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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 143


Page 143 of 510

New study on COVID-19 vaccinations in the largest US cities finds stark inequities

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals stark racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-19 vaccination rates across neighborhoods in the largest US cities. High-vaccination neighborhoods were predominantly white with fewer people of color, higher incomes, and lower poverty rates.

Natural killer cells coordinate wound healing

Researchers discovered that natural killer cells play a crucial role in wound healing by accelerating blood vessel growth. However, this process increases the risk of bacterial infections. The study suggests harnessing killer cells to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and finding a balance between wound healing and immune defense.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Forest fires linked to tens of thousands of avoidable deaths

A new study quantifies the contribution of agricultural and forest fires to poor air quality in Southeast Asia, finding that preventing these fires could reduce premature deaths by an estimated 59,000 annually. The region's poorest communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these fires.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2021

Flies in a VR world reveal how vision affects locomotion

Researchers used fruit flies in a virtual reality setting to show that vision influences body movements by tuning postural adjustments as a preventative measure. Without vision, the limb control systems respond to balance and posture perturbations, but when vision is available, the behavioral goal of walking straight takes precedence.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Soft components for the next generation of soft robotics

Researchers developed electrically-driven soft valves to control hydraulic soft actuators, enabling faster and more powerful control of macro- and small-scale hydraulic actuators. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented motion control of soft robots with internal volume ranging from hundreds of microliters to tens of milliliters.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2021

Novel AR film developed to maximize the transmission of infrared light

A research team from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science has developed a novel antireflective (AR) film using sol-gel technology, maximizing the transmission of infrared light on a CdSe substrate. The film shows excellent high and low temperature resistance, reducing reflectivity by up to 27% in a wide band.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalColloids and Surfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Does accountability always work? Workplace bias suppression can be difficult to sustain, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that efforts to counteract biases in the workplace tend to wane over time, even with high accountability. The researchers discovered that when accountability changes, biased decisions are more likely to be sustained. Increasing accountability may not be effective if a person initially...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 8, 2021

After 10,000 years of inbreeding, endangered flightless parrots from New Zealand are in surprisingly good genetic health

Despite 10,000 years of inbreeding, the kākāpō genome sequencing reveals that the species has lost potentially deleterious mutations and now carries fewer harmful mutations than extinct mainland populations. This finding suggests that natural selection may have facilitated genetic purging in small populations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2021

Aptasensors helpful in detection of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate agricultural products, posing severe health risks. Aptasensors utilize aptamers to specifically detect mycotoxins with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for fast and reliable detection in field settings.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemosensors·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 8, 2021

Researchers show low uptake of only FDA-authorized monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19

Despite their effectiveness in preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization, fewer than 70,000 patients received monoclonal antibody treatments out of over 200 million Americans diagnosed with COVID-19. The low uptake may be attributed to stockpiling, limited distribution, barriers to access, or hesitancy among providers and patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

The growing threat of wildfires in America

A study by Matthew Auer highlights the need for community-led wildfire protection plans to address growing threats, particularly among low-income households. These plans can provide educational resources, fire-resistant home construction, and access to funding.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSustainability Science·DateSep 8, 2021

T cell therapy alone or combined with cancer drug nivolumab is safe and persistent in attacking Hodgkin's lymphoma cells

A new study suggests that T cell therapy alone or combined with cancer drug nivolumab is safe and persistent in attacking Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. The treatment showed promising results in patients with relapsed or refractory HL, offering a potential option for those who do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalBlood Advances·DateSep 8, 2021

Environmental conditions of early humans in Europe

A recent study reconstructed environmental conditions in Europe during early human occupation, revealing a range of climates and vegetation types. The research suggests that early humans preferred sites with mild climates and wooded environments, but later phases saw absences from areas with severe conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Packages to simplify deep renovation of buildings

A European project developed standard solutions for energy refurbishment, considering various climate zones. These packages include prefabricated façades, decentralized ventilation systems, and smart ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Pilot sites showed significant savings and improvements in tenant well-being.

SourceEurac Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021

RICCA: A ‘Lab-free, Lab-quality’ testing of RNA viruses to prepare for next pandemic

The Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a 'lab-free, lab-quality' testing method for RNA viruses called RICCA, which can detect low copy numbers of virus RNA directly from saliva without laboratory processing. This method has the potential to decentralize COVID-19 molecular diagnosis in developing countries.

Many popular nutrition apps lack behavior change content features

Top-performing diet and nutrition apps often track dietary intake, anthropometrics, and physical activity but lack behavior change features. A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that premium versions offered more features than free ones, but these did not significantly impact app ratings or user engagement.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 8, 2021

Nearly 20 percent of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma contracted COVID-19: A case study from a Barcelona hospital

A recent case study from a Barcelona hospital found that nearly 20% of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic. The study revealed a 75% mortality rate among these patients, highlighting the severity of the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable population.

As dementia’s toll rises, new study shows major gaps in who gets care that could help them remain at home

A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

How confined protons migrate

Protons seem to migrate faster than other ions in free aqueous solutions, but individual protons do not really move. In confined spaces, protons get stuck in an oscillatory state due to confinement effects and acid concentration.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2021

New substance classes for nanomaterials: Nano spheres and diamond slivers made of silicon and germanium

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Patients treated by mobile stroke units had better outcomes, according to study published in NEJM

Patients treated by mobile stroke units had faster anti-clot medication delivery and less disability at 90 days compared to standard ambulance care, according to a study published in NEJM. The trial, which enrolled over 1,500 patients, showed that MSU-treated patients were more likely to receive tPA and have better mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 8, 2021

Experience Yellowstone’s geysers ‘in concert’

Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University have created a new way to experience Yellowstone's geysers through classical music. By sonifying the physical characteristics of the geothermal landscape, they've turned vibrations into melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. The result is an evolving musical representation of the earth, water, and steam.

Long-distance relationships for endangered corals

Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Recipe for success: Reputations start from inner circles​

A recent research on electric dance music DJs found that those with a distinct genre identity and network positions combining brokerage and cohesion tend to have higher social standing. The study analyzed playlist data from 815 DJs and found that focused musical identity is correlated with social standing among EDM DJs.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Stem cell model for early human embryo development

Researchers at KAUST have developed an in vitro model of early human embryogenesis using extended pluripotent stem cells, overcoming ethical concerns. The model, called EPS-blastoids, is a faithful representation of the earliest moments of human development and holds promise for studying developmental defects and regenerative medicine.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021