Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 18


Page 18 of 38

How people manipulate their own memories

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum explain how people construct memories of important events, influenced by positive or negative feelings, narrative self-image, and descriptive language. This process shapes memories to protect the positive self and mitigate negative memories that don't fit the self-image.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalReview of Philosophy and Psychology·DateAug 18, 2021

Empathy training could cut crime figures

Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychology Crime and Law·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

Health­care mu­si­cians can up­lift fam­i­lies with pre­ma­ture in­fants dur­ing in­ten­sive care, re­search sug­gests

Research suggests that healthcare musicians can help families cope with premature infants in intensive care by creating an intimate atmosphere and improving their relationship. Music practitioners work collaboratively with medical staff to provide emotional support and create a sense of calm during difficult times.

Scientists develop alternative cement with low carbon footprint

Researchers at MLU and Brazilian University of Pará create climate-friendly cement alternative by replacing limestone with Belterra clay, a previously unused overburden from bauxite mining. The new cement is just as stable as traditional Portland cement and reduces CO2 emissions during production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Grieving spouses should focus on the body, study suggests

A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that a six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly improved grief severity and yearning in widows and widowers. This approach was more effective than mindfulness training, which also showed improvements but not to the same extent.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

NIH study shows no significant benefit of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 outpatients with early symptoms

A NIH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that administering convalescent plasma to outpatients with early symptoms of COVID-19 did not prevent disease progression. The trial, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed a significant reduction of less than 2% in disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists dig deep to understand the effects of population pressure on violence levels

Researchers found a positive correlation between population pressure and higher levels of violence during the Middle Yayoi period in northern Kyushu, Japan. Despite peak population pressures in some regions, lower frequency-of-violence values were observed, suggesting other factors may have influenced violence levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Scientists discover novel mechanism of CircRNA inhibiting gastric cancer metastasis

Researchers identified a novel mechanism by which circURI1 suppresses gastric cancer metastasis through hnRNPM decoy and alternative splicing modulation. This study provides new insights into the molecular basis of cancer metastasis and suggests circURI1 as a potential therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2021

One in five researchers globally report being pressured by funders to delay, alter, or not publish the findings of “unfavorable” health behavior intervention trials

Researchers worldwide experience funder suppression of negative health behavior intervention trials, with one in five reporting pressure to delay, alter, or not publish results. Funders' influence can distort research outcomes, hindering the development of effective public health strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Nanostructure based lasers for information and communication technologies

Laser technology utilizing nanostructures like quantum dots and dashes enables high-speed data transmission and low-latency communications. Scientists highlight the importance of these devices for industry and society, particularly in applications such as coherent communication and quantum key distribution.

Physical activity associated with better cognition in breast cancer patients

A new study from WashU Medicine found a strong association between high physical activity and maintaining cognitive function among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. The research suggests that moderate to vigorous exercise may help ward off 'chemo brain,' a decline in cognitive function common during cancer treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

New study provides insight into tailoring exercise therapy to each heart failure patient

A recent study published in European Heart Journal: ESC heart failure shows that increased oxidative stress during exercise adversely affects heart failure prognosis. Tailoring exercise therapy to individual patients based on their level of oxidative stress may be more effective than conventional exercise therapies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Does Alzheimer’s disease start inside nerve cells?

A study from Lund University reveals that Alzheimer's protein accumulates inside nerve cells, leading to increased production and potentially devastating effects. The research suggests that targeting misfolded amyloid-beta within cells may be a more effective approach than focusing on plaques outside the brain.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Thwaites glacier: Significant geothermal heat beneath the ice stream

Researchers have mapped significant geothermal heat beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, revealing a new potential weak spot in the ice sheet's stability. This heat flow, estimated to be up to 150 milliwatts per square meter, could lead to easier sliding of the glacier and potentially accelerate its collapse.

Scientists reveal how landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming

Researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol found that banning CFCs preserved plant's ability to absorb CO2, preventing a further acceleration of climate change. The study predicts a 2.5°C rise in global temperatures without the ban, exceeding the 1.5°C limit seen as critical for avoiding climate damage.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2021

The fewer forests, the more space giant anteaters need

A study found that giant anteaters in less forested habitats have larger home ranges, allowing them to access thermal shelters and regulate body temperature. Sex and body size also play a role in space use, with males using more space than females of similar size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

New research may help scientists grow more complex and mature heart tissue in the lab

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed pre-epicardial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which support embryonic heart formation and can be used to generate functioning heart tissue. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for heart failure, end-stage lung disease, and kidney disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2021

Phase 1 clinical study reveals how stem cells alleviate COPD inflammation in humans

A new clinical study reveals that treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduces inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of MSCs as a novel treatment for COPD, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

Study reveals patient age not so important in determining colorectal cancer growth

Researchers compared tumor biology in patients with early-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer, finding no significant differences in terms of tumor location, symptoms, or genetic makeup. The study suggests that early-onset colorectal cancer is not biologically distinct from average-onset cases, and more aggressive treatment may n...

SourceOxford University Press USA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021