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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Obscuring the truth can promote cooperation

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that overstating the level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall. The study used a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, finding that a degree of deceit or obfuscation can promote the formation of a cooperative ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Study identifies gut microbes associated with toxicity to combined checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients

A study found specific gut microbiota signatures correlate with high-grade adverse events and response to combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade treatment. The research identified a potential new strategy to treat toxicity while maintaining response through IL-1R inhibition or manipulation of the gut microbiota.

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric has an impact on the public - but only among fans of populist politicians, study shows

A new study by A. Burcu Bayram and Catarina Thomson found that international aid institutions should not be worried about the impact of populism on global development cooperation. Those wanting to convince the public about foreign aid should focus on transparent communication and local partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJul 8, 2021

Can whale poo help save the planet?

A recent workshop report emphasizes the significant ecological importance of whales in maintaining healthy oceans. Whales help mitigate climate change through nutrient transport and carbon sequestration, while also enhancing marine productivity and promoting biodiversity.

Better pregnancy outcomes linked to reduction of armed conflict in Colombia

A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2021

CoronaVac vaccine provides 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% protection against hospitalization, interim analysis reveals

The CoronaVac vaccine demonstrated 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against hospitalization in a phase 3 trial. The study involved adults aged 18-59 and showed high efficacy with a very good safety profile, but further data is needed on the vaccine's long-term effects and efficacy against new variants.

To splice or not to splice...

A study by Karan Bedi and colleagues found that RNA splicing is inefficient, leaving many intronic sequences unspliced. The team analyzed Bru-seq data from six cell lines and identified variable patterns of splicing across genes and cell types.

Yoga helps reduce work-related stress

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that yoga is an effective method for reducing occupational stress in healthcare workers. The analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials revealed that yoga and massage therapy were more effective than no intervention in alleviating work-related stress.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Occupational Health·DateJul 8, 2021

How does endometriosis influence women's work life?

Research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica finds endometriosis affects work ability and sick leave in mid-life women. A life course approach reveals poor work outcomes without association with unemployment or early retirement.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 8, 2021

Antibody but not T-cell response after first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is weakened in patients receiving methotrexate

A new study found that patients taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate had weaker antibody responses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose. However, T-cell responses were preserved in these patients, suggesting potential risks and benefits of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.

Engineering seeds to resist drought

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple and inexpensive two-layer coating that protects seeds from drying out and provides them with extra nutrition, enabling agriculture on marginal arid lands. The coating, which is engineered to hold onto moisture and contain preserved microorganisms, has shown encouraging results in early tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Food·DateJul 8, 2021

'Smart collar' could prevent tapeworms in dogs

Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 8, 2021

The pressure is off and high temperature superconductivity remains

Researchers demonstrate superconductivity in iron selenide crystals without applied pressure using a new pressure-quench technique. The method retains the high-temperature superconductive phase even after removing the applied pressure, bringing scientists closer to realizing room-temperature superconductivity at ambient pressure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2021

Study finds toddlers with ASD do not differ in progress made in comparison of two treatment types

Researchers compared two treatment types for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found no significant differences in outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows that common elements may be more important than differences in intervention styles.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2021