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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 354


Page 354 of 510

BIO Integration Journal, Volume 2, Issue Number 1, publishes

The journal publishes an editorial, two mini review articles, two opinion articles, and an interview on various topics including COVID-19 diagnosis, dental implant biomaterials, ferroptosis resistance in cancer, and sonoporation. BIO Integration Journal is a peer-reviewed, open access international journal dedicated to modern medicine.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateApr 15, 2021

New evaluation estimates absolute abundance and preservation rate of Tyrannosaurus rex

A new study estimates that nearly 20,000 T. rex lived concurrently, with a total of 2.5 billion individuals over their entire existence. The authors used Darmuth's Law to estimate population-level traits and the rate of fossil preservation, finding that only about 1 in 80 million T. rex survived as fossilized remains.

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

Rural-urban divide compounds racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths, study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that racial and ethnic minority groups living in rural areas are at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than those in urban areas. The researchers suggest allocating additional resources to rural areas with high minority populations to address these disparities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateApr 15, 2021

Artificial intelligence for space

Researchers at University of Würzburg are developing AI technology to analyze images from Mars and other planets, detecting previously unknown anomalies such as circular holes and geysers. The project aims to train AI on board a small satellite in space to learn independently and report discoveries back to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateApr 14, 2021

ACMG Foundation/David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award honors Catherine A. Ziats, MD

Catherine A. Ziats, MD, received the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her platform presentation on alterations in respiratory epithelial gene SPDEF and severe disease responses to COVID-19 infection. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing our understanding of host genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 14, 2021

Lipid research may help solve COVID-19 vaccine challenges

Scientists have developed a method to create crystalline exoskeletons around delicate liposomes and lipid nanoparticles, stabilizing them at room temperature for up to two months. This breakthrough could help address the need for COVID-19 vaccines to be kept at below-freezing temperatures during transport and storage.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2021

3D-printed material to replace ivory

A team from TU Wien and Cubicure has developed a novel 3D-printed material called 'Digory' that can be used as a substitute for ivory in restoring art objects. The new material is processed in a hot, liquid state and hardened with UV rays to create a deceptively authentic-looking ivory substitute.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateApr 14, 2021

Dynamical machine learning accurately reconstructs volume interiors with limited-angle data

Researchers at MIT have developed a dynamical machine learning approach to tackle the challenge of reconstructing object interiors from limited-angle data. The method exploits sequential information to improve reconstructions, achieving promising results in weak and strong scattering conditions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 14, 2021

Air pollution may affect severity and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that high levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with a 60% higher chance of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing respiratory disease. Patients without respiratory disease showed no increased risk. Air pollution may have policy implications, such as reducing particulate exposure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021

Your neighborhood may affect your brain health

Research suggests that social and economic conditions in neighborhoods can affect brain health, with people living in disadvantaged areas showing faster decline on cognitive tests and more brain shrinkage on scans. The study's findings may indicate the earliest stages of dementia and highlight the importance of monitoring for early signs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 14, 2021

Shape-shifting Ebola virus protein exploits human RNA to change shape

A new study reveals how Ebola virus's VP40 protein uses human mRNA to transform into different shapes, adapting to various functions. This discovery sheds light on the fundamentals of genome-encoded information and highlights VP40 as a key vulnerability for effective therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 14, 2021

COVID-19 in combination with hemorrhagic stroke doubles death risk

A new study found that COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of in-hospital death among patients with hemorrhagic stroke, leading to longer hospital stays and more medical complications. Patients from racial and ethnic minorities, as well as those with obesity and diabetes, were particularly vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

In pig brain development, nature beats nurture

Researchers found that piglets raised in a laboratory environment developed brain structures and function comparable to those raised on a traditional farm. The study used MRI scans to assess brain development over time and found no significant differences between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 14, 2021

Climate change is making Indian monsoon seasons more chaotic

The study predicts stronger and more erratic monsoon rainfall in India, with potentially grave consequences for the country's agriculture, economy, and food systems. Climate change is also causing more unpredictable weather extremes, posing a threat to the socio-economic well-being of the Indian subcontinent.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateApr 14, 2021

Protein can release trapped histones in the cell

Researchers discovered that protein DNAJC9 actively engages cellular protein folding machinery to release trapped histones. This process is crucial for proper chromatin organization and is essential for cancer cell viability.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 14, 2021

Diabetes drug shows potential in fighting cancer

A new study suggests that immunotherapies combined with phenformin may be an effective way to fight cancer. Researchers found that phenformin has structural and therapeutic advantages over its sister compound metformin, which was previously used as an anti-diabetic agent.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateApr 14, 2021

Adults who view TV and social media as news sources on COVID are less informed

A new study published in Current Medical Research & Opinion found that adults who trust television and Facebook for news about the coronavirus pandemic are less knowledgeable. The survey of 5,948 adults in Pennsylvania showed that those who relied on social media and TV for news were less likely to answer COVID-19 questions correctly.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·DateApr 14, 2021

Climate change is making it harder to get a good cup of coffee

A new study finds that climate change may lead to a decline in suitable areas for high-quality specialty coffee types in Ethiopia, threatening the country's economy and coffee industry. The researchers suggest that tailored adaptation measures are needed to mitigate this trend.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2021

How to gain a sense of well-being, free and online

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Yale found that free online courses teaching principles of positive psychology can enrich lives, reporting greater mental health benefits than a comparable course without exercises.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

