like the Alps.

Study reveals mutations that drive therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital characterized genomic abnormalities of 84 therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children, identifying notable mutations and increased expression of a transcription factor called MECOM. Early detection of these mutations could lead to early interventions and potentially benefit patients.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2021

Detecting multiple sepsis biomarkers from whole blood - made fast, accurate, and cheap

A multi-disciplinary team at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed an electrochemical diagnostic sensor platform for multiplexed detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in whole blood. The device accurately detects three different sepsis biomarkers simultaneously and has the potential to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 12, 2021

Biodiversity protects bee communities from disease

A new analysis of thousands of Michigan bees reveals that the most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of three common viral pathogens. This study suggests that promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy to reduce viral infections in managed honeybee colonies while maintaining native bee biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEcology·DateFeb 12, 2021

How comparable different stress tests are

A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that certain brain regions, including the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, are consistently activated during stress regardless of the test method used. This suggests a common neural basis for stress perception across different stimuli.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateFeb 12, 2021

Wake-up call for neural stem cells

Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Study identifies never-before-seen dual function in enzyme critical for cancer growth

Researchers have identified a previously unknown dual function of polymerase theta (pol theta) in DNA repair, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic options for breast and ovarian cancers. The finding shows pol theta can both extend DNA and trim it, making it a potential target for treatment development.

Facts on the ground: How microplastics in the soil contribute to environmental pollution

A study by scientists from Incheon National University reveals that microplastics in agricultural soil can affect soil quality, plant physiology, and even the environment. The researchers found that different shapes of MPs dominate various agricultural practices, highlighting the need for efficient management strategies to reduce the t...

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 11, 2021

Play and meaty food reduce hunting by cats

A new study found that introducing premium commercial food with high protein content from meat reduced the number of prey animals brought home by 36%, while five to ten minutes of daily play resulted in a 25% reduction. These non-invasive methods offer a solution for reducing hunting without restricting cat access.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 11, 2021

How do our memories take shape?

Researchers developed a computer program to create geometric shapes from video sequences, comparing them to participants' recounted experiences. The study found that people tend to remember major plot points accurately, while finer-scale details are distorted or forgotten.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 11, 2021

Tap water access linked to dengue risk

Researchers have identified tap water access as a strong predictor of dengue risk in urban environments. Poorly accessed colonies showed higher risks of exposure and recent infection compared to wealthier areas, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 11, 2021

Ebola is a master of disguise

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identified a key pathway that Ebola uses to gain entry into human cells. The researchers found that a specific FDA-approved drug can prevent the virus from using this pathway, potentially leading to new treatment options for Ebola patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 11, 2021

Chinese people may be more susceptible to obesity-related health risks than other racial, ethnic groups

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that Chinese adults are more likely to face high blood pressure and other health risks as a result of higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. The research analyzed data from over 126,000 participants and discovered that C...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 11, 2021

Bringing bad proteins back into the fold

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a mechanism controlling the activity of chaperone proteins, which guide proteins into proper shapes. The findings shed light on hundreds of degenerative and neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021