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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 28


Page 28 of 33

The tipping point for legislative polarization

A new model identifies a symptom of dangerously high levels of polarization: a group's inability to unite in the face of external threats. Researchers found that extreme polarization can lead to a tipping point, where even a shock fails to reverse the self-reinforcing dynamics of division.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2021

Smoke screen: Analysis of saliva from long-term cannabis smokers identifies disruptions in the healthy oral microbiome that may lead to brain disorders

A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Study reveals how bacterial pathogen adapts to nutritional stress

Researchers at Illinois provided insight into the signal transduction mechanism utilized by Staphylococcus aureus's TCS ArlRS in response to host-imposed manganese and glucose starvation. The study found that histidine kinase ArlS is necessary for activation of response regulator ArlR under both manganese and glucose-limited conditions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Recently developed novel Li-conducting polymeric materials enabling superior lithium (Li) metal anodes

Researchers developed a novel lithium-containing crosslinked polymeric material, LiGL, which exhibits exceptional protection effects on lithium metal anodes. The material achieves superior cycling stability, even after over 20,000 Li-stripping/plating cycles without failures.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Sharrief awarded $3.1 million NIH grant to test whether telehealth improves racial disparities in outcomes for stroke survivors

A $3.1 million NIH grant will fund a trial testing multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to reduce racial disparities in blood pressure control and stroke recurrence among adult stroke survivors. The study aims to identify social determinants of health that impact outcomes and explore ways to address them.

European governments struggled to manage pandemic well, finds 3-country study

An analysis of Germany, Sweden, and the UK's handling of the COVID-19 crisis found that a lack of transparency around policy decisions, mixed messaging, and increased questioning of government legitimacy fueled public distrust. The study suggests that crisis preparedness and resilience framing should encompass governance structures tha...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Ecological knowledge of local populations allows better control of Amazonian wildlife

A recent study published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution found that local environmental knowledge is a valuable tool for conservation in the Amazon, comparable to other scientific methods. Local ecological knowledge proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 2021

Particulate peril

A recent study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to premature aging, dementia, depression, and psychosis. Researchers found that tiny particles from woodsmoke can travel thousands of miles and reach the brain, causing age-related changes in brain tissue.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Hospitals have ethical obligation to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients

A new opinion piece argues that hospitals have an ethical duty to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients, even if it means delaying non-emergency procedures for vaccinated individuals. The author suggests a contingency care standard prioritizing emergency life-support regardless of vaccination status.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 3, 2021

Medicare spending on drugs with accelerated approval

Between 2015 and 2019, Medicare spending on drugs with an accelerated approval indication more than doubled, reaching $9.1 billion in 2019, primarily driven by Part B drugs. The study's findings highlight the growing concern of rapidly increasing costs associated with these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 3, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout

A recent review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout among diagnostic radiologists, with causes including lack of control, social isolation and technological demands. Possible solutions include heightened engagement, dedicated reading room assistants and mindfulness techniques.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCurrent Problems in Diagnostic Radiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2021

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

The health of homeless people improves with socialisation

A new study from the University of the Basque Country found that social interaction and contact with family members have a significant positive impact on homeless people's perception of their health. Conversely, longer periods of homelessness and reduced social connections are associated with poorer health perceptions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 3, 2021

Chemical pollutants disrupt reproduction in anemonefish, study finds

Researchers found that fish exposed to BPA exhibited feminizing effects on gonads, brain genes, and hormone levels, leading to changes in aggression and sex determination. In contrast, EE2 had less pronounced effects, with decreased aggression despite feminization of gonads.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalHormones and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Whether people inform themselves or remain ignorant is due to three factors

A new study by UCL researchers found that people's motivation to seek information falls into three categories: expected utility, emotional impact, and frequency of thought. Those who prioritize these factors tend to seek information more, with better mental health reported by those seeking info on frequently thought-about topics.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Scientists edge closer to probe that would inspect atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence

Researchers at Skoltech have created an optoacoustic endoscopic probe that can analyze atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence. The device uses laser light to make biomarkers oscillate, producing ultrasound signals that can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Pharmacy Forecast 2022 anticipates lasting impact from pandemic-related changes to health-system pharmacy

The 2022 Pharmacy Forecast Report notes that COVID-19 disruptions have led to increased roles for pharmacists in patient care, emergency preparedness, and technology. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable access to digital tools and explores strategies to mitigate supply chain issues.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2021

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2021

NYITCOM research finds nasal problem plagued long-nosed crocodile relatives

A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2021

Spending revenues on climate projects maximises social acceptability of carbon taxes

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2021

Wraparound care coordination associated with many positive outcomes amongst youth with serious and complex behavioral health needs

A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Cancer registry improves understanding of rare ovarian tumor

Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed hundreds of women with ovarian granulosa cell tumors to improve understanding of the disease progression and response to therapy. They found that early-stage tumors rarely spread beyond the ovaries, and fertility-sparing surgery may be considered for younger patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Using green tea as reducing reagent for the preparation of nanomaterials to synthesize ammonia

Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021