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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Researchers, practitioners and community members call for greater inclusion in ecosystem restoration

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture have published 10 rules for socially sustainable ecosystem restoration. The rules emphasize the importance of recognizing diversity among stakeholders, building trust with communities, and considering multiple benefits within ecosystems.

Scientists can control brain circuits, behavior, and emotion using light

Researchers create Opto-vTrap, a reversible inhibition system that can temporarily trap vesicles from being released, allowing for controlled brain activity. The technique enables temporary removal of fear memory in live mice, with potential applications in epilepsy treatment, muscle spasm treatment, and skin tissue expansion technolog...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Quantum computers getting connected

A team of researchers from the University of Stuttgart successfully integrated color centers into nanophotonic silicon carbide structures, paving the way for more efficient quantum computers. The approach enables the robust spin-optical properties of the color centers to be maintained after integration.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Clam fossils help scientists find errors in evolutionary tree calculations

Researchers used clam fossils to create a comprehensive evolutionary tree over hundreds of millions of years, revealing that a basic assumption can significantly distort the picture of which species are destroyed during mass extinctions. The study found that assuming lineages always split into two new species can push the origins of ne...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2021

COVID-19 disparities caused by chronic conditions and lack of health care access

A new Rutgers University study examines COVID-19 disparities among communities of color, finding that underlying health conditions and lack of healthcare access are major contributing factors. The research suggests that education, policy, and intervention efforts can help decrease mortality rates by targeting these social determinants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateNov 30, 2021

Largest genetic study of suicide attempts confirms genetic underpinnings that are not driven by underlying psychiatric disorders

A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Critical conflict in cancer cells

A study found that the MYCN protein creates conflicts between DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells, leading to increased division rates and potential damage. The researchers hope to develop therapies by disrupting the cooperation between MYCN and a molecule called BRCA1.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 30, 2021

Successful treatment in mice for severe childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully treated high-risk neuroblastoma in mice using a combination of precision medicines, showing potential for a curative treatment. The study's results suggest that patients with this form of childhood cancer may benefit from drug treatment with ATR inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New study identifies gaps in treatment for opioid use disorder as overdose emergencies soar

A new study found that emergency physicians are missing opportunities to prescribe life-saving medications like naloxone and buprenorphine after opioid overdose visits. The study analyzed over 149,000 visits between 2019-2021 and discovered that naloxone was prescribed only in 7.4% of cases, while buprenorphine was prescribed in only 8...

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 30, 2021

Diagnosing breast cancer

A new diagnostic tool for breast cancer uses a low-voltage electrical current to detect changes in lymphatic interstitial fluid, showing 70% effectiveness in predicting cancer presence. The device can be used repeatedly on women of any age, providing an additional diagnostic option for younger patients and those with dense breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New review highlights cancer-crushing viruses

A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021

As LA traffic slowed amid the pandemic, researchers gained new insight into air pollution

A team of scientists used satellite images to track ammonia concentrations in the air above Los Angeles before and during the pandemic lockdown. They discovered that cars may produce up to 95% of this harmful pollutant throughout the city, significantly higher than previous estimates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

New study: Prunes have promising effect on men’s bone health, adding to growing body of research

A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that eating prunes daily reduces biomarkers of bone breakdown and improves bone geometry in healthy men aged 50-79. The study adds to existing research on the beneficial effects of prunes on bone health, particularly for men.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Sacramento·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

ComCor study: New results on places of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and analysis of the efficacy of messenger RNA vaccines against the Delta variant

The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·TypeCase study·DateNov 30, 2021

Asian climate variability and dynamics across early-to-middle pliocene warm period provide clues for future climate change

A recent study revealed Asian climate variability across the early-to-middle Pliocene Warm Period, providing insights into future climate change. The research found that CO2-induced global warming led to increased summer monsoon moisture transport over East Asia and aridification in Central Asia.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

The diabetes medication that could revolutionise heart failure treatment

A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can improve outcomes for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The medication has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart-related causes and hospitalization by 22%.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2021

Reshaping the plastic lifecycle into a circle

A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh reveals that 360 million metric tonnes of new plastic were produced in 2018, with only 9% being recycled. The research found that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production are staggering, accounting for 350 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 30, 2021

Ancient lineage of algae found to include five “cryptic” species

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that a rare alga, Chlorokybus, contains at least five distinct species previously thought to be a single entity. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, shedding new light on the biodiversity and evolutionary pathways of this key algal group.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021