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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 7


Page 7 of 51

Connective tissue protein fights bacterial infection

A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

An atlas of the bumblebee brain

Researchers have created the first atlas of a bumblebee brain based on computed tomographic (CT) data, providing insights into spatial orientation in insects. The study, published in Cell and Tissue Research, aims to advance research on neuronal circuits and their applications in humans.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateJun 28, 2021

How we measure biodiversity can have profound impacts on land-use

A study in Zambia illustrates the challenges of measuring biodiversity and prioritizing land use, highlighting the need for consensus among conservation biologists. Different approaches to measuring biodiversity resulted in almost completely different land-use recommendations, emphasizing the importance of consistent methods.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 28, 2021

How to build a better wind farm

Researchers discovered that wind turbines in close proximity to each other reduce overall energy output. They suggest smaller, spaced-out farms may be more efficient, but further research is needed. The study's findings have implications for global energy supply and the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Diatom preservation and abundance

A recent study found that changes in marine fossilization conditions led to a significant increase in diatom abundance during the Cenozoic Era. The researchers built a model of sedimentation rate and ocean temperature on biogenic silica burial efficiency, revealing improved preservation conditions around 5-20 million years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Anti-cancer immunotherapy drug with reduced side effects and increased therapeutic effects

Researchers have developed an anti-cancer prodrug that targets cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. This innovation improves the effectiveness of immunotherapy by boosting patient immunity. The drug exhibits anticancer effects when activated in cancer cells, inducing an active anticancer immune response.

Unusual prey: Spiders eating snakes

Researchers found that spiders from 11 different families can catch and eat snakes, including species up to one meter in length. The venom of these spiders also has a similar effect on snake nervous systems as it does on humans.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Arachnology·DateJun 28, 2021

Emergency physician residents and health care workers at high risk of physical or verbal assault, new analysis shows

A new analysis found that 78% of healthcare workers experienced violent assault in the past year, with emergency physician residents facing a higher risk. The study highlights the need for improved workplace violence protocols and increased reporting to protect healthcare workers' mental health and safety.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

The most curious babies become the most curious toddlers

A first-of-its-kind study linked infant curiosity, measured by reactions to magic tricks, to later cognitive ability in toddlers. Researchers found that babies who showed interest in surprising events remained curious as preschoolers, suggesting a potential predictor of future learning and academic success.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

No pressure: Maintaining normal BP over long term is the key to heart health, study finds

A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that maintaining normal blood pressure over a long period of time significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from a 26-year follow-up of participants and found that cumulative blood pressure levels were a reliable measure of the risk of CVD.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 28, 2021