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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 51

Hubble data confirms galaxies lacking dark matter

A team of researchers led by Zili Shen and Pieter van Dokkum used Hubble Space Telescope to measure the distance of ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC1052-DF2, confirming it lacks dark matter. The results are based on 40 orbits of the telescope and provide crucial implications for estimating the physical properties of the galaxy.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2021

Mountain fires burning higher at unprecedented rates

Climate warming has diminished the high-elevation flammability barrier, allowing fires to advance uphill in Western mountains. The area burning above 8,200 feet tripled in just over a decade, with rising temperatures extending fire territory to an additional 81,500 square kilometers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

Vaccination, previous infection, protect against gamma variant in animal model

Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

How should governments offer subsidies for clean-energy heating?

A new study from Aalto University recommends that government subsidies for clean-energy heating be allocated to areas where homeowners can least afford the upfront cost, namely those with lower housing prices. This approach aims to promote energy-efficient heat pumps and reduce carbon emissions in Finland's residential buildings.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

Alternate-day intermittent fasting leads to less fat loss than traditional daily energy restriction

A new study suggests that alternate-day intermittent fasting may offer no unique health benefits over a standard daily diet. In contrast, traditional daily energy restriction resulted in greater weight and fat loss. The researchers note that longer studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 16, 2021

How do we know where things are?

Researchers at Dartmouth College discovered that the brain uses a 'steadycam' strategy to stabilize visual experience, perceiving frames as stationary even when they're clearly moving. This 'paradoxical stabilization' effect creates the illusion of stable images, similar to how our brains discount motion in everyday life.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2021

Most rivers run dry -- now and then

A new study found that between 51-60% of the world's rivers stop flowing periodically, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in river science and management. Non-perennial rivers provide critical water sources and support biological diversity, but are often overlooked and mismanaged.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2021

Over-the-counter fungicide can disrupt hormones

A recent study by the National Food Institute found that clotrimazole, an over-the-counter fungicide, can significantly alter sex hormones in pregnant rats and their developing fetuses. This exposure was observed at concentrations comparable to those experienced by human mothers taking clotrimazole to treat vaginal thrush. The research...

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateJun 16, 2021

How a supermassive black hole originates

A team of researchers has proposed a new explanation for the origin of supermassive black holes, suggesting that they are formed through the collapse of a massive seed black hole produced by the gravitational instability of a dark matter halo. This process, known as gravothermal collapse, can lead to the creation of a seed black hole w...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

Ozone pollution has increased in Antarctica

Researchers analyzed 25 years of Antarctic data, finding that ozone levels near the ground have risen by up to 0.14 ppb per year, primarily driven by natural and human sources. This increase can have negative impacts on the region in the future due to ozone's ability to trap heat near Earth's surface.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 16, 2021

Model helps analyze decision-making on adopting Type 2 diabetes medical guidelines

A new computational framework simulates the dissemination of Type 2 diabetes guidelines, highlighting the impact of sociocultural context and complex social interactions. The Culturally Infused Agent Based Model (CI-ABM) improves analysis and prediction of guideline-dissemination behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateJun 16, 2021

How sex trafficking trauma affects the way its survivors parent

A study found that sex trafficking survivors' trauma affects their parenting, causing them to be overly protective and emotionally withdrawn. Despite this, they cope by finding meaning in motherhood and social support, and often experience strong connections with their children. The research highlights the need for policies and program...