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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 105


Page 105 of 510

The Hidden US COVID-19 Pandemic: Orphaned children – more than 140,000 US children lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study reveals that more than 140,000 US children under age 18 lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study shows racial and ethnic disparities in caregiver deaths, with children of minorities accounting for 65% of those who lost a primary caregiver.

Fast and easy detection of amyloid through a fluorescence fingerprinting approach

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a simple and rapid method to detect amyloid protein in bovine livers using fluorescence fingerprint analysis. This approach allows for quick processing and accurate detection of AA amyloidosis, potentially leading to more efficient diagnostic tools for this disease.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Sweet corn yield gain over 80 years leaves room for improvement

Over an 80-year period, marketable ear mass in sweet corn hybrids grown at high densities increased by 2.85 tons per acre, while fresh kernel mass and recovery showed minimal changes. Modern hybrids were found to be more suitable for growth at high densities due to their compact plant architecture.

Percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation for lung sarcoma

A retrospective cohort study of 27 patients with sarcoma lung metastases found high primary technical success rates for percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation. The treatment modality and tumor location did not affect local progression, and smaller tumors showed lower cumulative incidence of local progression.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

Research shows promising results for Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found a way to make deep brain stimulation (DBS) more precise, resulting in therapeutic effects that outlast what is currently available. The new protocol uses short bursts of electrical stimulation to target specific neuronal subpopulations, providing longer-lasting benefits.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2021

A concrete solution

A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Childhood asthma study uncovers risky air pollutant mixtures

Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Ranking of European cities with highest mortality due to lack of green space

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

History of alcohol offenses associated with higher suicide risk for men who bought handguns

Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2021

Oregon State microbiology research furthers understanding of ocean’s role in carbon cycling

The study tracks ocean microbes consuming different types of organic carbon produced by phytoplankton species, revealing predictable food source preferences. The findings have implications for understanding marine microbes and photosynthetic algae's impact on global carbon cycling.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

A peptide-drug conjugate that targets the acidic environment of cancer cells may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy

A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.

Characteristics associated with high performance in Medicare’s ESCO initiative to improve care for patients with kidney failure

An analysis of Medicare's Comprehensive ESRD Care Initiative found that factors like leaner operations, organizational experience, and community resources contribute to successful performance. The study aims to inform healthcare providers and policymakers in developing value-based payment models for kidney care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 7, 2021

Peanut consumption: Potential benefits in young and healthy people

A study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal found that daily peanut consumption improved cognitive function and stress response in young and healthy individuals. The researchers discovered that bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and p-coumaric acid, as well as short-chain fatty acids, contributed to the health effects.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2021

How mussels make a powerful underwater glue

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how blue mussels fabricate underwater adhesives in just 2-3 minutes. The adhesive is created by mixing metal ions with fluid proteins, and its unique properties make it ideal for use in wet environments such as surgical or dental treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Researchers simulate an acute decline in exercise, as many experienced during COVID19 lockdowns, to study its metabolic consequences

A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Common chemicals in electronics and baby products harm brain development

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021

Key role neuropsychological assessment plays in rehabilitation after neurological injury or disease

International experts discuss the clinical and therapeutic applications of neuropsychological assessment, highlighting its contributions to neurorehabilitation and cognitive performance. The articles explore performance validity testing, teleneuropsychology, and the nexus of neuropsychology and neuroimaging.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Neurobiologists identify widely used assembling and stabilizing forces behind brain synapses

Scientists at the University of California San Diego have discovered that planar cell polarity is a widely used mechanism for forming and maintaining glutamatergic synapses. The study found that Prickle protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing these synapses, which are essential for neuronal communication.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021