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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40

CNIC scientists describe one of the mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy

Researchers at CNIC have identified a new mechanism involved in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, which may spur the development of new tools for its treatment. The SRSF4-GAS5-glucocorticoid receptor axis plays a crucial role in regulating ventricular function and preventing excessive heart muscle growth.

Researchers confirm correlation between education expenditure and GDP growth

A study by HSE University researchers found a positive correlation between GDP and education expenditure for OECD members, with stronger effects over the long term. However, in developing economies, increased investment in secondary and professional education actually decelerates GDP growth due to labor market mismatch.

Ranking apps on privacy

Researchers developed an algorithm to rank apps based on their privacy scores, allowing users to easily find and install non-intrusive apps. The system considers two scores: permission and listener access, providing a ranking of apps from least intrusive to most private.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalConcurrency and Computation Practice and Experience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Identification of plant-parasitic nematode attractant

A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2021

Fish eyes from a petri dish

Researchers have successfully cultivated complex retinal tissue from embryonic stem cells of medaka and zebrafish. The study, published in eLife, demonstrates the feasibility of growing retina-like structures in a Petri dish, offering new insights into retinal development and potential applications for human medicine.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournaleLife·DateSep 3, 2021

Giving performers copyright over their work could protect them from deepfake technology, study shows

A new study by Dr Mathilde Pavis from the University of Exeter Law School proposes reforming performers' rights to include copyright over their performances. This would provide better protection against unauthorized deepfakes and simplify the structure of intellectual property law.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2021

Enhanced ambient ammonia photosynthesis by Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets with light-switchable oxygen vacancies

Researchers have developed Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets that significantly improve nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions. The material's oxygen vacancies and Mo dopant facilitate N2 capture, activation, and fixation, leading to enhanced photoactivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Young adults at highest risk of weight gain

A new study found that young adults aged 18 to 24 are four times more likely to become overweight or develop obesity over the next 10 years than those aged 65 to 74. The study suggests that age is the most important sociodemographic factor for BMI change, and that targeted interventions for young adults may be necessary to prevent obes...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Study shows tiger sharks have social preferences for one another

A study by the University of Miami found that tiger sharks form social groups and exhibit social preferences, but interactions become more random when fed by dive tourism. The researchers tracked tiger sharks over three years and used Social Network Analysis to examine their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Persistent pinging and push-notifications: Study uncovers pros/cons of constant connectivity in the workplace

A Simon Fraser University study reveals that workers who use mobile technology to actively connect with colleagues experience higher levels of communication effectiveness and better work performance. However, these same technologies can also impair performance due to interruptions. The study highlights the importance of finding a balan...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 3, 2021

Linking humans with blue carbon ecosystems

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that seagrass ecosystems are more vulnerable to loss and degradation than mangrove ecosystems. Communities with greater reliance on fisheries and tourism income have higher socio-economic sensitivity due to low adaptive capacity, leading to limited alternatives to fishing. Improving acce...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeSurvey·DateSep 3, 2021

Practice makes perfect

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba analyzed video from top-level judo matches to systematically determine the aspects of posture that lead to success. The study found that the distance between competitors is a key factor in correct technique, which may assist in automating athletic training methods.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSensors·DateSep 3, 2021

Researchers discover connection between brain’s opioid system and eating behavior

A recent study discovered a connection between the brain's opioid system and food craving triggered by external stimuli. The researchers found that individuals with fewer opioid receptors were more likely to overeat in response to appetizing food, suggesting the opioid system as a potential target for anti-obesity drugs.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Sudden cardiac episodes could be caused by deadly cocktail

Researchers discover that sudden cardiac episodes are caused by a combination of genetic mutations and chemical modifications in heart cells. The study uses new technology to manipulate the protein, demonstrating that phosphorylation can affect its function, particularly when paired with mutations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Nano ‘camera’ made using molecular glue allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions

A team from the University of Cambridge developed a nano 'camera' that harnesses light within semiconductor nanocrystals to induce electron transfer processes, allowing for the real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. The platform can be used to study various molecules and their potential applications in renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021