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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 32


Page 32 of 38

Polymer coating accelerates fuel production

Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Osaka University developed a polymer-coated metal catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into formate, a useful carbon-based fuel. The PEG-coated Sn catalyst showed a 24 times higher formate production rate than conventional Sn plate electrodes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Up to 85 per cent of historical salmon habitat lost in Lower Fraser region

Researchers have mapped out the extent of habitat loss for salmon in the Lower Fraser River, revealing that up to 85% of historical floodplain habitat has been lost due to infrastructure. The study found that over 1,200 barriers block access to approximately 2,224 kilometers of streams, a major contributor to current salmon declines.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

SCAI releases proceedings from expert consensus roundtable on renal denervation treatment for use in hypertension patients

Renal denervation (RDN) may complement medical therapy and lifestyle interventions for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The procedure has shown consistent reductions in blood pressure in sham-controlled trials, highlighting its potential as a device-based therapy.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 5, 2021

Eye injuries after Port of Beirut blast

The study describes a range of eye injuries resulting from the Port of Beirut blast, including conjunctival lacerations and foreign body injuries. Researchers highlight the need for emergency care and medical attention for those affected.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 5, 2021

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

New study finds frequent shedding of infectious pathogens in healthcare settings outside patient rooms

A six-month observational study found significant MRSA shedding during outpatient visits and appointments, with 38.5% of carriers shedding MRSA to the environment. The presence of a culture-positive wound was the only factor significantly associated with shedding.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

The first real snapshot of algal bloom toxins in Lake Erie

A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Stem cell-derived corneal endothelial cells, a possible alternative to donor-tissue in transplant surgeries

Researchers developed a sustainable source of corneal endothelial cells from pluripotent stem cells, reversing corneal transparency loss and promoting regrowth in rabbits and monkeys. The study suggests that stem cell-derived CECs may be a viable treatment option for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 5, 2021

Toxin sponges may protect poisonous frogs and birds from their own poisons, study suggests

Researchers have discovered that toxic animals produce 'toxin sponges' to mop up deadly toxins and prevent them from binding to vital proteins. This alternative autoresistance strategy may offer a general means of toxin protection, including the development of antidotes against various toxic agents.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

AI knows where your proteins go

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the location of proteins related to actin in cells. The program achieved a high degree of similarity with actual images, showing promise for future applications in cell analysis and artificial cell staining.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

Surprising insights into the migration pattern of world’s farthest-migrating species

Researchers found that Arctic terns take similar routes on both southbound and northbound migrations, with coastal routes driven by food availability and oceanic routes influenced by wind. The study's findings suggest the establishment of mobile marine protected areas to conserve Arctic tern populations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Tourist-tourist rapport: SFU expert on why it matters

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that building rapport among tourists can significantly increase satisfaction with guided group tours. The study identified four key aspects of tourist-tourist rapport and showed that high levels of rapport lead to improved overall experience, while low levels decrease satisfactio...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalTourism Management·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Organ transplant recipients significantly protected by COVID-19 vaccination

A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTransplant Infectious Disease·DateAug 5, 2021

Scientists mail freeze-dried mouse sperm on a postcard

Researchers in Japan have created a method to preserve mouse sperm by freeze-drying it on a plastic sheet, enabling easy transportation via postcard. The 'sperm book' stored at -30°C, can hold thousands of sperm samples, and the mailing method has shown promising results with high offspring rates.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Seeing (infra)red: Researchers develop software to enhance infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis

A team of Beckman researchers developed software to boost infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis, enhancing image resolution and accelerating recording speeds. The software integrates data analysis and reduces limitations associated with IR imaging, making it faster and more accurate.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalChemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than previously thought, study shows

A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

How innovative DNA from pills could snare drug syndicates

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to recover DNA from the surface of capsules containing illicit drugs, such as MDMA. This breakthrough enables law enforcement agencies to potentially link various drug seizures around the world and identify suspects through DNA profiling.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Mixing a cocktail of topology and magnetism for future electronics

Researchers explore joining topological insulators with magnetic materials to achieve quantum anomalous Hall effect, promising building blocks for low-power electronics. The 'cocktail' approach allows tuning of both magnetism and topology in individual materials, enabling operation closer to room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

Zoonotic threats must be integrated into global health security planning, say experts

Global health practitioners urge integrating surveillance of zoonotic diseases into health security intelligence systems to effectively handle future pandemics. Companion, zoo, and shelter animals pose significant risks due to limited monitoring and stress levels, leading to potential transmission of animal infections to humans.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Imagination exercise helps people get a grip on real pandemic risks

A Duke University study found that combining risk data with an imagination exercise helps participants make more realistic decisions about their own risky behaviors. The intervention, now integrated into a publicly accessible data dashboard, aims to improve public health decisions during the pandemic.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

A more complete molecular picture of lung squamous cell carcinoma comes into view

A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021