Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 46

HIV has been had

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2021

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateApr 15, 2021

Reliable COVID-19 short-term forecasting

Researchers developed a new model using the SEIR framework to project daily COVID-19 cases, achieving accuracy and reliability. The model forecasts future infections under three scenarios, with limitations due to data accuracy and assumptions about transmission rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2021

Measuring neutron star squeezability

Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.

Child vaccination rates declined during COVID-19 pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 15, 2021

New benefits from anti-diabetic drug metformin

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2021

Couples and young-onset dementia: Study of coping offers hope for new interventions

A study published in JAMA Network Open explores the experiences of individuals with young-onset dementia and their partners, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual problem-solving. The research team developed a couples-based framework to describe coping patterns, which can inform new interventions and increase qua...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2021

CityU biologists discover super-enhancers that switch on breast cancer genes

Researchers have identified specific super-enhancers that stimulate the activity of critical cancer genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study reveals that deleting certain super-enhancers can reduce tumour cell growth and improves survival chances. Dr Rebecca Chin and Dr Wang Xin's findings may lead to the development of...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2021

Imaging agent enables better monitoring of patients with bacterial infections

Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Drought-induced mortality of conifers

Researchers from Basel and Würzburg investigated spruce trees' reaction to extreme heat and drought, finding a sudden collapse of the water-conducting system leading to tree death. The study reveals that dehydration occurs abruptly after exceeding a species-specific threshold value, causing trees to be unable to recover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

Study estimates duration of employment loss experienced by adults with kidney failure

A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 15, 2021

A method to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings

MIT researchers developed a publicly available model to estimate COVID-19 transmission risks in indoor settings, considering variables like people number, space size, activity type, mask wearing, and ventilation rates. The model provides a detailed guideline for policymakers, businesses, schools, and individuals to gauge their own risks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021