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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 352


Page 352 of 510

Imaging agent enables better monitoring of patients with bacterial infections

Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

New paper shows how disease can affect economies for generations

A new study reveals that disease can alter social networks and economic growth for generations, with high diffusion networks promoting growth in low-disease countries but hindering it in high-disease environments. Small initial differences in epidemiological environment can trigger large and persistent differences in network structure,...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateApr 15, 2021

Latest Neuropixels probes can track neurons over weeks

The new Neuropixels 2.0 probes have improved recording-site density and long-term stability, allowing scientists to track individual neurons for weeks. This enables the study of complex phenomena like learning and memory in mice.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

UZH researchers find new measure to predict stress resilience

Researchers at UZH found that increased sensitivity in a specific brain region contributes to anxiety and depression in response to stress. The study establishes an objective neurobiological measure for stress resilience in humans, which may aid in selecting professions or developing stress resilience training.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2021

Tiny cat-sized stegosaur leaves its mark

A single footprint from a tiny cat-sized stegosaur has been discovered in China, revealing characteristics similar to other stegosaur footprints but with a heel-lifted gait. The finding suggests that young stegosaurs may have walked on two legs or used a 'toe-walking' posture.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPalaios·DateApr 15, 2021

Drought-induced mortality of conifers

Researchers from Basel and Würzburg investigated spruce trees' reaction to extreme heat and drought, finding a sudden collapse of the water-conducting system leading to tree death. The study reveals that dehydration occurs abruptly after exceeding a species-specific threshold value, causing trees to be unable to recover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

Study estimates duration of employment loss experienced by adults with kidney failure

A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 15, 2021

A more complete account

A new dataset includes over 21,000 interactions between 942 species, thoroughly annotated, providing a detailed look at kelp forests. The study highlights unseen parasite interactions that have been overlooked by ecologists.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Data·DateApr 15, 2021

How many T. rexes were there? Billions.

The study uses Monte Carlo computer simulation to determine the population numbers of T. rexes, with a standing population size of 20,000 adults at any given time. The total number of individuals that existed over its lifetime could have been anywhere from 140 million to 42 billion.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

Nuclear DNA from sediments helps unlock ancient human history

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology developed new methods to enrich and analyze human nuclear DNA from sediments. This breakthrough allows for the study of population relationships and the deep human past, providing new opportunities for investigation and expanding the range of options to tease out evo...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021

Detoxifying exhaust gas from device production processes

A new exhaust gas abatement system has been developed to detoxify dangerous gases used in device manufacturing processes. The system uses arc plasma heat source to reduce the amount of energy required for processing, resulting in an energy savings of up to 75%.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·DateApr 15, 2021

Betting on drones as smart agricultural tools for pesticide use in farms

Researchers found that drones were only slightly less expensive per unit area than tractor-mounted boom sprayers for pest-control costs, while also having a slight advantage in daily area coverage. Data envelopment analysis showed that both boom sprayers and UAVs reached maximum or near-maximum efficiency for most paddy areas.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSustainability·DateApr 15, 2021

CHOP-led research study identifies key target in treatment-resistant hemophilia A

A CHOP-led research study found that B cell activating factor (BAFF) levels are elevated in patients resistant to coagulation protein therapy, suggesting a potential target for new treatments. Anti-BAFF therapies combined with immune tolerance therapies may tame the immune response in some patients with severe hemophilia A.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 15, 2021

Ten reasons why the coronavirus is airborne

A new assessment published in the Lancet journal finds that SARS-CoV-2 is predominantly transmitted through the air, with silent (asymptomatic) transmission accounting for at least 40% of all cases. The study suggests that public health measures should focus on reducing airborne transmission to protect against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 15, 2021

Study strengthens links between red meat and heart disease

An observational study of nearly 20,000 individuals found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with poorer heart function and stiffer arteries. In contrast, higher consumption of oily fish was linked to improved heart function and healthier arteries.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 15, 2021

New radiotracer safe and effective for imaging early rheumatoid arthritis

A new positron emission tomography (PET) tracer targeting inflammation has been shown to be safe and effective in identifying early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The tracer rapidly clears from blood circulation and has a low radiation dose, making it suitable for patient imaging studies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

