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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 4


Page 4 of 40

Researchers overcome translational gap by developing novel in vivo model for the labeling of insulin secretory granule pools

A transgenic pig model has been developed allowing for the first time the in vivo fluorescent labeling of age-distinct insulin secretory granule pools. This model enables researchers to study insulin turnover in normoglycemic conditions, closing the translational gap between humans and rodents.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

The best way to evaluate ESL texts for reading effort

Researchers found that newer formulas considering lexical sophistication, syntactic complexity, and cohesion predict ESL reading effort more accurately than traditional formulas. Eye-tracking data revealed that longer fixations, shorter movements, skipped words, and regressions indicate higher reading difficulty.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalLanguage Learning·DateSep 29, 2021

EMS ketamine use on agitated patients on cocaine increases intubation 5.75-fold

A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

Exoskeleton research demonstrates the importance of training

Researchers at Stanford University found that exoskeletons work best when users are given time to learn how to use the device, with customized control improving performance by around half. Participants who received optimized training saw significant reductions in energy expenditure, with benefits persisting even after they became experts.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 29, 2021

Visible passion wins investors over more than pitch content

A study published in Academy of Management Discoveries found that visual information, including body language and facial expressions, plays a crucial role in investor decision-making. Researchers played silent videos of entrepreneurial pitches to expert investors and novices, who correctly identified the original winners. The study sug...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

Expanding the genetic code with quadruplet codons

Researchers have developed a quadruplet codon system that could encode 256 distinct amino acids, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored characteristics. The system uses tRNAs to translate information from DNA and RNA into amino acid building blocks, with promising results in translating segments of a protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Clover growth in Mars-like soils boosted by bacterial symbiosis

Researchers found that clover grown with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Martian regolith experienced significant 75% more root and shoot growth compared to uninoculated plants. However, the regolith showed no excess production of nitrogen compounds, suggesting a potential role for these microbes in terraforming Mars soils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Dramatic liana increases in old-growth tropical forests associated to natural disturbance and climate change

A 10-year study in Panama's Barro Colorado Island found that liana density increased dramatically due to natural canopy disturbance, with most of the growth attributed to gaps in the canopy. The study suggests that environmental factors like climate change may also be contributing to this phenomenon, but to a lesser extent.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 29, 2021

Photonic chip is key to nurturing quantum computers

A team of researchers at Bristol's Quantum Engineering and Technology Labs has developed a silicon photonic chip that can protect quantum bits from errors using photons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more powerful quantum computers by reducing the fragility of qubits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2021

50 years of failure in UK drug policy must end

Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 29, 2021

Sibling bullying associated with poor mental health outcomes years later, new study finds

A new study of over 17,000 participants found that sibling bullying in early adolescence is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in late adolescence. The research suggests that prevention and clinical interventions aimed at reducing sibling bullying can benefit from improving positive mental health during late adolescence.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

PCORI approves $94 million to fund Phase 3 of PCORnet and new colorectal cancer study in older adults

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding for a large-scale comparative clinical effectiveness research study to compare colonoscopy versus stool-based testing for monitoring patients ages 70 and older at low risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study will also implement an online weight managem...

Science backs nature as key to children’s health

A massive review of nearly 300 studies found strong associations between greenspaces near homes and schools and improved physical activity and mental health outcomes in kids. Exposure to nature, particularly for disadvantaged populations, offers greater health benefits by counteracting poverty's toxic effects.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 29, 2021

Mount Sinai scientists show that a novel therapy could be effective against pediatric leukemia

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed a novel therapy called MS67 that effectively fights acute myeloid leukemia with mixed lineage leukemia rearrangement. The therapy degrades the WDR5 protein, which drives the proliferation of this type of leukemia and other cancers such as pancreatic cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 29, 2021

SLAS Discovery’s October special collection “2nd annual SBI2 high-content imaging and informatics: Joint special collection with SBI2 & SLAS” just released

The article presents a new plate-based image cytometry method to measure endothelial barrier function, which can be adapted for high-throughput and high-content screening. This approach shows promise in addressing the need for efficient pharmacological therapies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).