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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 37


Page 37 of 51

Major study of diabetes trends shows Americans' blood sugar control is getting worse

A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Māori connections to Antarctica may go as far back as 7th century, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that indigenous Māori people may have set eyes on Antarctic waters and possibly the continent as early as the 7th century. The research uncovers a deep-rooted connection between Māori people and Antarctica, which continues to this day.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateJun 9, 2021

The impact of double-cropping

Double-cropping in Brazil's Centre-West region contributed significantly to the country's grain boom, increasing from 19% to 33% between 2003 and 2016. The practice allowed for increased corn production without expanding cropland, offsetting around 76.7 million hectares of arable land.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·DateJun 9, 2021

'Transportation is a form of freedom': How to make it more equitable

A new study by University of Michigan researchers highlights common barriers to improving equitable access to transportation, including data collection and information on needs. Practitioners cited need for better communication between disciplines and structures in place to advocate for equity-minded funding allocations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 9, 2021

How the amphibians got their vertebrae

A study found that ancient amphibians' spine stiffness varied with habitat, with more aquatic species having more rigid backbones. The researchers collected measurements on over 40 species of temnospondyls, providing valuable information on early vertebrate adaptations to water-to-land transitions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 9, 2021

Birth weight is associated with osteoporosis risk later in life

Research from the UK Biobank and the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis consortium found that heavier birth weight is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis. The study suggests that genes affecting birth weight may also influence an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis as they age.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 9, 2021

More 'fairness' needed in conservation

Researchers found that local stakeholders consider fairness in distribution of money from marine protected areas according to who holds rights over the area, rather than equality or costs incurred. This challenges common assumptions in conservation literature and practice, emphasizing the importance of explicit identification of local ...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJun 9, 2021

Predisposition to addiction may be genetic

A Rutgers study suggests that individuals with high sensation-seeking traits may be more susceptible to drug addiction due to a genetic predisposition. High-sensation-seeking rats showed stronger motivation for cocaine, making them more prone to developing addictive behavior.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJun 9, 2021

Low doses of "laughing gas" could be fast, effective treatment for severe depression

A new study found that a one-hour inhalation session with 25% nitrous oxide gas improved depression symptoms for over two weeks, with fewer adverse side effects compared to higher concentrations. The effects were nearly as effective as 50% nitrous oxide at rapidly relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Artificial light harming clownfish

A recent study by the University of Melbourne revealed that young clownfish living closest to shore are dying faster due to exposure to artificial lighting. The research team found that nearshore juvenile clownfish grew 44% more slowly under artificial light than those in natural conditions.

Targeted therapy pralsetinib safely effectively treats lung and thyroid cancers with RET alterations

Researchers found that pralsetinib achieved an overall response rate of 70% and complete response rate of 11% in patients with no prior systemic treatment for advanced RET fusion-positive NSCLC. In the thyroid arm, the ORR was 71% in patients with treatment-naïve RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 9, 2021

Speech droplets drive transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that intermediate-sized respiratory droplets emitted while speaking can carry significant amounts of virus and remain suspended in air for minutes. These 'speech droplets' pose a considerable risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Food for thought: Eating soft foods may alter the brain's control of chewing

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that a diet of soft or regular food affects muscle control and electrical activity of the jaw when stimulated, influencing the regulation of chewing. This study suggests that increasing chewing difficulty may alter brain control, with potential benefits for monitoring and improvi...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2021

Not just a phase for RNAS

Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.

New defense against superbugs

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that fish oil fatty acids can render bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. This discovery is vital in combating the rise of superbugs with unprecedented levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·DateJun 9, 2021

Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who drink alcohol are less likely to conceive, with heavy drinking associated with a 61% reduced odds of becoming pregnant. Moderate drinking during the luteal phase also linked to lower conception rates, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol for those trying to conceive.

Senolytics reduce COVID-19 symptoms in preclinical studies

Researchers discovered that senolytic drugs significantly reduced inflammation, illness, and mortality from COVID infection in older mice. Treating infected mice with senolytics before or after infection led to a decrease in senescent cells, inflammation, and mortality, resulting in improved survival rates similar to younger mice.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2021