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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 33

New consensus care guideline will significantly improve quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The Adult North Star Network's guidelines aim to improve quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by addressing complex medical needs such as cardiac failure, weight loss, and renal dysfunction. The consensus-based recommendations also highlight gaps in current care and call for further research.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 9, 2021

A new super-cooled microwave source boosts the scale-up of quantum computers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a precise microwave source that operates at extremely low temperatures, potentially removing the need for high-frequency control cables. The new device could enable larger quantum processors with more qubits, increasing their potential applications in fields like computing and sensing.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Researchers identify brain signals associated with OCD symptoms, paving way for adaptive treatment

A team of researchers has recorded electrical signals in the human brain associated with ebbs and flows in OCD symptoms over an extended period. The study could lead to an emerging therapy called deep brain stimulation that adjusts to everyday changes in OCD symptoms, potentially providing more relief and fewer side effects for patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Natural variability in Pacific Ocean drives decade-long intensification in Pacific walker circulation

A new study reveals that natural decadal variability related to the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in modulating the Pacific Walker circulation change. The research found that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) could explain 63% of the observed strengthening trend in the Walker circulation between 1980-2015.

Previously unrecorded Chilean tsunami identified

A large earthquake off the coast of south-central Chile in 1737 may have caused a substantial tsunami that was absent from historical records. Researchers analyzed sediments and found evidence of widespread sandy layers, dating to the same time as the earthquake, similar to deposits made by tsunami waves in other areas.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2021

Burrowing snakes have far worse eyesight than their ancestors

Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor mutations may benefit from early switch to fulvestrant/palbociclib

A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...

A tool to speed development of new solar cells

Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComputer Physics Communications·DateDec 9, 2021

Scientists solve the grass leaf conundrum

Researchers used computational modeling and developmental genetic techniques to study grass leaf formation, finding that current theories are likely incorrect and a 19th-century proposal is closer to the truth. The discovery sheds light on how simple growth rules can generate diverse leaf shapes.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 2021

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risks for ICU admission or death among COVID-19 patients, study finds

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic exposure to higher particulate matter had increased risks for ICU admission and death. Chronic air pollution exposure was associated with an 11% higher risk of mortality and a 13% higher risk of ICU admission.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 9, 2021

Dinosaurs’ last spring: Study pinpoints timing of Chicxulub asteroid impact

A groundbreaking study confirms the timing of the Chicxulub asteroid impact, which occurred during the spring-summer growth phase, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs and 75% of life on Earth. The research team used multiple lines of evidence, including fossil pollen, index fossils, and radiometric dating, to pinpoint the exact time...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Community of ethical hackers needed to prevent AI’s looming ‘crisis of trust’, experts argue

A global community of hackers and threat modellers is needed to stress-test the harm potential of new AI products. Companies can harness techniques like red team hacking, audit trails, and bias bounties to prove their integrity and earn public trust. The industry faces a 'crisis of trust' if it doesn't adopt these measures.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 9, 2021

Concerning rates of clarithromycin prescribing for H. pylori, despite increasing antibiotic resistance, uncovered in new Digestive Diseases & Sciences publication

A new study reveals widespread prescribing of clarithromycin-based regimens for H. pylori infection, defying increasing resistance and suboptimal eradication rates. Talicia, a rifabutin-based therapy, offers an alternative with higher eradication rates and fewer concerns over resistance.

SourceRedHill Biopharma·JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Family dynamics can motivate and prevent talking about health

A new study from Iowa State University finds that open dialogue and reciprocal information sharing between parents and emerging adults reduces barriers for talking about health, leading to better health outcomes. The researchers identified three significant factors affecting health disclosures: relational quality, reciprocity, and conf...

SourceIowa State University·JournalWestern Journal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2021

China’s crops at risk: Climate change boosts spread of crop pests and diseases

A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate change has contributed to a four-fold increase in crop pest and disease occurrence in China since the 1970s. The researchers attributed this rise to warmer night temperatures, which can foster an increased chance for pests and diseases.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Use of generic heart meds in Medicare Part D could save more than $600 million a year

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Journal found that increasing the use of generic medications for heart and blood vessel diseases in Medicare Part D could save more than $600 million per year. This would lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and improved adherence rates.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateDec 9, 2021

DeepMind simulates matter on the nanoscale with AI

DeepMind's neural network approach accurately describes electron interactions in chemical systems, overcoming long-standing challenges. The company's breakthrough enables researchers to explore material design, medicines, and catalysts at the nanoscale level.

SourceDeepMind·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2021