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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 411


Page 411 of 510

Pediatric emergency visits, hospitalizations down sharply during pandemic: study

A new multicenter study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found significant reductions in pediatric emergency visits and hospitalizations for common illnesses like asthma and pneumonia. The trend is attributed to public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and handwashing instituted during the pandemic.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021

Bacterial film separates water from oil

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has developed a novel material produced by bacteria that can effectively separate water from oil. The material consists of cellulose nano-fibers created by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter hansenii, which are then used to filter out the oil from an oily mixture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 9, 2021

Chemical signal in plants reduces growth processes in favor of defense

Researchers found that beta-cyclocitral produced by plants after herbivore attack increases defense responses and inhibits the production of metabolites for growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. This volatile signal opens up new possibilities for developing herbicides or antimicrobial agents that block the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2021

Determining the structure of a molecule with laser-induced electron diffraction

Scientists successfully applied novel approach to imaging gas-phased molecule Carbonyl Sulfide, revealing a significantly bent and asymmetrically stretched configuration of the ionized OCS+ structure. The ZCP-LIED technique retrieves accurate and precise information about atomic structure without exact knowledge over the laser field.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2021

Researchers use silkworm silk to model muscle tissue

USU researchers developed a three-dimensional cell culture surface using silkworm silk to grow skeletal muscle cells, outperforming traditional methods. Cells grown on silkworm silk showed increased mechanical flexibility and proper muscle fiber alignment, mimicking human skeletal muscle more closely.

SourceUtah State University·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateMar 9, 2021

Lower dose, less toxic radiopharmaceutical produces better outcomes

Researchers have developed a lower-dose radiopharmaceutical that improves treatment efficacy for neuroendocrine cancers while reducing side effects. The new medication uses reversible binding technology to extend its half-life in the blood, providing an extended therapeutic time window and improved treatment outcomes.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet pass on to the families of patients who follow it

A study found that family members of patients following the Mediterranean diet-based PREDIMED-Plus program experienced significant weight loss, averaging almost 4 kg over two years. Improved dietary habits were also observed, with family members showing increased commitment to the Mediterranean diet.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 9, 2021

New collaborative care model offers help for patients with mental health need

The Penn Integrated Care program, developed by the University of Pennsylvania, provides a resource center and collaborative care services to increase access to mental health professionals. This model has shown promising results, achieving remission in symptoms for nearly 40% of patients with anxiety and 33% of those with depression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021

Tropical cyclone exposure linked to rise in hospitalizations from many causes for older adults

A new study found that tropical cyclone exposure is associated with a significant rise in hospitalizations among older adults, with a 14% average increase in respiratory diseases and a 4% rise in infectious diseases. Hospitalizations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) surged 45% following exposure.