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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 35


Page 35 of 40

How ‘ice needles’ weave patterns of stones in frozen landscapes

Researchers discovered that ice needles growing on frozen ground can push up rocks into regular patterns through a combination of experiments and computer modeling. Over time, stones cluster together, leaving bare patches stone-free, as the size of the stones, soil moisture, and ice needle growth interact.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 2021

Do opinions regarding climate change adjust to economic conditions?

A new study published in Economic Inquiry finds that economic conditions affect climate change beliefs only among those in the labor force, while retired individuals and students remain unaffected. The analysis resolves conflicting results on the determinants of popular support for climate change initiatives.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 6, 2021

Study gauges healthcare worker stress during pandemic

A new study found that healthcare workers, especially those under age 50 and women, experienced exceptionally high levels of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed data from an international questionnaire and discovered that paramedical staff had even higher stress levels than medical doctors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

Intelligence emerging from random polymer networks

A team of researchers from Osaka University has designed a sulfonated polyaniline network for reservoir computing, achieving 70% accuracy in speech recognition tasks. The device uses an electrochemical approach and has potential applications in the development of artificial intelligence devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Line and hook fishing techniques in Epipaleolithic Israel

A study at Jordan River Dureijat site in northern Israel uncovered a wide variety of hook shapes and sinkers, indicating humans had profound knowledge of fish behavior. The findings coincide with the beginning of agriculture in the region, highlighting the importance of aquatic resources for human subsistence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

Vaginal birth may be safer for pregnant women with kidney and liver transplants

A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

Worm mothers provide milk for their young

Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Cachexia: How do immune responses contribute to weight loss?

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021

Increase in fatal opioid overdoses after hospital discharge

Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Georgia State Researchers receive $3.3 million to test novel intervention for preventing binge drinking and sexual assault

Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $3.3 million grant to study a novel behavioral intervention targeting binge drinking and sexual assault among college students, tailored by gender and sexual orientation. The program, Positive Change (+Change), has shown promising preliminary efficacy in pilot studies and aims...

SourceGeorgia State University·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Study: Those under 40 are more likely than older adults to recover COVID-related smell and taste loss

A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

A protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021