Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 351


Page 351 of 510

Leonardo da Vinci definitely did not sculpt the Flora bust

A team of scientists from CNRS has proven that Leonardo da Vinci did not sculpt the Flora wax bust, which was conserved at the Bode Museum in Berlin. The radiocarbon dating revealed that the sculpture was made in the 19th century, nearly 300 years after da Vinci's death.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2021

Dust at work can lead to rheumatic diseases

A large cohort study by Aarhus University found a clear association between silica exposure and increased risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Exposure to low levels of silica dust also posed a significant health risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 16, 2021

A new treatment for rare muscular disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new treatment for Pompe disease, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 people in the US. The treatment has been shown to be safer and more effective than current therapy, improving respiratory muscle function, endurance, and overall quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 16, 2021

Research sheds new light on pancreatic cancer metastasis

A recent study published in Gastroenterology reveals that overexpression of the ZIP4 protein in patients with pancreatic cancer enables tumor cells to transform into a shape-shifting form, evading detection and metastasizing to other organs. Understanding this process is crucial for developing targeted therapies to stop metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 16, 2021

New tech builds ultralow-loss integrated photonic circuits

Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021

The future of particle accelerators is here

The Electron Ion Collider will take 3D images of electrons colliding with polarized protons and ions, shedding light on fundamental questions in nuclear physics. The collider's experimental equipment may also detect the elusive chiral magnetic effect, a crucial prediction for understanding the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 16, 2021

Fit matters most when double masking to protect yourself from COVID-19

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that wearing two face coverings can significantly improve filtration efficiency, especially when properly fitted. Researchers found that cloth masks placed over surgical masks or vice versa can improve fit and effectiveness, but loosely fitting masks do not provide the same benefit.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2021

Study identifies new targets in the angiogenesis process

The study reveals the involvement of SARAF and Orai1 proteins in VEGF-mediated activation of endothelial cells, affecting blood vessel development. This discovery could lead to therapeutic strategies controlling angiogenesis in pathological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateApr 16, 2021

Researchers revise indicator of mobility limitation in older adults

A revised handgrip cutoff value of 32 kg for men and 21 kg for women can accurately identify mobility impairment, increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis by 88% for men and 89% for women. This revised metric promotes preventive treatment to avoid muscle weakness and mobility loss.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateApr 16, 2021

Are our oil and gas pipelines safe during an earthquake?

Scientists have discovered that current methods for calculating stress received by underground pipelines during an earthquake are inaccurate, leading to a significant risk assessment. The new theory of seismic wave propagation addresses this issue, highlighting the need for modernization and replacement of existing pipelines.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalApplied Sciences·DateApr 16, 2021

Scientists call for climate projections as part of more robust biodiversity conservation

Researchers call for climate projections to be taken into account in conservation planning to protect areas at risk of biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Climate change is expected to impact 58% of montane forests in the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the need for adaptive management frameworks.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalForests·DateApr 16, 2021

Experimental antiviral for COVID-19 effective in hamster study

A new study from the NIH found that MK-4482 treatment significantly decreased virus levels and lung damage in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. The treatment was effective when administered before or after infection, suggesting potential for mitigation of high-risk exposures.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2021

HIV has been had

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2021

Scientists more confident projecting ENSO changes under global warming

A team of scientists found that ENSO-related climate variability is expected to increase under global warming due to the amplification of tropical lower tropospheric humidity. This intensification in ENSO-driven atmospheric variability suggests a higher risk of extreme weather events.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 15, 2021

Penn study suggests those who had COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose to produce a sufficient antibody response. In contrast, those who have not had COVID-19 require two doses to achieve strong levels of immunity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateApr 15, 2021

Dutch researchers establish the first entanglement-based quantum network

Researchers from QuTech in the Netherlands have established the first multi-node quantum network, connecting three quantum processors and achieving proof-of-principle demonstration of key quantum network protocols. The breakthrough enables the creation of a scalable quantum network that can distribute quantum information over large dis...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

The whitest paint is here - and it's the coolest. Literally.

