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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 477


Page 477 of 510

Antibiotic may improve outcomes for depression in people with low level inflammation

A recent study found that minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, significantly improved depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression and low-grade peripheral inflammation. The trial showed that patients with higher C-reactive protein levels responded better to minocycline treatment.

SourceNIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 27, 2021

Micro-brewing goes more micro

A PhD student has discovered a way to conduct micro-brewing experiments using only a single barley seed in a 1.5 millilitre tube, reducing the need for large-scale brewing operations. This method could speed up the quality testing of newly-bred barley varieties and potentially lead to new styles of beer.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2021

Historically redlined neighborhoods are more likely to lack greenspace today

Neighborhoods historically redlined by racist mortgage practices in the 1930s are more likely to have limited green spaces. This is associated with elevated air pollution, higher rates of poverty, and worse health outcomes for residents. The study highlights the persistent effects of redlining policies on urban neighborhoods.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 27, 2021

Secrets of traumatic stress hidden in the brain are exposed

A recent study using Cereset's HIRREM technology found significant effects on brain network connectivity in military personnel with traumatic stress. The results support the bihemispheric autonomic management model and suggest that regulated connections between hemispheres are associated with improved health and wellbeing.

SourceCereset·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateJan 27, 2021

How COVID-19 tested and transformed science

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated scientific innovation, with scientists working at record speed to develop vaccines, diagnose, and treat the virus. Despite these advances, the pandemic has also raised concerns about public trust in science, exacerbated by mixed messaging and politicization.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 27, 2021

Hormonal IUDs are a viable and underutilized method for emergency contraception

Researchers at University of Utah Health found hormonal IUDs comparable to copper IUDs for emergency contraception, offering a safe alternative to current options. The study also suggests that hormonal IUDs can provide highly effective contraception for up to seven years, reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2021

Study shows racial disparities in elementary school disciplinary actions

A new study using a nationwide self-reported dataset found that elementary school-age Black children are 3.5 times more likely to be suspended or placed in detention than their white peers, despite controlling for socioeconomic factors. The researchers believe systemic racism and unconscious bias may contribute to the disparities.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2021

People with severe atopic eczema may have increased risk of death from several causes

A new study found that people with severe atopic eczema have a higher risk of dying from health issues like infections, lung problems, and kidney or bladder disorders. The absolute risk of death was modest, but the findings suggest that those with severe or more active forms of the disease face a higher risk.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 27, 2021

Putting bugs on the menu, safely

Researchers have identified 20 proteins found in cricket food products that could cause serious allergic reactions in individuals with shellfish allergies. The study aims to provide a framework for detecting and labelling insect-derived allergens in food products, ensuring safe consumption by those with allergies.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Why people overuse antibiotics

A Rutgers study reveals widespread antibiotic overuse due to misconceptions and pressure from patients, leading to drug-resistant bacteria and harm to the microbiome. The study also finds that older physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics, while misinformation among the public perpetuates unnecessary use of antibiotics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBioEssays·DateJan 27, 2021

A vacuum-ultraviolet laser with submicrometer spot for spatially resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Researchers have developed a VUV laser system with a focal spot of <1 μm, enabling high-energy resolution (~0.3 meV) and sub-micron spatial resolution for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). This improvement allows for better visualization of electronic structures in novel quantum materials.

Culture shapes willingness to share personal data to reduce COVID-19 spread

A new study finds that people's willingness to share personal location information to reduce COVID-19 transmission is influenced by cultural context. Researchers found that South Koreans are more accepting of COVID-19 mitigation efforts involving data sharing due to their collectivist culture and lower privacy concerns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information·DateJan 27, 2021

In tune with the moon

A team of scientists led by Charlotte Förster discovered a correlation between moon phases and women's menstrual cycles. The researchers found that the strength of the moon's light-dark cycle contributes to synchronizing menstruation in women, while gravity also plays a role.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 2021