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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 27


Page 27 of 38

Revisiting rangely: New mechanistic model uncovers earthquake processes at Colorado oil field

Earthquakes generated by controlled fluid injection at the Rangely oil field were caused by destabilizing fault pore pressure changes, according to a new mechanistic model. The study revisits data from the decades-old project in light of increased seismicity due to fluid injection.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Insidious coral killer invading Palmyra Atoll reef

A new study reveals that a corallimorph species is outcompeting stony corals in Palmyra Atoll's reefs, leading to a significant shift in ecosystem dominance. The invading species, closely related to one from Okinawa, Japan, can rapidly monopolize the seafloor and reach 100% cover, posing concerns about irrevocability of this phase shift.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCoral Reefs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Deletion of single gene promotes growth of functional lymphatic valves

A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Shark diversity unaffected when the dinosaurs were wiped out

A study published in PLOS Biology found that shark diversity remained relatively constant during the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. However, some groups of apex predators suffered selective extinctions, while others increased in diversity after the K-Pg boundary.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Expressive writing reduces relationship conflict and aggression during pandemic

Research from the University of South Florida found that individuals who wrote about their relationship troubles from a neutral observer's point of view had less conflict and aggression with their partner. The study surveyed 716 American adults and asked them to fill out a baseline assessment and then complete a brief writing exercise.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCouple and Family Psychology Research and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2021

Atomic nuclei and leptons: milestone in the calculation of cross sections

A team of researchers has successfully computed how atomic nuclei of Calcium behave in collisions with electrons, achieving precise theoretical predictions relevant to future neutrino experiments. The new ab initio method allows for the description of scattering on nuclei and leptons, even for heavy elements like Calcium.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021

Study reveals Black recipients of liver transplants have lower post-transplant survival rates than white or Hispanic patients

A new study found Black liver transplant recipients have lower survival rates than white or Hispanic patients, despite interventions aimed at narrowing the gap. The biggest factors contributing to this disparity are alcohol-associated liver disease and insurance type, with Black recipients being more likely to have Medicaid coverage.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Scientists detect characteristics of the birth of a major challenge to harvesting fusion energy on Earth

Researchers have detected the birth and growth phases of high-energy runaway electrons in tokamaks, which can cause damage to the machines. The new diagnostic tool enables scientists to understand the energy content of the plasma and potentially prevent the electrons' damage.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

A winning combination for glycoprotein synthesis

Researchers from Osaka University have demonstrated a rapid and robust chemical method for preparing highly pure glycoproteins. The new synthetic route uses an unprecedented amide bond formation reaction to form a junction between two functional peptides, resulting in a reliable means of synthesizing glycoproteins with little waste of ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

To avoid severe COVID-19 outcomes, people with asthma should stay on top of the condition with control medication during the pandemic

Researchers found individuals with well-controlled asthma have significantly lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission compared to those with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma patients using their medications showed a decrease in worsened COVID-19 outcomes.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Striking gold: A pathway to stable, high-activity catalysts from gold nanoclusters

A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science has developed a stable and highly active photocatalyst from gold nanoclusters. By removing the protective molecules around the nanoclusters, they were able to increase their catalytic activity and stability, opening up new possibilities for hydrogen generation and other applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

'Why you gotta be so rude?' PSU study highlights 'vicious cycle' of workplace incivility

A new PSU study found that remote work can exacerbate workplace incivility due to lack of interpersonal communication. Employees who experience or witness incivility are more likely to engage in uncivil behavior, highlighting the need for organizations to provide support and address incidents seriously.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Scientists deploy albatrosses to track plastic pollution

Researchers attached GPS and video cameras to black-footed albatrosses, capturing thousands of video clips across wide swathes of the north Pacific. The imaging showed that debris encountered by the birds included styrofoam, plastic sheets, and fishery netting, suggesting plastic creates a platform for invasive species to spread.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2021

World’s biodiversity maps contain many gaps, Yale study finds

A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 10, 2021

Women anesthesiologists less likely to be at high end of salary range; gender pay gap continues, reflects reduced pay of $32,600 yearly

A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia reveals a persistent gender pay gap among physician anesthesiologists, with women earning 56% less than men. The gap amounts to approximately $32,600 annually, representing a significant shortfall over a 30-year career.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2021

Tiny ‘maniac’ robots could deliver drugs directly to central nervous system

Researchers develop tiny tumbling robots called MANiACs that can climb slopes and move against fluid flow in the body, delivering substances to neural tissue. The study finds these robots have potential for controlled local delivery in neural diseases, offering targeted treatment with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Lyme Disease Heightens Risk of Mental Disorders, Suicidality

Patients with Lyme disease have a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the diagnosis. The study reveals that having multiple episodes of Lyme disease is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal behavior.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

New solvents to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed new solvent mixtures containing positive and negative charges to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol production. These solvents are more environmentally friendly and reduce toxicity compared to current methods, enabling the conversion of unused biomass into fuel.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateAug 10, 2021

MTU engineers clean up water pollution with sunlight

Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021

How snakes got their fangs

Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Covid-19 booster jab in the autumn will offer better protection against variants of concern, suggests new study

Researchers found that a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, especially in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, dramatically increased virus variant neutralising antibody responses. This additional boost increases potential protection against existing and future variants of concern.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2021

Readiness to punish others for selfish behaviour explained by functional brain connections

Researchers found that stronger functional brain connections between the temporoparietal junction and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are associated with lower levels of punishment for unfair behavior. This suggests that individuals with stronger connectivity in these areas may be less inclined to punish others for selfish actions.