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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 16


Page 16 of 40

Cognitive behavior therapy conducted by telephone may ease arthritis-related insomnia

A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2021

No overall link between concussion, length of career and cognitive function in retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+

A new study found that retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+ who suffered three or more rugby-related concussions during their career have no worse average cognitive function than those with no, one, or two concussions. However, over-75s with a history of multiple concussions showed significantly worse cognitive function on a...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateOct 20, 2021

Origin of domestic horses finally established

A study led by Ludovic Orlando found that modern domestic horses were first domesticated in the Pontic-Caspian steppes around 2000-2200 BC. The genetic profile of these horses spread rapidly across Eurasia, replacing other horse populations and facilitating their conquest of the region.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2021

Scientists use sintered porous media to build compact, efficient heat exchangers

Researchers from The University of Electro-Communications and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that sintering porous media inside heat transfer tubes increases the area available for heat exchange, reducing thermal resistance and enhancing heat transfer performance. Heat transfer in these tubes is five times greater...

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Rise of the war machines: Identifying key drivers of the evolution of military technology in pre-industrial societies

A new analysis spanning 10,000 years of history and ten major world regions found that world population size, major technological advances, and geographical connectivity are key drivers of military technology evolution. The study's methodology employed a resource called Seshat: Global History Databank to empirically test prior hypotheses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021

Male-female differences in heart disease could start before birth

A team of scientists has discovered that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This finding provides new opportunities for research into cardiac disease and treatment, as well as advancing the biological study of sex differences.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Salmon decline impacted by “squeeze” of combined river and sea stressors

A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that declines of Pacific salmon and trout are associated with 40 years of changes in their combined marine and freshwater ecosystems. The study reveals that stressors in both environments combine to impact fish resiliency, resulting in lower survival rates in rivers and the sea.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2021

Immunotherapy may benefit patients with cancer that has spread to tissues around the brain

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors can generate promising results in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD), a rare complication of cancer. The treatment showed increased activity in cancer-killing immune cells and expression of particular genes within cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2021

Seek and you shall find.

The study utilizes gas-phase electrophoresis (GEMMA) to separate nanovesicles from proteins in natural samples. This allows for accurate attribution of effects to transport vesicles, crucial for understanding cellular communication and metabolism. The method has significant implications for extracellular vesicle research and its releva...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Climate change affects animal behavior

A study on over 100 species found that climate change affects animal behavior, including changes in aggression, activity, and sociability. The researchers believe that behavioral changes can serve as a buffer for animals to avoid negative effects of environmental change.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalOikos·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Exploring sustainable pathways by balancing food security, trade, and environmental impacts in China

A recent study in Nature Sustainability explores sustainable pathways for China's increasing food demand while balancing trade and environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of integrating global optimization towards SDGs to address challenges such as food security, water shortage, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

COVID-19: Using Polylactic Acid (PLA) to create more environmentally friendly face masks

Scientists have created sustainable face masks made from biodegradable PLA, which breaks down quickly under ambient temperatures. The study showed that the masks can be fully bio-mineralized without forming secondary microplastic pollution, paving the way for more eco-friendly alternatives.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 19, 2021

Different recipe, same sauce

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully synthesized shagene A, a tricyclic terpenoid effective against the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. The compound kills the parasite without causing detrimental side effects and has attracted attention for its potential in drug discovery.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

What does it take to be a marine?

A study analyzing data from 3,438 trainees has identified key factors associated with success in Recon Marine training, including prior life experience, athletic experience, and physical performance metrics. The research aims to inform military recruitment and training strategies, advancing novel ways to recruit and retain for the U.S....

Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, SFU researchers find

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New deep learning algorithm can pick up genetic mutations and DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancers more efficiently

A new deep learning algorithm can accurately predict the status of molecular pathways and key mutations in colorectal cancer from routine histology images. The algorithm, which doesn't require manual annotations, has been shown to be significantly more accurate than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Scientists identify suspect protein as a marker for prostate cancer progression

Scientists at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have identified zinc finger protein 507 (ZNF507) as a critical protein marker for the progression of prostate cancer to an aggressive state. The researchers found that ZNF507 accelerated the growth, survival, proliferation, and migration of PC cells.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Adding SNAP benefits for older adults in Medicare, Medicaid can reduce hospital visits, healthcare costs

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New concerns for inland wetlands

A new study by Flinders University highlights concerns over the potential impact of a proposed Carmichael coal mine on the Doongmabulla Springs Complex in central Queensland. The research suggests that even partial dewatering of the aquifer could lead to permanent damage, threatening the springs' existence.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

SEL-WLEDs: Full electroluminescent white light-emitting diodes based on a single emissive layer

Researchers reviewed the progress of Single-Emissive Layer White Light Emitting Diodes (SEL-WLEDs), highlighting their advantages in low cost, simple process, and material stability. The study proposes perovskite materials as a feasible path to commercialization.

Synchrotron techniques accelerate the developing of high-energy-density Li-ion cathode materials for industrial application

Researchers use synchrotron techniques to study battery cathode materials, revealing their structural and chemical evolution under real-world conditions. The study highlights the importance of realistic operating conditions and interdisciplinary collaboration in improving energy density and reducing production costs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 19, 2021

Food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains can hurt giants

A recent study found that food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains have a significant impact on consumer behavior, causing people to be hesitant to visit other restaurants even if they were not directly involved. The negative spillover effect was greater from the bottom up, with small chain crises hurting big-name brands more.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021