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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 46

Researchers raise alarm over stalled adoption of biotechnology to improve food security

A team of researchers calls on governments worldwide to support the adoption of biotechnologies to improve crop production and combat climate change. They argue that societal acceptance of technologies like gene editing is a major obstacle, highlighting the need for effective communication and advocacy to gain public confidence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 20, 2021

'Undruggable' cancer protein becomes druggable, thanks to shrub

A chemist at Purdue University has found a way to synthesize a compound that can fight a previously 'undruggable' cancer protein with benefits across various cancer types. The compound, curcusone D, was discovered in a shrub native to North America and has shown potent anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2021

Brain-on-a-chip would need little training

Researchers at KAUST developed a brain-on-a-chip that can learn real-world data patterns without extensive training, leveraging spiking neural networks and spike-timing-dependent plasticity model. The system is more than 20 times faster and 200 times more energy efficient than other neural network platforms.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateApr 20, 2021

Better marketing for a better world

This special issue of the Journal of Marketing explores how marketing can contribute to a better world by examining its impact on outcomes beyond financial performance. It highlights research on topics like sustainability, economic empowerment, health, and prosocial giving.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 20, 2021

Green energy technology

Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.

Is social media use a potentially addictive behaviour?

Research at University of Strathclyde suggests frequent social media use is not necessarily linked to addiction, contradicting previous studies on attentional bias. The study tested participants' attention towards specific apps and found no association with self-reported addictive severity or established measures of engagement.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateApr 20, 2021

Understanding our restoring force

A research team led by Michigan State University found that restoration benefits outweigh detriments from land use history two-to-one. Despite the benefits, restoration could not erase all of farming's lasting effects. The study provides insights for ecologists to target restoration efforts effectively.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

AI agent helps identify material properties faster

A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Computational Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Can extreme melt destabilize ice sheets?

Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021

New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research

Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 20, 2021

Review summarizes known links between endocrine disruptors and breast cancer risk

A comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research found a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and increased breast cancer risk. For example, DDT, PCBs, and PFOA were associated with higher breast cancer incidence in some studies, while phytoestrogens like genistein showed potential protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateApr 20, 2021

Crucial action needed for coral reefs

Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 20, 2021

Designing healthy diets - with computer analysis

A new mathematical model developed by Chalmers University of Technology can predict how different bacteria interact and affect the intestinal microbiome. The model was tested on two clinical studies, one involving Swedish infants and another adults in Finland, showing high accuracy in predicting multiple variables.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

Human land use wasn't always at nature's expense

A study combining global maps of population and land use with biodiversity data reveals effective environmental stewardship by Indigenous and traditional peoples. Human transformation of terrestrial nature has been long-standing, contradicting the assumption that development is inherently destructive.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021

The COVID-19 is a unique opportunity to move towards more sustainable and equitable society

The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need to adapt to global environmental changes, with researchers highlighting the importance of shifting societal priorities from economic growth to human well-being and environmental health. A sustainable transition requires a cohesive and inclusive society where people adhere to collective action...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalSustainability Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Reliably detecting cocoa off-flavors

A team of scientists has identified key odorants responsible for musty and moldy-smoky cocoa flavors using a molecular sensory science concept. The research provides an objective method to assess fermented cocoa's sensory quality based on odorant concentrations, benefiting the food industry with reliable identification of off-flavors.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 20, 2021

2D nanomaterial MXene: The perfect lubricant

Researchers from TU Wien and international partners discovered MXene's exceptional properties as an ultra-durable dry lubricant, reducing friction to one sixth and withstanding 100,000 movement cycles without issues. Its heat resistance and independence from atmosphere and temperature make it suitable for various industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 20, 2021