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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 41

SUV39H2: A direct genetic link to autism spectrum disorders

A human variant of the SUV39H2 gene has been linked to autism spectrum disorders, causing cognitive inflexibility in mice and misregulated expression of genes related to brain development. The study suggests that histone methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and its absence may lead to serious problems.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination: Examining negative dominance on social media

A recent study published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal explores negative dominance of COVID-19 vaccine-related information online. The researchers found that compared to all other content, posts focused on adverse events pale in comparison to posts promoting positive messages about vaccines.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJul 16, 2021

Noninvasive, label-free optical method visualizes deep, cellular brain disease in vivo

Scientists developed a label-free optical microscopy approach that can image deep brain cells with high resolution and minimal invasiveness. They used the 1700 nm water absorption window to visualize neuronal cell architecture across the entire depth of the mouse neocortex, revealing severe pathology in deep but not superficial cortex.

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

Bats are kings of small talk in the air

Researchers found that bats can compress their echoes by up to 90% without losing essential information for sonar-based tasks. This efficient encoding strategy allows bats to navigate complex environments with minimal neural machinery, enabling them to detect location and movement with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 16, 2021

Invention: The Storywrangler

Researchers developed the Storywrangler, a data-driven tool analyzing over 150 billion tweets, providing insights into global conversations, popularity, and emerging trends. The tool reveals potential predictors of geopolitical risk and demonstrates its potential to index everyday conversations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 16, 2021

Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJul 16, 2021

Psychiatric patients at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality

A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2021

How micro-circuits in the brain regulate fear

A recent study found that neuronal microcircuits in the amygdala play a crucial role in regulating fear responses and suppressing fear memories. The researchers' findings suggest that dysfunction of this system can contribute to anxiety disorders, paving the way for more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2021

US corn and soybean maladapted to climate variations, study shows

A University of Illinois study finds that US corn and soybean varieties have become more resilient to extreme heat and drought but less adapted to normal weather patterns, leading to reduced productivity. The researchers call for crop breeders to focus on developing crop varieties for diverse weather patterns.

Add fatty acid to taste

A new method developed by Institute for Systems Biology allows researchers to show how fatty acids are absorbed by single cells. The study reveals that fatty acid uptake is differentially regulated by two downstream effectors of the mTOR pathway in brain cancer cells, uncovering a novel combination therapy to block tumor growth.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 16, 2021

Repairing hearts with deadly spider venom

A drug candidate developed from a molecule in the venom of the Fraser Island funnel web spider can prevent damage caused by a heart attack and extend donor heart life for organ transplants. The treatment blocks a death signal sent from the heart after an attack, reducing cell death and improving survival.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCirculation·DateJul 16, 2021