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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Modeling cellular migration

Researchers develop 3D simulation capturing how cells containing vimentin move through body tissue, crucial for understanding cancer spread and wound healing. The study reveals vimentin's protective role in nuclear DNA and its potential as a target for cancer treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 21, 2021

Topological holographic quench dynamics in a synthetic frequency dimension

Researchers developed a method to detect topological phase using quench dynamics and synthetic frequency dimension, simplifying the characterization of non-equilibrium states. The study proposes a new approach for performing dynamical characterization of topological quantum phases in different models.

‘Raptor-like’ dinosaur discovered in Australian mine, actually uncovered as a timid vegetarian

A 'raptor-like' dinosaur was actually a timid, long-necked herbivore, according to recent reanalysis of fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine. The Prosauropod, a plant-eating dinosaur with legs about 1.4 metres tall and a body length of six metres, is the earliest evidence of its kind in Australia, marking a 50-million-yea...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 21, 2021

Novel peroxide-based material emits fluorescence in response to stress

Researchers have synthesized a novel organic peroxide mechanophore that releases fluorescence in response to mechanical stress. The compound, bis(9-methylphenyl-9-fluorenyl) peroxide (BMPF), was incorporated into a polymer network and found to retain its ability to release a fluorescent molecule when subjected to grinding or compression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Cell-free DNA identifies early signs of relapse in pediatric medulloblastoma

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a test to detect measurable residual disease (MRD) in children treated for medulloblastoma, identifying those at risk of relapse earlier than traditional imaging scans. The study found that cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can be used to predict relapse and potenti...

Rethinking grid integration of a massive renewable power expansion to achieve carbon neutrality in China and beyond

A new model suggests that integrating massive offshore wind generation, power storage, electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and expanded transmission can reduce costs of renewable power integration into the grid. This strategy could make achieving China's carbon neutrality by 2050 feasible without significantly increasing costs.

Large climate benefits could be achieved by reducing nitrous oxide emissions over small fraction of the world’s croplands

A new study maps global cropland nitrous oxide emissions and finds that reducing fertilizer application over 20% of the world's croplands could achieve 65% of global mitigation potential. The research identifies hotspots of high emissions in humid subtropical regions, where climate and soil characteristics play a significant role.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Food·DateOct 21, 2021

Skin-inspired sensors show how our body moves

Scientists at the University of Groningen developed wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and carbon fibre. These sensors can measure body position, movement, and touch, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and athlete performance tracking.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

First-ever Africa-wide great ape assessment reveals human activity, not habitat availability, is greatest driver of ape abundance

A new study assesses Africa-wide great ape populations and finds that human activities, such as GDP, roads, and population density, are the strongest factors predicting abundance. Only 10.7% of predicted apes were found in areas with high levels of legal protection.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Evaluating protection against SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant in vaccine-boosted nonhuman primates

A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.

Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

How pearls achieve nanoscale precision

A University of Michigan-led team discovered how mollusks build pearls with precise symmetry and layers, governed by the phenomenon of 1/f noise. The study found that pearls lack true long-range order but exhibit medium-range order, maintaining consistency and durability.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

Common antidepressant should no longer be used to treat people with dementia, study says

A new study has shown that a commonly prescribed antidepressant for agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo and may even increase mortality. The research found no improvement in agitation symptoms among those taking mirtazapine, a drug previously thought to be beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2021

Mandates likely work to increase vaccine uptake

Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2021