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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40

Manganese makes its mark in drug synthesis

Rice chemist Julian West and graduate student Yen-Chu Lu discovered manganese as a more efficient catalyst for synthesizing fluoroketones, precursor molecules for drugs. The use of manganese reduces material costs and simplifies purification.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Researchers describe new tardigrade fossil found in 16 million year old Domincan amber

Researchers describe a new modern-looking tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, found in Miocene Dominican amber. The study reveals unique foregut organization and contributes to the scant tardigrade fossil record, providing insight into the ancient superfamily Isohypsibioidea.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Survey finds a need for pet care during hospitalizations

A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity

Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Cannabis causes birth defects in susceptible mice

A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Smart parrots need more stimulation, new research finds

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Metallic complexes made from cyclic molecules

Scientists from Kanazawa University and the University of British Columbia have developed a comprehensive overview of synthesizing polymetallic complexes via macrocycle routes. This approach enables precise control over structure and function, leading to promising applications in catalysts, sensors, and single-molecule magnets.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateOct 5, 2021

Spotify is powerful. Is it biased?

Researchers found that independent-label music and female artists benefit from appearances on Spotify's curated ranked list, which promotes underdog artists. However, the study's findings only apply to New Music Friday playlists and do not address broader industry challenges.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2021

COVID-19: Coughing without masks, distancing alone is not enough

Researchers from McGill University found that unmasked individuals can spread COVID-19 airborne particles up to 70% within a 2-meter radius, highlighting the need for mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that current guidelines relying solely on physical distancing may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2021

City butterflies keep flying for longer

A new study reveals that city butterflies and moths have genetically adapted to the warmer urban environment, starting their overwintering state later in the year. This allows them to take advantage of a longer growing season, reproducing successfully before winter sets in.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Trapping light with disorder

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have demonstrated disorder-induced localization, allowing for the control of random laser emission through pump profile shaping. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly efficient and stable microlasers with unprecedented degrees of freedom.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalOptica·DateOct 5, 2021

TGen and Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium 10-year study of cancer in children shows promising ways forward for these vulnerable patients

A 10-year study led by TGen and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium found that refractory or relapsed tumors had a higher number of genetic mutations than tumors at diagnosis. The study suggests that deeper genomic analysis and therapies targeting the immune system may offer greater patient benefit.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2021

Bonelli’s eagle: successful reintroduction of an endangered species in Mallorca

The Bonelli's eagle has been successfully reintroduced in Mallorca through a study coordinated by the University of Barcelona. The non-juvenile eagle release system (WildTrans) emerged as the most effective strategy, enabling the release of mature and experienced individuals that can reproduce faster and grow the population quickly.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

An X-ray view of carbon

A team of scientists has developed a new X-ray measurement method that can analyze the chemical properties of warm dense matter, a state found in planetary interiors. The method uses the strongest X-ray laser to probe carbon's bonding states, providing new insights into planetary formation and potential applications in materials science.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateOct 5, 2021

#Nomakeup trend fails to discourage use of cosmetics

New research from University of Georgia suggests that the no-makeup movement isn't liberating women from cosmetics. Instead, cosmetic sales have increased alongside the rise of the no-makeup trend. The study found that people perceive 'natural' looks with makeup as more attractive than those without.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateOct 5, 2021

Earth’s ‘solid’ inner core may contain both mushy and hard iron

Scientists have discovered a heterogeneous structure in the Earth's inner core, with adjacent regions of hard, soft, and liquid iron alloys. This finding challenges traditional models of the planet's magnetic field generation and provides new insights into the dynamics at the boundary between the inner and outer core.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021

Van Andel Institute, Maine Medical Center Research Institute scientists earn $9.6 million Transformative Research Award from National Institutes of Health

Researchers will investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors controlling variation in health, with potential implications for combating cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The team aims to identify new sets of disease-related genes, delineate subtypes of disease, and understand the complex interaction between genetics and epigenetics.