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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 162


Page 162 of 510

Why do short-lived lung infections lead to long-lasting lung damage?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021

New class of habitable exoplanets represent a big step forward in the search for life

Astronomers have identified a new class of habitable exoplanets dubbed 'Hycean' which are hot and ocean-covered with hydrogen-rich atmospheres, potentially supporting microbial life. These planets offer a wider habitable zone than Earth-like planets, making them promising candidates for finding biosignatures of life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021

Largest real-world study of COVID-19 vaccine safety published by Israel's Clalit Research Institute in The New England Journal of Medicine

A large-scale analysis of Israel's COVID-19 vaccination data found that the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162B2 vaccine is very safe, with only a few potential side effects. The study also revealed that coronavirus infection poses a much higher risk of serious adverse events compared to vaccination.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2021

Survival benefits not seen with addition of metformin to concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

In the NRG-LU001 clinical trial, adding metformin to concurrent chemoradiation did not improve one-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study found nearly identical overall survival rates between the two groups.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Individualistic COVID-19 vaccine messages had best effect in US study

A US study published in Journal of Health Communication found that emphasizing individual health risks from COVID-19 leads to higher vaccine acceptance among participants. The researchers also discovered that loss framing was slightly more effective than positive gain framing, suggesting cultural and personal factors may play a role.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Weight gain isn’t inevitable when you start college

A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 24, 2021

Cellular communication agent

Stabilizing the NO signaling pathway has been achieved through the use of zinc complexes, which can bind to thionitrite and perthionitrite anions. This breakthrough reveals the importance of these intermediates in cellular communication, shedding light on their roles in vasodilation and cell protection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

The combination of mask wearing and keeping windows open is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars, finds a new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that keeping car windows open while wearing a mask is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars. However, this approach also increases occupants' exposure to toxic air pollution particles. The optimal balance is running air conditioning on ambient mode with windows closed.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 24, 2021

Age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakens cardiac contractions

A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Low-cost sensors measure real-time volcanic smog exposure

A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Healthy sugar origin in stingless bee honey revealed

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that stingless bees produce a rare, healthy sugar called trehalulose, which is not found in other honey or as a major component in other food. Stingless bees convert sucrose to trehalulose and produce honey rich in trehalulose in their gut.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Nurse home visits for low-income expectant mothers show promising results for child development, mortality rates

Researchers found that nurse home visits for low-income mothers resulted in significant reductions in maternal and child mortality, including external causes of death and preventable causes. The study's findings support the benefits of Nurse-Family Partnership programs in improving pregnancy outcomes and child health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York researchers receive $14.5 million NIH grant to lead HIV studies in central Africa

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy have been awarded a five-year, $14.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue leading and expand their research on HIV treatment and care in five Central African nations. The effo...

Researchers aim to optimize disease prevention in prison populations with rapid testing

Researchers explored optimizing disease control in prisons using rapid tests, identifying the optimal strategy to minimize costs and reduce infection. The study found that switching between full and no testing depends on various parameters, including contagion rates and test sensitivity.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Bird communities threatened by urbanization

Research team investigates urbanization's impact on farmland bird communities in Bangalore, India, finding that urbanization homogenizes bird species, eliminating insect-eating birds essential for pest control. The study highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem resilience and food production systems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Viruses leave traces for long after infection

Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Early-warning system for sepsis shown to improve survival rates and cut hospital stays, new study finds

A new study found that an early warning system for sepsis improved patient outcomes by alerting healthcare providers to administer antibiotics sooner. The system, implemented in the emergency department, resulted in increased survival rates and reduced hospital stays for patients with sepsis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021