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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 349


Page 349 of 510

Pandemic eviction bans found to protect entire communities from COVID-19 spread

A new study suggests that pandemic eviction bans reduced infection rates and protected not only evicted individuals but also entire communities from the spread of COVID-19. The researchers found that without eviction bans, people who experience eviction or live with evictees have a higher risk of being infected, increasing transmission...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2021

Addressing and integrating social determinants of health effective in reducing blood pressure in pat

A study found that addressing social determinants of health improved blood pressure control in patients with diabetes or hypertension in Kenya. The intervention combined community microfinance groups with group medical visits reduced systolic blood pressure by 44% compared to standard care.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 19, 2021

Mapping performance variations to see how lithium-metal batteries fail

Scientists identified depletion of liquid electrolyte as primary cause of failure in high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries. The study used high-energy x-rays to map performance variations and calculate cathode material state, enabling the discovery of dominant failure mechanism.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

Energy consumption of urban electric vehicles

Researchers analyzed a database of over 3 million urban electric vehicles in China to understand energy consumption patterns. They found that energy consumption changes by up to 21% during winter-to-spring seasonal transitions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

New model describes the (scaling) laws of the jungle

A new framework connects metabolic principles to forest patterns, revealing regularities beneath apparent randomness. The model allows for generalization to diverse species and situations, providing insights into forest structure and biological complexity.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Viking metalwork craft and expertise evolved from 8th to 9th century

Researchers analyzed tool fragments, raw materials, and complete objects excavated from two sites in Ribe, Denmark, to understand the evolution of Viking metalwork. They found rapid technological advances in combining metals into mixes and refining their process over time.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Green hydrogen: "Rust" as a photoanode and its limits

Research on haematite, a widely known rust material, has been hindered by low photocurrent conversion efficiency compared to theoretical maximum values. A recent study reveals that the wavelength of absorbed light in hematite thin films affects its photoelectrochemical properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

Novel drug regenerates erectile nerves damaged by prostate surgery

Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine developed a topical drug that regenerates and restores function of erectile nerves damaged by radical prostatectomy. The siRNA gel enhanced nerve regeneration and restored nerve function in rat models, restoring erectile function.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 19, 2021

Surpassing the lower limit on computing energy consumption

Researchers have found that using topological insulators in transistors could reduce switching energy by half and the overall energy used by each transistor by a factor of four. This breakthrough could lead to substantial reductions in computing energy consumption, as the industry continues to strive for sustainable technologies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 19, 2021

The auditory system tracks moving sounds

The brain's auditory system actively tracks the velocity of a sound, just like the visual system. This study reveals that people can improve their ability to track moving sounds over time.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 19, 2021

New factor in the development of psoriasis discovered

A research team identified a new factor in the immune system's signal transmission that contributes to psoriasis development. The 'c-Jun' protein in dendritic cells promotes psoriatic skin inflammation, which can be alleviated by inhibiting this protein.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Sleep disorders and surgery: Anesthesia & Analgesia marks first decade of the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine

The Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine celebrates its first decade of research achievements in the common ground between sleep and anesthesia. Studies examine the outcomes of patients with undiagnosed sleep disorders or breathing issues undergoing surgery, highlighting the potential for treating perioperative periods as opportuni...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateApr 19, 2021

Association between hearing loss, physical activity

A study analyzed the association between hearing loss and level of physical activity among U.S. adults aged 60 to 69. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation, indicating that lower levels of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in older adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 19, 2021

Making spaces on the high street for clothing repairs

Researchers propose marketing sewing as a wellbeing activity and using technology to encourage consumers to adopt slower fashion habits. The study suggests that creating spaces for clothing repair on high streets could help reduce fast fashion's negative environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateApr 19, 2021

Federal policy to reduce deaths from sepsis was mostly ineffective

A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

UW researchers studying how to make online arguments productive

UW researchers studied how to make online arguments more productive and centered around relationship-building. They found that people want to have difficult conversations online, but often avoid them due to lack of nuance or space for discussion. The team developed 12 potential technological design interventions, including democratizin...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 19, 2021

Where's my horse-sized rabbit?

