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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 172


Page 172 of 510

Cannabis use rises during Australian COVID lockdown, but less meth on the streets

A wastewater study conducted in Australia during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown found that cannabis use surged, while methamphetamine (ice) use plummeted. The research, led by the University of South Australia, analyzed wastewater samples from 20 treatment plants across the country and showed a significant increase in cannabis use nationwide.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Cracking a mystery of massive black holes and quasars with supercomputer simulations

Researchers used high-powered simulations to study the mysterious process of gas flow across the universe, feeding massive black holes. The new method shows that strong gravitational forces from stars can twist and destabilize gas, driving sufficient influx to power a luminous quasar at galaxy activity peaks.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

Novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effect for cancer

Researchers have developed a novel nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic effects for cancer, using biomimetic cell membranes and pseudomonas geniculate cells as the natural source. The platform shows minimal cytotoxicity and facilitates efficient drug internalization, while accelerating reactive oxygen species generation in cancerous cells.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021

Cancer increases future risk of kidney failure

A Korean population-based cohort study found that cancer, particularly multiple myeloma and leukemia, is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure. The study included approximately 825,000 patients with cancer compared to twice as many without cancer, matched on other characteristics.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 17, 2021

New epidemiology study reveals clues that can help combat HIV/AIDS in China

A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2021

Phasecraft improves Hamiltonian simulation for near-term quantum computers by five orders of magnitude

Phasecraft's new research improves Hamiltonian simulation for near-term quantum computers by five orders of magnitude, making it possible to simulate complex materials and chemistry applications within 2-3 years. The breakthrough algorithm can run on noisy, intermediate-scale quantum hardware, accelerating the pace of real-world impact.

SourcePhasecraft·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2021

604,000 emergency ambulance calls for COVID in first wave, UK national survey reveals - care provided varied widely across the country

A major new survey of UK ambulance services found over 600,000 emergency calls for suspected COVID-19 during the first wave, with ambulances sent to nearly 80% of cases. Care received varied widely by geographic area, with some services sending ambulances to under 60% of Covid callers.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·DateAug 17, 2021

Gender revolutions in who holds the purse strings

Research from Lancaster University finds that low-earning and high-earning women are taking more control of their finances, with high-earning women 'going solo' in money management. Meanwhile, low-earning women are seeing a relaxation of male control over household finances.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGender & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Sharing the love helps male acorn woodpeckers father more chicks

A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

New study reveals that children of mothers with diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk of eye problems

A new study published in Diabetologia found that children of mothers with diabetes before or during pregnancy are more likely to develop high refractive error (RE), including long and short-sightedness. The study analyzed data from over 2.4 million births in Denmark and found a significant association between maternal diabetes and an i...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateAug 17, 2021

US health systems must adopt unified vision to succeed according to a new survey

A new survey by University of Colorado Denver researchers found large disparities in virtual care models across US health systems. Smaller and low-burdened health systems adopted analytics and customer-oriented digital technologies, while larger and higher-revenue systems used futuristic and growth-oriented digital technologies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2021

Study: As cities grow in size, the poor 'get nothing at all'

A new study found that larger cities produce more income inequality, with the poor experiencing a decline in quality of life. The researchers analyzed data from municipal areas across the US and found that the top 10% of earners gain an increasingly large portion of wealth as cities grow.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Elder abuse impacts over 10% of older adults in NY

A new study from Cornell University finds that elder mistreatment is a highly prevalent problem in New York state, affecting nearly 1 in 10 older adults over the next decade. The research team identified poor health as a major risk factor and noted that people who transition to living alone are more likely to suffer financial abuse.

SourceCornell University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 17, 2021

Nanocluster discovery will protect precious metals

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a novel catalyst that combines homogeneous and heterogeneous features, defying traditional categorization. The discovery holds promise for increasing the active surface area available for catalysis, leading to more efficient and sustainable production of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Public opposes repressive policing of protesters, but fear, racial beliefs, protests’ goals can boost support for police control

A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateAug 17, 2021

Gestational diabetes by race, ethnicity in US

Gestational diabetes rates in the US have increased among certain racial and ethnic groups between 2011 and 2019, highlighting persistent health inequities. The study found that Hispanic women had significantly higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white, black, or Asian women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2021

Benefits of time-restricted eating depend on age and sex

A new study by Salk scientists found that time-restricted eating (TRE) confers multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sepsis, regardless of age and sex. TRE may also protect against infectious diseases like COVID-19 and improve insulin resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B volume 11, issue 7 publishes

This issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B features innovative research on pharmacologically targeting molecular motor for anti-cancer, novel PGAM5 inhibitor LFHP-1c protecting blood-brain barrier integrity in ischemic stroke, and a versatile tool for anchor pharmacophore steered drug discovery. Additionally, the journal publishes revie...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateAug 17, 2021