The architect of genome folding

Researchers discovered HP1a as an epigenetic regulator that establishes the global structure of the genome in early Drosophila embryos. The study used powerful genetics and 3D genome modeling to show that HP1a is required for proper chromatin organization at multiple hierarchical levels during embryonic development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2021

CO2 conversion using a new Power-to-X system

A new pilot-scale project aims to produce biomethane from renewable electricity and CO2 in a cost-effective system. The InjectMe project, funded by the Danish Energy Agency, will test a biological methanation system that converts electricity and biogas into natural-gas-quality biomethane.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 15, 2021

Southeast Regional Sun Grant Center announces grant recipients

The Southeast Regional Sun Grant Center has awarded grants totaling over $2 million to support six research projects aimed at developing sustainable, bio-derived products. These projects will provide new insights and materials for the southeastern US bioeconomy, creating essential information for future economic growth.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateApr 15, 2021

The CNRS 2021 Innovation Medal laureates

The four CNRS 2021 Innovation Medal laureates have developed diverse projects, from ecological engineering to sustainable chemistry and regenerative medicine. Their work has led to significant technological innovations, such as marine ecological engineering platforms and micro-magnets for hybrid-electric vehicles.

SourceCNRS·DateApr 15, 2021

A neuromagnetic view through the skull

A team of researchers has successfully developed a highly sensitive magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology that can detect even fast brain oscillations produced in response to single sensory stimuli. This breakthrough enables noninvasive observation of nerve cells transmitting information, shedding light on factors such as alertness a...

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

The Internet brings people into big cities, new study suggests

A new study by University of Bristol experts finds that internet adoption and urbanization are complementary, reinforcing higher population concentrations in national urban systems. The research suggests that digital technologies have not led to an exodus from cities, but rather attracted more people towards them.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2021

Sunlight to solve the world's clean water crisis

Researchers at UniSA have developed a cost-effective method to derive freshwater from seawater or contaminated water through efficient solar evaporation, delivering up to 20 litres of fresh water per square metre per day. The system is built using simple, everyday materials and requires minimal maintenance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSolar RRL·DateApr 15, 2021

New type of cell contributes to increased understanding of ALS

Researchers have identified a connection between perivascular fibroblast cells and ALS disease onset, suggesting a correlation between elevated protein marker SPP1 levels and aggressive disease process. This discovery has potential implications for earlier diagnoses and future treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Want to be robust at 40-plus? Meeting minimum exercise guidelines won't cut it

A new study led by UCSF reveals that maintaining physical activity during young adulthood, especially at higher levels than previously recommended, is crucial in preventing hypertension. Among the four groups, Black men were found to be the most active in early adulthood but saw significant declines in exercise intake by age 60, mirror...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Potential ways to improve survival for cancer patients who receive fragmented care

A new study identifies risk factors for readmission to a different hospital for cancer patients who received surgical removals, associated with a 50% increased odds of dying. Risk factors include living far away from the original hospital and being older or white, highlighting the need for better care coordination.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 15, 2021

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Volume 11, Issue 3 publishes

This issue of APSB features studies on protecting against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via increasing YAP1 expression, as well as investigating alternative strategies to downregulate PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells. The journal also publishes research on a novel injectable micelle-hydrogel hybrid for localized drug delivery and tar...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 15, 2021

Study: New approach may boost prostate cancer immunotherapies

Researchers have discovered a new way to transform tissue surrounding prostate tumors to help the immune system fight cancer. The technique, called epigenetic reprogramming, could lead to improvements in immunotherapy treatments for prostate cancer.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Cancer·DateApr 15, 2021

New research shows breast cancer treatment in patients over age 70 can be safely reduced

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that treating older patients with early-stage breast cancer did not improve survival rates and may cause harm. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 women aged 70 and found that omitting treatments like sentinel lymph node biopsy and radiotherapy did not affect recurrence or survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2021

Uncovering the secrets of some of the world's first color photographs

A team of researchers from EPFL's Audiovisual Communications Laboratory used historic photographic plates to study the original light and colors of century-old scenes. They found that Lippmann's method captured 26-64 spectral samples, far more than modern techniques, and were able to recreate the original light using an algorithm.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021