NIAID funds new influenza research network

The Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) will conduct studies on influenza-related research areas, including immune responses to vaccination and infection, and zoonotic transmission. The network will also study SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2021

The ACMG Foundation presents 2021 Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards

Christina Tise, MD, PhD, and Daniel Pomerantz, MD, have been selected as recipients of the 2021 Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards to pursue postgraduate training in clinical laboratory biochemical genetics and medical biochemical genetics. The awards support their one-year fellowships at Stanford University and C...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 14, 2021

Novel diabetes subgroups show differences in biomarkers of inflammation

Researchers have identified five novel diabetes subgroups with distinct biomarker profiles, highlighting the importance of inflammation in diabetes-related complications. These differences may enable early detection and therapy in individual subgroups, particularly those with severe insulin resistance.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·DateApr 14, 2021

A European project to develop electrodeless plasma thrusters

The ZARATHUSTRA project aims to develop electrodeless plasma thrusters that consume less propellant, allowing for longer and more ambitious space missions. The new thruster design features a U-shaped geometry and a toroidal magnetic field, which should improve efficiency and durability.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateApr 14, 2021

Telling sunbathers what they don't want to hear: Tanning is bad

Researchers at Ohio State University found that using simple language and targeting specific audiences can increase the effectiveness of health campaigns. The study suggests that understanding audience psychology and designing messages with relevance in mind are crucial for changing behavior, especially when conveying risk information.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication Studies·DateApr 14, 2021

Bacteria that cause periodontitis are transmitted from parents to children

A study by researchers at the University of Campinas found that adults with periodontitis transmit bacteria to their children, leading to subgingival bacterial colonization at an early age. This highlights the importance of preventive care in infancy to avoid developing this inflammatory disease of the gums.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2021

How we can reduce food waste and promote healthy eating

Researchers suggest reducing food waste in various settings, including schools, homes, and restaurants, while promoting healthy nutrition. Strategies include implementing behavioral cues, reusing leftovers, and developing cooking education curricula for low-income households.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 14, 2021

Researchers establish intracellular interaction network in breast cancer

Researchers at HSE University have identified key molecules responsible for breast cancer metastasis by developing an algorithm that recreates the networks of intercellular interactions in cancer cells. The program detects prognostic genes, with transcription factor E2F1 playing a major role in predicting patient outcomes.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

Water and quantum magnets share critical physics

Physicists discovered a discontinuous phase transition in a quantum magnet, mirroring the behavior of water, allowing for precise control over its quantum properties. The study reveals critical-point physics, which is essential for understanding topological phases and protected qubits in these materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2021

The American public is responsible for identifying over a quarter of new invasive species

A new study by Resources for the Future found that at least 27% of new invasive pests in the US were initially detected by members of the public. The researchers suggest leveraging the public's role to improve early detection and control of invasive species, which cause significant economic and environmental harm.

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateApr 14, 2021

New in the Hastings Center Report, March-April 2021

Family clustering is a confirmed phenomenon associated with COVID-19, causing extreme emotional and physical distress among family members. The article provides strategies for patients, doctors, nurses, and families to navigate this challenging situation, including addressing guilt and shame stemming from transmission of the disease.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 14, 2021

SARS-CoV-2: New findings on the persistence of neutralizing antibodies

Research from the Rhineland Study in Bonn, Germany, suggests that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline significantly within 4-5 months after infection. The study found that only about one-third of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies actually had specific antibodies against the virus.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2021

Suicides fallen by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic

An international study of 70 scientists in 21 countries found that suicides fell by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic, with similar trends reported globally. The study attributes this decline to swift implementation of supportive measures, including psychotherapy and crisis intervention services.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2021

Picosecond electron transfer in peptides can help energy technologies

Scientists have observed unusually fast picosecond electron transfer in peptides mediated by hydrogen bonds, a rate 1 million times faster than previously known. This discovery has the potential to improve chemical transformations, energy conversion, electronic devices, and photonic technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021

When does a bruise on an infant or young child signal abuse?

A refined screening tool called TEN-4-FACESp can improve earlier recognition of child abuse in young children with bruising. The tool reliably signals high risk for abuse when bruising appears on specific body regions.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 14, 2021

ER visits for suicidal behavior declined during the first 8 months of pandemic, U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study found that emergency room visits related to suicide attempts and self-harm decreased by 40% during the first eight months of the pandemic. The decline was observed despite initial concerns about an increase in suicidal behavior during a worldwide crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 14, 2021

Expert reviews discuss key topics in bone disorders and chronic kidney disease

A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International brings together state-of-the-art reviews on key issues in CKD-MBD. The reviews cover topics such as pathogenesis, epidemiology, challenges in management, including after kidney transplantation, and the role of bone biopsy in management.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateApr 14, 2021

Women describe specific techniques to increase their own pleasure

A nationally representative survey of US women identified four techniques to increase pleasure during vaginal penetration: Angling, Rocking, Shallowing, and Pairing. These techniques were previously unnamed in the literature, but provide language for women to communicate and advocate for their sexual pleasure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021

Photonic MEMS switches going commercial

Researchers demonstrate commercialization of photonic MEMS switches fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafers using regular photolithographic and dry-etching processes. The switch design includes a 32x32 matrix of replicated elements, achieving excellent light power loss, optical bandwidth, and switching speed.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateApr 14, 2021