A research team at Kyoto University investigated the fossil record and evolutionary history of lagomorphs to answer why they don't rival horse sizes. They found that larger herbivore competitors and energetic disadvantage hindered their growth, with body sizes of ungulates being a key predictor.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEvolution·DateApr 19, 2021

Attacking aortic aneurysms before they grow

A team of researchers has discovered that JMJD3 enzyme promotes inflammation in monocyte/macrophages, leading to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Blocking this enzyme prevents aneurysm formation, providing a potential new target for treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Proportion of Black physicians in US has changed little in 120 years

A new UCLA study reveals the proportion of Black physicians in the US has changed little in 120 years, with a significant income gap between white and Black male physicians. The research highlights pay discrimination and unequal access as contributing factors to this disparity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Single metasurface for simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM

A team of scientists has developed a single spin-decoupled metasurface that can distinguish between spatial angular moment (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The device exploits the geometric phase and dynamic phase to transform vortex beams into focusing patterns, enabling simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 19, 2021

Delineating epileptic tissue using EEG fast oscillations

Researchers developed a method to localize epileptic tissue using EEG fast oscillations, differentiating pathological from nonepileptiform signals. High-frequency oscillations riding spikes provide a potential tool for presurgical diagnosis and postsurgical evaluation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

NUS researchers discover protein that causes neurological complications in HFMD

Researchers at NUS have identified two new proteins that contribute to EV-A71's ability to invade the central nervous system, making them potential targets for treating severe HFMD cases. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments, particularly for young children affected by this illness.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalEMBO Reports·DateApr 19, 2021

UK waters are home again to the bluefin tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers appear to be increasing in UK waters after a long period of decline. Researchers have documented this growth using data from citizen scientists, eco-tourism vessels, and fisheries records, revealing that these fish arrive in May and stay until January, with peak sightings between August and October each year.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateApr 19, 2021

Racial violence and the mental health of Black Americans

A new study analyzes the impact of highly publicized acts of racial violence on the mental health of Black Americans. Research suggests that experiencing racism, even vicariously, can harm mental and physical health, and that highly publicized anti-Black violence is strongly associated with poor mental health days among Black respondents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Materials advances are key to development of quantum hardware

Researchers emphasize the need for material advances in quantum computing hardware to create complex qubits. The study explores various materials and proposes strategies for tackling technological challenges. Sophisticated control of these materials is crucial for achieving quantum advantage.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2021

The perfect fit: A 'shoe-in' for a great start to school

A new study by the University of South Australia reveals that shoes one size too small restrict normal foot movement and comfort during walking. Well-fitted school shoes are crucial for children's comfort and participation in everyday activities.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalGait & Posture·DateApr 19, 2021

Surprising ionic and flow behaviors with functionalized nanochannels

University of Maryland researchers have made surprising discoveries about the behavior of functionalized nanochannels, including the phenomenon of overscreening, where a negatively charged polymer layer can become positively charged due to attraction of positive ions. The team also found that increasing the electric field strength can ...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 19, 2021

Publicized racial violence and Black mental health

A study found that highly publicized anti-Black violence is associated with increased poor mental health days among Black individuals in the US. Reducing such violence may benefit Black mental health nationwide, according to researchers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Deaths rising in workers using methylene chloride paint strippers

A comprehensive review of US fatalities linked to methylene chloride paint strippers reveals more deaths than expected, with 85 reported between 1980 and 2018, most in occupational settings. Safer alternatives are available, and experts urge the EPA to limit use and prevent further deaths.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Ocean currents modulate oxygen content at the equator

The Equatorial Undercurrent has strengthened by over 20% since 2008, leading to increased oxygen concentrations and a habitat expansion for tropical pelagic fish. The strengthening of the current is mainly caused by strengthening trade winds in the western tropical North Atlantic.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 19, 2021

Common plants and pollinators act as anchors for ecosystems

Common generalist plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as buffers against climate change impacts. A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that these species can persist over time and across landscapes, supporting robust communities and resilience to local extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEcology·DateApr 19, 2021

Incongruent messaging key to getting people to register as organ donors

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that a subtle shift in organ donor messaging can lead to a significant boost in registration. By combining descriptive and injunctive norms, registrations increased by 70%, suggesting that emphasizing low numbers while highlighting high support motivates people to register.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 19, 2021

Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure

A study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can lead to changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women, with an average decrease in systolic blood pressure for women and increase for men. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure and preventive measures in this patient population.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateApr 19, 2021

Ice cap study promises new prospects for accurate local climate projections

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen gathered data from the Renland Ice Cap, combining airborne radar, on-site measurements, and satellite data to create a more accurate model. This study now allows for greater precision in projecting local climate conditions for smaller ice caps and glaciers around the world.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateApr 19, 2021