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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 29


Page 29 of 38

Study identifies molecule that stimulates muscle-building in humans

Researchers found that consuming dileucine enhances the metabolic processes driving muscle growth, resulting in a 42% increase in protein synthesis. In contrast, leucine alone showed no significant impact on protein breakdown, highlighting the molecule's potential as a signaling agent for muscle-building pathways.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2021

New research reinforces impact men can have as gender equality allies in the workplace

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that men who express support for gender equality can significantly reduce women's anticipation of workplace harassment and hostility. The presence of an ally also increases feelings of identity-safety, such as a sense of belonging and trust in the group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Climate change ‘double whammy’ could kill off fish species

Warming oceans are causing fish to struggle with both survival and adaptation, leading to potential extinction. The research found that warmer waters reduce the size of fish, making it harder for them to relocate to more suitable environments, and also limit their ability to evolve and cope with changing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Vaping just once raises oxidative stress levels in nonsmokers, increasing disease risk

A new UCLA study found that even one vaping session can significantly increase cellular oxidative stress in healthy younger nonsmokers. The researchers discovered a two- to four-fold increase in oxidative stress levels after a 30-minute vaping session, highlighting the alarming effects of e-cigarettes on young people's health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2021

'Cool' kids in the cosmos may not be so unique

Researchers at Rice University found that cool stars have dynamic surface behaviors influencing their magnetic environments and planetary habitability. This study suggests that small stars share similar properties with the sun, enabling predictions for exoplanet conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2021

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to outbreaks of violent protest and antigovernment sentiment

Research suggests COVID-19 pandemic fuels antisystemic attitudes and motivations for political violence, with no correlation to peaceful activism. The study found that in the US, those experiencing higher psychological burden were more likely to engage in violence during Black Lives Matter protests.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2021

The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalIRB Ethics and Human Research·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Inspired by barnacles, medical glue stops bleeding in seconds

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and MIT have developed a rapid-sealing paste that can stop bleeding from organs without clotting. The paste works like barnacles, exuding an oil matrix to clean the surface and repelling moisture, before applying a protein that cross-links with tissue molecules.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 9, 2021

Undersea rocks yield earthquake clues

A University of Delaware study of ocean rocks has informed earthquake science by understanding the properties of underwater faults and their impact on seismic activity. Researchers have found that seawater infiltration in these faults weakens the rock, allowing it to flow faster and potentially reducing the risk of large earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 9, 2021

New research lifts the lid on cardiac microvascular dysfunction and could help many patients with unexplained heart disease

A new study found that 44% of micro-arteries from patients had abnormal myogenic tone, associated with excessive caldesmon presence and poor cell alignment. This abnormality affects blood supply within the heart and other organs, impacting quality of life and life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

Prisons and COVID-19

The study found COVID-19 incidence was significantly higher in Massachusetts prisons operating at a higher percentage of their capacity. In contrast, prisons with more single-cell housing had lower infection rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2021

Adolescents’ tobacco and nicotine use: Differential associations among racial and ethnic groups

A new study by the Prevention Research Center found that California's T21 law has positive public health effects on adolescent tobacco and nicotine use. The law is associated with reduced use among students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly among Hispanic and Asian youth.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

Rates of COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and in-hospital deaths peaked in December 2020 among adults aged 65+, males, and Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black persons. Effective therapeutics use increased while invasive interventions waned, suggesting clinical practice evolved based on increasing knowledge.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2021

How wildfire restored a Yosemite watershed

Decades of fire suppression have eliminated valuable wildlife habitat, but allowing lightning fires to burn has restored a resilient ecosystem with increased plant and pollinator biodiversity. This approach also limits the severity of wildfires and increases water availability during droughts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 9, 2021

Study outlines factors that help engage nonresident fathers in child welfare efforts

A recent study by North Carolina State University highlights key factors that facilitate engaging nonresident fathers in child welfare efforts. The study found that social service providers who work with male social workers and incorporate specific values and mindsets into their practice can effectively engage fathers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2021

Arthritis diagnosed before or during peak reproductive years may curb men’s fertility

Research found that men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis before their peak reproductive years have lower fertility rates, fewer pregnancies, and poor sperm quality compared to those diagnosed at older ages. Inflammatory arthritis is linked to male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and insufficient testosterone production.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

Innovative coating for blood vessels reduces rejection of transplanted organs

Researchers have developed a special polymer to coat blood vessels on transplanted organs, reducing rejection rates in mice by substantially diminishing immune system response. The breakthrough has the potential to eliminate the need for drugs that prevent organ rejection and improve transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Unlocking the AI algorithm ‘black box’ - new machine learning technology to find out what makes plants and humans tick

Researchers developed an AI-powered machine learning technology to analyze complex circadian gene expression patterns in plants, aiming to improve plant growth and yields. The approach also sheds light on human diseases, providing new avenues for research.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises can reduce cancer mortality

A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

UNM scientists address flawed Born–Oppenheimer approximation in molecular collisions

Researchers used full-dimensional quantum dynamics to investigate the non-adiabatic quenching of OH radicals by H2, finding good agreement with experimental results and resolving a theoretical flaw. The study highlights the importance of accurate modeling in understanding complex chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2021

Coping with COVID-19 through music

A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateAug 8, 2021

Neurons that respond to touch are less picky than expected

A new study from Northwestern University found that primary touch-sensitive neurons respond to multiple types of touch and varying degrees. Researchers developed a comprehensive technique to stimulate rats' whiskers in three dimensions while recording brain activity, revealing that these neurons communicate touch in a more complex manner.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2021