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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 43


Page 43 of 45

South Africa: the rising temperatures will cost up to 20% of per capita GDP

A recent study predicts that climate change in South Africa will lead to a 20% decrease in per capita GDP by the end of the century. The researchers analyzed data on temperature changes and labor availability, finding that low-skilled workers are disproportionately affected, leading to a closing wage gap but reduced overall output.

Taking the fear out of driver education

A new study published in Risk Analysis found that fear-based Virtual Reality films depicting violent collisions lead to increased risk-taking among young drivers. In contrast, positively framed VR films result in the greatest reduction in risky driving behavior. This suggests that a positive approach may be more effective in promoting ...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 2, 2021

Study finds revised concussion guidelines shorten duration of symptoms

A new study found that the revised concussion guidelines led to a significant reduction in symptom duration among young athletes. The adoption of active rest, recognizing pre-existing conditions, and educating athletes about recovery improved outcomes, with male athletes experiencing a median duration drop from 11 to 5 days and female ...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021

Computer model makes strides in search for COVID-19 treatments

A new deep-learning model has identified at least 10 compounds that may hold promise as treatments for COVID-19, including approved drugs like cyclosporine and anidulafungin. The model uses artificial intelligence to predict gene expression values for new chemicals, providing a valuable tool for pharmaceutical and clinical researchers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 1, 2021

Neutrons probe molecular behavior of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates

Researchers analyze molecular dynamics of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates to understand their interactions with target proteins in human cells. They found that certain parts of the molecules can move more easily once hydrated, which could influence how efficiently a drug takes on shapes associated with different biological functions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 1, 2021

When rhinos fly: Upside down the right way for transport

Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2021

A surprising cycle

Researchers find immense biohydrocarbon cycle in ocean, with marine cyanobacteria producing pentadecane at rates of 300-600 million metric tons per year. The cycle plays a crucial role in the ocean's response to oil spills and could potentially prime the ocean for cleanup.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Stress on every cell:

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science mapped the entire stress axis in detail, identifying 21,723 cells along the route. They found significant alterations in gene expression and cell changes, particularly in the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in the stress response.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2021

Why it is harder for Brazilians of African descent to find bone marrow donors

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Brazilians of African descent are less likely to find a donor in the National Register of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors, with an up to 60% reduction in chances. The lack of representation and genetic diversity makes it harder for individuals with African ancestry to find compatible...

Wonder fungi

Researchers have sequenced over 700 novel microbial genomes from the gut microbiome of a goat, discovering that fungi play a disproportionate role in biomass degradation. The study also found that fungi are more efficient at producing methane, a potential game-changer for renewable energy production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Stimulant-associated deaths in US

Between 2010 and 2017, US stimulant-associated deaths rose substantially, driven primarily by cocaine use. Medical stimulants also contributed to the increase, suggesting a broader public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021