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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 30


Page 30 of 46

Influence of sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean on air quality in the Yangtze River Delta region

Researchers found a significant positive correlation between December sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean and haze days in January over the Yangtze River Delta region. The study reveals that favorable local meteorological conditions, including increased air temperature and southerly winds, facilitate haze formation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2021

The role of hydrophobic molecules in catalytic reactions

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Sorbonne Université has discovered the significant contribution of small hydrophobic molecules to the energy costs of electrochemical reactions. The study found that these molecules interact with water at interfaces, leading to a crucial role in the chemical reactions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

Human screams communicate at least six emotions

A study published in PLOS Biology found that human screams communicate multiple emotions beyond fear, including pain, anger, fear, pleasure, sadness, and joy. Researchers used four experiments to investigate the acoustic diversity of scream calls and found that listeners responded more quickly and accurately to non-alarm screams.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 13, 2021

Physical inactivity linked to more severe COVID-19 infection and death

A large US study found that physical inactivity is associated with more severe COVID-19 infection and a heightened risk of dying from the disease. Patients who were consistently inactive during the pandemic were more likely to be admitted to hospital, require intensive care, and die than those who met physical activity guidelines.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 13, 2021

People may trust computers more than humans

A recent study by University of Georgia researchers found that people are more likely to rely on algorithms for decision-making, even when faced with complex challenges. As the task becomes harder, people prefer algorithm-generated suggestions over human advice or 'wisdom of the crowd', according to the study.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2021

Rescuing street art from vandals' graffiti

Researchers developed a nanostructured fluid that slowly releases cleaning agents to remove over-paintings on street art without damaging the underlying layer. The technique, which uses low-toxicity solvents and biodegradable surfactants, has been tested successfully on laboratory mockups and real pieces of street art.

More exposure to political TV ads heightens anxiety

A new study by Cornell University researchers has found a positive association between exposure to televised campaign ads and reported diagnoses of anxiety among U.S. adults. The study analyzed two large national datasets and found that increased ad exposure was linked to higher odds of being diagnosed with anxiety.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 13, 2021

Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may increase risk of psychosis from cannabis use

A new study published in Translational Psychiatry reveals that individuals with high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia are disproportionately affected by cannabis use, experiencing a 60% higher risk of psychotic experiences. Cannabis users, compared to non-users, have higher rates of psychotic experiences across the board.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 13, 2021

Study suggests common drug could be used to prevent certain skin cancers

Researchers at Ohio State University suggest that an oral drug currently used to treat neuromuscular diseases could help prevent a common form of skin cancer caused by UVB radiation. The study found that the neurotransmitter dopamine can stop the development and progression of certain UVB-induced precancerous squamous skin cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 13, 2021