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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 30


Page 30 of 38

Researchers determine active sites of Cu-ZnO catalysts for water gas shift and CO hydrogenation reactions

The study found that Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts have two active sites: CuCu(100) hydroxylated ZnO interface for water gas shift reactions and Cu(611) Zn alloy for CO hydrogenation to methanol. The researchers used in situ characterization technology and theoretical calculation to determine the active site structures.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2021

A database of 3,000 lead isotope analyses in geological and archaeological samples from the Iberian Peninsula

A database of 3,000 lead isotope analyses has been compiled for the Iberian Peninsula, providing a comprehensive resource for geological and archaeological research. The IBERLID database includes standardized data on minerals, rocks, and metallic objects, facilitating comparison and analysis.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalOre Geology Reviews·TypeNews article·DateAug 6, 2021

Novel molecular imaging technique casts complex coordination molecules in a new light!

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel imaging method using metal-atom tracers in HAADF-STEM to determine the conformational structures of complex polynuclear coordination compounds. The technique achieves accurate visualization of highly branched molecules, filling a gap in structural analysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

An artificial ionic neuron for tomorrow's electronic memories

Researchers have created an artificial neuron that uses ions instead of electrons for information transmission, achieving a similar energy efficiency as the human brain. The device's ion channels and clusters replicate those found in neurons, allowing for the emission of action potentials and transmission of information.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2021

Small fungus formulations could make big difference to protect moose from winter ticks

Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed granular formulations of insect-killing fungi that effectively killed up to 98% of winter tick larvae under laboratory conditions. The findings provide proof of concept for a safe and effective management strategy to protect moose from the devastating impact of winter ticks.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalBiocontrol Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

Do vitamin D supplements offer kidney-related benefits for individuals with high diabetes risk?

A recent clinical trial found that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effects on kidney outcomes in adults with pre-diabetes. However, among those not taking any vitamin D, the supplement was associated with a lower amount of urine protein over time, suggesting potential benefits for kidney health.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 6, 2021

Physicians are likelier to test for a particular condition if recent patients they saw were diagnosed with the same thing

A study of 7,400 emergency department physicians found that those who recently saw patients with a pulmonary embolism were 15% more likely to test subsequent patients for the condition. The 'availability heuristic' may influence physicians' care decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 6, 2021

Miller School researcher publishes breakthrough findings on nanoparticle delivery of HIV/AIDS medications to brain

A University of Miami researcher has discovered a polymer chain nanoparticle that can deliver antiretroviral drugs to the brain, reducing HIV/AIDS viral reservoirs. The breakthrough could improve the treatment of brain cancers and other diseases, particularly in HIV-positive individuals with neurological problems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

Face masks protect against aerosolized toxins from algal blooms, study finds

A new study by University of Miami scientists found that low-cost face masks and AC filters are effective at filtering out toxic algae in the air. Face masks filtered out over 90% of toxin-containing particles, while AC filters with high filter performance ratings reduced airborne toxins by 20-90%.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2021

Nitrogen inputs in the ancient ocean

Researchers have found that purple sulfur bacteria in a modern-day lake can fix nitrogen very efficiently, even at low molybdenum concentrations. This discovery provides the first indication that these bacteria may have played a significant role in nitrogen fixation in the Proterozoic ocean.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021

The 'phytoplankton factory' -- from nutrients to algae growth

A new model has been developed to study phytoplankton growth in the ocean, providing insights into the basis of the marine ecosystem. The model suggests that cumulative cellular costs determine how environmental conditions affect phytoplankton growth rates, with potential implications for predicting fish stocks and global climate change.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2021

Newly developed, bioinspired cell delivery vehicles

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed new, biocompatible nanocontainers made from biological materials that can deliver substances into cells. The containers use natural processes to enter cells and release their cargo, with a degradable shell that is broken down by enzymes in the cell's endosomes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 6, 2021

Mental health patients will answer when asked about firearms

A Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Health Forum found that 83% of primary care patients and 92% of mental health clinic patients answered the question about their access to firearms. The study suggests that asking about firearm access could support suicide prevention by creating opportunities to discuss safety planning, includ...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 6, 2021

Breast cancer screening during pandemic

A recent study evaluated the association between COVID-19 and breast cancer screening in a San Francisco safety-net hospital. The researchers found that during the pandemic, there was a significant decrease in breast cancer screening rates, which had implications for patient health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 6, 2021

Scientists create a new ultrafast, low-power machine learning algorithm for big data processing

Scientists at CiTIUS have developed a new fast support vector classifier (FSVC) that significantly improves data classification using Machine Learning techniques. The FSVC is much faster and operates with less memory than traditional approaches, making it suitable for large-scale classification problems.

SourceCiTIUS·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 6, 2021

Comparing DNA changes in blood stem cells and leukemia cells could help pick out children with high-risk AML

A new study published in Blood Cancer Discovery reveals that children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have more DNA changes in their blood stem cells are more likely to survive. The researchers hope that this finding can be used as a tool to identify high-risk patients and improve treatment outcomes.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

Groundwater resources off the coast of Malta

A team of scientists from GEOMAR and the University of Malta discovered a groundwater reservoir off the coast of Malta using innovative methods. The research found evidence of an isolated freshwater body in limestone formations three kilometers from the coast, which could represent a new source of drinking water for the islands.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2021

How social norms influence consumer behavior

A recent meta-analysis of existing research on social norms reveals new generalizations about their impact on consumer behavior. The study found that descriptive forms of social norms are more effective than injunctive ones in promoting socially approved behaviors, such as mask wearing and eco-friendly practices. Effective communicatio...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 6, 2021

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021

World’s first transparent fiber–millimeter-wave–fiber system in 100-GHz band using low-loss optical modulator and direct photonic down-conversion

Researchers developed the first transparent fiber–millimeter-wave–fiber system in the 100-GHz band using a low-loss broadband optical modulator with direct photonic down-conversion. The system successfully demonstrated high-speed transmission of over 70 Gbit/s over a wired and wireless converged system.

Major Atlantic ocean current system might be approaching critical threshold

A new study suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is losing stability and may be approaching a critical threshold. The AMOC plays a crucial role in regulating Europe's temperatures and weather patterns, and its collapse could have severe global implications.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021