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Science News for May 23, 2021


Is closing the gap working?

A five-year study found that Australia's Closing the Gap program has not improved disparities in Indigenous health, income, employment, child removal, and incarceration. Researchers suggest that 'Western' cultural beliefs over Indigenous cultures hinder policy change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of Public Administration·DateMay 23, 2021

New immune players involved in metabolic liver disease

A recent study has discovered a subtype of immune cells called dendritic cells, which become activated in the liver and promote the progression of non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH). Manipulating these cells may lead to new treatments for NASH, a condition that can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 23, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Early research suggests climate change could lead to more stillbirths

Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in stillbirths, particularly in low-resource settings where women are already disproportionately affected. The study found a link between high and low ambient temperatures during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, with the highest risk above 29.4 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 23, 2021

Myopia link to poor sleep, and screen time

People with myopia experience poorer sleep quality due to delayed circadian rhythms and lower melatonin production. The study highlights the importance of adequate sleep for good vision, particularly in children exposed to excessive screen time.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 23, 2021

Researchers develop novel raman method to capture target molecules in small gaps actively

A new Raman spectroscopy method has been developed to capture target molecules in small gaps using nano-capillary pumping, enabling ultrasensitive detection of various substances. This breakthrough allows for real-time monitoring of cell behavior and chemical kinetics, with potential applications in medicine and chemistry.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 23, 2021

A natural food supplement may relieve anxiety

Researchers found that beta-sitosterol reduced anxiety in mice by altering gene expression and neural pathways. The supplement showed synergistic effects when combined with an antidepressant, potentially reducing side effects. Further clinical testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 23, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

No cause for alarm about graduate students' mental health

A University of Otago study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that transitioning into PhD study in New Zealand does not lead to a significant drop in mental health. The research used data from the Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand, tracking students before and after entering a PhD program.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 23, 2021

New study targets secrets of great entrepreneurial cities

A new research study by QUT and RMIT reveals that cities with empowered open-minded populations and dense, diverse environments drive high-impact entrepreneurship and economic growth. Cities like San Francisco and Austin top the list, scoring high in entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalResearch Policy·DateMay 23, 2021

Identifying how chemotherapy drug works could deliver personalized cancer treatment

Decitabine, used to treat blood cancers like MDS and AML, works by activating endogenous retroviruses that induce an immune response. The study found two key gene sequences involved in this process, Staufen1 and TINCR, whose expression levels determine a patient's response to the drug.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Otago study helps explain how religious beliefs are formed

A University of Otago study found that anxiety enhances recall of supernatural agents, leading to the formation of religious beliefs. The research suggests that anxious individuals are initially attracted to the scary traits of gods and other supernatural concepts due to their alarming effects on our expectations.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateMay 23, 2021

UK invests over £30 million in large-scale greenhouse gas removal

The UK is investing £30 million in five large-scale greenhouse gas removal projects, including peatland management and biochar use, to complement emission reductions. The projects will assess the effectiveness and scalability of innovative methods to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·DateMay 23, 2021