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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 120


Page 120 of 510

Non-line-of-sight reconstruction with signal-object collaborative regularization

Researchers developed a unified framework for high-quality NLOS reconstructions using Signal-object collaborative regularization (SOCR) method. The technique recovers location, shape, albedo, and normal of targets with clear local structures, sharp boundaries, and little noise, even in heavy noise conditions.

Geologists solve half-century-old mystery of animal traces in ancient rocks

An international team of scientists has resolved a half-century-old mystery by discovering that ancient burrow traces in Australian quartzite were made by crustaceans around 40 million years ago. The discovery was made possible by analyzing unusual radioactive minerals in the sand, which revealed that the burrows were more than a billi...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers refine test to achieve 'ultrasensitive' detection of HPV in the bloodstream

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in the bloodstream. The new sequencing method detected HPV circulating tumour DNA at much lower levels than previous tests, making it possible to monitor disease progression and tailor treatment.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Breast radiation following lumpectomy confirmed to reduce incidence of IBR for 'good risk' DCIS

A long-term analysis of NRG-RTOG 9804 shows breast radiation following lumpectomy significantly reduces the incidence of ipsilateral breast recurrence (IBR) for 'low risk' ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study found a significant reduction in IBR with radiation, with lower rates observed at 10 and 15 years compared to observation.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Play ball! (It’s good for you)

A new study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that boys who participate in sports in early childhood are less likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms later. The study also found that boys who exhibit higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms during middle childhood are subseq...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

UCI, NASA JPL scientists uncover additional threat to Antarctica’s floating ice shelves

Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021

Future prosperity in China is unlikely to be hindered by population aging

A new study published in PNAS suggests that China's declining birth rate and aging population may not negatively impact future prosperity. The researchers found that higher education levels among women can lead to increased labor force participation, potentially offsetting the negative effects of population aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

NIH-funded study shows screening device accurately detects amblyopia (lazy eye)

A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

First reported case of anthrax in wildlife in the Namib Desert: Infected zebra most likely causes death of three cheetahs

A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that three free-ranging cheetahs in the Namib Desert died after feeding on a mountain zebra infected with anthrax. The study highlights previously unknown risks to cheetah populations in the desert.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Study: Whether journalists who left jobs chose to or were laid off predicts physical, emotional reaction

A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Prevalence of spatial neglect prompts call for screening survivors of right and left brain strokes

A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2021

Experimental drug development approach points to better targeted therapies for treatment-resistant leukemia

Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 27, 2021

0.75 Gbit/s key distribution with mode-shift keying chaos synchronization

Researchers propose a novel key distribution scheme based on mode-shift keying chaos synchronization to overcome limitations of laser transition time, achieving 0.7503 Gbit/s rate with high security. The method uses Fabry-Perot lasers and random drive source to generate chaotic waveforms, which are then quantized to produce random bits.

New world record in materials research - X-ray microscopy with 1000 tomograms per second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

The earlier, the better

A team of researchers from FAU has investigated the timing of treatment in autoimmune diseases and found that early intervention can have a major impact on disease progression. By targeting B cells, which produce autoantibodies and influence other immune cells, researchers were able to prevent or delay severe organ damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournaliScience·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Late Pleistocene humans may have hatched and raised cassowary chicks

An international team of scientists suggests that early humans in New Guinea collected cassowary eggs near maturity and then raised the birds to adulthood, with evidence supporting this behavior dating back 18,000 years. The researchers used eggshells to determine the developmental stage of ancient embryos/chicks when the eggs cracked.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2021

Reducing tropical cyclone impacts: The double benefit of climate protection through both limiting and delaying global warming

Researchers found that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius can postpone severe tropical cyclone impacts to the late second half of the century when there are fewer people at risk. Delaying warming can reduce exposed populations in countries like Japan, China, and the Korean peninsula.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021