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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

The quantum refrigerator

Researchers at TU Wien have invented a new cooling concept that combines thermodynamics and quantum physics to break low-temperature records. By using quantum effects to cool a cloud of ultracold atoms, they achieved temperatures closer to absolute zero than ever before.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

The secret life of basking sharks

A new study using video recordings from animal-towed cameras reveals the secret life of basking sharks in Scottish waters. The research shows that the sharks engage in feeding, courtship and social behaviors, challenging previous assumptions about their solitary nature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

ACC issues clinical guidance on ASCVD risk reduction in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia

The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

On eternal imbalance

Researchers have discovered a new theory that explains the behavior of quantum systems with long-range interactions. The theory predicts that these systems will settle into meta-stable states rather than reaching equilibrium, leading to unique effects such as spiral arms in galaxies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

A blood test for your body clock? It's on the horizon

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder have developed a blood test that can assess the timing of an individual's internal circadian clock, potentially leading to personalized medicine breakthroughs. The study found that analyzing a combination of molecules in a single blood draw can determine the timing of a person's biological ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Study shows why beer mats do not fly in a straight line

Physicists investigated why beer mats behave strangely when thrown. The study found that the mat tips backwards due to gravity, creating an angle of attack that generates lift in the airflow. When rotated like a frisbee, the lifting force causes the mat to drift off to the side, rather than flying straight.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

How to make up your mind when the glass seems half empty?

Neuroscientists at Kyoto University have discovered brain networks that connect anxiety to pessimistic decision-making. The pregenual ACC, a middle layer of the brain, plays a key role in integrating feelings with rational thinking and is linked to avoidance and pessimistic decision-making.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Want to reduce cockroach sex? Block an enzyme

A new study published in PLOS Biology elucidates a female sex pheromone pathway in cockroaches, revealing that blocking an enzyme reduces pheromone production and female attractiveness. The study provides valuable insights into insect sexual behavior regulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Researchers demonstrate technique for recycling nanowires in electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University demonstrated a low-cost technique for recycling nanowires from electronic devices. The method involves dissolving the polymer matrix containing the nanowire network and separating the nanowires using ultrasound, allowing for their reuse in new devices. After four life cycles, the nanowires...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

‘Double decoration’ enhances industrial catalyst

Researchers at Hokkaido University have designed a highly stable platinum-gallium catalyst that can support propylene production at very high temperatures, making it suitable for a month. The 'doubly decorated' catalyst is alloyed with lead and calcium, which blocks side reactions and improves stability.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Measuring creativity, one word at a time

Researchers from McGill University and Harvard University developed a simple test to measure creative potential, using the Divergent Association Task (DAT). The study found that naming unrelated words can predict creativity levels, with greater distances between words indicating higher creative abilities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2021

Mixing precision for model acceleration

A KAUST-led research team has developed an approach to mix high-precision calculations with lower precision for large geospatial datasets, significantly speeding up modeling without overall precision loss. The technique, implemented on high-performance computing systems, will enable larger datasets to be analyzed in shorter timeframes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 27, 2021

Vaccination against hereditary colorectal cancer successful in mice

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center successfully tested a protective vaccination against hereditary colorectal cancer in mice, achieving a significant delay in tumor development. Combining the vaccine with an anti-inflammatory drug further increased its effectiveness, showing promise for future clinical applications.

Climate adaptation at the department of defense and beyond

New research from the University of Arizona identifies climate-related threats to US Department of Defense facilities in the southwestern United States. The study recommends emphasizing risks to DOD missions, finding champions at individual bases, and integrating climate considerations into existing plans to mitigate these challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalClimate Services·DateJul 27, 2021

Study: Pediatric neurosurgeons develop strong emotional bonds with patients, bringing them joy but also great pain

A study led by York University found that pediatric neurosurgeons develop meaningful long-term relationships with their patients and families, caring deeply about them. However, these relational bonds also bring challenging emotions, particularly when communicating bad news or witnessing patients' suffering or death.

SourceYork University·JournalBritish Journal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 27, 2021

Research reveals advantage of 2D metal-organic framework nanosheets in sensing applications

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets show improved detection performance in sensing applications compared to their three-dimensional counterparts. The research reveals excellent fluorescence stability, high selectivity towards fluoride ions, and faster response times.

Are laundry and dish pods biodegradable? Not exactly, ASU study shows

A recent ASU study reveals that up to 75% of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in laundry and dish pods goes untreated in US wastewater treatment plants, amounting to around 8,000 tons released annually. This raises concerns about the environmental impact of these products, as PVA can sequester heavy metals and alter gas exchanges.

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 27, 2021

Street-based sex workers perform emotional labor to build customer loyalty

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that street-based sex workers invest considerable emotional effort into maintaining loyal customers. They use relational work activities such as friendly service, flexible payments, and scheduling to retain clients. This approach helps them avoid potentially violent or abusive clients and provi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Political discussions focused on consensus more comfortable, less divisive for students

A new study found that US high school students felt more respected and their views moved closer to agreement in consensus-based political discussions than in group debates. The study, published in the Peabody Journal of Education, suggests that deliberation can promote openness to changing one's mind and being persuaded.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeabody Journal of Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Study finds poor households in India bear brunt of pollution effects

A new study by Yale School of the Environment Associate Professor Narasimha Rao found that poorer households in India are disproportionately affected by air pollution caused by other sources. The study highlights that wealthier households contribute less to pollution but reap fewer benefits from cleaner alternatives.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 27, 2021

Bushfires, not pandemic lockdowns, had biggest impact on global climate in 2020

A study found that the Australian bushfires had a more significant impact on global climate than pandemic lockdowns, cooling the planet by about .06 degrees Celsius. The fires injected sulfates and other particles into the atmosphere, disrupting the climate system and influencing storm tracks.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2021