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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 472


Page 472 of 510

Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers

A recent study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution reveals that alpine plant diversity will decrease once glaciers disappear, with up to 22% of species facing local extinction. The research highlights the 'winners' and 'losers' among plant species, with some benefiting from global warming while others will suffer.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJan 29, 2021

How lipids distribute proteins within cells

Researchers at the University of Seville have solved a long-standing enigma in basic biology by discovering how lipids distribute proteins within cells. Using a new microscopy technology, they found that membrane lipids select and direct specific proteins to correct exit doors.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021

Firearm deaths increasing in U.S. children younger than 5, study says

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that firearm-related deaths among children ages 1-4 increased exponentially between 1999 and 2018, with non-Hispanic Black and White children being disproportionately affected. Nearly 90% of these incidents occurred in or near the victim's home, making them preventable.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJan 29, 2021

Protecting UK insect populations post-Brexit

Researchers will use a combination of data from scientific monitoring, citizen scientists, and high-tech sensors to assess UK insect abundance and diversity. The project aims to provide definitive evidence on whether insects are declining overall and inform environmental policies to protect them.

Reduced-dose RT with Cisplatin improves outcomes for HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma

A combination of reduced-dose radiotherapy using IMRT combined with concurrent cisplatin met the threshold for disease control and quality of life in good-risk patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This approach yields improved outcomes compared to standard treatment, with lower rates of acute toxicities.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 29, 2021

Our gut-brain connection

Researchers used an 'organs-on-a-chip' system to model the influence of gut bacteria on brain health and found that short-chain fatty acids can worsen Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a link between lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the complex interactions between the gut and brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2021

Biobased anti-thrombosis agent

Researchers created potent trivalent inhibitors of thrombin from anticoagulation peptides in insect saliva, demonstrating improved efficiency over natural agents. The new agent showed 385-fold inhibition in human plasma and reduced fibrin accumulation, offering potential for efficient anticoagulation drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 29, 2021

Women who develop high blood pressure after birth at greater risk of chronic hypertension

A recent study has found that women who develop high blood pressure during and after pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension. The study, which followed 368 women for six to 18 months after delivery, found that nearly half of the women developed high blood pressure in the first six weeks postpartum.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 29, 2021

At-home swabs diagnose infections as accurately as healthcare worker-collected swabs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies found that self- and caregiver swabs are effective at detecting multiple pathogens, with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (98%) compared to healthcare worker-collected swabs. This approach offers advantages in reducing transmission risk, expenses, and discomfort for patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJan 28, 2021