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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 486


Page 486 of 510

How cells 'eat' their own fluid components

Researchers have unraveled the mechanisms of how cells capture and degrade fluid droplets through autophagy. The study reveals that a tug-of-war between the droplet's surface tension and the isolation membrane's bending energy governs this process, with the outcome determining whether a piece or complete droplet is captured.

Solar system formation in two steps

A team of researchers discovered that the early Solar System formed in two distinct steps, resulting in different planetary compositions and evolutionary paths. The study explains why the inner planets are small and dry, while the outer planets are larger and wet.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2021

Opiate overdoses spike in black Philadelphians, but drop in white residents since COVID-19

A study found that fatal opioid overdoses increased by over 50% among Black individuals in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, white residents experienced a 31% drop in fatal overdoses during the same period. The research suggests that racial inequities worsened the opioid crisis, with factors such as economic hardshi...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 21, 2021

Electrons caught in the act

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a technique to visualize ultrafast electron motion with sub-nanoscale spatial resolution, enabling the study of semiconductor device operation and potential defect control. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateJan 21, 2021

Children 'not scared' by PPE, says study

A new study from Alder Hey Children's Hospital found that children are not anxious or scared when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the anaesthetic room. In fact, most children reported feeling happy and safe with PPE, while none experienced anxiety or fear.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateJan 21, 2021

Fish sex organs boosted under high-CO2

Research found that some fish species exhibit larger gonads and increased reproductive output under elevated CO2 levels, leading to more offspring. Males and females adjust their behavior to optimize reproduction, with males foraging more and investing energy in egg care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 21, 2021

Research finds people more likely to follow Covid rules when friends and family do

A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people are more likely to follow Covid-19 restrictions based on their close circle's behavior rather than their own principles. The researchers discovered that the best predictor of compliance was how much one's close friends and family were following the rules.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateJan 21, 2021

Food insecurity spiked during early months of pandemic

A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 21, 2021

How to get more electric cars on the road

A new study from MIT researchers reveals that installing charging stations on residential streets and adding high-speed charging stations along highways can greatly increase the adoption of electric cars. The findings suggest that making convenient charging options available to people, especially those with limited access to garages or...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 21, 2021

Detailed tumour profiling

Researchers developed a platform to derive comprehensive molecular profiles of tumours, enabling personalized therapy recommendations and expanded treatment options. The Tumor Profiler study analyzed 240 patients' tumour samples using advanced testing methods, providing insights into cellular diversity and treatment response.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 21, 2021

Study shows number and variety of issues experienced by staff wearing

A study by Dr Tom Hutley and colleagues found that the longer healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), the more issues they experience, including tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. The survey also revealed a negative impact on team performance, with 92% of respondents feeling PPE affected communication.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateJan 21, 2021

Making protein 'superfood' from marine algae

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a sustainable way to produce protein 'superfoods' from marine algae. The process involves cultivating single-cell organisms from the ocean and converting them into healthy cell patties, chips, pastes, jams, and even caviar.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateJan 21, 2021

Crystal close up

Researchers use novel techniques to observe salt crystal formation at the atomic level for the first time. The study confirms theoretical predictions about crystal formation and provides insight into polymorphism in crystal growth.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2021

NIH study compares low-fat, plant-based diet to low-carb, animal-based diet

A small, highly controlled study at the National Institutes of Health compared the effects of a low-fat, plant-based diet to a low-carb, animal-based diet on calorie intake, hormone levels, body weight, and more. Participants lost weight on both diets, but only the low-fat diet led to a significant loss of body fat.

Teamwork in a molecule

Chemists at the University of Jena have successfully created a bimetallic main-group complex using gallium, demonstrating cooperative bond activation that can remove fluorine atoms from hydrocarbon compounds. The breakthrough paves the way for further development of sustainable catalytic reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2021

Gold nanoparticles more stable by putting rings on them

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a method to prevent gold nanoparticles from clumping, which could improve their effectiveness as anti-cancer therapy. Attaching ring-shaped synthetic compounds to gold nanoparticles retains their light-absorbing properties and maintains dispersion in solution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2021

Ten suggestions for female faculty and staff during the pandemic

During the pandemic, female academics are sharing their experiences and advice on managing work-life balance while juggling caregiving responsibilities. The authors suggest finding peer support groups, saying no to non-essential tasks, and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing individual differences ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 21, 2021

Angstrom multilayer metrology by combining spectral measurements and machine learning

Researchers have developed a new method to accurately characterize the thickness of hundreds-layer semiconductor devices using optical spectral measurements and machine learning. The technique can determine layer thickness with an average error of 1.6 Å, helping control etching and deposition processes.

Curtin find could slash energy use and cost in making silicon

Researchers have discovered a method to produce silicon at room temperature using electrical currents instead of extreme heat, which could slash energy use and cost in the industry. This technique replaces thermochemical processes with electrochemical processes, converting clean electricity into chemical energy.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2021

Oldest carbonates in the solar system

The study reveals that the Flensburg meteorite contains carbonates dating back over three million years, making them the oldest in the solar system. The findings also suggest that liquid water existed on a minor planet early in the solar system's formation.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJan 20, 2021