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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 16


Page 16 of 33

A longstanding mystery in manufacturing has been solved

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Researchers develop platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds

Researchers developed a high-throughput platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds, targeting the macrodomain protein. The platform identified existing drugs that block macrodomain activity, including dasatinib, which shows promise as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 14, 2021

New model accurately describes COVID-19 waves and plateaus: Adding random nature of social activity to traditional model, graphs match waves and plateaus of regional US data

A new epidemiological model, the stochastic social activity (SSA) model, combines real-world observations with mathematical equations to accurately describe COVID-19 wave and plateau dynamics. The model suggests that COVID-19 may become endemic in the global population, like the common cold or flu.

Improving drug options for colorectal cancer patients

Researchers have discovered that a common class of targeted therapies can help more colorectal cancer patients than previously thought. By analyzing cell studies and computer modeling, the team identified 10 distinct RAS mutations that do not preclude the use of EGFR inhibitors, which are already approved for other uses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 14, 2021

Menus need to be at least 75% vegetarian for meat eaters to choose plant-based food, study finds

A recent study by the University of Westminster found that meat eaters are more likely to choose vegetarian meals when they make up a majority of food offered. The choice tipping point occurred at 75% vegetarian menu options. Increasing plant-based food availability influences consumers' choices, promoting sustainable eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Westminster·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateDec 14, 2021

Primary care clinicians adjust recommendations for colorectal cancer screening to accommodate patient needs and preferences, study finds

A study found that primary care clinicians prefer noninvasive options for patients who are unwilling to undergo invasive procedures, concerned about work time, or unconvinced of the need for screening. The researchers suggest tailoring recommendations to patient preferences to improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 14, 2021

The first map showing the risk of exposure to the Crimean-Congo virus in deer populations in Spain

A research study has developed the first national map showing the risk of exposure to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Spain's deer populations. The study, which analyzed over 1,500 deer from 82 populations, identified hot spots where most tick bites leading to human cases have occurred.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·TypeNews article·DateDec 14, 2021

Stroke therapy: Learning from nematodes

A molecule found in a nematode worm has shown promise in protecting the brains of stroke patients by reducing cell death and decreasing affected region size. Experimental treatments using glycolic acid have successfully salvaged threatened tissue in animal models, offering potential for reduced mortality and disability in stroke patients.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 14, 2021

Creating the human-robotic dream team

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a system to enhance interactions between humans and robots in industrial settings. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to capture and analyze the environment, allowing robots to respond in a timely manner to ensure human safety.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 14, 2021

Einstein wins again

Researchers have conducted a 16-year experiment to challenge Einstein's theory with pulsars, revealing relativistic effects for the first time and confirming predictions with precision. The study uses the unique Double Pulsar system, which consists of two orbiting radio pulsars, providing an ideal laboratory for testing gravity theories.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 14, 2021

Extreme weather research shows household income impacts of Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, need for more equitable climate resilience planning for cities

A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Geography·DateDec 14, 2021

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Greater odds of overall satisfaction three months after lumbar fusion when surgery is minimally invasive

Researchers found that minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery (MIS) was associated with significantly greater odds of patient satisfaction 3 months post-operatively, but not at 12 months. MIS procedures were also linked to less disability and pain at both time points.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Spine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Study finds that classrooms with more Black and Latinx students receive lower quality of teaching

A new study by researchers at New York University Steinhardt found that classrooms with higher percentages of Black and Latinx students receive lower quality of teaching. The study, which analyzed data from the Measures of Effective Teaching database, suggests that racial biases among teachers contribute to these disparities.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2021

Respiratory discovery could improve survival of COVID-19 intensive care patients

A clinical trial has revealed that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have less surfactant in their lungs due to the virus. The researchers suggest that giving extra surfactant for a longer period could help save lives by supporting breathing and allowing lung cells to repair after the infection passes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in the Motor Neuron disease ALS

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. They found that TDP-43 protein accumulation in neuromuscular junctions inhibits local protein synthesis and mitochondrial activity, leading to degeneration and death of motor neurons.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2021

Journal of Nuclear Medicine supplement addresses personalization of patient treatment through radiopharmaceutical dosimetry

A new Journal of Nuclear Medicine supplement explores personalization of patient treatment through radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, addressing its benefits and challenges. The study reveals that tailoring drug dosage can enhance the efficacy of radiopharmaceutical therapy for cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 14, 2021

Glioma invasion may be affected by the parietooccipital fissure and white matter fibers rather than being a random phenomenon

Research reveals that the parietooccipital fissure acts as an obstacle to glioma invasion, with tumor cells making a detour around it. This finding highlights the importance of this fissure in determining the invasion pattern of posterior medial temporal gliomas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

High pressure (hyperbaric) oxygen resolves severe COVID-19 breathing difficulties faster than standard therapy

A small clinical trial found that high-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment resolved severe COVID-19 breathing difficulties faster than standard therapy, with significant improvements in oxygen saturation and reduced risk of complications. However, further larger trials are needed to confirm the treatment's effects on survival.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2021

Specific metabolic dependencies of cancer cells revealed by perturbation with tailored chemical library offer new therapeutic possibilities

Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.

When the brain switches from hearing to listening

Researchers at the University of Basel traced the neuronal fingerprint of sound processing in mouse brains, finding ten distinct activity patterns that depend on factors like attention, arousal, and reward. These findings suggest that even simple sound detection is a cognitive process that profoundly shapes brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021