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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 89


Page 89 of 510

COVID-19: Using Polylactic Acid (PLA) to create more environmentally friendly face masks

Scientists have created sustainable face masks made from biodegradable PLA, which breaks down quickly under ambient temperatures. The study showed that the masks can be fully bio-mineralized without forming secondary microplastic pollution, paving the way for more eco-friendly alternatives.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 19, 2021

Different recipe, same sauce

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully synthesized shagene A, a tricyclic terpenoid effective against the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. The compound kills the parasite without causing detrimental side effects and has attracted attention for its potential in drug discovery.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

What does it take to be a marine?

A study analyzing data from 3,438 trainees has identified key factors associated with success in Recon Marine training, including prior life experience, athletic experience, and physical performance metrics. The research aims to inform military recruitment and training strategies, advancing novel ways to recruit and retain for the U.S....

Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, SFU researchers find

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New deep learning algorithm can pick up genetic mutations and DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancers more efficiently

A new deep learning algorithm can accurately predict the status of molecular pathways and key mutations in colorectal cancer from routine histology images. The algorithm, which doesn't require manual annotations, has been shown to be significantly more accurate than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Scientists identify suspect protein as a marker for prostate cancer progression

Scientists at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have identified zinc finger protein 507 (ZNF507) as a critical protein marker for the progression of prostate cancer to an aggressive state. The researchers found that ZNF507 accelerated the growth, survival, proliferation, and migration of PC cells.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Adding SNAP benefits for older adults in Medicare, Medicaid can reduce hospital visits, healthcare costs

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New concerns for inland wetlands

A new study by Flinders University highlights concerns over the potential impact of a proposed Carmichael coal mine on the Doongmabulla Springs Complex in central Queensland. The research suggests that even partial dewatering of the aquifer could lead to permanent damage, threatening the springs' existence.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

SEL-WLEDs: Full electroluminescent white light-emitting diodes based on a single emissive layer

Researchers reviewed the progress of Single-Emissive Layer White Light Emitting Diodes (SEL-WLEDs), highlighting their advantages in low cost, simple process, and material stability. The study proposes perovskite materials as a feasible path to commercialization.

Synchrotron techniques accelerate the developing of high-energy-density Li-ion cathode materials for industrial application

Researchers use synchrotron techniques to study battery cathode materials, revealing their structural and chemical evolution under real-world conditions. The study highlights the importance of realistic operating conditions and interdisciplinary collaboration in improving energy density and reducing production costs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 19, 2021

Food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains can hurt giants

A recent study found that food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains have a significant impact on consumer behavior, causing people to be hesitant to visit other restaurants even if they were not directly involved. The negative spillover effect was greater from the bottom up, with small chain crises hurting big-name brands more.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

scAAVengr hunt for viruses to cure blindness

A novel computational platform called scAAVengr uses single-cell RNA sequencing to quickly evaluate viral vectors for delivering gene therapies to the retina with maximum efficiency and precision. This approach saves time and resources by identifying suitable candidates that can deliver therapy to affected parts of the retina accurately.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournaleLife·DateOct 19, 2021

Climate change caused the devastating floods in part of Brazilian´s Southeast region, study says

A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·DateOct 19, 2021

Amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts in water

Researchers develop amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts, improving adsorption capacity and recyclability for dyes in water. The frameworks exhibit high crystallinity and stability, ensuring satisfactory recyclability and outstanding photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Co-worker interventions can moderate customer sexual harassment in service industry

A new study published in Journal of Occupational Health Psychology suggests that bystander employees who intervene when co-workers are victims of customer sexual harassment can protect their colleagues. The study found that bystander empathy plays a significant role in moderating customer sexual harassment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Targeting cancer at the nanoscale

Scientists at Osaka University developed a novel system for targeted cancer radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles labeled with astatine-211. The nanoparticles are highly toxic to cancer cells while remaining localized, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Targeted prostate cancer screening could benefit men with inherited cancer syndrome

Research suggests that regular PSA testing from age 40 could detect life-threatening prostate cancer in men with genetic hallmarks of Lynch syndrome, increasing the chances of earlier diagnosis and treatment. Men with MSH2 gene faults were eight times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Flexible sensor-integrated RFA needle leads to smarter medical treatment

Researchers developed a thin polymeric sensor platform on an RFA needle to monitor temperature and pressure in real time, detecting steam pops and accelerating ablation processes. The integrated sensors may provide valuable information for safer surgical procedures and more effective medical treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Corporate influence linked to slow implementation of public health policies globally

A study found that only a third of public health policies had been fully implemented globally by 2020, with low-income countries and those with high corporate influence showing slow progress. The researchers suggest that corporate influence cancelled out the positive relationship between democracy and implementation, highlighting the n...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

UC professor provides insight on disaster preparedness

A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·DateOct 19, 2021

Researchers find novel means of flagging inpatient pharmacy orders for intervention

A team of researchers has developed a novel machine learning model that can identify medication orders requiring pharmacy intervention using provider behavior and contextual features. This approach reduces the risk of exposing sensitive patient data, while alleviating the workload of pharmacists and increasing patient safety.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJAMIA Open·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021