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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 73


Page 73 of 510

Giving AI penalties to get better diagnoses

A new study improves AI diagnoses by penalizing algorithms for false negatives, which can be more urgent than accuracy. Researchers achieved significant improvements in precision and recall for chronic kidney disease and other conditions using cost sensitivity techniques.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalInformatics in Medicine Unlocked·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

What’s down there? WHOI study shows environmental DNA is a reliable way to learn about migration from the ocean twilight zone

Researchers found that changes in eDNA concentration accurately reflect movement of creatures between the twilight zone and surface. The study provides clues about species diversity, distribution, and migration patterns using genetic material shed by marine creatures.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2021

Researchers identify ultrafast dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures

A team of researchers identified the ultrafast carrier dynamics in monolayer MoS2/ReSe2 heterostructures, revealing relaxation pathways and intermediate processes. The study provides comprehensive insight into photocarrier dynamics across charge separation, enabling the development of optoelectronic devices.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

A life less obvious: Study sheds light on the evolution of underground microbes

A new study reveals that many cratons were uninhabitable for microbes for much of their existence, with the longest period of habitability not much beyond a billion years. The deep biosphere, home to microbial life, has evolved over geologic history, and modern microbes are related to ancient ancestors in the subsurface.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2021

A superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication

Researchers have developed a superconducting silicon-photonic chip for quantum communication, enabling optimal Bell-state measurement of time-bin encoded qubits. This breakthrough enhances the key rate of secure quantum communication and removes detector side-channel attacks, significantly increasing security.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Pandemic solitude was positive experience for many

A study of over 2000 participants found that time spent alone during the pandemic led to improved well-being scores, with 43% describing activities as a source of competence. Adults experienced disrupted well-being and negative mood less frequently than teenagers, highlighting the importance of solitude for mental health.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

How bread wheat got its gluten: Tracing the impact of a long-lost relative on modern bread wheat

Researchers sequenced DNA from 242 accessions of Aegilops tauschii, a wild relative of bread wheat, and discovered a distinct lineage that contributed to the modern wheat genome. This ancient contribution has provided valuable genetic diversity for improving disease resistance, yield, and environmental resilience in modern wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Plasmon-induced trap filling at grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

A novel core-shell plasmonic metal nanostructure enhances coupling with perovskite material, effectively filling deep level trap states at grain boundaries. The incorporation of this technology improves photo-generated current and device performance by increasing open circuit voltage and filling factor.

The 5:2 diet - a good choice for gestational diabetes

New research from the University of South Australia finds that the 5:2 diet is just as effective as a continuous energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that this diet offers greater choice and flexibility for women loo...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021

Mammals’ noses come from reptiles’ jaws

Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021

Eyes underwater: Complementary tools can determine how fish use oyster aquaculture gear

The NOAA Fisheries Milford Lab used underwater video and environmental DNA sampling to investigate how fish interact with oyster cages. The study found that seven fish species were present, including four species consistently associated with the cages, revealing new insights into fish behavior and ecology.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalAquaculture Environment Interactions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2021

Three-channel Kondo effect discovered in cubic holmium compound

Researchers have discovered a three-channel Kondo effect in a cubic holmium compound using numerical methods, predicting an exotic quantum ground state and potential applications. The study found a residual entropy value at ultra-low temperatures, matching the predicted value by the three-channel Kondo effect.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 30, 2021

Researchers discover new type of nerve cell in the retina

A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2021

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.

Prompt procurement and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines are as important as their efficacy

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that prioritizing prompt procurement, distribution, and vaccination pace can maximize public health benefits and economic efficiency. Meeting vaccination targets of 67% or 80% of the population can significantly reduce infections and deaths while minimizing healthcare costs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2021

HSE researchers discover how people’s values affect their attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions

The study found that individuals with prosocial values are more receptive to information emphasizing the risks posed to others, whereas those without such values focus on personal threats. Risk framing also significantly increased support for anti-COVID measures, potentially promoting autocratic policies globally.

Molecular imaging suggests Long-COVID symptoms may be caused by fatigue, not regional brain dysfunction

A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021