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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 103


Page 103 of 510

Charting hidden territory of the human brain

Researchers at TU Dresden developed a new imaging-based method to investigate the visual sensory thalamus, a key structure in brain function and disease. The technique uses high spatial resolution MRI data to detect distinct compartments within the thalamus, which are characterized by varying amounts of white matter.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNeuroImage·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

Race and ethnicity of children enrolled in clinical trials not representative of the United States as a whole: study abstract

A study found that pediatric clinical trials in the US were underrepresented by Black children, Hispanic/Latino children, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Pacific Islander children. Researchers are calling for improvements to enrollment processes to increase diversity and generalizability of trial results.

Productive cascade

A German team led by Thorsten Bach successfully synthesized agarozizanol B, a complex sesquiterpene with potential pharmaceutical applications. The researchers developed a photochemical reaction cascade to form the molecule from an indanone derivative, achieving both enantiomers of the natural product.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Injuries due to family violence involving alcohol, drugs or weapons increased during pandemic stay-at-home months

New research found that family violence-related injuries in youth ages 10-15 significantly increased during the pandemic stay-at-home order, with over half of patients reporting an event involving a family member. The study also revealed that alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons were involved in more cases during the pandemic period.

Killer T cells could be recruited to ignite immune response against cancer, new study suggests

Researchers have discovered a way to bring cancer-killing T cells to bear against a specific type of colorectal cancer, showing promising results. The findings may represent a therapeutic strategy to target other types of cancers, and the next step is to further explore how T cells become activated in the tumor environment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 8, 2021

Research finds significant reduction in depression, suicidality in youth receiving gender-affirming care or puberty blockers

A study of 104 transgender and non-binary youth found a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression and a 73% decrease in suicidality after receiving puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. The study suggests that access to gender-affirming medical care is critical for ensuring the well-being of young people.

Excess deaths in people with mental health conditions increased during the COVID-19 pandemic

The study found that deaths from COVID-19 among people with learning disabilities were nine times higher than the general population, while those with eating disorders saw a five-fold increase. The research highlighted the need to prioritize vaccination and physical health care for vulnerable groups during the pandemic.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2021

The Lancet: COVID-19 pandemic led to stark rise in depressive and anxiety disorders globally in 2020, with women and younger people most affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a stark increase in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide, affecting 246 million cases globally in 2020. Women were disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 35 million additional cases, while younger people were also more severely affected.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

Researchers demonstrate vaccination approach in mice that could prevent future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers in Japan developed a vaccination approach that promotes the production of antibodies neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The new strategy involves genetically engineering the spike protein receptor-binding domain to shield its head region, boosting antibody production against the core region.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Children’s ingestion of tiny magnets, button batteries increased significantly during pandemic, new research shows

A recent study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of children ingesting small magnets and button batteries, which can cause serious harm or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency departments saw a higher proportion of battery and magnet ingestions during the pandemic.

Frontrunner target for Parkinson’s Disease may only be relevant for small fraction of patients

A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.

Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

Doctor training and other supports promote lifesaving firearm safety conversations in pediatrics offices

Research shows that staff training programs and gun safety educational materials increase doctor/parent conversations about gun safety, leading to safer storage practices and reduced firearm injuries. Pediatricians who received training and support were more likely to counsel parents on gun safety, resulting in improved firearm screeni...

COVID-19 leads to African agricultural innovation

Farmers in East Africa better adapted to COVID-19 due to differences in arrival times of lockdown measures, access to technology, and cultural factors. In contrast, southern African countries faced significant disruptions in supply chains, leading to reduced access to inputs and markets.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalAdvances in Food Security and Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateOct 8, 2021

Virtual fitting room

A team of researchers has created a virtual fitting room system using AI and a bespoke robotic mannequin. The system can digitize garments in two hours and synthesize photorealistic images, allowing users to try on clothing in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Climate: Consumption of sustainably hunted meat from wildlife rather than eating livestock may spare considerable greenhouse gas emissions

A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate change tipping points: back to the drawing table

A team of ecologists and mathematicians found that ecosystems can evade tipping points by forming complex spatial patterns. These patterns allow ecosystems to adapt to climate change and avoid catastrophic shifts. The study challenges the concept of tipping points and suggests a more nuanced understanding of Earth's resilience.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021

Study finds higher levels of education and higher income mean better health for older adults

A new study reveals that higher levels of education and income are associated with better health outcomes for older adults in Ireland, England, the US, and Canada. The study found that socio-economic disparities exist across countries, with those having higher education and income experiencing lower disease burdens.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Keeping it clean and cool

Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi's research focuses on reducing energy consumption in residential buildings in hot and arid climates using renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. His framework combines building interventions and clean energy approaches to minimize environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalEnergies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

National Kidney Foundation, Leading nephrology experts develop roadmap to advance kidney disease research

The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 7, 2021

Climate change literacy lessons from Africa

Climate change literacy rates in Africa are lower than those in Europe and North America, with women facing a significant gap in awareness. The study found that education is the strongest predictor of climate literacy, but poverty and gender dynamics also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Beyond childhood: Picky eating in college students

A new study found that self-identified picky eaters in college students ate significantly less fiber and vegetables compared to non-picky eaters. This behavior was also linked to higher levels of social phobia, overall distress, and lower quality of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021