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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 251


Page 251 of 510

Picky neurons

Neurons in the mouse visual thalamus establish strong functional connections only with one retina, not with both, resolving contradictory results from previous studies. The dominant eye is determined by a clear selection of input, and non-dominant eye signals are weak or inactive.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateJun 18, 2021

Study: Men doing more family caregiving could lower their risk of suicide

A new study by Colorado State University Professor Silvia Sara Canetto found that men who engage in more family care work have lower suicide rates. The research suggests that men's underinvestment in family care work may contribute to their vulnerability to suicide, particularly during economic difficult circumstances.

SourceColorado State University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateJun 18, 2021

Study examines heart and kidney outcomes of adults with nephrotic syndrome

A new study highlights the high risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adults with this condition are 19.63 times more likely to develop kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 4.5 years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 18, 2021

The true spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is much greater than that observed by capturing only swab-diagnosed COVID-19 cases

A study of 300 rheumatism patients found 9% SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rates for IgG, IgM, and IgA, with higher titres in symptomatic patients and those with obesity and multiple comorbidities. The study confirms that the true spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is broader than previously thought, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Prototype may diagnose common pregnancy complications by monitoring placental oxygen

Researchers developed a prototype device that measures placental oxygen levels using near-infrared light, potentially diagnosing common pregnancy complications. The study found that women with anterior placenta and complications had lower placental oxygen levels compared to healthy pregnancies.

If you ride an e-scooter, take safety precautions

A Henry Ford Health System study reveals that e-scooter-related head and neck injuries account for nearly 28% of reported riding mishaps. The study's findings highlight the importance of wearing helmets and following safety tips to reduce the risk of injury while using e-scooters.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 17, 2021

Parrot talk

Research reveals that parrots rely on eavesdropping on vocal interactions to assess unfamiliar individuals. In flock encounters, flocks primarily choose to follow a leader's contact call, indicating the importance of vocal imitation in social interactions.

Malene Hansen, PhD, and Morgan Levine, PhD, honored by AFAR, recognized with 2021 Irving S. Wright Award and Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award

Dr. Malene Hansen receives the Irving S. Wright Award for her work on cellular recycling and aging, while Dr. Morgan Levine wins the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award for her biomarkers of aging research. Both awards recognize their contributions to advancing healthy aging through biomedical research.

Concrete wall seismic test data wins NHERI DesignSafe Dataset Award 2021

Researchers generated first-of-its-kind data on lightly reinforced concrete walls, which helped revise New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard and U.S. Building Code Requirements. The dataset, published on NHERI DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure, revealed hidden damage in walls that led to improved understanding of earthquake engineering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Structural Engineering·DateJun 17, 2021

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2021

Environmental injustices, such as toxic landfills and chemical plants, are often located in predominantly Black, Latinx, and Indigenous neighborhoods, threatening the health of these populations. The Hastings Center Report highlights the need for bioethics to consider environmental injustice in its principles of justice.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 17, 2021

Novel chirped pulses defy 'conventional wisdom'

University of Rochester researchers produce highly chirped pulses with relatively low-quality equipment, increasing possibilities for high-capacity telecommunication systems and astrophysical calibrations. The new method uses normal dispersion cavities, which are more common and can generate stable pulses despite high energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2021

Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbors and donate to charity

A new study found that religious participation increases social trust among both millennials and older adults, with those attending church more likely to donate to charity. The research also shows that younger generations can benefit from intergenerational interactions with their elders, who tend to have more social capital.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Sociological Review·DateJun 17, 2021

Long-term Himalayan glacier study

Researchers from Heidelberg University combined historical images and maps with current data to track glacier changes in the Nanga Parbat Massif. The study shows that the glaciers have been shrinking since the 1930s, but at a slower rate than other Himalayan regions due to avalanche activity and debris cover.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 17, 2021

Higher COVID-19 mortality among Black patients linked to unequal hospital quality

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that Black patients die at higher rates than white patients due to unequal hospital quality. The research suggests that if Black patients had access to the same hospitals as white patients, their mortality rate would decrease by a single percentage point.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 17, 2021