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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 41

Among spotted hyenas, social ties are inherited

A massive study of spotted hyena data over 27 years reveals that social inheritance plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining social networks. Offspring inherit social bonds from their mothers, influencing survival and reproductive success, with higher-ranked mothers having more accurate copying of social associations.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2021

What does the sleeping brain think about?

Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity during deep sleep, finding that the brain relives memories of rewarding experiences and consolidates them through an internal dialogue. This process enhances memory performance, particularly for emotionally charged events.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2021

On the front lines: Correctional nurses and the COVID-19 pandemic

Correctional nurses have faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to personal protective equipment and high patient-to-staff ratios. A special issue of the Journal of Correctional Health Care provides firsthand accounts and evidence-based guidelines for pandemic response in correctional nursing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateJul 15, 2021

Report outlines how public transit agencies can advance equity

A new paper in the Transportation Research Record identifies six broad categories of equity-advancing practices that public transit agencies nationwide can widely employ. These practices focus on creating fairer and more just public transit systems, rather than just assessing how service is distributed.

SourceSAGE·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 15, 2021

A new spidey sense

Jumping spiders can recognize biological motion, a visual cue that refers to the movements of living organisms. The ability is critical for survival and has been found in vertebrates, but this study demonstrates its presence in an invertebrate, challenging our understanding of evolutionary history.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 15, 2021

A watershed moment for post-Covid UK social policy

The article highlights a new book that advocates for a human rights framework to be central to the planning of post-COVID UK social policy. The authors argue that this approach prioritizes medical care, food, housing, and digital technology, which are essential for addressing inequality and ensuring equity, justice, and sustainability.

The virus trap

An interdisciplinary research team at TUM has developed nano-capsules tailored from genetic material using the DNA origami method to engulf and neutralize viruses. The strategy has been tested against hepatitis and adeno-associated viruses in cell cultures and may prove successful against corona viruses.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 15, 2021

New research at ESMT Berlin shows potential variance in academic research

Researchers found that subjective decisions play a critical role in shaping empirical results, emphasizing the need for open data, systematic robustness checks, and transparency in academic research. This study highlights the benefits of diverse analytical approaches and the importance of humility when communicating findings.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 15, 2021

Association of remdesivir treatment with survival, length of hospital stay among US veterans hospitalized with COVID-19

An observational study of 2,344 US veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 found remdesivir treatment associated with prolonged hospitalization but no improved survival rates. The study suggests that while remdesivir may help reduce the length of hospital stays, it does not significantly impact patient outcomes in terms of survival.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2021

Extraordinary carbon emissions from El Nino-induced biomass burning estimated using Japanese aircraft and shipboard observations in Equatorial Asia

A study estimated the amount of carbon emitted from biomass burning in Equatorial Asia during 2015, using high-precision observations from a commercial passenger aircraft and a cargo ship. The estimated emissions were around 273 Tg C, comparable to Japan's annual CO2 emissions.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 15, 2021

Stakeholders' sentiment can make or break a new CEO

A recent study by Bocconi University researchers found that stakeholders' sentiment toward a new CEO has a stronger effect on post-succession performance than the CEO's previous experience and fit. Negative sentiment can undermine a CEO's effectiveness, especially for outside CEOs.

SourceBocconi University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 15, 2021

Pandemic layoffs pushed hospitality workers to leave industry

A Washington State University study found that pandemic-induced layoffs caused financial strain, depression, and social isolation among young hotel and restaurant workers. The study suggests that the younger generation may be less likely to return to the industry due to perceived instability and lack of personal control.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJul 15, 2021

Sperm migration in the genital tract: computer simulations identify factors for success

A computer simulation model of the mammalian female genital tract identifies essential physical characteristics and abilities for successful sperm migration. The study's findings have potential to improve assisted reproduction techniques in endangered species, livestock, and humans without animal experiments.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 15, 2021

For people with kidney disease, there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water

A new study found that lead contamination in drinking water can have detrimental effects on individuals with advanced kidney disease, affecting hemoglobin levels and requiring higher doses of medications. The study also revealed concerning inequities, with higher water lead levels observed for Black patients compared to white patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 15, 2021

Guiding principles for work shift duration published by AASM and SRS

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) have published guiding principles for determining optimal work shift durations. The principles consider factors such as physical and mental fatigue, job requirements, safety risks, lifestyle factors, and health to find a balance between competing goals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJul 15, 2021

Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discover that applying mechanical force can deliberately alter chemical reactions, allowing for increased chemical selectivity. By manipulating atomic motions, chemists can overcome energy barriers and achieve desired outcomes, opening up new possibilities for chemical production.