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Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 38

Correlative chemical imaging directly in neurons

Researchers use super-resolution infrared imaging combined with X-ray fluorescence nano-imaging to study amyloid toxicity on a subcellular level. They found that the distribution of trace elements in neurons is related to molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into preventing neuronal damage.

‘Safe and well tolerated’ - the prototype breathing device for covid patients

A low-cost prototype breathing device designed for poorer-resourced healthcare settings has shown promising results in a pilot trial involving healthy volunteers. The device provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and operates with oxygen concentrators, which are commonly used in low-pressure systems.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Medical Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Research sheds new light on decreased performance under pressure

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh conducted a study on three Rhesus monkeys, finding that their performance declined by up to 25% when offered a jackpot reward. The team also discovered a link between sensory motor processing and emotional processing in the monkeys' brains.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2021

High cholesterol fuels cancer by fostering resistance to a form of cell death

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a mechanism where breast cancer cells use cholesterol to develop tolerance to stress, allowing them to resist ferroptosis and proliferate. This finding highlights the importance of lowering cholesterol in preventing cancer progression and offers new approaches for treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Unlocking the secrets to sorghum’s adaptability

A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Thinking of plastic surgery? Zoom in on this first

A study published in Marketing Letters found that analytical thinkers are more likely to undergo plastic surgery, while holistic thinkers are more forgiving of imperfections. The researchers suggest taking a holistic approach to consider the long-term impact of procedures on one's life.

SourceSt. Edward's University·JournalMarketing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Diabetes among US children, teens

The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among US children and teens rose significantly from 2001 to 2017. Researchers estimated an increase in diabetes cases across all age groups during this period, with the largest increases seen among younger populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 24, 2021

Using your smartwatch to reduce stress

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a smartwatch technology that can monitor and help lower stress levels by detecting changes in skin conductance response. The device sends reminders to listen to relaxing music when stress is detected, forming a closed-loop system.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

NIH-funded study finds overall rate of drug use among 10-14 year-olds remained stable during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

A recent NIH-funded study found that the overall rate of drug use among 10-14 year-olds remained stable during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with adolescents experiencing stress and hardship being most likely to use substances. The study also detected shifts in substance types, with alcohol use declining and nicotine use increasing.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Racial differences in recovery following sports-related concussion identified in young black and white athletes

A study found that young Black athletes recovered faster from sports-related concussions, returning to school sooner and experiencing less impact on daily activities. In contrast, White athletes took longer to recover, with changes in sleep patterns and increased risk of post-concussion depression.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

New study provides structural insights into how cholesterol in the brain regulates ion channels and alters their function; findings could facilitate the development of therapeutics for neurological diseases

Researchers identified physical binding sites for cholesterol in GIRK channels, which play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides structural insights into how cholesterol alters channel function, paving the way for drug development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Teaching an old dog new tricks: An existing drug opens new possibilities for treating child leukemia

A study from Linköping University found that the tumour-inhibiting gene TET2 is silenced in most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The gene can be reactivated by treatment with an existing drug, 5-azacytidine, suggesting a targeted therapy for ALL in children.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

The effect of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis can be reduced by increasing cardiorespiratory fitness already in childhood

A new study found that increasing childhood cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the adverse effects of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis. The researchers discovered a two-way connection between arterial health and fat mass, with healthy arteries associated with higher fat mass in children.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Mount Sinai study identifies significant inequalities among low-risk births, finds higher rates of unexpected complications for Black and Hispanic infants

A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.

New research in rural Costa Rica suggests community-based monitoring can improve water management

New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Record-breaking lithium-metal cell

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a record-breaking lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 560 Wh/kg, retaining 88% capacity after 1000 cycles. The battery features a nickel-rich cathode and a dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte, which significantly improves stability.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers developing new cancer treatments with high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateAug 24, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

World First: Smaller than a speck of dust, voltage like a AAA battery - Smallest biosupercapacitor provides energy for biomedical applications

Researchers have created the smallest microsupercapacitors to date, which can function in artificial blood vessels and provide an energy source for tiny sensor systems. The biosupercapacitor has a volume of 0.001 mm3 and delivers up to 1.6 V supply voltage.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Eight predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2021