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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Engineers discover way to turn organic waste into renewable biofuel additives using radiation

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to generate renewable biofuel additives from organic waste using nuclear radiation. This process could help increase the proportion of petrol with renewable content from 5% to 20% by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Improving control for users of robotic prosthetics

Researchers have developed a new interface technology that can provide natural sensory feedback from robotic prosthetics to amputees, reducing abnormal sensations and cognitive burden. The innovation uses ultra-small recording sites and molecular guidance cues to stimulate sensory axons selectively, improving control of robotic limbs.

A computer algorithm called ‘Eva’ may have saved lives in Greece

A new study suggests that Greece's computer algorithm 'Eva' caught nearly twice as many asymptomatic infected travelers as traditional testing methods, helping to curb COVID-19's spread. The AI-powered system used real-time data to identify high-risk visitors for targeted testing, revealing its potential in managing the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Suicide rates fell in Canada during pandemic despite rise in unemployment

Despite increased unemployment, Canada's suicide rates dropped between March 2020 and February 2021, according to a study. The Canadian government's economic support measures, including financial assistance and reduced mortgage payments, are believed to have contributed to this decrease in suicide rates.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

Online searches may reduce predisposed belief in misinformation

A new analysis suggests that online searches can reduce belief in misinformation about Zainichi Koreans, particularly among those who were predisposed to believe it. However, participants showed an increase in negative feelings toward the group after conducting their searches, despite correction of specific misinformation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Research: Very low effective tax rates often do not reflect high levels of corporate tax avoidance

A new study from Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that very low effective tax rates often do not reflect high levels of corporate tax avoidance. Instead, non-tax items such as valuation allowance releases and accounting for uncertain tax positions are the major drivers of these low ETRs.

SourceIndiana University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

UTSA develops model to understand how a city’s design creates congestion

The UTSA-Glasgow model analyzed nearly 100 American cities to understand the relationship between city design and traffic congestion. It found that high-intensity urban land use and polycentric city shapes are associated with higher levels of congestion, supporting the long-held belief that traffic congestion is tied to urbanization.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalComputers Environment and Urban Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

Now everyone can build battery-free electronic devices

Researchers introduce a new platform called BFree that allows users to build battery-free devices using intermittent energy harvesting. The system includes energy-harvesting hardware and a power-failure-resistant version of Python, making it accessible to novice programmers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Nationwide study of 295,000 brain cancer patients examines differences due to age and sex

A nationwide study of 295,000 brain cancer patients reveals significant differences in survival and incidence based on sex and age. The findings suggest that males have higher incidence rates, while females have longer survival rates at almost every age group, except among children aged 0-9 years.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2021

The north movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone on synoptic-scale causes heavy rainfall in the northern South China Sea in autumn

Research by Prof. Lifang Sheng and team reveals the northward movement of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) causes heavy autumn rainfall in the northern South China Sea. The ITCZ's shift north is triggered by abnormal equatorial easterlies, which strengthen during La Niña years.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 22, 2021

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

An experimental loop for simulating nuclear reactors in space

Researchers at Penn State have developed a small-scale laboratory experiment known as a hydrogen test loop to investigate nuclear thermal propulsion. The simulation, which includes a stainless steel pipe and a heating element, successfully models the operation of a reactor in space. The study's findings could lead to more efficient and...

SourcePenn State·JournalFusion Science & Technology·DateSep 22, 2021

Special transcription factor and its target genes as an important approach for therapy at rare leukemia type identified

A study by MedUni Wien researchers has discovered that the transcription factor BATF3 and its target genes play a crucial role in the growth of tumour cells in anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that targeting the IL-2R system could be an effective therapeutic approach, with promising results in animal models.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2021

Scientists show how mucus protein contributes to worsening COPD, asthma, lung conditions

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC mucin disrupts airways in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The study suggests that MUC5AC could be a target for better therapeutics to address the sticky mucus associated with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Understanding uncertainty with a new take on questionnaires

Researchers developed an interval-valued response method to address uncertainty in questionnaires, providing a more flexible approach to data collection. The new method uses ellipses to allow respondents to choose a range when answering a question, resulting in better quality data and potential improvements in data privacy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021