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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 194


Page 194 of 510

Systematic differences across countries associated with use of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions; lockdowns decrease mobility while school closures have no effect

Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 28, 2021

Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Not-so-blind mice can make strategic and acute visual choices

Researchers found that mice can make fine visual discriminations between slightly different lines, suggesting a more complex decision-making process than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering non-perceptual biases in understanding animal behavior and decision-making strategies.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2021

Study suggests need to screen older adults for mental health symptoms as pandemic continues

A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2021

Off-target antibodies undermine HIV vaccine efforts

A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Machine learning and knowledge engineering uncovers significant role of elevated blood glucose in severe Covid-19

Researchers have identified a recurring trend of elevated blood glucose levels among those with severe Covid-19, which impairs lung immune defense and facilitates cytokine storm. Tight control and management of glycemia may be crucial for better outcomes, and metformin shows potential as a treatment option.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Giant friction experiment at Kīlauea volcano

Researchers analyzed data from Kīlauea's caldera collapse to characterize friction at a large scale. The study confirms the role of slip-weakening distance in earthquake mechanics and provides insights into the physics governing caldera collapses.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Scientists trained a neural network to properly name organic molecules

Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues developed a neural network that can efficiently generate IUPAC names for organic compounds in accordance with the IUPAC nomenclature system. The network, trained using the Transformer architecture, achieved an accuracy of nearly 99%, outperforming traditional rule-based solutions.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

A group’s moral values may help determine the likelihood of hate-motivated harmful acts

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a county's moral values, particularly binding values, can predict the prevalence of hate groups and extreme behavioral expressions of prejudice. The research used geospatial modeling and psychological experimentation to analyze data from over 3,100 US counties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

‘Less than 1% probability’ that Earth’s energy imbalance increase occurred naturally, say Princeton and GFDL scientists

Researchers at Princeton University and GFDL found that the Earth's energy balance sheet is out of equilibrium, leading to rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The study suggests that human activities are responsible for the observed changes in the energy imbalance.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021

Another byproduct of the pandemic: Paranoia

A Yale study finds that pandemic-induced paranoia was particularly acute in states with low mask mandate adherence and increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Increased feelings of paranoia were associated with erratic choice behavior and a higher likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 28, 2021

Scientists release new AI-based tools to accelerate functional electronic materials discovery

Scientists developed new AI-based tools to identify and study materials exhibiting a metal-insulator transition (MIT), which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient microelectronic devices. The tools provide a freely available database, online classifier, and new features for characterizing these materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2021

Breathing new life into fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 28, 2021

PCORI approves $254 million to fund 28 new research studies addressing urgent health problems

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...

One in four cancer patients lack sufficient immunity against measles and mumps, study finds

A recent study found that 25% of cancer patients lacked adequate protective antibodies against measles virus and 38% lacked adequate antibodies against mumps virus. The study suggests that increasing immunity at the community level is crucial to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young adults and stem cell transplant recipients.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2021

Researchers identify a cellular defect common to familial and sporadic forms of ALS

A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a common cellular defect in ALS that can be treated with an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Researchers found that the accumulation of CHMP7 protein in the nucleus leads to nuclear pore injury and TDP-43 mislocalization, ultimately causing cell death.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Exploring blood types of Neanderthal and Denisovan individuals

A study analyzing ancient DNA has uncovered new information on the blood types of Neanderthals and Denisovans. The analysis reveals consistent African origins and increased vulnerability to diseases affecting fetuses and newborns, confirming previous evidence of low genetic diversity leading to eventual demise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

First 3-D view of TB granulomas alters paradigm of their shape and formation

Researchers created a 3D view of diseased lung tissue using microCT to reveal that TB granulomas are complex and branched, with unique connections to airways. This has significant implications for treatment, including the potential for aerosolized drug delivery to reduce treatment times.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021