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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 378


Page 378 of 510

New tool assesses patients' home dialysis experience

Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 30, 2021

Viewing the virus close up

The 'Compact Cell-Imaging Device' project aims to advance research into viral diseases by developing a miniaturized soft X-ray approach. This method allows for three-dimensional imaging of intact cells and can reveal changes induced by viral infections, making it an attractive tool for studying SARS-CoV-2.

Modern analysis of rock art

A machine learning study of rock art in Arnhem Land, Australia, has reconstructed the chronology of artistic styles using over 14 million images. The analysis revealed a link between style similarity and time, showing that styles closer in age were also more similar in appearance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·DateMar 30, 2021

Researchers observe new isotope of fluorine

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have observed a new form of fluorine, the isotope 13F, which has four fewer neutrons than the naturally occurring stable isotope 19F. This discovery was made using a charge-exchange reaction mechanism, allowing scientists to create a previously inaccessible isotope with exotic properties.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2021

Cardiorespiratory fitness improves grades at school

Researchers found an indirect link between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher marks in mathematics and French 2. Better executive functions, specifically cognitive flexibility, were also associated with improved academic performance. The study emphasizes the importance of physical education classes in schools.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 30, 2021

A second look at sunlight

A team of researchers re-examines the effectiveness of sunlight in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding that results contradict previous theories and suggest an alternative mechanism involving UV-A light. This discovery could lead to new management strategies using widely available UV-A radiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2021

Synthetic mucus can mimic the real thing

Researchers at MIT have created synthetic mucins with a polymer backbone that mimic the structure and function of naturally occurring mucins, effectively neutralizing the bacterial toxin that causes cholera. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases and potentially less resistance to antibiotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 30, 2021

Direct oral anticoagulants show better safety and effectiveness versus warfarin in patients with val

A study of over 56,000 patients found that new users of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) had lower risks for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding events compared to warfarin. DOACs were associated with greater effectiveness and fewer major bleeding events in adults with valvular atrial fibrillation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 29, 2021

Inflammation-fighting protein could improve treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that GBP5 protein suppresses inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the effects of interleukin-1 beta and supporting interferon gamma's anti-inflammatory function. This finding could lead to new treatments for the disease, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

SourceWashington State University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 29, 2021

Researchers discover how animals grow their pointy body parts

An interdisciplinary team at Monash University discovered a new universal rule of biological growth that explains surprising similarities in the shapes of sharp structures across the tree of life. The 'power cascade' rule applies to various animals, including teeth, horns, claws, and even plant thorns, following a power law pattern.

SourceMonash University·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 29, 2021

High risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing treatment for infected total knee replacement

A study found that nearly 20% of patients with antibiotic-loaded spacers and IV antibiotics developed acute kidney injury, with those with preexisting chronic kidney disease at highest risk. The study identified several risk factors for AKI, including high doses of antibiotics and certain heart rhythm disorders.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 29, 2021

Younger age of first drug use associated with faster development of substance use disorder

A study by NIH/NIDA found that adolescents who started using cannabis or misusing prescription drugs earlier are more likely to develop substance use disorders. The prevalence of substance use disorders was higher among adolescents than young adults at various time frames since first drug use, highlighting the vulnerability of young pe...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 29, 2021