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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 267


Page 267 of 510

Low doses of "laughing gas" could be fast, effective treatment for severe depression

A new study found that a one-hour inhalation session with 25% nitrous oxide gas improved depression symptoms for over two weeks, with fewer adverse side effects compared to higher concentrations. The effects were nearly as effective as 50% nitrous oxide at rapidly relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Artificial light harming clownfish

A recent study by the University of Melbourne revealed that young clownfish living closest to shore are dying faster due to exposure to artificial lighting. The research team found that nearshore juvenile clownfish grew 44% more slowly under artificial light than those in natural conditions.

Targeted therapy pralsetinib safely effectively treats lung and thyroid cancers with RET alterations

Researchers found that pralsetinib achieved an overall response rate of 70% and complete response rate of 11% in patients with no prior systemic treatment for advanced RET fusion-positive NSCLC. In the thyroid arm, the ORR was 71% in patients with treatment-naïve RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 9, 2021

Speech droplets drive transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that intermediate-sized respiratory droplets emitted while speaking can carry significant amounts of virus and remain suspended in air for minutes. These 'speech droplets' pose a considerable risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Food for thought: Eating soft foods may alter the brain's control of chewing

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that a diet of soft or regular food affects muscle control and electrical activity of the jaw when stimulated, influencing the regulation of chewing. This study suggests that increasing chewing difficulty may alter brain control, with potential benefits for monitoring and improvi...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Not just a phase for RNAS

Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.

New defense against superbugs

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that fish oil fatty acids can render bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. This discovery is vital in combating the rise of superbugs with unprecedented levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·DateJun 9, 2021

Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who drink alcohol are less likely to conceive, with heavy drinking associated with a 61% reduced odds of becoming pregnant. Moderate drinking during the luteal phase also linked to lower conception rates, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol for those trying to conceive.

Senolytics reduce COVID-19 symptoms in preclinical studies

Researchers discovered that senolytic drugs significantly reduced inflammation, illness, and mortality from COVID infection in older mice. Treating infected mice with senolytics before or after infection led to a decrease in senescent cells, inflammation, and mortality, resulting in improved survival rates similar to younger mice.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2021

Patient characteristics, subsequent health care use of SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation in safety-net health system

Researchers identified disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation by sociodemographic characteristics, including race and language, within a safety-net health system. Black, Native American, and non-English-speaking patients were more likely to receive testing through emergency departments rather than telehealth visits compared to wh...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 8, 2021

Consumers spent less on candy and desserts when shopping online

A new study found that online shoppers spent more per transaction and purchased more items than in-store shoppers, but reduced spending on certain unhealthy foods like candy and desserts. Researchers suggest this may be due to online marketing strategies being less effective for impulse-sensitive purchases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 8, 2021

Outstanding education scholarship

Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.