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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Mathematical model predicts best way to build muscle

A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can predict the optimum exercise regime for building muscle. The model takes into account individual physiology and optimizes exercise regimes based on user input, promising to maximize athletes' potential.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

A novel function of noncoding RNA in senescence and cancer

Researchers discovered that noncoding RNA derived from pericentromeric repetitive sequences upregulates SASP-like inflammatory gene expression by disturbing chromatin interactions. hSATII RNA is highly detectable in cancer cells and supports tumor development via small EVs, highlighting a new role in age-related pathologies.

SourceJapanese Foundation For Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Survival strategy of starving spruces trees: The critical role of reserves

Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Bringing order to chaotic bubbles can make mining more sustainable

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to structure chaotic bubbles, enabling more efficient separation of useful metals from useless particles. This method uses vibrations to control the motion of bubbles, leading to reduced energy and water usage in mining.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2021

TSIM: A model for telehealth

The Telehealth Service Implementation Model (TSIM) offers a comprehensive approach to developing and sustaining successful telehealth programs. TSIM addresses key challenges such as provider and patient engagement, technical, financial, regulatory, and administrative burdens.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalTelemedicine Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Moving emergency care patients to other hospital departments prone to high mishap rate

A recent study at a large Australian hospital found nearly 4 out of 10 patient transports to be marred by incidents, including limb entrapment, collisions, and issues with infusion pumps. Patient agitation was also a common factor in these mishaps, highlighting the need for improved transport training and preparation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2021

CUNY SPH and the NYC Health Department to study long-acting antiretroviral therapy for HIV

The APPLI study aims to assess the perceptions and preferences of people living with HIV on long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies. The study will explore how to support adherence and integrate these therapies into Ryan White HIV care settings, potentially improving health outcomes for those struggling with daily oral medicati...

Would we still have severe thunderstorms over North America if the Gulf of Mexico were filled in with land?

A Purdue University study suggests that the eastern half of the US is a hotspot for severe thunderstorms due to high terrain, while the Gulf of Mexico plays a relatively weak role. Removing the Gulf would shift storm patterns eastward into Illinois and reduce them over southern Texas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Volcanism drove rapid ocean deoxygenation during the time of the dinosaurs

Research from UBC and HKU Earth scientists reveals that massive volcanism played a key role in triggering oceanic anoxia, with CO2-induced environmental warming creating 'dead zones' over short timescales. The findings provide important insights into the sensitivity of the Earth system to global biogeochemical cycles and marine biology.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGeology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Scientists develop brain organoids with complex neural activity

Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Reversal of lung fibrosis in mouse model suggests a novel therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model using Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study finds that monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role in fibrosis progression and that targeting the Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Delayed care for juvenile new-onset type 1 diabetes

A Swedish study found that 43% of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes did not receive hospital treatment on the same day as primary care contact. Delayed care can lead to life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. Improved awareness and rapid treatment are crucial for preventing complications.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPediatric Diabetes·TypeCase study·DateAug 23, 2021

The Hobbit’s bite gets a stress test

A study on Homo floresiensis found its bite could exert around 1300 Newtons of force, comparable to modern humans and some extinct cousins. This suggests that the Hobbit might have been at greater risk of facial bone strain or dislocation when biting hard foods.

SourceDuke University·JournalInterface Focus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Shorter weekly course of rifapentine-isoniazid associated with much higher treatment completion rates compared to longer daily course

A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 2021

New live analysis system for plant stomata, signals exciting progress in climate-change resistant crop development

Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.

Researchers develop high-selective pseudocapacitive electrode for water softening

Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a pseudo-capacitive electrode with high absorption capacity, selectivity, and stability for electro-sorption of hardness ions. The hybrid capacitive deionization system shows superb electro-affinity and high hardness selectivity in multi-cation solution.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Synthetic tissue model with blood vessels

Scientists create a cell culture system where blood vessels can grow within a framework made of synthetic materials. The team investigates material properties that promote blood vessel formation and refines the model to improve its performance, paving the way for growing implantable tissues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Solar gains stack up

Researchers have developed a new structure and materials for tandem solar cells, enabling more light to be captured and energy converted effectively. The n-i-p configuration achieved a significant improvement in power-conversion efficiency, exceeding 27%, surpassing previous best values.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries without dead zones

Researchers developed a novel block copolymer electrolyte that controls structure through electrostatic interactions, enhancing ionic conductivity. The new nanostructure enables significant enhancement in conductivity compared to typical two-dimensional structures, paving the way for safer all-solid-state batteries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2021

Cross-pollinating physicists use novel technique to improve the design of facilities that aim to harvest fusion energy

Scientists at PPPL have developed a new technique to design powerful magnets for tokamaks using stellarator computer code, enabling more efficient confinement and control of plasma. This innovation can aid the construction of fusion facilities by compensating for imprecision and suppressing plasma instabilities.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 20, 2021

What drives market share profitability?

A new study by Abhi Bhattacharya, Neil Morgan, and Lopo Rego finds that most of the variance in the market share-profit relationship is explained by market power and quality signaling mechanisms. The researchers also identify conditions under which market share can be negatively related to firm profits, such as niche strategy firms and...

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

Do you think you’re exclusively straight?

A University of Sydney study found that reading informational articles on the nature of sexual orientation can change how people interpret their underlying feelings. This led to a significant increase in reported non-exclusive heterosexuality, with participants being more willing to engage in same-sex activities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2021

Journal of Dental Research special issue: Interface between materials and oral biology

This special issue of Journal of Dental Research focuses on the complex interactions between biomaterials, fluids, cells, and tissues in the oral cavity. Researchers discuss designs for surfaces that trigger desirable biological responses, such as enhanced adhesion to dentin or bone.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2021

Hundreds of Cape Fur seals entangled in fishing lines and nets every year

A study by Stellenbosch University and conservationists reveals a high number of Cape Fur seals are entangled in fishing lines and nets annually, with most affected being pups and juveniles. The researchers found that disentanglement efforts have been successful, but the problem remains urgent, emphasizing the need for policy changes t...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2021