Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 40


Page 40 of 47

Slender-snouted Besanosaurus was an 8 m long marine snapper

Researchers have identified five additional specimens of a 240-million-year-old ichthyosaur, named Besanosaurus leptorhynchus, providing new information on its anatomy, diet, and exceptionally large adult size. The species is the earliest large-sized marine diapsid with a long and narrow snout.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 6, 2021

Space weather and solar blobs

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory receive $2 million in funding to investigate magnetic reconnection and plasma blobs that can disrupt communications satellites. They aim to recreate conditions in the magnetosphere using a device resembling an enormous silvery barrel tipped on its side.

Feeling younger buffers older adults from stress, protects against health decline

A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger have better cognitive functioning, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who feel older. The researchers suggest that feeling younger could help buffer middle-aged and older adults against stress's negative effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMay 6, 2021

Exercise aids the cognitive development of children born preterm

A study by the University of Basel found that exercise training helps improve motor skills in children born prematurely, leading to better impulse control and reduced behavioral problems. This targeted training may also reduce cognitive limitations, providing essential support for these children as they grow into teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMay 6, 2021

JAMA Health Forum now peer-reviewed journal

The JAMA Health Forum has transitioned from an online health policy channel to a peer-reviewed, open-access online journal. The journal is focused on health policy, health care systems, and global and public health, with an editorial team led by John Z. Ayanian and Melinda B. Buntin.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 6, 2021

Physicists describe new type of aurora

Researchers have found a new feature in the diffuse aurora, where sections of the background-like glow disappear and then reappear after a short period. This phenomenon, dubbed 'diffuse auroral erasers,' has never been mentioned in scientific literature and raises questions about its frequency and potential impact on Earth's climate.

Researchers speed identification of DNA regions that regulate gene expression

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have developed an integrated system to better understand and possibly manipulate gene expression for treatment of disorders like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. The new method identified dozens of DNA regulatory elements that orchestrate fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch, offeri...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 6, 2021

A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...

How mitochondria make the cut

Researchers investigated mitochondrial fission and discovered two types of division: midzone and peripheral. Midzone divisions have textbook machinery, while peripheral divisions are associated with stress and dysfunction. The study sheds light on regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases.

What is driving reductions in residential greenhouse gas emissions in the US?

A Yale School of Environment study found that efficiencies in new home construction, energy consumption, and household appliances have contributed to lower emissions, but other factors may cancel out progress. The researchers suggest shifting from single-family housing to multi-family housing could reduce energy demand by up to 47%.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

Can Twitter help improve dental education?

Studies found Twitter's real-time Q&A sessions and semi-anonymous interactions can benefit students' engagement and confidence. However, barriers to Twitter's use in dental education include privacy concerns and professionalism issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateMay 5, 2021