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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 94


Page 94 of 510

Who's been kissing who? Prairie dog 'greet kisses' reveal complex social networks

A study by University of Arizona behavioral ecologist Jennifer Verdolin mapped the intricacies of prairie dog social dynamics, including degree centrality and between-ness centrality. This research has big implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of considering all factors that support a species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

New UMass Amherst study explores the decisions made by physicians in the delivery room, and why they may be making them

A new study by Manasvini Singh found that physicians are more likely to switch between vaginal and cesarean deliveries based on their previous patients' experiences, potentially leading to sub-optimal patient health. The study analyzed 86,000 electronic health records and found a significant increase in the probability of a cesarean de...

Molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals unusual cell type that could explain why it’s so aggressive

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer, revealing a rare population of stem-like cells that correlate with patient outcomes. These cells have metastatic properties and are found across many SCLC tumors, suggesting they may be driving the disease's aggressiveness.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New study finds easy way to improve hospital soundscapes

Researchers at McMaster University have found a simple tweak in medical device tones can significantly lower annoyance caused by alarms. The study suggests changing the amplitude envelope of existing sounds to make them sound more musical, without harming efficacy or affecting patient recovery.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers demonstrate a more effective personal protective equipment strategy for COVID-19

Researchers developed a reusable respirator hood that is significantly preferred by frontline healthcare workers and support staff due to its safety and comfort. The new PPE strategy has also led to cost savings and reduced environmental impact, with over 80% of staff requesting their respirators for future use.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalFrontiers in Medical Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nuclei on the move for muscle self-repair

A recent study reveals that muscle regeneration after physiological damage relies on the rearrangement of nuclei, accelerating repair of contractile units. Nuclei are attracted to injury sites and deliver mRNA molecules to initiate protein synthesis for muscle repair, offering a new insight into muscle biology.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Serious injury risk higher for horse riding than for football, motor racing, or skiing

Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTrauma Surgery & Acute Care Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Monitoring glucose levels, no needles required

A team of Penn State researchers has created a noninvasive, low-cost sensor that can detect glucose in sweat, enabling less intrusive glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. The device uses a nickel-gold alloy and is flexible enough to be worn on the body.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 14, 2021

Aided by stem cells, a lizard regenerates a perfect tail for first time in more than 250 million years

A USC-led study has improved lizard tail regeneration through stem cell-based therapy, leading to the creation of tails with skeletal and nerve tissue on both sides for the first time in history. This breakthrough informs efforts to improve wound healing in humans, particularly for injuries that don't naturally regenerate.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New journal article examines vaccination misinformation on social media

A new study examines vaccination misinformation on social media, revealing that fear-provoking messaging fuels its spread. The research team developed predictive models to identify true and false information on Twitter, categorizing messages as positive or negative cause-effect statements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution multidisciplinary team selected for prestigious National Science Foundation Program

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has been selected by the National Science Foundation to develop a coral reef digital twin, which aims to create a smart, integrated, and connected ecosystem for ocean innovation and sustainable utilization. The project will translate digital twin technology into environmental solutions and bring...

Evidence of superionic ice provides new insights into the unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune

Researchers have created superionic ice phases XVIII and XX by subjecting water to record-breaking pressures and temperatures. The study provides insights into the formation of these conductive forms of ice and their potential role in explaining the mysterious magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Cell-based influenza vaccine provides protection against the flu in children

A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2021

Keck Medicine of USC treatment plan significantly reduces hospitalizations and deaths of liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19

A new protocol combining patient monitoring and monoclonal antibody therapy reduced hospitalizations by half and deaths to zero for eligible patients. The study, conducted at Keck Medicine of USC, shows improved outcomes among liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalTransplantation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Sense of smell is our most rapid warning system

The study found that negative smells trigger a physical avoidance response, indicating an unconscious and rapid reaction mechanism. The olfactory bulb processes smells rapidly, with signals reaching the brain within 100-150 milliseconds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Making desalinated water safer and cheaper

Researchers from Technion, Wageningen University and Wetsus have developed an effective method to remove toxic boron from desalinated water while reducing costs. The new technique uses capacitive deionization and found optimal conditions for boron removal, including the placement of electrodes in a specific order.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Disease outbreak simulations reveal influence of “seeding” by multiple infected people

A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

An unrecognized role for predators: Digging sea otters promote eelgrass genetic diversity

A new study reveals that sea otter predation promotes eelgrass genetic diversity through physical disturbance. The longer otters are present in an area, the more genetically diverse the eelgrass communities become. This underappreciated process highlights the importance of considering indirect effects of predators on ecosystems.

Studying composition of exoplanet interiors as linked to composition of host stars informs planetary evolution

Researchers analyze iron-mass fraction of low-mass rocky exoplanets and find correlation with host star compositions, suggesting role of planet formation processes in shaping final composition. The study reveals distinct populations of super-Earths and super-Mercury class exoplanets with differing compositions.

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021