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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 38

Why sunflowers face east

A study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that sunflowers facing east produce more offspring due to increased morning warmth attracting bees. East-facing flower heads also tend to be warmer in the morning and release pollen earlier, coinciding with bee visits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Less stress for women who know their genetic risk for breast cancer

A recent UNSW study found that women who received their polygenic risk score (PRS) for breast cancer experienced minimal regret and reduced distress compared to those who declined. The researchers also discovered that more women reported regret about not knowing their PRS score, highlighting the importance of providing clear informatio...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2021

How society’s inequalities showed up in COVID outcomes

A new study from University of Utah researchers explores how socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Utah's Salt Lake County, contributed to racial minority groups being unequally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that residents of affluent areas had lower rates of infection compared to those in low-income zip codes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCOVID·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

New podcast to focus on life-saving newborn screening research and practice: NBSTRN launches newborn screening SPOTlight

The Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN) has launched a new podcast called Newborn Screening SPOTlight, which shares stories of how newborn screening research saves lives every day. The podcast is co-hosted by Drs. Amy Brower and Kee Chan and features interviews with experts in the field.

Record-breaking extreme heat and cold events may result from similar underlying mechanisms

Researchers studied record-breaking cold air outbreaks in China and North America, finding links to sudden stratospheric warming, polar vortex shifts, and anomalous ocean temperatures. The study suggests that global warming and ocean changes may drive extreme weather events, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 9, 2021

Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Exotic matter is in our sights

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have created a new spectroscopic method, Rabi-oscillation spectroscopy, to study exotic atoms and improve our understanding of the material universe. This technique allows for faster observation and greater precision than conventional methods.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Brain connectivity can build better AI

A new study demonstrates that artificial intelligence networks based on human brain connectivity can perform cognitive tasks efficiently. Researchers created a brain connectivity pattern and applied it to an artificial neural network, which performed cognitive memory tasks more flexibly and efficiently than other benchmark architectures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

New carnivorous plant must balance trapping prey and being pollinated

Researchers have discovered a new carnivorous plant, Triantha occidentalis, that traps insects near its insect-pollinated flowers, avoiding the death of potential pollinators. The plant's sticky hairs only entrap small midges and insects, allowing larger bees and butterflies to act as pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Residential mobility is key social determinant of health in people with spinal cord injury

Researchers found that one in four people with spinal cord injury relocated over a five-year period, often to high-poverty areas, increasing health risks. The study highlights the importance of considering residential mobility as a key social determinant of health for this population.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Colleges fall short on mental health outreach to Asian, Latino students

A recent study reveals that colleges struggle to provide adequate mental health support to Asian and Latino students due to interdependent cultural values and shame. The study suggests that culturally tailored treatment services addressing these issues can improve help-seeking behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Some past sea levels may not have been as high as thought, says study of rising and sinking landmasses

A new study finds that global sea levels during the last interglacial may have been as low as 1.2 meters higher than today, rather than the previously accepted 6-9 meters. This suggests that ice sheet melting was not as extensive as thought, but also raises concerns about future projections.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Switched on IR-active organic pigments

Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Slam the door shut: Improving building energy by evaluating building airflow

Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

What to call seafood made from fish cells

A new Rutgers study suggests that food companies use the terms "cell-based" or "cell-cultured" when labeling seafood products made from fish cells. The study found that both terms meet FDA regulations and help consumers understand the production process, while also recognizing potential allergens.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Birds’ eye size reflects habitat and diet, may predict sensitivity to environmental change

A study reveals that birds' eye size reflects their environment, diet, and behavior, providing insights into conservation efforts. The research suggests that larger eyes are associated with closer proximity to the equator and foraging habits near the forest floor.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021