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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 91


Page 91 of 510

China’s solar-powered future

Researchers from Harvard and Tsinghua University found that solar energy could provide 43.2% of China's electricity demands in 2060 at less than two-and-a-half U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. The study highlights a crucial energy transition point for China and other countries, where combined solar power and storage systems become a cheap...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021

People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Research finds people prefer to criticize the billionaires' club than a single billionaire. When portrayed individually, billionaires are viewed as more deserving of their wealth due to talent and hard work. In contrast, when shown as part of a group, people perceive greater unfairness and advocate for policies like inheritance taxes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop self-folding natural plant material for ‘intelligent’ green products

Researchers created a paper-like material that folds itself into new shapes in response to environmental humidity, with potential applications in self-folding envelopes and boxes. The material's ability to morph on demand could lead to the development of autonomous origami robots and other complex shapes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021

Volcanic memories: black holes give shape to bubbles, rings and "intergalactic smoke" filaments

A team of researchers observed the evolution of warm gas coming from an active black hole for unprecedented detail, revealing structures reminiscent of volcanic eruptions. These gas bubbles, rings, and 'intergalactic smoke' filaments are formed when black holes consume surrounding matter and release energy, influencing galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 18, 2021

A step towards natural interaction between robots and animals

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology created a robot that can track fast-moving rats for extended periods using real-time localization and movement analysis. The robotic rat's built-in stereo vision system enables it to characterize typical behaviors of actual rats, promoting autonomy and reproducibility in behavior research.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021

Out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations

A recent study used national claims data to estimate out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. The results show that these costs significantly affect the financial burden on patients, especially those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 18, 2021

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021

Compact biosensor microscope built for point of care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact photonic resonator absorption microscope for point-of-care diagnostics, using photonic crystal biosensors to detect proteins or other biomarkers linked to gold nanoparticles. The portable instrument costs $7,000 and has potential applications in detecting various cancers.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

The human immune system is an early riser

Researchers found that the human immune system is most active just before dawn, making it an important consideration for vaccination and cancer therapy. The study's findings suggest that stimulating the immune system at the right time could lead to better treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Immunology·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021

Towards affordable clean energy: Exploring new catalysts for urea-based fuel cells

Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University have created a state-of-the-art catalyst for urea-based fuel cells using inexpensive nickel chalcogenides, outperforming precious metal-based catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in remote areas and beyond.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Infrared light therapy might aid dementia patients

A pilot study found improvements in memory, motor function, and processing skills in healthy individuals after receiving transcranial photobiomodulation therapy. The therapy, involving infrared light, has the potential to alleviate nerve cell damage and reduce symptoms of dementia.

SourceDurham University·JournalPhotobiomodulation Photomedicine and Laser Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2021

How the brain navigates cities

A new MIT study suggests that pedestrians choose routes that point most directly toward their destination, even if those routes are longer. This strategy, known as vector-based navigation, may have evolved to allow the brain to devote more power to other tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

The 2nd International BioDesign Research Conference

The 2nd International BioDesign Research Conference will showcase the latest advancements in Biosystems Design and Synthetic Biology, featuring plenary talks, keynote presentations, and poster sessions. The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and promote interactions between academia and industry.

Cheers! Wine’s red grape pulp offers nutritional bounty

A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that the pulp from red grapes used in wine production contains beneficial stilbenes that can positively affect human intestines and the stomach's microbiome. The findings suggest a potential link between grape consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateOct 18, 2021

Filling half of kids' plates with fruits and veggies helps increase consumption

Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2021

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

HSE ISSEK Researchers Analyse Opportunities for Scientific Cooperation between Developing Countries in BRICS + Global South Format

The study identifies promising topics for scientific collaboration, including medicine, engineering, computer science, and agricultural sciences. BRICS Plus countries have significant growth potential in research and development, with some already ranking among the top 30 countries globally.

Medical providers less able to detect authentic pain among Black people than White people, study finds

A new study by E. Paige Lloyd found that medical providers are better at discerning real from fake pain expressions for White people than Black people. This disparity in pain detection could contribute to racial disparities in pain care and treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Building a better dipstick

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a flow control technology to overcome limitations of traditional dipstick tests. This technology enables complex biomedical assays and can detect multiple pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 18, 2021

Mother’s occupational exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants could cause asthma in future children

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that mothers who worked with cleaning agents and disinfectants before conception had a 71% higher risk of their child developing asthma. The study investigated 3318 offspring-mother pairs and suggested that exposure to these chemicals may influence health outcome...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 18, 2021

Exploring the global environmental impacts of China's growing demand for food

A study by IIASA researchers and Chinese colleagues highlights the need for sustainable food production in China to avoid environmental destruction. The global impact of China's increasing food demand is expected to be substantial, with significant challenges facing trading partners, particularly those involved in livestock products.

Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to predict patient tumor responses to radiation therapy

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute use computer modeling to study the relationship between tumor-immune environment and radiation response. They discover that tumor cells will either escape immune predation or be eradicated based on the numbers of immune effector and suppressor cells present. The model hel...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNeoplasia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021