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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 208


Page 208 of 510

New study examines commuter characteristics and traffic pollution exposure among commuters

A new study led by George Mason University faculty Jenna Krall investigated how commuting patterns impact air pollution exposure, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The research found that commuters traveling during rush hour have higher overall exposure to traffic-related air pollution compared to sporadic commuters.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 19, 2021

Researchers reveal pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy of pre-engraftment syndrome

Severe PES is characterized by high fever, rash, diarrhea, and increased transplant-related mortality. A study revealed that monocytes derived from cord blood produce proinflammatory cytokines, leading to PES. Tocilizumab treatment significantly controlled clinical symptoms and reduced mortality in patients with severe PES

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2021

New long-term satellite analysis shows "plum" rainy season wetter now than ever before

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University analyzed long-term satellite data to find a significant increase in rainfall over the past decade during the annual Meiyu-Baiu rainy season. The increased rainfall is driven by tropical moisture transport and upper tropospheric troughs, which are strongly correlated with enhanced rainfall.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2021

Study shows that electronic air cleaning technology can generate unintended pollutants

A Georgia Tech study found that a hydroxyl radical generator in an office setting generated organic acids and secondary organic aerosols, which can cause health problems. The device was marketed to inactivate pathogens like coronaviruses, but the study highlights the need for further research on its unintended effects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

Outcomes of patients treated by female vs male physicians

Researchers investigated whether female vs male physicians differ in patient outcomes, including mortality rates and care processes. The study found no significant differences in patient outcomes between female and male physicians, suggesting that the quality of care is not influenced by physician gender.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 16, 2021

SUV39H2: A direct genetic link to autism spectrum disorders

A human variant of the SUV39H2 gene has been linked to autism spectrum disorders, causing cognitive inflexibility in mice and misregulated expression of genes related to brain development. The study suggests that histone methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and its absence may lead to serious problems.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination: Examining negative dominance on social media

A recent study published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal explores negative dominance of COVID-19 vaccine-related information online. The researchers found that compared to all other content, posts focused on adverse events pale in comparison to posts promoting positive messages about vaccines.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJul 16, 2021

Noninvasive, label-free optical method visualizes deep, cellular brain disease in vivo

Scientists developed a label-free optical microscopy approach that can image deep brain cells with high resolution and minimal invasiveness. They used the 1700 nm water absorption window to visualize neuronal cell architecture across the entire depth of the mouse neocortex, revealing severe pathology in deep but not superficial cortex.

Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe

A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2021

Bats are kings of small talk in the air

Researchers found that bats can compress their echoes by up to 90% without losing essential information for sonar-based tasks. This efficient encoding strategy allows bats to navigate complex environments with minimal neural machinery, enabling them to detect location and movement with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 16, 2021

Invention: The Storywrangler

Researchers developed the Storywrangler, a data-driven tool analyzing over 150 billion tweets, providing insights into global conversations, popularity, and emerging trends. The tool reveals potential predictors of geopolitical risk and demonstrates its potential to index everyday conversations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 16, 2021

Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJul 16, 2021

Psychiatric patients at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality

A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2021