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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 5


Page 5 of 51

Antibodies help identify women protected from placental malaria

Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.

SourceeLife·DateJun 29, 2021

Growing 'metallic wood' to new heights

Researchers solve a major problem in manufacturing metallic wood, eliminating inverted cracks that plagued similar materials for decades. The new material allows strips of metallic wood to be assembled in areas 20,000 times greater than before, enabling the creation of stronger, more consistent devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2021

A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

Research finds that unusual DNA structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4s), are preserved by natural selection and play a role in gene expression and cellular processes. G4s are more common and stable in regions with important functions, suggesting they should be considered functional elements of the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2021

83% of the Spanish population trusts in vaccination against COVID, 25 points more than in January

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology's third Social Perception Survey reveals that 83% of the population trusts COVID-19 vaccination, a 25-point increase from January. Attitudes towards vaccine uptake have improved significantly since July 2020, with compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures also showing a positive trend.

The evolution of axial patterning

A research group discovered that β-catenin signaling is used for axial patterning in sea anemones and sea urchins, a mechanism that also exists in vertebrates. This suggests that this system was present in the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria around 650 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2021

This 5,000-year-old man had the earliest known strain of plague

Scientists discovered the oldest strain of Yersinia pestis in a 20- to 30-year-old man from 5,000 years ago. The ancient bacteria was less contagious and deadly than its medieval version, transmitted primarily through animal bites. This finding challenges long-held theories on the development of human civilization in Europe and Asia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 29, 2021

Jackdaws don't console traumatized mates

Male jackdaws don't provide consolation to their mate after a traumatic experience, focusing on self-preservation instead. Researchers found that males decrease their nest visits and time with the female after an attack, suggesting they prioritize their own safety over comforting their partner.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2021

How plants become good neighbors in times of stress

Scientists from the John Innes Centre and University of Bristol found that deep shade triggers changes in plant circadian clocks, suppressing stem elongation. This adaptation allows plants to coexist in dense forests and crop canopies without wasting energy.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

Vaping increases susceptibility to coronavirus in mice

Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJun 29, 2021

How two California hospitals prevented the spread of a deadly fungal infection during the pandemic

Two California hospitals, Scripps Memorial and UCLA Health, detail their proactive responses to stop the spread of Candida auris. They implemented aggressive measures, including isolating patients, working with public health departments, and using effective disinfectants, to prevent transmission and successfully contain the outbreak.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 29, 2021

Reversal speeds creation of important molecule

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to synthesize halichondrin B, a natural compound with potent antitumor properties. The 'reverse approach' simplifies the process by bonding carbon-oxygen connections first and has reduced the number of steps required to make the molecule from 25 to just 5.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 29, 2021

Two emerging trends in treatment explain steady increase in IVF success rates

A large cohort study found that the transfer of embryos at the blastocyst stage and increasing use of embryo freezing are behind the improvements in IVF success rates. The study showed a significant increase in cumulative live birth rates over the decade, with single blastocyst transfers emerging as an increasing strategy.

ACTG announces publication of REPRIEVE sub-study in JAMA Network Open, providing insights into cardiovascular disease risk among people living with HIV

A recent study by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group found that nearly half of participants had atherosclerotic plaque in their coronary arteries, despite being considered at low-to-moderate risk. The study also revealed an association between plaque presence and higher levels of inflammation independent of traditional risk scores.

SourceAIDS Clinical Trials Group·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 29, 2021

The final dance of mixed neutron star-black hole pairs

The LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations have detected gravitational waves from the merger of a black hole and a neutron star. Analysis reveals that the signals originated from two mixed binaries, each made up of a neutron star and a black hole, with masses consistent with these objects.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2021