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Science News Archive May 2021


Page 1 of 47

Researchers report reference genome for maize B chromosome

The researchers reported a reference sequence for the supernumerary B chromosome in maize, with key properties such as its origin and molecular mechanism remaining unclear. The study found that the current gene content is a result of continuous transfer from the A chromosomal complement over an extended evolutionary period.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Researchers connect climate features to the variability of global tropical storm days from 1965 to 2019

A study links climate features to the variability of global tropical storm days from 1965 to 2019. The research reveals that tropical storm days vary in patterns lasting 3-6 years or 10 years, tied to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO).

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Chemistry and biology of sulfur containing natural products from marine microorganisms

This article provides an overview of sulfur-containing natural products from marine microorganisms, highlighting their molecular diversity and bioactivities. A total of 484 compounds were recorded, with 59.9% being thioethers, 29.8% being thiazole/thiazoline-containing compounds, and 10.3% being sulfoxides, sulfones, and thioesters.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalMarine Life Science & Technology·DateMay 31, 2021

The secret lives of Canada lynx

Scientists used accelerometers and audio recorders to study the behavior of Canada lynx, capturing detailed sounds of hunts, escapes, and social interactions. The findings provide valuable insight into the hunting habits and social dynamics of this elusive species.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 31, 2021

Overweight or obesity worsens liver-damaging effects of alcohol

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 31, 2021

Extreme CO2 greenhouse effect heated up the young Earth

New research suggests that high CO2 levels in the atmosphere may have warmed the young Earth's climate, accounting for apparent anomalies such as hot seawater temperatures above 70°C. The study proposes a plausible explanation for these phenomena, indicating temperatures closer to 40°C when considering ocean composition changes.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Study suggests tai chi can mirror healthy benefits of conventional exercise

A new study shows that tai chi mirrors the beneficial effects of conventional exercise by reducing waist circumference in middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The 12-week intervention found significant reductions in waist circumference, body weight, and improved lipid profiles among those who practiced tai chi.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2021

Overconfidence in news judgement

A new study published in Proceedings of National Academics of Sciences found that individuals who believe they can identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it. The researchers used two large surveys with 8,285 respondents and found that 90% reported being above average in their ability to discern false news headlines.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Duetting songbirds 'mute' the musical mind of their partner to stay in sync

Researchers studied the brain activity of singing male and female plain-tailed wrens, discovering that they synchronize their duets by inhibiting the song-making regions of their partner's brain. This inhibition allows for a seemingly telepathic performance, with the birds becoming a single entity through sensory linkages.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

Hybrid redox-flow battery with a long cycle life

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a non-aqueous All-Manganese Flow battery with a long cycle life, achieving an energy density roughly twice that of previous batteries. The new design uses sustainable manganese as its active material and has shown promising results for stationary energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 31, 2021

Ecole de technologie superieure welcomes two research chairs specialized in artificial intelligence applied to health

The Ecole de technologie superieure hosts two new research chairs on artificial intelligence applied to health. The chairs aim to train qualified personnel who can work in a field combining AI and healthcare. Researchers plan to develop algorithms that improve real-time assessment of patient status and reduce ICU readmission rates.

Unraveling DNA packaging

Scientists from Kanazawa University use HS-AFM to study DNA-histone interactions, revealing spatiotemporal dynamics and real-time observations of wrapping, sliding, sandwiching, and wrapping motions. The study provides valuable insights into the compactification of DNA and its potential applications in understanding human diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 31, 2021

Emotional regulation technique may be effective in disrupting compulsive cocaine addiction

A new study suggests that an emotional regulation technique called cognitive reappraisal can help disrupt compulsive cocaine addiction. The technique, which involves reinterpreting the meaning of drug-related cues, was found to reduce attention-bias in individuals with cocaine use disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021

A blood sugar biomarker identifies patients with atherosclerosis and a risk of cardiovascular events

A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2021

Right-wing rhetoric and the trivialization of pandemic casualties

High-level government officials and influential commentators in the US trivialized pandemic casualties by adopting a tone that suggested premature death was normal. This misleading rhetoric ignored the collective costs of unchecked disease transmission and offered false reassurance about the risk of infection.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Anthropological Research·DateMay 31, 2021

Using fossil plant molecules to track down the Green Sahara

Researchers analyzed pollen and leaf waxes to reconstruct vegetation cover and rainfall in the past. Mediterranean plants tolerate arid conditions with winter rain, suggesting a southward shift of westerlies during the African Humid Period. This climate scenario produced a Green Sahara with two seasonal rains.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2021