Purdue University engineers develop ultra-white paint that reflects up to 98.1% of sunlight, keeping surfaces cooler than surroundings. The paint, made with barium sulfate particles of different sizes, can reduce the need for air conditioning by 10 kilowatts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 15, 2021

Keep calm! How blood vessels are kept in check

Scientists at BIH have found a new metabolite, S-2-hydroxyglutarate, that regulates endothelial cell quiescence and prevents excessive vessel growth. This discovery brings the researchers closer to developing targeted therapies for vascular diseases.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 15, 2021

Physicists develop theoretical model for neural activity of mouse brain

Researchers have created a theoretical model that accurately predicts the neural activity of a mouse brain without requiring fine-tuning. The model uses critical phenomena to explain phase transitions in physical systems and may have applications for studying complex dynamical systems.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2021

University of Guam launches Drone Corps for students

The University of Guam's Drone Corps aims to develop a team of FAA-certified drone pilots, providing opportunities for researchers to utilize drones in their fields. Students will practice flying unmanned aerial vehicles, capturing footage and data for local agencies.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateApr 15, 2021

While species come and go, their ecosystems persist over millions of years

Researchers used deep-time approach to compare communities defined by species vs ecological roles, finding that ecosystems are more resistant to change than species compositions. They also found that preserving ecosystem functioning can help stabilize ecosystems in the face of disturbances.

SourceMuseum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions-und Biodiversitätsforschung·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateApr 15, 2021

Reliable COVID-19 short-term forecasting

Researchers developed a new model using the SEIR framework to project daily COVID-19 cases, achieving accuracy and reliability. The model forecasts future infections under three scenarios, with limitations due to data accuracy and assumptions about transmission rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2021

Water crisis took toll on Flint adults' physical, mental health

A recent study found that Flint adults suffered a range of adverse physical and mental health symptoms, including skin rashes, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, linked to the water crisis. Black residents were particularly affected, with higher rates of reported symptoms.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 15, 2021

Measuring neutron star squeezability

Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 15, 2021

Researchers unveil new 'time machine' technique to measure cells

WeHI researchers have developed a new single-cell technique, SIS-seq, to understand the programming behind stem cells making particular cell types. The research uncovered 30 new genes that program stem cells to make dendritic cells that kick-start the immune response.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateApr 15, 2021

Baked meteorites yield clues to planetary atmospheres

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz heated meteorite samples in a high-temperature furnace and analyzed the gases released. The study suggests that the initial atmospheres of terrestrial planets may differ significantly from current theoretical models.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 15, 2021

Novel muscular dystrophy gene connects to a key biological pathway

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered a novel gene, JAG2, associated with a specific form of muscular dystrophy. The study found a distinct pattern of abnormalities on muscle MRI that may aid in identifying patients with this condition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 15, 2021

An ion pump to deliver chemotherapy agents to the brain

Researchers at Linköping University and Medical University of Graz developed an ion pump that can deliver chemotherapy agents like gemcitabine directly into the brain with high precision. This method may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateApr 15, 2021

97% of Earth's land area may no longer be ecologically intact

A recent study found that much of considered 'intact habitat' is missing species due to human impact. However, restoring certain species through reintroduction could potentially increase ecological integrity to up to 20% of the planet's land surface.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateApr 15, 2021

Child vaccination rates declined during COVID-19 pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 15, 2021

New benefits from anti-diabetic drug metformin

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2021

Discovery of epigenetic factors predicting the severity of COVID-19

A study published in EBiomedicine found that epigenetic variations predict COVID-19 severity, particularly in genes related to inflammation and overall health. The 13% of the global population with this signature is considered the group at maximum risk requiring special care.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Couples and young-onset dementia: Study of coping offers hope for new interventions

A study published in JAMA Network Open explores the experiences of individuals with young-onset dementia and their partners, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual problem-solving. The research team developed a couples-based framework to describe coping patterns, which can inform new interventions and increase qua...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2021

CityU biologists discover super-enhancers that switch on breast cancer genes

Researchers have identified specific super-enhancers that stimulate the activity of critical cancer genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study reveals that deleting certain super-enhancers can reduce tumour cell growth and improves survival chances. Dr Rebecca Chin and Dr Wang Xin's findings may lead to the development of...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2021

Later school start times let students get adequate sleep

A new study published in SLEEP found that later school start times significantly benefit middle and high school students' sleep schedules. Researchers discovered that the greatest improvements occurred for high school students, who obtained an extra 3.8 hours of sleep per week after a later start time was implemented.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSLEEP·DateApr 15, 2021

New way of diagnostics detects 'undetectable' genetic defects

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have developed a new way to detect hidden genetic defects using the Expansion Hunter method. This technique can identify repeat expansions, a type of mutation that causes fragile X syndrome and Huntington's disease, in patients with movement disorders.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Medically savvy smartphone imaging systems

Smartphone-based imaging systems can guide diagnosis and treatment with portable, user-friendly biomedical imaging. Emerging technologies like multispectral and quantitative fluorescence imaging offer promising diagnostic applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 15, 2021