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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 451


Page 451 of 510

Most people are naturally armed against SARS-CoV-2

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that most people can produce neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in severe cases of COVID-19. These antibodies can be combined to block the virus from spreading, offering a promising approach for treatment and prevention, especially for vulnerable populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 11, 2021

The politics of synonyms

A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people are more successful at identifying language associated with Republican speech than Democratic speech patterns. The study used machine learning to scan the Congressional Record and presidential debate corpora to isolate linguistic variation between the two parties.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2021

Want to hire more women? Expand your short list

A Cornell University study reveals that increasing the length of an initial job candidate shortlist can help hiring managers consider female candidates more, supporting gender equity efforts. By extending this list, it can increase the consideration of female candidates in male-dominant domains.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 11, 2021

Common pipistrelle bats attracted to wind turbines

A new study found that common pipistrelle bats are attracted to wind turbines, with activity around 30% higher at turbines than control locations. Ongoing monitoring and measures like idling blade rotation may help reduce fatalities. Soprano pipistrelle bat activity did not show conclusive evidence of attraction.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

A new way of forming planets

Scientists have developed a new modelling technique to simulate the effects of both gravity and magnetism on planetary formation. The study suggests that magnetic fields can make it difficult for growing planets to accumulate mass beyond a certain point, resulting in a higher frequency of intermediate-mass planets.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 11, 2021

Coronavirus test from a suitcase

A portable, suitcase-based laboratory provides rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 testing in regions with limited infrastructure. The mini-lab uses a recombinase polymerase amplification method, producing results in under 15 minutes.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 11, 2021

Mail-in sperm testing system just as reliable in predicting male fertility as tests performed in clinic settings

A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that a mail-in sperm testing kit can accurately analyze semen up to 52 hours after collection, surpassing the current one-hour test. This innovation allows men to provide specimens from home, improving flexibility and accessibility for fertility evaluations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 11, 2021

Smartphone app to change your personality

A digital intervention using a smartphone app altered major personality traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion. Participants who used the app for more than three months reported greater success in achieving their change goals compared to those who only used it for two months.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2021

Wafer-scale production of graphene-based photonic devices

Researchers from Graphene Flagship partners developed a wafer-scale fabrication method for graphene-based photonic devices, enabling automation and paving the way to large-scale production. The technique allows for integration into silicon wafers, offering ultra-broadband communications and ultra-high mobility of carriers.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 11, 2021

Handgun ownership associated with firearm suicide

A new study published in Archives of Suicide Research found that handgun ownership is associated with a greater odds of dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in suicide deaths. Researchers also discovered that individuals who only owned handguns were more likely to use them in their death compared to those who owned shotguns.

SourceRutgers University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateFeb 11, 2021

Recent efforts haven't improved access to kidney transplantation

Despite policies and interventions aimed at improving access to kidney transplantation, a new study found no overall improvement in rates of wait list placement and transplantation over two decades. The researchers also identified striking disparities in access to transplantation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 11, 2021

No new mountains formed during Earth's middle age, halting life's evolution for an eon

A new study reveals that mountain formation was paused for nearly a billion years during Earth's middle age, leading to a decline in crustal thickness and potentially halting life evolution. The prolonged orogenic quiescence may have resulted from the long-lived Nuna-Rodina supercontinent altering the thermal structure of the mantle.