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Science News Archive July 2021 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

New advice on arthritis drugs

Researchers found that combining anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two specific combinations - tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine - showed promise in preserving endothelial function.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJul 5, 2021

How fish got their spines

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

European settlers and mortality of Indigenous people

A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Observation, simulation, and AI join forces to reveal a clear universe

A team of Japanese astronomers developed a new AI technique to remove noise in astronomical data. They applied this tool to actual data from Japan's Subaru Telescope and found consistent results with currently accepted models of the Universe. This powerful new tool will analyze big data from current and planned astronomy surveys.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 4, 2021

Stress-free path to stress-free metallic films paves the way for next-gen circuitry

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to create thin films of tungsten with minimal stresses using high power impulse magnetron scattering. This breakthrough technology enables efficient deposition of metallic films without heat treatment, opening up new possibilities for the electronics industry.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 3, 2021

Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 2, 2021

More than half of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury needed repairs in past 6 months

A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2021

Why does Mercury have such a big iron core? Magnetism!

A new study from the University of Maryland disputes the prevailing hypothesis on Mercury's big core, instead attributing it to solar magnetism. The model shows that a planet's core density and proportion of iron are correlated with the strength of the sun's magnetic field during planetary formation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJul 2, 2021

Kansas State University virologists publish new findings on SARS-CoV-2 treatment option

Researchers found that animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2 treated with a deuterated protease inhibitor had significantly increased survival and decreased lung viral load. The results suggest that postinfection treatment with inhibitors of proteases essential for viral replication may be an effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2021

Cancer: Immunotherapies without side effects?

Researchers from UNIGE and Harvard Medical School have discovered the difference between desired immune responses targeting cancer cells and unwanted responses affecting healthy tissue. By understanding these differences, they aim to develop new therapeutic approaches that minimize toxic side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 2, 2021

Novel strategy for natural product biosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 2021

American Journal of Medical Quality supplement explores innovative solutions to health care quality and performance improvement

Selected abstracts from the 2020 Vizient Connections Education Summit explore interventions to address health equity and reduce patient length of stay. An intervention framework was developed to identify events related to biases, while a statistical dashboard uses data to optimize resource allocation and track progress.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 2, 2021