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Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 46

New insights on inflammation in COVID-19

A new study in Arthritis & Rheumatology identifies specific blood markers to distinguish excessive COVID-19 inflammation from cytokine storm syndromes. This finding has significant implications for treating critically ill patients with COVID-19.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 21, 2021

Simplifying our world

Scientists discovered that mice categorize surprisingly well, even assigning patterns they've never seen before into correct categories. Category-selective neurons in the prefrontal cortex gradually develop during category learning, playing a key role in long-term memory.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Cracking the code of the Dead Sea Scrolls

University of Groningen researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze the Dead Sea Scrolls, identifying two scribes who wrote the famous Great Isaiah Scroll. The AI tool separated text from background and analyzed handwriting patterns, revealing differences between the two scribes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021

Brushing away oral health disparities in America's rural children

A recent study from Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina found that rural children are less likely to receive preventive dental care than their urban counterparts. This disparity can have serious consequences for children's oral health, including increased risk of decay and bacterial growth.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateApr 21, 2021

Consistent use of food pantries needed to address food insecurity, related health issues

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas found that consistent use of food pantries can improve food security, health, and well-being. The researchers calculated a 10 percentage-point increase in pantry visits led to a 5.7% reduced likelihood of food insecurity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateApr 21, 2021

Review: Changing views on atherosclerosis

Recent advances in understanding atherosclerosis have shifted traditional views on who is at risk for heart attacks and strokes, highlighting the importance of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. This review paper explores these changes and their implications for treatment and prevention.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021

Why climate change is driving some to skip having kids

A new study finds that climate change is a major consideration for people deciding whether or not to have children, with many citing concerns over resource depletion and population growth. The research identifies three themes: overconsumption, overpopulation, and an uncertain future, which can evoke feelings of guilt and moral obligation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateApr 21, 2021

Stem cell therapy promotes recovery from stroke and dementia in mice

A new UCLA study finds that a one-time injection of an experimental stem cell therapy can repair brain damage and improve memory function in mice with conditions that replicate human strokes and dementia. The therapy, developed from glial cells, stimulates the brain's own repair processes and enhances neural connections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021

COVID-19 peaks reflect time-dependent social activity, not herd immunity

Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021

New analysis addresses fear of cancer recurrence

A new analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that fear of cancer recurrence leads to increased use of healthcare resources by cancer survivors. Implementing existing effective interventions for fear of cancer recurrence may improve both mental health and reduce unnecessary healthcare usage.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 21, 2021

Using floodwaters to weather droughts

A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.