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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 39

Antifungal drug improves key cystic fibrosis biomarkers in clinical study

A clinical study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that an antifungal drug improved key biomarkers in lung tissue cultures and nasal cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests that the drug could benefit all patients, regardless of their mutation, offering a new approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·DateDec 17, 2020

Coronavirus spread during dental procedures could be reduced with slower drill rotation

Researchers at Imperial College London and King's College London suggest that dentists avoid using drills with air and water mixtures and carefully select drill rotation speeds to reduce aerosol generation. This approach can produce 60 times fewer aerosol droplets, allowing for safer dental procedures and increased patient access

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 17, 2020

Squirrels need good neighbours

A study on North American red squirrels found that keeping the same neighbors boosts survival rates and breeding success, even for solitary species. Familiarity with neighbors reduces aggression and increases territory defense efficiency, benefiting overall fitness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2020

COVID-19 as leading cause of death in US

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, COVID-19 has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the US. This finding highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 on public health in the country.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 17, 2020

Study: the pandemic's impact on lung cancer

A recent study by University of Cincinnati Cancer Center researchers shows that the pandemic had a negative impact on both preventive screening and patient outcomes for lung cancer. The team found that total monthly CT scans and new patient scans significantly decreased during the COVID-19 period, leading to increased proportion of sus...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 17, 2020

Researchers discover brain pattern that could improve mental health disorder diagnosis

A unique brain pattern that shifts tryptophan metabolism from serotonin production to neurotoxicity has been identified in individuals with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for these conditions.

Childhood intervention can prevent 'deaths of despair'

A new study from Duke University finds that an intensive childhood intervention program called Fast Track can help prevent deaths from suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related liver disease. The program reduced rates of suicidal ideation, hazardous drinking, and opioid use in young adults.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2020

UBCO research takes the chill off icy build-up on planes and wind turbines

A UBCO research team has developed advanced ice sensors that can detect frost and ice build-up in real-time, enabling improved safety and efficiency in aviation and renewable energy applications. The patented sensor is being tested by the aviation industry for approval and also being adapted for use in wind farms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 17, 2020

Satellite tracking supports whale survival

A study by Flinders University has tracked the movements of 13 pygmy blue whales along Southern Australia's foraging grounds and migratory routes. The research provided new insights into the ecological data, highlighting the importance of upwelling centers in mitigating human activities' impacts on the species.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2020

Weddell sea: Whale song reveals behavioral patterns

Research from the Alfred Wegener Institute reveals that Antarctic minke whales prefer to live in regions covered with sea ice, while humpback whales avoid them. The findings provide essential information for successful marine protection in the Antarctic and highlight the importance of long-term acoustic observations.

Crops near Chernobyl still contaminated

A new study finds that crops grown near Chernobyl's exclusion zone continue to be contaminated with radioactive isotopes, including strontium 90 and caesium 137. The contamination poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 17, 2020