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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 469


Page 469 of 510

Computer model makes strides in search for COVID-19 treatments

A new deep-learning model has identified at least 10 compounds that may hold promise as treatments for COVID-19, including approved drugs like cyclosporine and anidulafungin. The model uses artificial intelligence to predict gene expression values for new chemicals, providing a valuable tool for pharmaceutical and clinical researchers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 1, 2021

Neutrons probe molecular behavior of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates

Researchers analyze molecular dynamics of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates to understand their interactions with target proteins in human cells. They found that certain parts of the molecules can move more easily once hydrated, which could influence how efficiently a drug takes on shapes associated with different biological functions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

When rhinos fly: Upside down the right way for transport

Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2021

A surprising cycle

Researchers find immense biohydrocarbon cycle in ocean, with marine cyanobacteria producing pentadecane at rates of 300-600 million metric tons per year. The cycle plays a crucial role in the ocean's response to oil spills and could potentially prime the ocean for cleanup.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Stress on every cell:

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science mapped the entire stress axis in detail, identifying 21,723 cells along the route. They found significant alterations in gene expression and cell changes, particularly in the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in the stress response.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2021

Why it is harder for Brazilians of African descent to find bone marrow donors

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Brazilians of African descent are less likely to find a donor in the National Register of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors, with an up to 60% reduction in chances. The lack of representation and genetic diversity makes it harder for individuals with African ancestry to find compatible...

Wonder fungi

Researchers have sequenced over 700 novel microbial genomes from the gut microbiome of a goat, discovering that fungi play a disproportionate role in biomass degradation. The study also found that fungi are more efficient at producing methane, a potential game-changer for renewable energy production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Stimulant-associated deaths in US

Between 2010 and 2017, US stimulant-associated deaths rose substantially, driven primarily by cocaine use. Medical stimulants also contributed to the increase, suggesting a broader public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021

Virtual conference CO2 emissions quantified in new study

A new study from the University of Michigan estimates virtual conference CO2 emissions using a framework that includes energy usage, network data transfer, and server energy consumption. The study found that a May 2020 virtual conference produced 66 times less greenhouse gas emissions than an in-person meeting in San Francisco.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Studies·DateFeb 1, 2021

Physics of snakeskin sheds light on sidewinding

Researchers discovered that sidewinders' bellies have tiny pits and few spikes, which enhances sidewinding but is not as efficient for forward undulation. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and could lead to improvements in human technology, such as snake robots for search-and-rescue missions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

What makes people want more self-control?

Researchers found that desire for self-control is influenced by societal demands and internal motivations, with individuals low in trait self-control expressing greater DSC. Desire for self-control hinges on sense of necessity to accomplish current goals, leading to increased willingness to enroll in training.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMotivation Science·DateFeb 1, 2021

Mathematical method developed to predict cancer and drug-specific immunotherapy efficacy

Houston Methodist researchers created a mathematical model to predict how specific cancers will respond to immunotherapy treatments, enhancing chances for successful treatments. The model uses laws of physics and chemistry to describe complex biological systems involved in immunotherapy treatment and the associated immune response.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 1, 2021

Neurotransmitter regulation of circadian rhythms

A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021