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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 382


Page 382 of 510

Study reveals bias among doctors who classify X-rays for coal miner's black lung claims

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 26, 2021

Surgery is a viable treatment for pancreatic cancer patients especially after chemotherapy

A new study from the University of Arizona Department of Surgery found that pancreatic cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy followed by resection live an average of 19.75 months, compared to 10.12 months for those who received only chemotherapy. The researchers suggest that surgery can improve survival even in difficult cases.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 26, 2021

Incurable Leigh Syndrome: German scientists create first human model for rare disease

Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Face masks associated with reducing healthcare workers' risk of acquiring COVID-19

Researchers found a correlation between Henry Ford's universal mask policy and a significant drop in the rate of healthcare workers testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests that mask-wearing is effective in reducing the risk of acquiring COVID-19, supporting the institution's decision to implement the policy.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

A recent study from Cornell and Tufts universities reveals that water scarcity is a globally connected phenomenon, with local conditions having reverberations across the globe. The research found that global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional water scarcity result in positive and negative economic outcomes for every regi...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Social, not just biological factors, key in increased knee injuries among girls and women

Research highlights the importance of understanding social factors in preventing knee injuries among girls and women. The study suggests that gendered experiences and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping injury outcomes. Experts urge attention to these topics to improve prevention and management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

CTC mutations may predict outcomes in some castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients

Research reveals associations between circulating tumor cell (CTC) mutations and clinical outcomes in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The study identified novel genetic alterations linked to response to AR inhibitors, including gains of ATM, NCOR2, and HSD17B4, which were associated with sensitivity to treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMar 26, 2021

Eat me: The cell signal of death

Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have identified a nuclear protein fragment that activates a lipid-scrambling protein to display an 'eat-me' signal on cell surfaces, alerting phagocytes to eliminate unwanted cells. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell death and its importance for maintaining tissue health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 26, 2021

Silent MRSA carriers have twice the mortality rate of adults without the bacteria

Researchers analyzed data from 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to link MRSA carriage with mortality risk. The study found that middle-aged and older adults who unknowingly carry MRSA on their skin have twice the mortality rate of those without the bacteria, highlighting the need for routine screening.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 26, 2021

Preservative used in hundreds of popular foods may harm the immune system

A new peer-reviewed study by Environmental Working Group found that the preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) may harm the immune system, as shown in animal tests and high-throughput in vitro toxicology testing. The FDA should test all food chemicals for safety, according to the study's lead author.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 25, 2021

Soft robotic dragonfly signals environmental disruptions

A soft robotic dragonfly, called DraBot, uses microarchitectures and self-healing hydrogels to detect changes in pH, temperature, and oil levels. This proof-of-concept demonstration could lead to the development of autonomous environmental sentinels for monitoring environmental disruptions.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 25, 2021

Ancient megafaunal mutualisms and extinctions as factors in plant domestication

Researchers propose that plants evolved for long-distance seed dispersal and rapid growth as adaptations for megafaunal mutualisms. These traits allowed them to thrive in human-dominated landscapes, contributing to the global dominance of certain plant families. The study suggests that exaptation traits played a key role in the domesti...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 25, 2021

Headline: How energy modelling influences policymaking and vice versa

A new study reveals that energy models play a significant role in shaping the energy transition, influencing policy decisions and informing energy futures. Policymakers are increasingly relying on modeling outputs to define energy and climate targets, while researchers demand greater transparency to protect model credibility.

Discovery of a third T cell lineage

Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel T cell lineage, γμ T cells, which use a unique antibody-like structure to recognize pathogens. This discovery expands the immunology 'toolbox' and may lead to new approaches for fighting viral infections such as COVID-19.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2021

Study links genes with function across the human brain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has mapped gene signatures to functional processes across the human brain, revealing key insights into cognitive and affective processes. The findings suggest that specific genetic signals are linked to attention and memory, while others are associated with emotions and fear.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 25, 2021

Carrying naloxone can save lives but newly abstinent opioid users resist

A study found that newly abstinent opioid users resist carrying naloxone, even if it can save their lives. Researchers suggest reframing the meaning of carrying naloxone to represent a commitment to group safety and wellbeing. They propose re-targeting naloxone distribution efforts to include persons at any phase of their drug use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 25, 2021

Relieve your stress, relieve your allergies

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests a link between corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and increased expression of mast cells in the nasal cavity, exacerbating allergic reactions. The research offers promising therapeutic potential with CRHR1 inhibitors and SCF neutralizing antibodies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021