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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 115


Page 115 of 510

A Chinese medical journal review sheds light on T-cell responses in respiratory diseases

Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 30, 2021

The Lancet: More than half of police killings in USA are unreported and Black Americans are most likely to experience fatal police violence

A new study by The Lancet found that over 55% of police killings in the USA are unreported and Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to experience fatal police violence than white Americans. Researchers estimate an additional 32,000 deaths from police violence between 1980-2019.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

Signaling from neighboring cells provides power boost within axons

A recent NIH study identifies oligodendrocytes as a key player in maintaining energy levels within axons, which are essential for long-distance communication. The research discovered that oligodendrocytes release an enzyme called SIRT2, which increases mitochondrial activity and provides a local power boost to axons.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Pruning the dendritic tree

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered that the enzyme SLK plays a vital role in maintaining inhibitory synapses, which help regulate neuronal excitability. Without SLK, neurons become increasingly excitable and less responsive to inhibitory signals, potentially leading to increased seizure frequency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Psychological treatment shown to yield strong, lasting pain relief, alter brain networks

A new study shows that a four-week psychological treatment called Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) can provide potent and durable relief for chronic back pain in two-thirds of patients. The treatment alters brain networks associated with pain processing, reducing symptoms that last for up to one year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2021

An algorithm to predict psychotic illnesses

Researchers developed an AI tool using longitudinal network analysis to identify predictive symptoms of psychotic illnesses in children with a microdeletion of chromosome 22. The study found that anxiety and feelings of guilt were significant warning signals, enabling early treatment and prevention.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateSep 29, 2021

How mercury gets into the sea

An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2021

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Entire genome of common forest pest now revealed

The mapping of the entire genome of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle has provided new insights into its biology and behavior. The analysis reveals that the species has an unusually large number of genes involved in breaking down plant cell walls, but lacks genes to remove toxic substances.

SourceLund University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 29, 2021

Newly approved PET imaging agent solves clinical dilemmas in breast cancer patients

A new PET imaging agent has been shown to solve 87% of diagnostic dilemmas in breast cancer patients, providing valuable information for personalized treatment decision-making. The agent's ability to visualize estrogen receptor expression across the body may improve patient outcomes and support broader implementation in clinical practice.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Scientists discover a host of reasons for the evolution of social parasites in ants

A team of researchers led by Christian Rabeling has discovered the origins and evolution of social parasitism in ants. The study reveals that social parasites evolved from an ancestor that lost the ability to establish new colonies independently, and that highly specialized parasites can evolve from less complex social parasite syndromes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

When to break from the herd to make a better decision

Researchers found that people are twice as likely to break from the group and make a different choice when they see others hesitating. This hesitation can reveal conflicting information within the group, leading to better outcomes. The study's findings have implications for various situations with herd behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalManagement Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

On the trail of ocean mercury

A new study published in Nature suggests that rainwater is not the primary deposition vector of oceanic mercury, but rather the ocean itself absorbs mercury through gas exchange. The research also indicates that the ocean receives less atmospheric mercury than previously estimated.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2021

Stigmatization prevents lessons from the HIV pandemic

Researchers at Bielefeld University argue that stigmatization prevented lessons from the HIV pandemic from being adopted by broader parts of society. This has consequences for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of including marginalized groups' perspectives in research to learn from their experiences.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 29, 2021

Fathers’ type of debt matters for teenagers’ mental health

A Rutgers University study found that teenagers whose fathers are behind on paying child support suffer from more behavioral problems than those with other types of parental debt. Child support debt can lead to negative consequences for adolescent outcomes, including increased conflict and reduced physical and mental health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

Human behavior sabotages CO2-reducing strategies

A new study by University of Utah researchers found that energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments had limited impact on reducing CO2 emissions. However, policies aimed at improving energy efficiency had no effect, while investment in renewable energy sources led to increased levels of CO2 emissions in the residen...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

SLAS Technology’s October issue featuring “Establishment of a robust platform for induced pluripotent stem cell research using maholo labdroid” now available

A new platform was established for induced pluripotent stem cell research using Maholo LabDroid, demonstrating superior reproducibility and flexibility. The system enabled the cultivation of undifferentiated iPSCs for 63 days and achieved high differentiation rates with minimal variability.

Social inclusion of women by male colleagues in STEM fields can improve their workplace experience

Research suggests that fostering positive workplace social relationships between men and women can improve gender equity and inclusion in STEM. Even small gestures of social inclusion, such as chatting with female teammates during breaks, can reduce stereotypes and increase feelings of engagement.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

Melting glasses from unmeltable compounds

Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena have created a way to melt normally unmeltable metal-organic framework compounds, or MOFs, into glasses. This process enables the production of glass components for various industrial applications, including energy and environmental technology.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

New study suggests that aquaporin could be key to repairing corneal defects

A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

With new NIH Small Business Innovation Research Award, scientists at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University set to test novel cannabis analog in preclinical studies

Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.

COVID-19 lockdowns have major impact on diabetes control, international study finds

A comprehensive analysis of 33 studies reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns lead to improved blood sugar control in individuals with type 1 diabetes, while glycaemic control deteriorates and weight gain increases among those with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lockdown measures may have allowed people with type 1 diabetes to bette...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetology & Metabolic Syndrome·DateSep 29, 2021