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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 58


Page 58 of 510

Study pinpoints molecular targets of transplant rejection

Researchers identified molecular targets of transplant rejection and developed a laboratory procedure to quantify donor-reactive T cells in mice. The study's findings could lead to improved immune monitoring of clinical transplant recipients and potentially replace invasive procedures like biopsies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

AI helps design the perfect chickpea

A genetic model for the 'ultimate' chickpea has been developed using AI, identifying gene combinations that can lift crop yields by up to 12%. The research consortium mapped thousands of chickpea varieties and used AI to predict optimal genetics for seed weight.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Rapid COVID-19 tests using saliva could be easier alternatives

Researchers found that rapid antigen tests can detect COVID-19 in saliva samples with high sensitivity early in infection, but later in infection the tests lose sensitivity. Saliva-based tests may offer a more comfortable and convenient option for diagnosing COVID-19, especially in children or younger unvaccinated students.

SourceLund University·JournalInfection Ecology & Epidemiology·DateNov 10, 2021

New ways for dynamical prediction of extreme heat waves

Researchers have developed a new method that uses deep neural networks to predict extreme heat waves with unprecedented accuracy, up to two weeks before they occur. This breakthrough has significant implications for risk management, planning, and warning systems, which will greatly improve public safety and support public policies.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 10, 2021

Study uncovers mechanisms of drug side effects

A study at Weill Cornell Medicine reveals how drugs can affect membrane-spanning proteins, causing unwanted side effects. The researchers found that membrane-associated drugs can interact with these proteins in multiple ways, leading to changes in membrane characteristics.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2021

New feature adaptation of Github Discussions

A recent study by Shinshu University explores the early adoption of GitHub Discussions, revealing its utility for managing project discussions and identifying key factors for improvement, including guidelines for participation and encouraging core members.

SourceShinshu University·JournalEmpirical Software Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Combination immunotherapy improves survival for patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases

A Phase II study shows that combination treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab improves overall survival in patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with an overall survival rate of 71.9% at three years. The treatment demonstrates durable responses, even in symptomatic patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2021

Two leading US physicians say doctors now need to screen and treat patients for exposure to air pollution

Two leading US physicians urge doctors to screen patients for exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, recommending interventions to limit exposure and improve cardiovascular health. Governments also have a primary responsibility to adopt technologies and regulations that reduce air pollution.

SourceBoston College·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 10, 2021

Does previous SARS experience help healthcare workers cope with COVID-19?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of surveyed healthcare workers reported PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of previous SARS experience. Healthcare workers with prior SARS experience showed lower scores of PTSD and depression, but this effect disappeared after correcting for other factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateNov 10, 2021

Record-breaking rainfall in Asia prompts special curated journal issue

A record-breaking summer of flooding in eastern Asia prompted an international team to research and submit findings on the event to a special journal issue. The studies highlighted unusual behavior of an anti-cyclone and its connection to the Indian Ocean's warming, leading to persistent extreme rainfall.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 10, 2021

Improve recycling compliance by using this technique in PSAs

A University at Buffalo study found that a specific messaging strategy in PSAs increased recycling intention among New Yorkers who struggle with proper recycling. The research used the theory of planned behavior to develop an effective video, targeting those who feel uncertain about their own recycling abilities.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironment Development and Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Development of a curious robot to study coral reef ecosystems awarded $1.5 million by the National Science Foundation

The grant aims to build a robot that navigates complex environments and collects data over long periods, combining image collection and acoustic analysis to mimic a trained diver's curiosity. This will enable scientists to slowly build a detailed picture of ecosystem function and health, reducing the impact on animals' behavior.

New tests track sources of lead contamination in urban soils and assess its risks

Duke University scientists developed isotope-based tests to identify lead contamination origins and assess risk in urban soils. The new test can distinguish between legacy and modern sources of lead, helping public health officials track and remediate contaminated areas. Elevated lead levels pose long-term health risks for children.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

New target for COVID-19 vaccines identified

Researchers have discovered a new target for COVID-19 vaccines that could complement existing vaccines by inducing an immune response against 'replication proteins', essential for the viral cycle. The approach may lead to the creation of a pan-coronaviruses vaccine protecting against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

Needle free glucose monitoring a step closer for diabetics

Auckland Bioengineering Institute researchers have demonstrated that a jet injector can release enough blood for glucose concentration measurement without pricking the skin. The study, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, showed that most participants found the procedure less painful than a standard lancet prick.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Immunotherapy may yield longer treatment-free survival than targeted therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients

Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor combination nivolumab plus ipilimumab experienced longer treatment-free survival compared to those receiving targeted therapy sunitinib. The analysis revealed significant differences in how patients spent their overall survival time between the two treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2021

Apple chips moisture analysis made easy with near-infrared spectroscopy

A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure moisture content in real-time during the drying process of coated and uncoated apple chips. The technology offers several advantages, including speed, accuracy, and sustainability, over traditional methods.

Adding sound to quantum simulations

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new device that brings sound to quantum science experiments, opening up new possibilities for studying solids and phases of matter. The device uses a precise cavity to hold an optical lattice of atoms, which vibrates at around 1 kHz, producing phonons - the building blocks of sound.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2021

Tiny droplets offer glimpse of real life inside a living cell

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed a system to study cellular reactions in a way that more closely reflects how molecules behave in a living cell. By mixing a polymer with protein, they created membraneless droplets that can mimic the molecular properties of how molecules move in the cell.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Parent-collected nose swabs are as good as nurse-collected nose swabs at detecting respiratory infections in children

A study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that parent-collected nose swabs outperform nurse-collected swabs in detecting respiratory infections in children, with high inter-rater agreement rates for viral and bacterial infections. The study's findings suggest that parents can collect high-quality samples, and this method may be ...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

Disclosures on auditor firings are useless in forecasting restatement trouble, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that companies' disclosures about auditor firings are useless for assessing whether restatement trouble lies ahead. Instead, researchers recommend investors pay attention to when the disclosure comes out, with firings after the second fiscal quarter signaling an above-average chance o...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateNov 10, 2021

Researchers link pollution to cardiovascular disease, develop strategies to reduce exposure and encourage government intervention

Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2021

Gamma ray discovery could advance understanding of UFOs’ role in the evolution of galaxies

Researchers detected gamma rays from ultra-fast outflows (UFOs) launched by supermassive black holes, providing a basis for understanding their role in regulating black hole growth and galaxy evolution. UFOs create shock waves that accelerate charged particles, influencing the surrounding matter and accelerating star formation.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 10, 2021

Nuclear radiation used to transmit digital data wirelessly

Researchers at Lancaster University successfully transferred digitally encoded information wirelessly using nuclear radiation, achieving 100% successful transmission tests. This novel approach uses fast neutrons, which can penetrate materials like metals, making it ideal for safety-critical scenarios and emergency rescue operations.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

The gatekeepers of German business: How companies attain coveted key positions

A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reveals that mid-sized collaborations are crucial for companies to become gatekeepers in Germany's business network. These collaborations lead to improved innovation and profits. Large companies dominate the gatekeeper position, but smaller collaborations can also be beneficial.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEuropean Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Study: Recommended approach for preventing blood clots after stent placement may not be as beneficial as once thought

A new study suggests that the recommended approach for preventing blood clots after stent placement may not be as beneficial as previously thought. The researchers found that the risks of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may now outweigh its benefits for most patients, due to improvements in stent technology and changes in patient demo...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateNov 10, 2021

Zika virus-specific therapy protects the fetal mouse brain

A gene-silencing therapy harnessing nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery has protected against Zika virus transmission in pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses. The treatment reduced fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021