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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 110


Page 110 of 510

Threatened rattlesnakes’ inbreeding makes species more resistant to bad mutations

Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Glycerin is safe, effective in psoriasis model

Researchers found glycerin, a natural ingredient in many skin lotions, reduces psoriasis symptoms by calming scaly patches and promoting healthy skin cell maturation. The study's results support anecdotal reports from patients with psoriasis, providing objective evidence of glycerin's effectiveness in combatting the condition.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

Excess deaths disproportionally occurred among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

A large study found that excess deaths during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were significantly higher among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latino males and females. The disparities were attributed to structural and social determinants of health with deep roots in racism.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 4, 2021

Housing status influenced pandemic mental health issues

Research from the University of Georgia found that individuals living in multifamily housing units were more likely to experience mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters had higher odds of experiencing mental health issues due to factors such as tighter living quarters, financial anxieties, and lack of control over...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 4, 2021

Research finds that more predictable worker scheduling improves health and well-being

A Seattle ordinance requiring more notice in scheduling for hourly workers resulted in improved worker well-being, sleep quality, and economic security. Researchers found that predictable shifts led to measurable changes in workers' schedules and positive effects on happiness, sleep quality, and material hardship.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

Health disparities and inequities impact Black and Latino Americans with autoimmune diseases, says new USC study

A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 4, 2021

Researchers measure the breakup of a single chemical bond

Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers recorded the breaking of a single chemical bond between a carbon atom and an iron atom on different molecules. The team measured the mechanical forces applied at the moment of breakage, revealing insights into the nature of these bonds and their implications for catalysis.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Making self-driving cars human-friendly

Researchers used neuroscientific theories to develop a decision-making model that predicts pedestrian road-crossing decisions. The model shows that pedestrians add up sensory data before crossing, helping autonomous vehicles communicate more effectively with pedestrians.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalComputational Brain & Behavior·DateOct 4, 2021

New study capture sugar transport fundamental to plants

Researchers at Aarhus University have elucidated structures of a sugar transport protein that drives transport of sugar in plants, revealing key elements involved in the transport cycle. The study provides new evidence for regulatory mechanisms conserved within the sugar porter family across all kingdoms of life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

New model simplifies orbital radar trade-off studies for environmental monitoring

A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Medicaid expansion closed health gaps for low-income adults across racial and ethnic groups, study shows

A new study from the University of Michigan finds that Medicaid expansion in Michigan has significantly improved access to regular healthcare services for low-income adults across various racial and ethnic groups. By 2018, 83% of Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees reported having a regular doctor's office, with notable increases seen amon...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 4, 2021

Second vaccine dose needed for individuals infected with COVID-19 shortly after the first dose

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University found that individuals previously infected with COVID-19 require a second dose of the vaccine to achieve optimal protection. This is because infection after the first dose did not increase IgG antibody levels, and those infected post-vaccination had lower antibody levels than never infected individuals.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateOct 4, 2021

Black patients’ Lyme disease often diagnosed late, possibly due to missed signs

A UCLA study found that Black patients with Lyme disease are more likely to have neurological complications, such as meningitis and neuropathy, when diagnosed late. The study analyzed data from 2015-16 and found that approximately 1 in 3 Black patients had these complications, compared to less than 1 in 10 white patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021

Differences in brain structure between siblings make some more susceptible to developing severe antisocial behaviour

Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2021

6 out of 10 patients in England with ‘red flag’ symptoms not given urgent cancer referral

Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

First European map of the insulating effect of forests

A European map has been created to show the insulating effect of forests, which cool the air by 2.1°C in summer and keep temperatures 2°C higher than ambient air in winter. This finding highlights the crucial role of forests in regulating temperature and provides shelter for wildlife.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 4, 2021

A look back into record-breaking 2020 Mei-yu rainfall and flooding throughout China: Magnitude, scale, and dynamics

Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

Our DNA is becoming the world’s tiniest hard drive

A new method for recording information to DNA has been proposed by Northwestern University researchers, taking minutes to complete instead of hours or days. This method, called TURTLES, uses a novel enzymatic system to synthesize DNA that records rapidly changing environmental signals directly into DNA sequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 2021

Shear-wave elastography for interventional monitoring of pediatric Budd-Chiari syndrome

A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Exposure to deadly urban heat worldwide has tripled in recent decades, says study

A new study found that urban heat exposure has tripled worldwide since the 1980s, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. The study revealed that city dwellers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity for more person-days, with 1.7 billion people affected on multiple days.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Researchers reveal the growing threat extreme heat poses to urban populations

A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat in urban areas has increased by 200% globally since the mid-1980s, with population growth contributing two-thirds of the increase. The study found that almost one in five people on Earth experienced increases in exposure to urban heat over the past 30 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

The case of the aquarium's disappearing medicine

Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Epigenetics predicts the efficacy of T-lymphocyte treatments in hematological malignancies

Researchers found a genetic regulation profile associated with improved overall survival and reduced disease relapse in patients treated with CAR-T cells. The epigenetic pattern is typical of young T lymphocytes, suggesting they may be ideal for selection and administration.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Urban mining for metals flashes forward

A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021