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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 492


Page 492 of 510

Designer cytokine makes paralyzed mice walk again

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has developed a novel approach to treat spinal cord injuries by stimulating nerve cell regeneration with a designer cytokine. In a groundbreaking study, they successfully restored walking ability in paralyzed mice, paving the way for future human trials.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2021

A most distant signal

A team of scientists has discovered the most distant quasar ever observed, J0313-1806, which is also the earliest known quasar in the universe. The quasar is powered by a supermassive black hole weighing over 1.6 billion times the mass of the Sun.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 15, 2021

Simulating evolution to understand a hidden switch

Researchers used computer simulations to study evolution and phenotypic switching in organisms, finding that a 'hidden' switch mechanism is used for stability, and can be activated in response to environmental changes. The study suggests that this mechanism helps organisms maintain gene expression levels under stable conditions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJan 15, 2021

Special interests can be assets for youth with autism

A new survey from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that leveraging children's special interests can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health in youth with autism. The study suggests using these interests as a positive reinforcer or educational opportunity, such as using a favorite TV show as a reward for completing tasks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 15, 2021

Nanodiamonds feel the heat

Researchers created nanodiamond sensors that can act as both heat sources and thermometers, allowing for the measurement of thermal conductivity inside living cells. This breakthrough may lead to new diagnostics tools and cancer therapies, as well as a better understanding of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Controlling chemical catalysts with sculpted light

Scientists have developed a method to control the activity of chemical catalysts using sculpted light, which can lead to faster or more efficient reactions. By manipulating the location of reactive sites on the catalyst, researchers can optimize the performance of single catalysts and avoid unwanted reactions.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2021

Scientists offer road map to improve environmental observations in the Indian Ocean

A group of scientists recommends four major improvements to enhance environmental observations in the Indian Ocean, a region warming faster than others. The enhancements aim to improve weather and climate forecasting for countries bordering its rim, vulnerable to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJan 15, 2021