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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 38

How special are we?

A recent study sheds light on the formation of planetary systems like our own, suggesting that nearby supernovas may have contaminated gas with radioactive material. The researchers found a 59% chance that the enrichment process in Ophiuchus star-forming region is due to supernovas.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 17, 2021

Brain organoids develop optic cups that respond to light

Researchers generated brain organoids containing functional optic cups from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating intrinsic self-patterning ability. The optic cups exhibited light sensitivity, diverse retinal cell types, and connectivity to brain regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

A new approach to curing HIV

A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.

New exotic magnetic quasiparticle "skyrmion bundle" joins topological zoo

Researchers discovered a new family member of topological magnetic structures, the skyrmion bundle, which exhibits arbitrary topological charges. The study used Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and found collective motions and topological sign dependence of Hall sideway shifts driven by nanosecond pulsed currents.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Europe-wide political divide emerging between cities and countryside – study

A new study reveals a deepening geographical fracture in European societies, with rural areas showing lower trust in politics but higher voting rates. The research suggests that mainstream politicians must address feelings of disconnection from politics and provide economic opportunities to re-engage residents of small towns and villages.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Humans vs. automation: Service center agents can outperform technology, study shows

Researchers from University of Notre Dame discovered that behavioral inertia can be beneficial in service center operations, particularly when agents are experts or handling difficult calls. The study suggests striking a balance between automated routing systems and agent discretion to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateAug 17, 2021

US health care spending by race, ethnicity

Researchers estimated health care spending by race and ethnicity in the US from 2002 to 2016, finding that Hispanic patients faced the highest costs. The study suggests racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare spending are significant, affecting patient outcomes and access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2021

Contact tracing is key to suppressing COVID-19

A new University of Georgia study models the impact of three interventions - social distancing, contact tracing, and case isolation - on containing COVID-19. The researchers found that robust contact tracing was essential in suppressing outbreaks, with a significant increase in cases when efforts were less efficient.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEpidemics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

Dieting: Villain or scapegoat?

Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateAug 17, 2021

Team develops bioprocess for converting plant materials into valuable chemicals

A team of scientists developed a bioprocess that efficiently converts plant matter into high-value bioproducts, overcoming a major hurdle in lignocellulosic biofuels. The process uses xylose and acetate as carbon sources, resulting in significant increases in TAL production and biomass accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Ice formation on surfaces enhanced via a non-classical nucleation process

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered a non-classical nucleation process that can greatly facilitate ice formation on foreign surfaces. This finding has the potential to decelerate glacier melting and alleviate environmental concerns by predicting and controlling crystallization processes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2021

HKUST scientists develop genome-editing strategy for potential Alzheimer’s disease therapy

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel genome-editing strategy to reduce Alzheimer's disease pathologies in genetically modified mouse models. The technology offers immense potential as a long-acting therapeutic treatment for AD patients, with lasting effects that prevent amyloid-related neurodegeneration.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 17, 2021

Researchers uncover evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identify people at increased risk of blood cancer

A recent study has uncovered the evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identified individuals at increased risk of blood cancer. The research provides a robust indicator for classifying patients with ARCH mutations, allowing for more frequent screening and early treatment.

SourceOntario Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2021

Indigenous territories fight climate change

Researchers found that Indigenous Territories are as effective as Protected Areas in preserving forest's carbon stocks, with some areas showing up to 10% more carbon storage. The study suggests that securing land titles and formalizing forest co-governance can bring multiple benefits for both indigenous people and national governments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

Should cancer patients participate in tumour conferences?

A new study investigated the benefits of patient participation in tumour conferences for complex cancer cases. Most respondents perceived their participation as a positive experience, finding it informative and recommended to others. However, some patients reported feelings of fear and uncertainty after participating in the conference.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCancer Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021

Worsening GP shortages in disadvantaged areas likely to widen health inequalities

A study published by the University of Cambridge found significantly fewer full-time equivalent GPs and total direct patient care staff in deprived areas. Despite some compensation due to increased numbers of nurses, the shortage is likely to widen health inequalities, with limited access to care for those who need it most.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBJGP Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

New tool to quantify risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs

Researchers have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate patients' risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs. The tool combines cognitive measures with patient demographics and health history to produce an overall risk score, helping staff identify accommodations needed for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021

Ultra-complex structure of carbon disulfide proved under high pressure

A study by researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science reveals that non-molecular carbon disulfide exhibits a mixture of 3 and 4-fold coordinated carbon atoms, contradicting the long-held Bridgman's polymer model. This finding enhances understanding of bonding behaviors in group IV and VI AB2 compounds.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

New way of analyzing tree rings confirms unprecedented central Asia warming

Researchers reconstructed Mongolia's temperature history using a new tree ring analysis method, confirming record-breaking summer warmth over the past eight centuries. The study supports the delta blue intensity method and enhances climate projections, highlighting the urgent need to address Central Asia's rapid warming.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Researchers identify mechanisms of resistance to drug for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two separate genetic alterations that enable triple-negative breast cancer cells to develop resistance to a highly effective drug. The findings could help improve therapy and prolong survival for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Light can trigger key signaling pathway for embryonic development, cancer

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway using blue light, allowing them to study its functions in embryonic development and cancer. This approach enables precise control over the pathway's activity, potentially leading to new treatments for tissue repair and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Cannabis use rises during Australian COVID lockdown, but less meth on the streets

A wastewater study conducted in Australia during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown found that cannabis use surged, while methamphetamine (ice) use plummeted. The research, led by the University of South Australia, analyzed wastewater samples from 20 treatment plants across the country and showed a significant increase in cannabis use nationwide.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Cracking a mystery of massive black holes and quasars with supercomputer simulations

Researchers used high-powered simulations to study the mysterious process of gas flow across the universe, feeding massive black holes. The new method shows that strong gravitational forces from stars can twist and destabilize gas, driving sufficient influx to power a luminous quasar at galaxy activity peaks.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

Novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effect for cancer

Researchers have developed a novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effects for cancer, using biomimetic cell membranes and pseudomonas geniculate cells as the natural source. The platform shows minimal cytotoxicity and facilitates efficient drug internalization, while accelerating reactive oxygen species generation in cancerous cells.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021