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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 211


Page 211 of 510

Pandemic layoffs pushed hospitality workers to leave industry

A Washington State University study found that pandemic-induced layoffs caused financial strain, depression, and social isolation among young hotel and restaurant workers. The study suggests that the younger generation may be less likely to return to the industry due to perceived instability and lack of personal control.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJul 15, 2021

Sperm migration in the genital tract: computer simulations identify factors for success

A computer simulation model of the mammalian female genital tract identifies essential physical characteristics and abilities for successful sperm migration. The study's findings have potential to improve assisted reproduction techniques in endangered species, livestock, and humans without animal experiments.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 15, 2021

For people with kidney disease, there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water

A new study found that lead contamination in drinking water can have detrimental effects on individuals with advanced kidney disease, affecting hemoglobin levels and requiring higher doses of medications. The study also revealed concerning inequities, with higher water lead levels observed for Black patients compared to white patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 15, 2021

Guiding principles for work shift duration published by AASM and SRS

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) have published guiding principles for determining optimal work shift durations. The principles consider factors such as physical and mental fatigue, job requirements, safety risks, lifestyle factors, and health to find a balance between competing goals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJul 15, 2021

Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discover that applying mechanical force can deliberately alter chemical reactions, allowing for increased chemical selectivity. By manipulating atomic motions, chemists can overcome energy barriers and achieve desired outcomes, opening up new possibilities for chemical production.

Wildfire smoke exposure linked to increased risk of contracting COVID-19

A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in Reno, Nev. During a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event, PM2.5 levels were associated with a 17.7% rise in COVID-19 cases.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJul 15, 2021

Study finds promising therapeutic target for colitis

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies Neuraminidase 3 (Neu3) as a key enzyme responsible for colitis, a chronic digestive disease. Inhibiting Neu3 with Relenza breaks the chain of inflammation, and augmenting intestinal alkaline phosphatase appears to be equally beneficial.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2021

Study shows strong association between perceived risk, availability and past-year cannabis use

A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 15, 2021

Teasing out the impact of Airbnb listings on neighborhood crime

A study found that Airbnb listings were associated with increased violence in Boston neighborhoods, but not with public social disorder or private conflict. The researchers suggest that the presence of short-term rentals may erode local social dynamics and lead to increased violence over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

Quantum physics helps destroy cancer cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a way to enhance radiation therapy using iodine nanoparticles, which trigger cancer cell death when exposed to X-rays. The study reveals that the optimal energy level for X-ray irradiation is 33.2 keV, causing double-strand breaks in DNA and leading to programmed cell death.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2021

Hard to swallow: Coral cells seen engulfing algae for first time

Scientists have observed individual stony coral cells engulfing single-celled photosynthetic algae, crucial for keeping corals healthy. Around 40% of coral cells incorporated the algae in 30 minutes and remained healthy for a month, providing insights into the partnership between corals and dinoflagellates.

Smartphone photos can be used to detect anemia

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that smartphone photos of the inner eyelid can be used to screen for anemia. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of up to 94.4% in predicting anemia, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

Understanding our perception of rhythm

Researchers found that rhythm perception relies on two separate decisions: grouping and prominence, which are mutually informative. These decisions lead to our rhythmic intuitions, suggesting that speech processing involves complex inferences.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychological Review·DateJul 14, 2021

Dogs may not return their owners' good deeds

In an experiment, dogs were paired with two unfamiliar humans - one helpful and one unhelpful. Despite the humans' behavior, the dogs showed no preference for the helper or did not reciprocate by acting more favorably towards them. The study suggests that dogs may not be able to understand the connection between human help and reward.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

Community health workers identify health-related social needs in patients

A qualitative study found that community health workers are integral to identifying patients' social needs, with roles shifting from screener to implementer. However, social needs screening data is often not integrated into electronic health records or used for population health management, and sites face barriers to its implementation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2021