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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 10


Page 10 of 41

Using silicone wristbands to measure air quality

A study by Texas A&M researchers found that silicone wristbands can be used as passive samplers to measure exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy. The wristbands yielded similar results to traditional testing methods, suggesting they could be a useful tool in studies of semi-volatile pollutants.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJul 23, 2021

Land repair vital for survival

The study highlights the importance of dryland restoration to mitigate climate change and reverse desertification, with seeding efforts showing promising results in nearly a third of treatments. However, the process is also fraught with risks, including high failure rates and declining species populations as projects mature.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 2021

Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Leeds successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice by manipulating the extracellular matrix of the brain. By restoring the balance of compounds known as chondroitin sulphates, they were able to restore neuroplasticity and alleviate memory deficits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2021

New insight on the reproductive evolution of land plants

A study published in Nature Plants reveals a comprehensive atlas of gene expression data from ten different species of land plants. The analysis identified novel and missing components involved in the formation of sex organs and cells, showing that many groups of genes emerged through the repurpose of existing genetic material. The tea...

Eco-friendly plastic from cellulose and water

Göttingen University researchers have developed a new type of hydroplastic polymer called cellulose cinnamate (CCi) that can be molded using little more than water at everyday temperature and pressure. The bioplastic exhibits high quality mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2021

Study points to remotely supervised exercise classes as best option during lockdown

A study of 344 volunteers reveals that remotely supervised exercise classes were more effective than in-person sessions or unsupervised online sessions in improving physical and mental health. The researchers attribute this to the increased intensity of exercises under remote supervision, which led to better outcomes for participants.

Visualizing a city's energy use

A new model estimates annual energy use intensity of 209 structures in Pittsburgh with only a 7% error rate. The Urban Building Energy Model can aid policy makers in setting energy goals and efficiency regulations for commercial buildings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateJul 22, 2021

Advanced bladder cancers respond to immunotherapy regardless of gene mutation status

Researchers found that patients with advanced bladder cancers and FGFR3 mutations respond to immunotherapy just like those without the mutation. The study's findings suggest that FGFR3-mutated tumors can benefit from immunotherapy treatment, providing a new option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 22, 2021

Cell-analysis technique could combat tuberculosis

Researchers developed a cutting-edge method to analyze how individual immune cells respond to Mtb, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The study found an almost perfect correlation between the fitness status of the bacterium and the transcriptional profile in the host cell.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

HKU scientists harness the naturally abundant CRISPR-Cas system to edit superbugs with the hope of treating infections caused by drug resistant pathogens

A team of researchers from HKU has developed a transferrable and integrative type I CRISPR-based platform that can efficiently edit Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a superbug capable of infecting various tissues and organs. The technique enables rapid identification of resistance determinants and development of novel anti-resistance strategies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 22, 2021

Making negative opinions agreeable: Study finds social sharing happens in terms of support

Researchers found that people tend to express themselves in terms of support instead of opposition on social media, regardless of the opinion's positivity or negativity. This phenomenon holds true for various topics, including gun control, same-sex marriage, and self-isolation during COVID-19 outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 22, 2021

'Wrapping' anodes in 3D carbon nanosheets: The next big thing in li-ion battery technology

Researchers developed a new anode material that prevents volume change in lithium-ion batteries, leading to improved cycle stability and rate capabilities. The material, composed of manganese selenide nanoparticles anchored in three-dimensional porous carbon nanosheet matrix, demonstrates superior electrochemical properties.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 22, 2021

DeepMind and EMBL release the most complete database of predicted 3D structures of human proteins

The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database provides the most accurate and complete picture of human proteins, enabling researchers to accelerate discovery and advance scientific knowledge. The database covers all ~20,000 human proteins and offers a treasure trove of data that could unlock future advances in AI-enabled biology.