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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 46

Psst! Have you heard that gossip isn't all bad?

A Dartmouth study reveals that gossip creates social connections and enables learning through indirect information sharing. The research finds that participants who engaged in private chats with their group members felt more connected and shared similar impressions of others.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics and gene therapy

CRISPR/Cas technology has advanced diagnostics and gene therapy, enabling fast and accurate disease diagnosis and treating untreatable diseases like cancer and blood disorders. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas technologies are highlighted, with a discussion of the strength and challenges for its future clinical usage.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateApr 26, 2021

Results of study could be biggest rehab advance in decades for patients after stroke

A study published in The Lancet found that patients who incorporated vagus nerve simulation during physical or occupational therapy showed a significant improvement in arm and hand function, up to 2-3 times more than those with sham stimulation. This breakthrough could be one of the most impressive advances in decades for stroke patients.

We've been at it a long time

A team of geologists and archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem confirms that ancient humans were making simple Oldowan stone tools inside the Wonderwerk Cave 1.8 million years ago. The discovery also dates the deliberate use of fire by prehistoric ancestors to 1 million years ago.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateApr 26, 2021

Association of preeclampsia with stroke in later life

A new study published in JAMA Network Open explores the link between preeclampsia during pregnancy and increased risk of stroke in later life. The research suggests that women with a history of preeclampsia may be at higher risk for stroke, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 26, 2021

Normally harmless cell molecule triggers neuron death

Researchers discovered that farnesyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in normal cell metabolism, causes rapid and extensive cell death when present at high concentrations outside cells. Inhibition of TRPM2 channels or targeting its metabolic pathway may offer new avenues for reducing stroke damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

Cleaner water through corn

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have developed an energy-efficient way to convert corn stover into activated carbon for water treatment. The process produces activated carbon that absorbs up to 98% of vanillin from water, showcasing a promising approach to combating climate change by repurposing idle resources.

Football Fitness gives an important boost to health in women treated for breast cancer

A study by the University of Southern Denmark found that Football Fitness improves balance, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density in women treated for breast cancer. The 12-month training program reduced the risk of falls and broken bones, making everyday activities easier.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 26, 2021

Netflix commits to local productions to continue leading the streaming platform market

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers reveals Netflix's diverse strategy for original feature films, which includes premieres, film festivals and local production. The platform has increased its investment in in-house production and distribution to offer unique content and differentiate itself from rival platforms.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalCommunication & Society·DateApr 26, 2021

Higher education does not influence how the brain ages

A recent study by the Lifebrain consortium found that brains shrink at the same rate in highly educated and less educated individuals. Despite slightly larger brain volumes in highly educated people, their brains age similarly throughout life. The researchers measured brain aging using MRI scans from over 2000 participants and tracked ...

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Supervisors focused on others' needs get 'benefit of the doubt' from employees

Employees perceive prosocially motivated supervisors as fairer and are more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt, even when they make mistakes. Research from the University of Notre Dame found that supervisor motives impact fairness judgments and that focusing on prosocial motives can buffer the negative effects of low justice ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 26, 2021

Ozone pollution in Germany falls thanks to lower nitrogen oxide emissions

A recent study found that ozone pollution in Germany has decreased primarily due to reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. Ozone formation is often linked to NOx emissions from traffic and industrial processes. Lower NOx levels are positively correlated with lower ozone concentrations, especially in regions like southwestern Germany.

How COVID-19 impacted UK healthcare

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers found that despite high levels of unmet healthcare need, the NHS upheld its principle of equal treatment for equal need, with no difference in access to hospital care between income groups. However, those on higher incomes had better access to GP consultations and medical helplines.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 26, 2021

Icy clouds could have kept early Mars warm enough for rivers and lakes, study finds

A new simulation led by University of Chicago geoscientist Edwin Kite finds that high-altitude water ice clouds could have created a greenhouse effect on early Mars, enabling the presence of flowing rivers and lakes. The study challenges previous assumptions about the Martian climate and offers insights into the planet's habitability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021