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Science News Archive November 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021

Chemistry: Researchers develop novel, inexpensive catalysts enabling noble metal chemistry

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed novel, inexpensive catalysts for alkynes reactions. Alkynes are activated through a soft manner, mimicking gold and platinum-based catalysts, with aluminum oxide being a more accessible alternative.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New precision approach against coronavirus infection: How the ACE2 receptor blocks the 'gateway' into human cells

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed a new precision strategy to hinder coronavirus infection by blocking the ACE2 receptor. The study, published in Pharmacological Research, reveals two anti-K353 aptamers that dose-dependently inhibit viral spike protein binding to human ACE2, preventing cell infection.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalPharmacological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New project to support student carers

A new project aims to provide peer support and research opportunities for students with caring responsibilities. The study reveals that without adequate support, caring can negatively impact physical and mental health, university performance, and social life.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateNov 23, 2021

Successful identification of the cause and cellular physiology of apoptosis caused by microplastics introduced into the brain

A joint research team identified the mechanism of microplastic-induced apoptosis in the brain by administering MPs orally to mice for 7 days. Microglial cells recognize MPs as external threats, leading to phagocytosis and apoptosis. The study reveals that smaller MPs (<2㎛) have a greater impact on cellular physiology.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 23, 2021

Examining the dynamics of complex networks

The special issue examines the collective dynamics of complex networks with applications in neuroscience, climate modelling, and Earth science. The papers cover a broad range of topics including dynamics of excitable systems, cluster dynamics, and interplay of noise and feedback.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateNov 23, 2021

The role of bitter receptors in cancer

A systematic review of bitter taste receptors in cancer found that overexpression of these receptors stimulates anti-cancer mechanisms, reducing cell division and migration while increasing programmed cell death. Conversely, downregulation of bitter taste receptor genes is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCancers·DateNov 23, 2021

Novel aptamer-SERS detection protocol developed to detect hepatic inflammation related MiR-122

Researchers developed a novel biosensor using aptamer-combined SERS to detect miR-122 in cell-secreted exosomes, providing a potential biomarker for radiation-induced organ injury and liver inflammation. The method offers rapid separation of analytes using magnetic NPs, enabling early diagnosis of hepatic inflammation cases.

Deafness trumps HIV for deaf people living with HIV

A University of California, Riverside-led study found that deafness is a significant barrier to accessing health care and resources for deaf individuals living with HIV. The research highlights the need for improved communication, cultural competency, and accessibility in healthcare services to support aging deaf people with HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021

Finding the perfect match

A new paper proposes a means of filtering for candidates who identify with organizational goals and are willing to go the extra mile. Researchers found that those who strongly identified with the organizational goal were willing to expend significantly more effort towards finding ways to reduce carbon emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Strengthening the food supply chain in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The article examines how the pandemic affected the protein sector's food supply chains, discussing lessons learned from the experience. The authors highlight the importance of building food supply chain resilience through improved efficiency and technology adoption, but warn that larger firms may pose a threat to smaller local systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalApplied Animal Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 23, 2021

Researchers study extent of healthcare avoidance during COVID-19

A new study found that 20.2% of participants reported avoiding healthcare during the pandemic, with those who are most likely to be affected being older individuals and those with low perceived health. The study calls for targeted public education to urge vulnerable citizens to seek medical attention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

New method allows for a closer look at the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression

Researchers developed a new live cell quantitative analysis of ER dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression. The method enables faster and more accurate testing of larger numbers of compounds, revealing complex dynamics between receptor mob...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021

UMBC researchers develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding

Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County have developed a novel approach to modifying nanoparticles' surfaces to provide infusions with reduced negative reaction risks. By changing the core material, they reduced markers associated with infusion reactions, improving the effectiveness and safety of life-saving medications.

Using machine learning and natural language processing to measure consumer reviews for product attribute insights

Researchers develop a methodological framework to extract and monitor information from consumer reviews, providing actionable insights on product attributes and their benefits. The study also extends sentiment analysis by demonstrating hierarchical sentiment analysis, enabling managers to generate tailored dashboards and inform decisions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 23, 2021

An exploration of tipping in complex systems

This special issue examines the nature of tipping in complex systems, revealing recent trends and challenges. The studies highlight the pressing need to control tipping phenomena and harness their potential for efficient logic operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateNov 23, 2021

Dopamine plays key role in songbird mating

Researchers found that dopamine stimulates female songbirds' preference for certain songs, affecting mating choice and memory. By manipulating dopamine levels, the team demonstrated lasting changes in song preferences, advancing our understanding of auditory perception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2021

Magellanic Stream arcing over Milky Way may be five times closer than previously thought

New astronomical models suggest the Magellanic Stream could be just 20 kiloparsecs from Earth, potentially colliding with the Milky Way and fueling new star formation. The revised distance may also affect estimates of the stream's mass and density, which could require revision.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Tectonic shift in Southern Ocean caused dramatic ancient cooling event

A new study suggests that the tectonic opening of Southern Ocean seaways led to a sudden cooling event 34 million years ago, contributing to the formation of Antarctic ice sheets. High-resolution simulations showed that this event caused a dramatic drop in coastal temperatures and initiated the Earth's transition into an Icehouse world.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021