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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 1 of 46

Chronic stress may reduce lifespan in wild baboons, according to new multi-decadal study

A new multi-decadal study involving 242 wild female baboons found evidence to support chronic stress as a significant factor affecting survival. High stress levels throughout adult life were linked to shorter lifespans, with females experiencing a loss of 5.4 years of life compared to those with lower stress responses.

Navigating the squircle

Researchers found that modulation of map-like representations in the brain's hippocampal formation can predict contextual memory retrieval in an ambiguous environment. The study used virtual reality navigation tasks to test human participants' ability to recall object positions in different contexts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2021

Neural nets used to rethink material design

Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPatterns·DateApr 30, 2021

How much does it itch?

A new wearable sensor can quantify itch by measuring scratching motions, providing a crucial tool for diagnosing and treating atopic dermatitis. The device's accuracy has been validated in pediatric patients, making it an exciting development for managing the condition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 30, 2021

CO2 catalysis made more accessible

Researchers have discovered a new aerogel electrocatalyst formed from inexpensive metal alloys, enabling highly efficient electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. The process achieves an efficiency of 93% with minimal byproducts.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2021

Wildfire smoke trends worsening for Western US

A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2021

NIH study identifies diverse spectrum of neurons that govern movement

A recent NIH study has identified a diverse range of motor neurons along the spinal cord that govern movement, including subtypes susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. The research provides an atlas of 21 neuron types, offering new understanding of how these neurons control movement and contribute to organ systems.

Articles for Geosphere posted online in April

Scientists study the Central Anatolian Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountain Volcanic Field, while examining fluvial siliciclastic rocks from the San Juan Basin. In another study, researchers investigate the evolution of the Portland and Tualatin forearc basins in Oregon, highlighting their relation to the Cascadia convergent margin. Add...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 30, 2021

Awake brings proton bunches into sync

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft report a breakthrough in plasma wakefield acceleration technology. They successfully timed the production of proton microbunches that drive a wave in the plasma, fulfilling an important prerequisite for using Awake technology in collision experiments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2021

Antiviral T cells safe and effective for treating debilitating complication common after stem cell transplants

A Phase II trial found that BKV-specific T cells from healthy donors are safe and effective in treating debilitating complications after stem cell transplants. Patients experienced rapid responses, with 81.6% showing improvement after 28 days, and no cases of severe GVHD or toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 30, 2021