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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Taking new aim at COVID-19

Researchers at Duke University have identified chemical compounds that can latch onto the coronavirus's 3D RNA structures and block replication. The compounds, which target the virus's RNA specifically, offer a new mechanism of action against COVID-19.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2021

Doing photon upconversion a solid—Crystals that convert light to more useful wavelengths

Scientists discover a promising approach to creating solid materials for photon upconversion, which can transform wasted long-wavelength light into more useful shorter wavelength light. The new van der Waals crystal solution exhibits outstanding performance and efficiency, enabling the development of novel photonic technologies.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

Life in the forest’s understory versus its canopy changes flight among closely related butterflies

A new study found that Morpho butterflies adapted to understory habitats have powerful wing-flapping phases for fast flight, while canopy-dwelling species evolved efficient gliding abilities through unique aerodynamic mechanisms. The findings suggest multiple pathways of adaptive evolution for colonizing the forest's canopy.

Study finds relationship between immune pathway response to influenza and genetic ancestry

A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...

The success of the Life-Saving Lullabies project

The Life-Saving Lullabies project, funded by UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, investigated the potential of song as a novel public health education intervention to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The project's successes demonstrate a model of best practice in community-led maternal and infant health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateNov 25, 2021

Study highlights role of disordered protein interactions in gene expression

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism that coordinates the assembly of components inside cells that control gene expression, revealing a widespread role for disordered protein interactions. The findings suggest that disrupting these interactions can lead to impaired gene expression, providing potential new targets for treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

CNIO researchers discover a new mechanism involved in early melanoma metastasis

CNIO researchers have identified a new biomarker for early melanoma metastasis, proposing the use of NGFR to predict disease prognosis and define risk groups. Blocking NGFR drastically reduces metastasis in mice, paving the way for a potential first treatment to tackle metastasis in its earliest stages.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

A piece of the bigger picture: evidence on HIV prevalence among key populations in Europe

A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 25, 2021

Benefits of COVID-19 vaccination: An estimated half a million lives saved in the WHO European Region since end of 2020

A recent study estimates that COVID-19 vaccination prevented almost 470,000 deaths among people aged 60 years and older across Europe. The authors found that early implementation of vaccination was associated with the largest reduction in expected deaths.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2021

Accelerated renewables-based electrification paves the way for a post-fossil future

By 2050, renewable electricity is expected to become the cheapest form of energy globally, accounting for up to three-quarters of all demand. This shift can be achieved through accelerated electrification of industries, such as steel production and transportation, which can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon intensity.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2021

From ambition to biodiversity action: Time to hold actors accountable

A team of scientists has proposed a three-step framework to implement global biodiversity goals at the national level. The first step involves translating global targets into national action plans, engaging various sectors in co-design. The second step requires implementing actions across sectors using behavioral intervention tools and...

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 25, 2021

‘Super jelly’ can survive being run over by a car

A team at the University of Cambridge created a jelly-like material that can withstand compression forces equivalent to an elephant, while maintaining its original shape. The material's properties are seemingly contradictory, but can be controlled through changing the chemical structure of guest molecules.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

Mars seismic deployment lays groundwork for future planetary missions

Researchers analyze new seismic data from the Mars InSight mission to plan for future planetary seismographs. The findings provide insights into Martian seismic activity, signal processing, and instrument operation, paving the way for upcoming missions to the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter's moon Titan.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Belzutifan induced strong responses in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated kidney cancer

The Phase II trial demonstrated a significant clinical response to belzutifan, with 49% of patients experiencing objective responses and 96% reaching progression-free survival after 24 months. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients with VHL disease-associated kidney cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2021

A better estimate for tick numbers with ‘citizen science’ data

A team of University of Pennsylvania biologists used citizen science data to create a comprehensive abundance map of the black-legged tick, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. By correcting biases in the data, they were able to increase its value and provide insights into tick distribution across the Northeast US.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

New study shows that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy can prevent major depression in older adults

A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) prevented major depression in older adults with insomnia, decreasing the likelihood of depression by over 50%. CBT-I was more effective than sleep education therapy in preventing depression and promoting sustained remission of insomnia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2021

GIST scientists showcase the potential of demand response in reducing CO2 emissions

A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

New study shows electric fields can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification

Researchers from South Korea have demonstrated that applying an electric field during air stripping can significantly improve ammonia removal efficiency from wastewater. The study found that electric fields with alternating current of 50 MHz and power of 15 V/cm increase efficiency from 51% to 94%, even under sub-optimal conditions.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Sugar could help repair artificial human joints

Researchers at Durham University have developed a sugar-containing polymer coating that can repair damaged artificial joint implants by mimicking the way cartilage works to lubricate human joints. The coating uses water to create a slippery surface, protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.

SourceDurham University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021