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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 7


Page 7 of 38

Plants evolved ability to actively control water-loss earlier than previously thought

Scientists have discovered that ferns can actively close their stomata in response to low humidity or the hormone ABA, similar to flowering plants. This finding confirms that the earliest land plants were able to control water loss through stomata, providing valuable insights into plant evolution and climate change adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Cystic Fibrosis – Increasing numbers of patients benefit from improved treatment

A clinical trial has shown that a triple combination therapy consisting of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor is safe and effective in cystic fibrosis patients with rare genetic defects. The treatment improves CFTR function, lung function, and quality of life in these patients.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021

Engineers create double layer of borophene for first time

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully created a double layer of atomically flat borophene, a feat that defies the natural tendency of boron to form non-planar clusters. The material maintains its electronic properties while offering new advantages, including potential applications in energy and chemical storage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Extreme precipitation has increased significantly in arid Northwest China

Researchers found extreme precipitation events are the primary contributor to total precipitation in Northwest China. The region's westerly and plateau zones have seen a significant increase in EPE frequency and occurrence, starting earlier and lasting later. In contrast, monsoon regions of Southeast China experience opposite trends.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 26, 2021

Study identifies nearly 600 genetic loci associated with anti-social behavior, alcohol use, opioid addiction and more

A genome-wide association study has identified 579 locations in the genome linked to self-regulation disorders, including addiction and child behavioral problems. The study found a significant genetic risk score that predicts various life outcomes, such as education levels, obesity, and opioid use disorder.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 2021

Inflammatory proteins help better diagnose progression of Alzheimer’s disease

A Rutgers study found that testing for specific inflammatory proteins can help diagnose the earlier onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers identified two proteins, TNFR1 and TREM2, which are associated with slower decline in early-stage Alzheimer's, while another protein is only useful once dementia sets in.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Female hummingbirds avoid harassment by looking as flashy as males

Researchers found that over a quarter of female white-necked Jacobin hummingbirds exhibit showy colors similar to males, aiding in evasion of aggressive behaviors during feeding and mating. This study suggests that the display of flashy colors is driven by social selection rather than sexual selection.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

JNCCN study reveals neuroendocrine tumor mortality patterns to inform treatment decisions

A population-based cohort study in Canada identified mortality patterns for different types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing varying risks of cancer-related and non-cancer death. The study found that small NETs can be safely monitored, while larger tumors may require more aggressive treatment.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2021

Probiotics prove effective in treating antibiotics-induced dysbiosis in mice

A study by Kazan Federal University found that probiotics administered to antibiotic-treated mice improved behavior, reduced oxidative stress, and restored gut microbiota diversity. The researchers demonstrated a strong link between the gut microbiota and brain functioning, with potential therapeutic benefits for treating dysbiosis-rel...

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021

Cost of raising a child with rare genetic disorder significant but could be reduced by earlier diagnosis

A new study found that the economic burden of caring for children with rare genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Chromosome 15 imprinting disorders is significant. Earlier diagnosis and targeted interventions could reduce yearly costs by up to $734, depending on the child's intellectual functioning.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

New study: Heat stress in dairy cows damages health of calves

A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Discovery of two-phase superconductivity in CeRh2As2

The discovery of two-phase superconductivity in CeRh2As2 reveals the material has the highest critical magnetic field to transition temperature ratio of any known superconductor. Researchers found a clear transition between two different order parameters as the applied field is raised, leading to unique thermodynamic properties.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Ending prices with “.99” can backfire on sellers

A new study from Ohio State University found that pricing just below a round number can lead consumers to perceive a product as cheaper and less likely to upgrade. This threshold-crossing effect was observed in various experiments, including coffee stands and car purchases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Development of Cd-Free Quantum Dot Synthesis Technology for overcoming the limitations of existing technology

Prof. Jong-Soo Lee's team creates green-emitting Cd-Free quantum dots with high color reproduction performance, suitable for HDR in ultra-high definition displays. The material has higher color purity and photostability than other luminescent materials.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

University of Kentucky study: Healthy dietary intake associated with lower brain iron, better cognition in older adults

A University of Kentucky study found that higher intake of specific nutrients is associated with lower brain iron concentration and better cognitive performance in older adults. The research team evaluated the relationship between nutritional intake, brain iron, and cognitive performance in a group of healthy, older adults.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

From couch to ultra-marathon – mental imagery technique can aid running challenge completion

A new study published in the Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity found that functional imagery training (FIT) significantly reinforced a person's motivation to complete a challenging goal. FIT, developed at the University of Plymouth, teaches people new ways of thinking about their immediate future to help them s...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021

Deleting DNA to treat mitochondrial diseases

Scientists at Kyoto University developed a chemical compound that can tag and remove mutant DNA sequences from mitochondria, potentially treating mitochondrial diseases. The approach overcomes existing problems with genetic material injection and antioxidant drugs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 26, 2021

Altered Functional Brain Network Connectivity Associated with Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress in COVID-19 Survivors, Study Shows

A recent study found COVID-19 survivors exhibit abnormal patterns of brain connectivity associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms. The research team discovered three distinct states of functional connectivity in the brains of COVID-19 survivors, which are linked to symptom severity.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNeurobiology of Stress·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2021