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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 51

Study on fiscal policy advocates for making hay while the sun shines

A study published in Economic Inquiry examined data from 133 countries from 1950-2014, finding that reduced fiscal space in high-income countries after the 2007-2009 global financial crisis led to procyclical policy actions. This resulted in prolonged economic downturns and aggravated business cycle fluctuations.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJun 23, 2021

Study explores how readers at partisan news sites respond to challenging news events

Researchers from Bentley University analyzed reader comments on two partisan news sites after a challenging news event, revealing obstacles to sense-making and breakdowns in deliberation. The study adds to the understanding of political discourse and polarization, highlighting the need for solutions to combat misinformation.

SourceBentley University·JournalACM Transactions on Social Computing·DateJun 23, 2021

MicroRNAs may play a role in COVID-19

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 produces microRNAs affecting individuals' respiratory systems and immune responses. Understanding these impacts may provide new insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

'Lady luck' - Does anthropomorphized luck drive risky financial behavior?

A new study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research posits that increased accessibility to anthropomorphized luck can lead consumers to pursue higher-risk financial behavior. The authors suggest that preferences for riskier options are driven by shared risk perceptions that may engender feelings of security.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 23, 2021

Researchers hope a protein blueprint might aid infertility treatments

Scientists at the University of Cincinnati have developed a blueprint for the protein anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which plays a crucial role in reproductive organ development. Understanding how AMH interacts with its signaling receptor may lead to novel treatments for infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even feral cat ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Flash mob in the nucleus

Researchers clarify the role of SMN complexes in splicing and Cajal body formation, which is crucial for protein translation. The study reveals kinases play a key role in regulating these processes, potentially leading to new therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Targeted tumors attack not-innocent bystanders

The study found ADCs made with cleavable linkers can decrease small-cell lung cancer tumor size in PDX mouse models, showing promise for improved efficacy. The 'bystander effect' kills nearby nontargeted cancer cells often found near malignant tumors.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Did the ancient Maya have parks?

Researchers found over 30 species of plants along the banks of Tikal's reservoirs, including trees like ramón and cabbage bark. The study suggests that the Maya protected these areas as sacred groves to provide medicinal or edible plants and fruits.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

The very venomous caterpillar

A team of researchers from the University of Queensland has discovered a venomous caterpillar that produces peptides with high potency against nematode parasites and disease-causing pathogens. The study also unlocks a source of bioactive peptides with potential uses in medicine, biotechnology, and scientific tools.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Cohesin opens up for cell division

A study by Nagoya University researchers reveals that cohesin's ring needs to open for certain processes, like DNA replication and chromosome segregation. This opening facilitates the progressive replication of the DNA double helix and allows DNA looping, crucial for regulating gene expression.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Not all dietary proteins are created equal

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that animal-based protein food sources elicited greater anabolic responses and increased whole-body net protein balance compared to plant-based protein food sources. This suggests that 'ounce equivalents' of protein food sources are not metabolically equivalent, and animal prot...

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 22, 2021

Switching from Western diet to a balanced diet may reduce skin, joint inflammation

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that a Western diet rich in sugar and fat disrupts gut microorganisms, leading to psoriasis flares. Switching to a balanced diet restores gut health and suppresses skin inflammation, offering a potential solution for managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 22, 2021