Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

Errors at the start of life

Scientists discovered that errors often occur when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization, leading to incorrect numbers of chromosomes. This process is surprisingly inefficient and can result in developmental defects and miscarriage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMay 10, 2021

As global climate shifts, forests' futures may be caught in the wind

A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant correlations between wind speed and direction and genetic diversity throughout forests globally. Tree populations connected by stronger winds tend to be more genetically similar, while those in the direction of prevailing winds have greater genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Autonomous robot learning

Researchers developed a modular robot that autonomously adapts to its environment, achieving optimal behavior without a central controller. The robot learned to navigate and maintain behavior even with damage, paving the way for miniaturized robotic materials for various applications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Monash study may help boost peptide design

Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2021

Blocking lipoxygenase leads to impaired cardiac repair in acute heart failure

A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateMay 10, 2021

Volcanoes on Mars could be active

Researchers at University of Arizona discovered evidence of recent volcanic activity on Mars, suggesting eruptions could have taken place in past 50,000 years. The discovery of a previously unknown volcanic deposit raises possibility of habitable conditions below Martian surface.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIcarus·DateMay 10, 2021

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a new tool called BARseq2 that uses genetic tags to label brain cells and trace thousands of brain circuits simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the complex interactions between neurons, enabling a better understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2021

Timing is everything in new implant tech

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...

How the oral microbiome evolved

A recent study analyzed 124 dental biofilm metagenomes from various primate species, revealing 10 core bacterial genera that have been maintained throughout African hominid evolution. These microbial groups played a key role in oral biofilms for over 40 million years and adapted to starch-rich diets early in human evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Parallel universes cross in Flatland

Scientists have discovered a way to modify the energy landscape of 2D materials by arranging them in a 3D configuration, creating parallel worlds with unique properties. This new arrangement, known as a nanomesh, has strong nonlinear optical properties and opens up possibilities for quantum computing and communication applications.

Long-lasting medications may improve treatment satisfaction for opioid use disorder

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that extended-release formulations of buprenorphine may improve treatment satisfaction for patients with opioid use disorder. The study found that the extended-release injection was well-tolerated and produced more positive patient-reported outcomes compared to daily oral buprenorphine.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 10, 2021

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop new technique to assess progression of sickle cell retinopathy

Researchers used OCT angiography to image patients with sickle cell retinopathy and found that sequential imaging can help assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The study showed that untreated patients had more flickering blood vessels, indicating a higher risk of permanent blockage.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 10, 2021

Fifty shades of reading: Who reads contemporary erotic novels and why?

A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics investigates the readership of erotic novels, uncovering surprising insights into the motivations and experiences of readers. The majority of participants found that reading erotic novels provided a sense of relaxation and ease, while also being emancipated and feminist.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMay 10, 2021

New neuroelectronic system can read and modify brain circuits

A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Even when they include them, gifted programs aren't serving Black or low-income kids

A recent study found that gifted programs for high achievers are not adequately serving Black and low-income students, with modest academic achievement gains and little impact on engagement or attendance. The researchers suggest diversifying curriculum and structure to better meet the needs of diverse student populations.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 10, 2021