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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 7


Page 7 of 510

Is shaming kids effective? The answer depends on parents' religiosity level, Hebrew University study finds

A Hebrew University study found that parents' religiosity level impacts their child's behavior. In secular Jewish families, psychological control was linked to reduced helpfulness, while in religious Jewish and Muslim families, it showed the opposite effect. The research suggests that parenting style is culturally context-dependent.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Children, as well as adults, are more lenient towards “lies of omission”

Research by Kobe University's Graduate School of Human Development and Environment found that children and adults alike show a tendency to morally judge lies of omission more leniently than lies of commission. This study highlights the importance of considering 'lies of omission' in guidance to improve children's morality.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Alternative statistical method could improve clinical trials

Researchers have developed a new statistical toolkit using the fragility index to determine if clinical trial results are strong and reliable. The new method has been shown to be more flexible than previous versions, allowing researchers to test assumptions and consider implications of a wider range of outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2021

Can a dangerous microbe offer a new way to silence pain?

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that a deadly anthrax toxin can block multiple types of pain in mice by altering signaling in pain-sensing neurons. This approach offers a novel precision-targeted pain treatment strategy without the widespread systemic effects of current pain-relief drugs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Family members of children with life-threatening conditions 50% to 70% more likely than peers to suffer mental, physical issues

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Gains in HPV vaccination coverage after interventions sustainable for several years

A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Racial discrimination may affect whether people respond to email

Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Science fiction revisited: Ramjet propulsion

Calculations at TU Wien show that Ramjet propulsion, which involves capturing protons and using them for a nuclear fusion reactor, cannot work as proposed. The analysis revealed huge dimensions required to achieve even minimal thrust, making it impossible for current technology to achieve.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Is it possible to detect and assess neuromuscular functions via wearable, soft yet durable strain sensors?

A team of researchers developed a new graphene-based strain sensor that can detect and assess subtle and fast neuromuscular functions, enabling the monitoring of movement disorders such as Parkinson's and tremors. The sensors showed high sensitivity and consistency with traditional electromyography (EMG) techniques.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 20, 2021

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center study details chromosome-level changes that allow melanomas to develop drug resistance

Researchers developed a model of drug resistance in melanoma, revealing mechanisms involving extrachromosomal DNA amplifications and intrachromosomal chromosomal rearrangements. The study found that different forms of DNA offer 'fitness' advantages to tumor cells under varying therapeutic conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Prescribe fewer antidepressants, and for shorter periods, doctors advised

A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2021

Fetal MRI is a valuable adjunct to ultrasound in detecting abnormal extracardiac development in fetuses with congenital heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 20, 2021

Exposure of pre-adolescent children to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices is not associated with sleep disturbances

A new study by ISGlobal found no association between overall mobile device exposure and sleep disturbances in pre-adolescents, but suggested an effect on sleep when exposure occurs in the evening. The study of over 1,500 children aged 9-12 years old found that those making phone calls in the evening had reduced sleep time.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Diabetes drug from the group of SGLT2 inhibitors normalizes insulin action in the brain

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin can improve insulin sensitivity in the brain, leading to better glucose control and reduced liver fat content. This breakthrough discovery positions SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential treatment for insulin resistance in the brain.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

A new muscle layer has been discovered on the jaw, contradicting traditional anatomy descriptions. The masseter muscle was found to have an additional third layer, which is involved in stabilizing the lower jaw and pulling it backwards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateDec 20, 2021

Fast and durable batteries to come: A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 20, 2021