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Science News for July 13, 2021


Simulating microswimmers in nematic fluids

The study reveals that microswimmers propel themselves through nematic liquid crystals with non-random trajectories to minimize elastic energy. The speed of a microswimmer varies depending on whether it pushes or pulls the surrounding fluid, and becomes slower when pushing with a stronger force.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 13, 2021

Allocating COVID vaccines based on health and socioeconomic factors could cut mortality

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 43% of US COVID-19 mortality variability is linked to county-level socioeconomic indicators and health vulnerabilities. Allocating vaccines to these areas could minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths. The research suggests a correlation between he...

Study reveals new aspects of gingivitis and body's response

Researchers identified three oral inflammation phenotypes: high, low, and slow responses. The 'slow' response was found in subjects with low clinical responses and demonstrated a delayed strong inflammatory response. A novel protective mechanism, utilizing neutrophils, was also discovered to save tissue and bone during inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2021

Language isolation affects health of Mexican Americans

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that older Mexican Americans living in linguistically isolated neighborhoods face significant health risks, including higher mortality rates. The researchers found that language barriers hindered access to healthcare and social connections, leading to poorer health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Equity·DateJul 13, 2021

UTA researcher publishes study showing economic impacts of combating sea-level rise

A new study by UTA researchers shows that building seawalls along the San Francisco Bay shoreline could increase flooding and incur hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The team's findings suggest that non-traditional approaches, like strategic flooding, can provide more sustainable solutions for coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2021

Infection prevention organizations say COVID-19 vaccines should be required for healthcare personnel

Infection prevention organizations recommend COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for healthcare personnel. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection and reducing transmission, with benefits including protecting patients, healthcare personnel, and communities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 13, 2021

Study assesses the prevalence of mental illness during the pandemic among folks aged 50-80

A recent study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals aged 50-80 in São Paulo, Brazil, found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. The study, which involved over 2,000 participants, revealed a decrease in symptoms of both conditions during the pandemic period.

Farm marketing success linked to natural, cultural assets

A nationwide database of community assets was created to help municipalities craft development plans, finding that natural and cultural assets correlate most strongly with farmers' success. The research suggests that communities with nonprofits, social enterprises, and creative industries support DTC farm marketing efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalFood Policy·DateJul 13, 2021

The path(way) less traveled in DNA double-strand break repair

Researchers from Osaka University found that protein phosphatase 1 binds to RIF1 at broken DNA ends, blocking proteins that create single-stranded DNA tails, and promoting the non-homologous end joining repair pathway. This novel mechanism helps protect double-strand breaks from developing a tail, which is what Shieldin binds to.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 13, 2021

Leading cardiovascular organizations issue joint opinion on improving clinician well-being worldwide

Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2021

Study: Racial/ethnic and language inequities in ways patients obtain COVID-19 testing

A recent study from the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute reveals racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 testing access. The study found that patients from different socio-demographic groups were more likely to seek care through outpatient or emergency department services, highlighting structural barr...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2021

Aerin Medical announces results of randomized controlled trial supporting VivAer® for treatment of nasal airway obstruction with nasal valve collapse

The VATRAC trial confirms VivAer's safety and efficacy in treating nasal airway obstruction caused by nasal valve collapse. Patients treated with VivAer showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to the control group, with superior responder rates and symptom reduction.

SourceMerryman Communications·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJul 13, 2021

Species of gut bacteria linked to enhanced cognition and language skills in infant boys

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys with a high Bacteroidetes gut bacterial composition scored higher in cognition and language skills. The researchers believe this association may be due to the production of metabolites called sphingolipids, which are instrumental for neuron formation and structure.

Highlighting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines could hold key to converting doubters

A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that providing information on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase willingness to be vaccinated. The research showed that adults who received information about vaccine effectiveness scored 20% higher on a measure of willingness to be vacc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·DateJul 13, 2021

Scientists discover nanoclusters effective for cancer in the second near-infrared synergy therapy

Researchers have developed a new type of nanocarrier that combines photothermal, chemo-therapy, and chemodynamic therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. The nanoclusters, which are responsive to near-infrared light, show a significant inhibitory effect on mouse tumor growth in vivo experiments.