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Science News Archive February 2021 - Page 15


Page 15 of 45

Older adults and antibiotics: Study shows healthy attitudes but unhealthy practices

A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 18, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify mechanisms that are essential for proper skin development

Researchers found that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintain the skin-specific gene expression pattern necessary for proper development of the skin. The study suggests that targeting both complexes may be a more effective form of treatment for certain cancers.

New crystalline ice form

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have elucidated the crystal structure of exotic ice XIX, a new ordered variant of high-pressure ice VI. This breakthrough discovery reveals new insights into the electrical properties of these unusual ice forms and paves the way for further experimentation to study their properties.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Pre-existing immunity protects against airborne spread of flu viruses

A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 18, 2021

Petroleum engineers of Samara Polytech developed a unique test facility

Petroleum engineers at Samara Polytech created a test facility that recreates physical parameters of a deposit located at different depths. The facility allows for the simulation of pressure and temperature conditions, enabling the accurate determination of rock mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and plasticity.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalConstruction of Oil and Gas Wells on Land and Sea·DateFeb 18, 2021

The mass of Cygnus X-1's black hole challenges stellar evolution models

A new study using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) has refined the distance to Cygnus X-1 and found its black hole mass to be approximately 21 solar masses, exceeding current stellar evolution models. This massive black hole suggests that lower mass loss through stellar winds during progenitor star evolution may have occurred.

Human impact on solar radiation levels for decades

A recent study found that human activities, particularly air pollution, are the primary cause of fluctuations in global dimming and brightening. Surface solar radiation increased after economic collapse and improved air quality regulations, suggesting a link between human-induced aerosols and climate changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

Stabilization technology for wireless communications for manufacturing systems

Researchers at NICT and TOYOTA have successfully implemented stabilization technology for wireless communications in manufacturing systems. This technology allows for real-time visualization of the wireless environment and coordinated control of different systems, detecting unregistered terminals and suppressing radio congestion. The s...

Boys who play video games have lower depression risk

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that boys who regularly play video games at age 11 are less likely to develop depressive symptoms three years later. In contrast, girls who spend more time on social media appear to develop more depressive symptoms. The study suggests that different types of screen time can positive...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2021