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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 29


Page 29 of 46

Mystery canine illness identified

A 2019-2020 canine vomiting outbreak was identified as a variant of canine enteric coronavirus (CeCoV), affecting male dogs more than females. A national surveillance system is being developed to monitor canine health.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2021

Magic mushroom compound performs at least as well as leading antidepressant in small study

In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021

Elusive particle may point to undiscovered physics

Researchers confirm the original findings that suggested a significant discrepancy in the muon's magnetic field from the Standard Model prediction. This discovery may indicate the presence of an undiscovered type of fundamental physics, leading to further investigation into the nature of particles and forces.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 13, 2021

Narratives can help science counter misinformation on vaccines

Author Michael Dahlstrom's paper examines how narratives or storytelling can help counter misinformation on vaccines by providing context and connection between facts. This approach recognizes the disproportionate influence of narratives on attitudes and behaviors, and highlights their potential as a tool for public health education.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

Life expectancy lower near superfund sites

A nationwide review of hazardous waste sites found that living near a Superfund site could decrease life expectancy by over two months. Those with lower incomes and sociodemographic disadvantage face the greatest risk, with decreases in life expectancy ranging from seven to 15 months.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021

New method of artificially creating genetic switches for yeast

Researchers from Kobe University and Chiba University developed a flexible method to create genetic switches for yeast, allowing for the control of gene expression. They successfully produced yeast that biosynthesized orange pigment under AND-gated control, paving the way for sophisticated, artificially regulated cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021

Novel theory addresses centuries-old physics problem

A new study by Hebrew University researcher Professor Barak Kol introduces a novel approach to the three-body problem, predicting the probability of each body escaping the system. The theory avoids infinite probabilities and provides strong agreement with computer simulations, indicating a paradigm shift in understanding the system.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCelestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy·DateApr 13, 2021

Psychedelic experience may not be required for psilocybin's antidepressant-like benefits

Researchers found that psilocybin restored the pleasure response in mice with depression, even when the psychedelic effects were blocked. The study suggests that a version of the drug without or with less psychedelic effects could be developed to make therapy more accessible and cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021