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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 47

Making the gray cells happy

Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2021

Examining variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, socioeconomic disadvantage in Mayan-Latinx population

A study examining SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic disadvantage among a Mayan-Latinx population in California revealed significant variation in infection rates. The researchers identified socioeconomic factors as a key predictor of increased risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2021

Missing role of finance in climate mitigation scenarios

The study introduces a dynamic approach to complement existing climate mitigation scenarios, taking into account the financial system's enabling or hampering role. This framework helps investors adjust their expectations and reallocate capital to low-carbon investments, leading to a smoother transition to a sustainable economy.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2021

Clues from soured milk reveal how gold veins form

Researchers find that hyper-enriched gold deposits form like soured milk, with butterfat particles clumping together to form a jelly. This process explains the rapid formation of these rare and valuable deposits, solving a decades-old scientific puzzle.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021

Preventing the spread of plant pandemics

Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2021

Researchers create world's most power-efficient high-speed ADC microchip

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed the world's most power-efficient high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) microchip, reducing power consumption by three times while increasing speed. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in fields like autonomous vehicles, smart wearables, and implantable devices.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalIEEE Solid-State Circuits Letters·DateMay 21, 2021

Pandemic paleo: A wayward skull, at-home fossil analyses, a first for Antarctic amphibians

Researchers at the University of Washington successfully analyzed Micropholis stowi fossils excavated during a 2017-2018 collection trip to Antarctica. The findings reveal that this salamander-sized amphibian was more widespread than previously recognized, with evidence suggesting it could have adapted to various environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMay 21, 2021

NIST, collaborators develop new method to better study microscopic plastics in the ocean

Researchers developed a novel method to detect and characterize nanoplastics in ocean water by using small invertebrates. The technique uses asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and Raman spectroscopy to separate and identify nanoplastics, providing a more accurate measurement of these tiny plastics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics·DateMay 21, 2021