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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 432


Page 432 of 510

Study identifies strengths and challenges of responding to dual disasters

A new study investigates how hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic affect each other and disaster response in southern Louisiana. Community-based organizations face new challenges, including reduced financial resources and service delivery constraints due to protocols to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 24, 2021

New study suggests supermassive black holes could form from dark matter

A new theoretical study suggests that supermassive black holes could form directly from dark matter in high-density regions, contradicting current understanding of their formation. This proposal has key implications for cosmology and the early Universe, potentially explaining how supermassive black holes grew so quickly.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 24, 2021

With a pinch of salt: How reliable are existing studies on microplastics in table salt?

A systematic review of published papers on microplastics in table salt found significant variability in reported data due to differences in measurement and identification methods. The study highlights the need for standardized protocols to ensure reliable health-relevant results and accurately quantify human exposure to microplastics.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

Abnormal sodium levels in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 predict death or respiratory failure

Researchers found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low sodium levels are twice as likely to need intubation or advanced breathing support, while those with high sodium levels are three times more likely to die. Sodium measurements can inform doctors about which patients are at high risk of deterioration and death.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 24, 2021

Professor developing indoor COVID-19 detector

Professor Gerardine Botte has received a $999,047 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an indoor COVID-19 sensor that can detect traces of SARS-CoV-2 in air. The sensor has already demonstrated fast detection capabilities in saliva and water, and the goal is to extend this technology for air collection.

Tool that more efficiently analyzes ocean color data will become part of NASA program

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered platform, OC-SMART, to process ocean color in satellite images, solving a 30-year-old problem in retrieving data from coastal regions and open ocean areas. The tool provides useful data on chlorophyll concentrations and phytoplankton presence, helping to understand the ocean's state.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateFeb 24, 2021

Scientists describe earliest primate fossils

The study documents the discovery of Purgatorius fossils, which are estimated to be 65.9 million years old, providing insight into primates' evolution and diversification after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The findings suggest that primates likely emerged by the Late Cretaceous period and lived alongside large dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 24, 2021

Measuring carbon nanotubes taken up by plants

Researchers developed a way to measure levels of specific carbon nanotubes in plant tissues using programmed thermal analysis. This method can detect small amounts of carbon nanotubes in leaves, stems, and roots, providing crucial insights into their environmental fate and potential human exposure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 24, 2021

Semaglutide paired with intensive behavioral therapy showed triple weight loss vs placebo

In a groundbreaking 68-week study, semaglutide combined with intensive behavioral therapy resulted in an average weight loss of 16% for participants, exceeding one-third who lost 20% or more of their baseline weight. The treatment also showed significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and marked metabolic benefits.

New technology shows potential to improve potency and durability benefits in gene therapy

Researchers have developed an immune tolerance platform called ImmTORTM to overcome challenges in gene therapy, including immunogenicity and durability. The addition of ImmTOR nanoparticles to AAV vectors has shown potential to enhance efficacy, safety, and durability by mediating more efficient transgene expression.

SourceLifeSci Public Relations·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 24, 2021