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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 81


Page 81 of 510

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

Discovery of a new species of fish thanks to sounds

Researchers have identified a new species of damselfish, Dascyllus emamo, based on distinct sounds emitted during mating and territorial defense in different populations. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, revealing significant differences between the sound-producing populations.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2021

Chemists at St Petersburg University discover a compound with a laser-induced ‘switching’ of biological activity

Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2021

Clinically significant cataract linked to increased risk of vascular death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

Identification of genes that cause resistance to treatment of the pathogenic fungus Candida

Researchers have identified eight genes in the Candida glabrata fungus that confer resistance to various drugs. The study allows for genetic testing to diagnose potential drug resistance, guiding treatment choices. The findings also highlight cross-resistance phenomena, where exposure to one drug can lead to resistance to another.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Urinary biomarkers predict severe kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 25, 2021

Long COVID can negatively impact physical and cognitive function, employment, and quality of life for at least one year

A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 25, 2021

Shortened course of radiation therapy offers similar long-term side effects following prostate removal surgery

A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Mason researchers conducting collaborative research on worker-AI teaming to enable ADHd workforce participation in the construction industry of the future

Researchers are developing an AI-informed training teammate to promote active, cooperative learning and demonstrate feasibility of human-AI teaming technology for ADHD workers in the construction industry. The system will assess, adapt, and respond to worker behavior, predicting potential incidents and preventing injuries.

Study explores how climate change may affect rain in U.S. Corn Belt

A new Penn State study explores how climate change affects rain in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding that air humidity plays a crucial role. The research suggests that high near-surface humidity is most important for convective precipitation or rain, contrary to previous expectations that soil moisture would be the key factor.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateOct 25, 2021

Assessing the potential of major earthquakes near NEOM

Researchers using satellite geodesy and InSAR imagery found the Arabian side of the Dead Sea Transform fault has been moving steadily northwards at around five millimeters per year. The studies suggest that large earthquakes may be less frequent near the southern end of the Gulf, but more investigations are needed for a resilient city.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGeophysical Journal International·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2021

Urban areas across the US are undercounting greenhouse gas emissions

A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Artificial intelligence sheds light on how the brain processes language

A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

Addition of genotypic resistance testing did not improve virologic response in patients with HIV virologic failure sub-Saharan Africa

A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021