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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 507


Page 507 of 510

Young adults say porn is their most helpful source of information about how to have sex

A new study found that a quarter of young adults in the US rely on porn for information on how to have sex. Heterosexual men were more likely to use porn than female respondents, who preferred their partners as sources of guidance. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sex education and communication skills.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJan 6, 2021

Orange is the new 'block'

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have unveiled the core structure of cyanobacteria's light-harvesting antenna, revealing key features that collect energy and block excess light absorption. The study provides insights into future energy applications and helps explain how living organisms maximize photosynthetic efficiency.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 2021

Smart vaccine patch research gets go-ahead

Researchers at Swansea University have received £230,000 to develop a smart vaccine device that delivers the COVID-19 vaccine and measures its efficacy through monitoring biomarkers in the skin. The device uses microneedles for minimally invasive delivery and offers a personalized vaccination approach.

Gut microbe may promote breast cancers

A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that exposure to B. fragilis toxin can increase the risk of breast cancer by leaving a lasting impression on cells. Researchers found that breast tissue cells exposed to the toxin retained a long-term memory, leading to tumor growth and metastasis in mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJan 6, 2021

Neither liquid nor solid

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new state of matter called liquid glass, which exhibits complex behavior. The particles in liquid glass are able to move but not rotate, leading to local clusters that obstruct each other and prevent an ordered state from forming.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

Climate change caused mangrove collapse in Oman

A University of Bonn study finds that climate change caused the sudden disappearance of mangroves on Oman's coastlines 6,000 years ago. The researchers suggest that a shift in the Intertropical Convergence Zone led to extreme stress on mangrove ecosystems due to increased salinization and drought.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Research·DateJan 5, 2021

Routine eye scans may give clues to cognitive decline in diabetes

A study found associations between retinal changes and memory problems in older people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers used routine eye scans to detect structural changes in the retina that may be linked to cognitive decline. The findings could lead to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other co...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 5, 2021

Machine learning improves particle accelerator diagnostics

A new machine learning system can correctly diagnose particle accelerator component issues in near-real-time, providing operators with actionable information to mitigate problems. The system achieved accuracy rates of 85% for fault detection and 78% for fault type identification during its first two-week test.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 5, 2021

Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

A novel method identifies areas most suitable for the conservation of the endangered black lion tamarin, considering both climate and landscape factors. The study used modeling to pinpoint areas with suitable forest cover and climate, indicating a need for targeted strategies in forest restoration to connect fragmented habitats.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJan 5, 2021

Drought of the century in the Middle Ages -- with parallels to climate change today?

Researchers identified a severe drought period in 1302-07 Europe, which shares similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly and recent climate trends. The study suggests that transitional phases in the climate are characterized by stable weather patterns, contributing to extreme events like the Great Famine of 1315-21.

Repeated ketamine infusions reduce PTSD symptom severity

A study conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly reduced symptom severity in individuals with chronic PTSD. The improvement was rapid and maintained for several weeks afterwards, suggesting this may be a promising treatment option for PTSD patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2021

Dental experts discover biological imbalance is the link between gum and kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a biological imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant cells that links gum disease to chronic kidney disease. A 10% increase in gum inflammation reduces kidney function by 3%, highlighting the importance of periodontal care for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateJan 5, 2021

Self-controlled children tend to be healthier middle-aged adults

A large study tracked 1,000 people from birth to age 45 and found that those with higher self-control as children were aging more slowly. Their bodies and brains were also healthier and biologically younger. Higher childhood self-control correlated with slower aging in multiple measures, including physiological signs of aging.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021