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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 37


Page 37 of 47

Some meat eaters disgusted by meat

A new study published in Appetite found that nearly 7% of meat eaters experience a strong disgust response to images of meat dishes, which could be leveraged to encourage reduced meat consumption. Researchers suggest harnessing this 'yuk factor' may be more effective than relying on willpower.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAppetite·DateMay 7, 2021

Why hotter clocks are more accurate

A new experiment has found that the accuracy of a clock is directly proportional to the amount of heat supplied, with more energy consumed resulting in more accurate timekeeping. This discovery has implications for future technologies and suggests that clocks are constrained by thermodynamics.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 7, 2021

Can federated learning save the world?

Federated learning, a new approach to training AI models, is found to have a significantly greener impact than traditional methods. By distributing training across multiple devices, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. This method has important privacy benefits as well, keeping data local and secure.

Learning on the fly

Researchers at the University of Sussex developed a new computational model that demonstrates a link between insect and mammalian learning. The model shows how dopamine neurons in a fruit fly's brain produce similar signals to those in mammals, enabling reliable instruction for learning.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021

The legume family tree

A comprehensive study of the legume family reveals a history of whole-genome duplications and helps uncover the evolution of genes involved in nitrogen fixation. The research team identified strong evidence for 28 separate whole-genome duplication events, shedding light on the evolutionary spread and diversification of legumes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·DateMay 7, 2021

Sleep disorders tally $94.9 billion in health care costs each year

According to a new study by Mass Eye and Ear, sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher health care utilization rates, resulting in an estimated $94.9 billion in annual costs. Patients with conditions like sleep apnea account for 60% more healthcare expenses, with nearly double the number of doctor visits and prescriptions.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 7, 2021

Stop the genetic presses!

Researchers at Penn State discovered a new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria, facilitated by proteins NusG and NusA. The study found that these proteins together facilitate termination at about 88% of intrinsic terminators, expanding our understanding of gene regulation and potential antibiotic targets.

Overcoming tab overload

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has developed a new extension called Skeema, which helps users group their browser tabs into tasks and organize, prioritize, and switch between them. This tool addresses the issue of tab overload and improves online productivity by merging tab management and task management in a browser.

The Lancet Rheumatology: Largest study to date confirms non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications do not result in worse COVID-19 outcomes

A new observational study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken prior to hospital admission for COVID-19 do not increase mortality rates. In fact, the use of NSAIDs was similar among patients who had taken them and those who had not. This large-scale study provides reassura...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateMay 7, 2021

Winning gene combination takes all

Scientists have successfully identified the complete avenacin biosynthetic pathway in oats, which provides resistance to soil-borne diseases like take-all. This discovery has implications for creating disease-resistant lines of wheat using modern technologies.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2021

Too much, too little or just right: WVU researchers study proper 'dosing' of telehealth

A systematic review of studies on telehealth and chronic conditions found that frequent services benefited patients more when continued for about a year. However, the optimal frequency and duration of telehealth services remain unknown. Researchers are working to measure dose in standard ways to inform best practices.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalE-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks·DateMay 7, 2021

Losing an only child is more devastating than losing a spouse, according to study of Chinese parents

A recent study published in Aging & Mental Health suggests that Chinese parents experience approximately 1.3 times more psychological distress after losing an only child compared to losing a spouse. The loss of an only child is devastating due to the emotional, financial, and instrumental support it provides to older adults.

SourceNew York University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateMay 7, 2021

Study helps to better understand the link between indoor and outdoor air quality

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...