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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 46

An easy-to-use platform is a gateway to AI in microscopy

Researchers have developed a cloud-based platform called ZeroCostDL4Mic that uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopy images, improving image quality and detecting features such as tumors in biopsy samples. The platform is freely available online and requires no coding expertise, making it accessible to non-experts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Citizen science data tracks battle of birds vs bacteria

New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 23, 2021

Patching up your health

Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 2021

Gauging groundwater

A comprehensive study finds that many global groundwater wells are at risk of running dry due to declining water levels. The researchers analyzed construction records and monitoring well data from 40 countries, finding that 6-20% of wells may dry up if water levels continue to decline.

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantum steering for more precise measurements

Researchers at the University of Basel have proposed a new scheme for measuring magnetic or electric fields using quantum steering, which enhances measurement precision. By analyzing entangled particle states, scientists can make more accurate predictions about possible measurement results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Sculpting radiation beam spares lung cancer patients from severe, disabling complication

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital develop a new radiation technique that carefully targets tumors while sparing surrounding tissues, reducing inflammation and preserving swallowing function. The study shows promising results in patients with localized lung cancer, with none developing severe esophagitis despite high-dose ra...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 22, 2021

Ankle exoskeleton enables faster walking

Researchers developed an ankle exoskeleton that significantly increased self-selected walking speed in young adults, with a 42% average increase. The device has potential for improving daily life and may also reduce pain caused by weight on joints or improve balance in older adults.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateApr 22, 2021

Fossils of "giant cloud rats" discovered in Philippine caves

Scientists have discovered fossils of three new species of giant cloud rats in Philippine caves, dating back tens of thousands of years. The rodents filled an ecological role similar to that of squirrels in the US and were resilient for at least 60,000 years, but two of the species disappeared around 2,000 years ago.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateApr 22, 2021

New therapy target for malignant melanomas in dogs

Scientists have discovered a potential new therapy target for canine cancer, specifically oral malignant melanoma in dogs. The treatment targets the PD-L1 molecule, which has shown promise in human cancer treatments, and significantly increased survival time for dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateApr 22, 2021

China requires switch to zero-carbon energy to achieve more ambitious Paris Agreement goal, models S

A new analysis suggests China needs to reduce carbon emissions by over 90% and energy consumption by almost 40% to achieve the 1.5°C target, with industry being the main emission contributor. The study also highlights the need for more research on economic consequences of working towards this goal.

Emergency EMR created in a week to respond to COVID-19 crisis

A team from Regenstrief Institute created an emergency EMR for Indianapolis first responders in just one week using OpenMRS, a global open-source electronic medical record system. The system allowed for quick registration of patients, collection of basic clinical information, and transmission to the Indiana health information exchange.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateApr 22, 2021