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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 252


Page 252 of 512

About nine family members to suffer grief from every COVID-19 fatality

A study by Penn State researchers found that every COVID-19 death will impact around nine surviving close family members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The multiplier effect may help raise awareness about the disease's ripple effects and inform policies on family leave and paid leave.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Modelling study predicts surge in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths due to COVID-19 pandemic

A modelling study predicts that COVID-19 could lead to a significant increase in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The study suggests that prioritizing antiretroviral therapy, timely diagnosis and treatment of TB, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets could mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 13, 2020

Better vaccines are in our blood

A new vaccine platform technology called Erythrocyte-Driven Immune Targeting (EDIT) successfully slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice by delivering antigens to antigen-presenting cells in the spleen. The approach uses red blood cells as delivery vehicles, generating an immune response without the need for adjuvants.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Bird droppings carry risk of antibiotic resistance

A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2020

Researchers find the worst reason to give a gift

Researchers found that gifts intended to save time are seen as compliments, while those meant to save money are perceived as a reflection of the recipient's lower status. In real-world situations, people who received money-saving gift cards reported feeling embarrassed and believed the giver thought they were incompetent.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJul 13, 2020

Power of DNA to store information gets an upgrade

Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Partnerships with health systems can provide support to nursing homes during pandemic

Nursing homes face extreme challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, but partnerships with health systems can support better staffing, virus testing, and data sharing. This collaboration can facilitate reduced hospital readmissions, improved safety of transitions of care, and ultimately improve care for vulnerable populations.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 13, 2020

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2020

Turning off 'junk DNA' may free stem cells to become neurons

A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

STRIDE study tests ways to prevent injuries from falls

A new study by Yale University researchers found that a nurse-delivered strategy to prevent falls among older adults reduced the rate of first adjudicated serious fall injury by nearly 10%. The approach also produced significant reductions in self-reported injuries, highlighting its potential in reducing fall-related harm.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2020