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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 38

Local perceptions obscure COVID risk during pandemic

A study finds that local perceptions of COVID-19 risk often don't align with national infection rates, leading to inconsistent public behavior. The research suggests that community-level organizations and high-level institutions need to work together to provide accurate information and support individuals in understanding the risks.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDecision·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2021

Researchers publish new theory of life’s multiple origins

Researchers Chris Kempes and David Krakauer present a new three-layered framework to recognize life's full range of forms. By considering the space of possible materials, constraints, and optimization processes, they argue that life can originate multiple times, taking on diverse forms such as culture, computation, and forests.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Evolution·DateAug 16, 2021

DOE-funded study will explore how magnetic materials could improve the performance of quantum computing circuits

Researchers at University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory will explore magnetic materials to reduce noise in quantum computing hardware. The team aims to design non-reciprocal circuitry by harnessing magnetic features, which could lead to a hybrid device for sensing and communication applications.

Pandemic and digitalization set stage for revival of a cast-off idea: personal carbon allowances

A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Breaching tipping points would increase economic costs of climate change impacts

Researchers have created a new model that estimates the economic impacts of climate tipping points, such as disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The study finds that exceeding these tipping points could lead to increased economic costs of climate change impacts by up to 25%.

SourceGrantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

Pollinators: First global risk index for species declines and effects on humanity

A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 16, 2021

The Arctic Ocean’s deep past provides clues to its imminent future

A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Next generation electronics: Expanding the possibilities with silver nanowires

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed a method to fabricate ultrathin gold shells around silver nanowires, improving their stability and effectiveness. The gold-coated nanowires showed superior durability and performance in various tests, outperforming commercial nanowires.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Widespread pain linked to heightened dementia and stroke risk

Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Getting under the skin: Tracing prevalence of skin diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus

A new study examining the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and skin diseases reveals a strong link between the two conditions. The research, published in Chinese Medical Journal, found that 93.5% of individuals with T2DM had skin problems, including over 47 types of comorbid skin diseases.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

From coral reef to goat ranch: Uncovering the botanical history of the Guadalupe Mountains

Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 16, 2021

Existing drug may help improve responses to cellular therapies in advanced leukemias

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a new mechanism of resistance in advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients to CAR T cell therapy. They found that inhibiting the BET protein with the small molecule inhibitor JQ1 can reinvigorate exhausted T cells and increase their production.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021