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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 40

Worsening depression cuts survival in lung cancer patients

A new study has found that worsening depression after diagnosis significantly reduces the survival of lung cancer patients. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was found to be a key factor in understanding how depression relates to premature death. Patients with worsening depression had shorter lifespans, even when receiving advanced...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

Ultrafast and coupled -- atomic vibrations in the quantum material boron nitride

Researchers discovered ultrafast coupled atomic vibrations in few-layer hexagonal boron nitride, resulting in a frequency down-shift of the optical phonons. The study also reveals a nonlinear optical effect that can be induced by moderate power light, holding potential for optoelectronic applications.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

The dark side of social media networks

A systematic review of social media research identified 46 harmful effects, ranging from psychological harms like jealousy and loneliness to security and privacy issues. The study highlights the need for user moderation and software development strategies to mitigate these negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Global Information Management·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 12, 2021

Exposure to childhood adversity is linked to early mortality and associated with nearly half a million annual US deaths

A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

No apparent shortage of prey for southern resident killer whales in Canadian waters during summer

A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 12, 2021

Fintech can promote financial inclusion in emerging economies

A new study from the University of Illinois evaluates fintech systems in 16 emerging markets, finding that digital technologies improve access to financial services. However, vulnerable populations face barriers to usage due to digital literacy, cost, and limited consumer protections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEmerging Markets Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Islands are cauldrons of evolution

Research by Washington University in St. Louis explores the collision of island and mainland adaptive radiations in neotropical anoles, finding that island species can diversify greatly on the mainland. Contrary to traditional thinking, islands are not evolutionary dead ends but rather cauldrons of innovation and diversification.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Meet the 42: ESO images some of the biggest asteroids in our Solar System

The study of 42 asteroids provides detailed images and shapes, revealing a variety of asteroid types, including spherical and elongated objects. The densities of the asteroids vary significantly, suggesting different compositions and origins, supporting theories of substantial migration and distinct region formation in the Solar System.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateOct 12, 2021

Glaciers are melting faster and faster

A research team from VUB has been monitoring glaciers in the Alps for 20 years, using drones to track glacier melting and find that the Morteratsch and Pers glaciers have lost mass again. The study found that climate change is causing glaciers to lose mass faster, with one cooler summer not changing the overall trend.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateOct 12, 2021

Helmet use reduces moderate or severe head injuries in youths riding ATVs and dirt bikes

The study analyzed data from 680 patients aged 1-17 who were involved in ATV or dirt bike crashes. Helmeted riders had lower rates of neurosurgical consultation, intracranial injury, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, and required fewer neurosurgical procedures compared to unhelmeted riders.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

Growing droplets in the matrix

The study assesses how temperature influences droplet size in elastic matrices, providing insights into biological molecule arrangement and condensate formation. It also explores the role of phase separation and its effect on droplet growth.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Women indirectly hurt more by noncompete pacts

A Cornell University study finds that noncompete agreements disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs, blocking them from starting high-growth companies. The 'fear factor' associated with noncompetes also limits the ability of women to hire experienced employees, making entrepreneurial ventures riskier.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganization Science·DateOct 12, 2021

Nationwide study shows link between COVID vaccination and reduced household transmission

A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2021

New results from the RHIC Spin Program

The latest results from the RHIC Spin Program provide new insights into the contribution of quarks and gluons to a proton's spin. Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have made significant progress in studying the three-dimensional internal structure of protons using collisions of spin-polarized protons at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider ...

Antiviral compound blocks SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells

Researchers have developed a chemical compound that interferes with the entry of coronaviruses into human cells, targeting the transmembrane serine protease 2 protein. The compound, MM3122, has shown potential in preventing infection and reducing disease severity, with effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2021

Older adults across the globe are more willing to help others, but mostly those in the same country

A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Pass the salt: machine learning accelerates molten salt simulations for nuclear power applications

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used advanced machine learning to model the physico-chemical properties of a molten salt compound called FLiNaK, enabling accurate atomic-scale reproduction and prediction of behavior under specific reactor conditions. This computational framework can help character...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2021

Unraveling the mystery of touch

A new study reveals that sensitive skin surfaces are overrepresented in the brain due to stronger connections between sensory neurons and brain stem neurons. This mechanism may explain why certain body parts, like hands and lips, are more sensitive than others.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Is low-fat or whole-fat milk better for kids? Science says it makes no difference

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

Simple numbers for chaotic flows in active fluids

University of Barcelona researchers discovered that chaotic flows in active fluids can be described by simple mathematical laws. The study used cytoskeletal proteins and enzymes to create an active fluid system surrounded by passive fluids, revealing new flow regimes and a theoretical framework to explain the results.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021