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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 150


Page 150 of 510

Wing shape determines how far birds disperse

Researchers used flight efficiency estimates from museum specimens to predict bird dispersal distances, revealing that species with elongated wings can disperse farther. This study has applications in biodiversity conservation, as reduced flight capabilities may threaten bird populations.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalEcology·DateSep 2, 2021

Probing molecular orientation by polarization-selective transient absorption spectroscopy

Scientists used LP-TA spectroscopy to study molecular orientation at heterojunctions of all-small-molecule organic solar cells. The angle between donor and acceptor molecules was estimated, revealing parallel and vertical orientations in different blends. This technique provides complementary information for X-ray scattering measurements.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateSep 2, 2021

Preoperative chest CT improves assessment of postoperative mechanical ventilation

A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Decades after toxic exposure, 9/11 first responders may still lower their risk of lung injury

A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 2, 2021

Rapid Arctic warming likely drives extreme winter weather events in the US

A new study finds that rapid Arctic warming is driving extreme winter weather in the US, particularly intense snowfall events and anomalous cold snaps. The findings reveal a physical link between Arctic amplification and stratospheric polar vortex disruption, which are contributing to increased frequency of winter weather extremes.

THE LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY: Mortality risk in transgender people twice as high as cisgender people, data spanning five decades suggests

A nationwide study of transgender individuals in the Netherlands found a significantly increased mortality risk compared to cisgender people. The analysis of national data from 1972 to 2018 revealed that transgender women and men faced higher risks of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, infection, and non-natural causes of death.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

Many with food allergies don’t know about oral immunotherapy treatment option

A nationally representative survey found that 72% of people with food allergies were unaware of oral immunotherapy as a treatment option. The study highlights the need for more accessible and equitable outreach efforts to ensure all patients can benefit from recent advances in food allergy treatments.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 2, 2021

Cost, bleeding cited as major reasons for not taking newer anti-coagulant as prescribed

A recent study found that 26-45% of people with atrial fibrillation fail to adhere to their prescribed direct-acting oral anticoagulants due to cost and bleeding concerns. Researchers interviewed 42 adults who had stopped or reduced dosing, citing these reasons as major barriers to adherence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeSurvey·DateSep 2, 2021

Reference genome of Aristolochia fimbriata provides new insights into flowering plant evolution

The study provides a high-quality genome sequence of Aristolochia fimbriata, shedding light on angiosperm evolution, floral development, and chemical biosynthesis. The researchers identified two overlooked whole-genome duplications in Piperales and clarified the time of previously reported WGDs in Magnoliales and Laurales.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Optimal lifting of COVID-19 restrictions would follow pace of vaccination, study suggests

A new analysis suggests that the pace of vaccination should directly dictate the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions to boost freedoms and minimize new waves of infection. The study's findings suggest that further severe waves can be avoided if restrictions are lifted no faster than the pace dictated by vaccination progress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Researchers sequence genome of drug-resistant Salmonella enteritidis strain that can sicken poultry

A virulent Salmonella Enteritidis strain has been sequenced from two consecutive poultry flocks in North Carolina State University. The strain, SE_TAU19, exhibits seven antimicrobial resistance genes and 120 virulence genes, posing a threat to human health. Genome sequencing provides valuable data for tracing outbreaks and preventing f...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Kids hospitalised with chronic illness up to three times more likely to fall behind at school

A large-scale study of over 300,000 children in Australia found that those hospitalised with chronic illnesses were at a significantly higher risk of poor academic performance. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlights the need for additional support for these students.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

For good measure: A virtual ruler estimates the size of colorectal polyps

Researchers developed a method to overlay a virtual scale on acquired endoscope images in real-time, allowing accurate estimation of colorectal polyp sizes. The approach uses triangulation principles and minimal image processing, enabling cost-effective diagnosis without adding extra instrumentation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Very Large Array Sky Survey data provides evidence of a theorized population of supernova

Using data from the Very Large Array Sky Survey, researchers have identified a luminous radio source consistent with an expanding supernova remnant. The discovery is associated with an unidentified x-ray transient and suggests the explosion produced a relativistic jet, supporting predictions for merger-triggered supernovae.

Study: HPV vaccination will reduce throat and mouth cancers, but overall impact will take 25-plus years to see

A new study finds that HPV vaccination will significantly reduce rates of throat and mouth cancers in younger age groups, but the overall impact may not be seen until 2045. The study projects a substantial decline in oropharyngeal cancer rates among well-vaccinated individuals aged 36-45 and 46-55 between 2018 and 2045.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2021