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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 458


Page 458 of 510

An end to invasive biopsies?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 8, 2021

Screening strategy based on baseline breast density at age 40 may be effective and cost-effective for reducing breast cancer mortality

A mammography screening strategy based on a baseline breast density measure at age 40 is the most effective and cost-effective way to reduce breast cancer mortality. The study suggests that this approach can lead to a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality, but also increases the number of mammograms performed and false posit...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2021

Front-of-package product names and ingredient lists of infant and toddler food can be hard to navigate

A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has found that inconsistent information exists on commercial infant and toddler food packages, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are buying. This confusion can lead to early exposure to nutritious foods not helping children develop healthy eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 8, 2021

Recognizing liars from the sound of their voice?

Scientists identify a unique voice prosody pattern associated with honest speech, recognized across languages and influencing memory recall. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals how brain automatically processes this characteristic sound to convey truth-value or certainty.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2021

Efficiency limits of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar technology

Researchers have developed a framework to predict the performance of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors. The study reveals that the relative value of thermal energy to electricity significantly influences efficiency limits, optimal PV cell material, and spectral-splitting filter design.

All in the head? Brains adapt to support new species

Researchers found substantial differences in brain morphology between forest edge and deep forest butterfly species, with the latter investing more in visual information processing. The study suggests that changes in brain structure play a crucial role in speciation across environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Specific genes in placenta may predict size of baby's brain and risk for schizophrenia

A genetic scoring study published in PNAS found that specific genes in the placenta can predict a baby's brain size at birth and its rate of cognitive development, which may lead to schizophrenia later in life. The study suggests that targeting placental health may reduce schizophrenia risk, particularly in males.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Immune response to insulin could identify, help treat those at risk for Type 1 Diabetes

CU Anschutz researchers found a correlation between inflammatory T-cell responses to hybrid insulin peptides and worsening blood glucose measurements in genetically at-risk adolescents. This study provides an important advancement in identifying the risk of T1D early and potential for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Man-made borders threaten wildlife as climate changes

Climate change is altering habitats, forcing animals to migrate across national borders, which are fortified with walls and fences. The study highlights the potential ecological damage of 32,000km of borders, including the USA-Mexico border wall, China-Russia border fence, and India-Myanmar border fencing.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Late arrival of modern humans to southern China

Analysis of human teeth from caves in southern China suggests that anatomically modern humans migrated from Africa around 65,000 to 45,000 years ago, contradicting earlier proposals of an early arrival. The study's findings highlight the importance of direct DNA analysis and carbon-14 dating for accurately estimating human remains' age.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Proton pump inhibitor use by children, risk of asthma

A Swedish study found a significant association between proton pump inhibitor use in children and adolescents and the development of asthma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 children and adolescents, revealing a higher risk of asthma among those taking PPIs for gastrointestinal issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 8, 2021

Two-phase material with surprising properties

Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a two-phase material with surprising electro-mechanical properties that change dramatically above a certain temperature. The team found that the crystals responsible for these properties remain electroactive, but the macroscopic behavior disappears due to a loss of contact between crystal grains.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2021

Evolutionary history of turtles

Researchers analyzed DNA from 591 turtles to uncover factors shaping their diversity, finding species diversified in response to historical climate shifts. The study suggests that habitats exposed along continental margins were critical for turtle speciation and remain key to their persistence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Higher blood pressure over life span increases congestive heart failure risk in Black people

Researchers found that Black individuals show signs of diminished heart muscle strength and higher blood pressure from early childhood, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. Midwall fractional shortening analysis revealed a decrease in cardiac muscle function over time, associated with increased risk.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 8, 2021

New drug target for Ebola, Marburg viruses

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a second site on the filovirus glycoprotein that small drug molecules can bind to prevent infection. This finding holds promise for developing effective treatments for Ebola and Marburg viruses, which cause hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 8, 2021

Online searches can help foreshadow future COVID-19 surges and declines, new study shows

Researchers analyzed online searches for mobile and isolated activities from March to June 2020 in all 50 states, finding a correlation between search trends and new COVID-19 cases. The study suggests that using alternative data sources like Google Trends can help anticipate the pathways of the pandemic before new infections are reported.

SourceNew York University·JournalSocial Network Analysis and Mining·DateFeb 8, 2021

Researchers find peptide that treats, prevents killer citrus disease

A unique peptide found in Australian finger lime has been shown to destroy the deadly bacterium causing citrus greening and activate the plant's immune system to prevent new infections. The treatment is safer for the environment than current methods, using a stable anti-microbial compound that remains effective even in high heat.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Happiness really does come for free

A study found that communities with low monetization have remarkably high levels of happiness, comparable to Scandinavian countries. The researchers interviewed 678 people and found that social and economic factors play a bigger role in higher monetized sites.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2021

Scientists switch on tissue repair in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at KU Leuven and Seoul National University create method to stimulate immune system cells to repair damaged tissues, offering new potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The technique involves targeting specific macrophage cells with liposomes containing a substance that triggers tissue regeneration.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGut·DateFeb 8, 2021

COVID-19 infections in the U.S. nearly three times greater than reported, model estimates

A machine-learning algorithm developed at UT Southwestern estimates that the number of COVID-19 cases in the US is nearly three times that of confirmed cases, with over 71 million people estimated to have contracted the virus. The algorithm provides daily updated estimates of total infections and the number of people currently infected...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2021

How rocks rusted on Earth and turned red

A Rutgers-led study has discovered the natural mineral hematite is responsible for the red color in New Jersey rocks and American Southwest formations. The research reveals that hematite concentrations track 14.5 million years of Late Triassic monsoonal rainfall, providing valuable insights into ancient climate change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A study analyzing Kaiser Permanente members found racial minorities more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than white patients, with Latino patients nearly 4 times as likely. Healthcare workers in Los Angeles expressed hesitancy about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns over development and science.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2021