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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 11


Page 11 of 45

Plant responses to climate are lagged

A study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) found that plant species often respond to climate drivers months or even years later than previously assumed. The research analyzed 76 studies on 104 plant species and discovered that climate conditions during dormant seasons can have significant effects on plants.

International study finds increased COVID-19 mortality among adults with Down syndrome

A new study found adults with Down syndrome are roughly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The study's results have implications for preventive and clinical management of COVID-19 patients with Down syndrome, highlighting the need to prioritize individuals with this genetic condition for vaccination.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

Life from Earth could temporarily survive on Mars

Researchers at NASA and German Aerospace Center sent microbes to Earth's stratosphere, replicating Martian conditions, to test their endurance. The study found that some microorganisms, such as spores from the black mold fungus, could survive high UV radiation and desiccation during space travel.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2021

Female heart disease patients with female physicians fare better

A systematic review found that female patients treated by female physicians experience better outcomes, while those treated by male physicians face higher mortality rates. The study suggests that increasing gender diversity in the physician workforce and improving training on patient-centered communication can help combat disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 22, 2021

The Milky Way may be swarming with planets with oceans and continents like here on Earth

Researchers from the GLOBE Institute at University of Copenhagen found that water may be present during planet formation, applicable to Earth, Venus, and Mars. The study suggests that planets with similar building blocks and temperature conditions as Earth may have oceans and continents.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 22, 2021

New technique reveals switches in RNA

Scientists have developed a method to visualize and quantify alternative structures of RNA molecules, identifying a conserved structural switch in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This technique has implications for understanding viral replication and potential targets for antiviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 22, 2021

UH receives $5 million to combat HIV/AIDS epidemic

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.

Toddler sleep patterns matter

A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that inconsistent sleep schedules in toddlers are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Researchers found that children from households living at or below poverty levels had more inconsistent sleep onset times, leading to higher BMI percentages.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

Polymer film protects from electromagnetic radiation, signal interference

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside developed a flexible film that combines excellent electromagnetic shielding with ease of manufacture, promising for high-frequency communication technologies. The film, made from a polymer matrix filled with bundles of quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals materials, demonstrates excep...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021

State legislation related to abortion services

A recent survey study examined changes in abortion policies among US states from 2017 to 2020. The findings showed that state laws on abortion services have become increasingly complex, with some states expanding access to abortion and others imposing strict restrictions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2021

High fructose diets could cause immune system damage

A new study published in Nature Communications found that high fructose diets can cause the immune system to become inflamed, leading to damage and increasing the risk of disease. The research also suggests a link between fructose consumption and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021