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Science News for March 31, 2021


Urban growth creates distortions between providers and receivers of ecosystem services

A study analyzing socioeconomic and environmental indicators for the São Paulo Macrometropolitan Area found environmental inequity and dependency. The analysis detected asymmetries that impair mutual exchange between cities, with some providing essential services like water, food, and power generation while others receive them.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 31, 2021

New study supports the effectiveness of the ForsythKids school-based dental program for reducing untreated tooth decay

A longitudinal study found that the ForsythKids preventive dentistry program reduced untreated cavities from 39% to 19% over six years, highlighting the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs. The study also highlights the critical need for accessible dental care in low-income communities.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMar 31, 2021

Pumping the 'brain brake' in pediatric anxiety

A new study by UC researchers uses brain imaging to predict treatment outcomes for adolescents with anxiety disorders. The study showed that medication can 'dampen' the overactivity of fear areas in the brain, leading to improved transmission of messages between neurons.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 31, 2021

Association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 studies found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were associated with reduced mortality and severe adverse events in patients with COVID-19. These findings suggest that these medications may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2021

Biodiversity is positively related to mental health

A new study by German researchers found that higher species diversity is positively related to mental health, with people living in regions with more plant and bird species reporting better mental well-being. However, the study did not find a significant relationship between biodiversity and physical health.

Crnic Institute discovery may explain high risk of leukemia in children with Down syndrome

A new study by the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome identifies a higher-than-expected rate of clonal hematopoiesis in individuals with Down syndrome between the age of one to 20 years old. This precocious clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of leukemia, with oncogenic mutations dominating the TET2 gene.

First images of freshwater plumes at sea

University of Hawaii researchers demonstrate a new method to detect freshwater plumes using surface-towed marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) imaging. The study reveals substantial volumes of freshwater present in the ocean column, with one plume estimated to be equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 31, 2021

Scientists find genetic link to clogged arteries

Researchers have identified a genetic link to clogged arteries, finding that a specific gene variant increases the risk of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of cardiovascular disease and offers potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Micro-environmental influences on artificial micromotors

Researchers discovered how Janus particles relate to nearby barriers, showing velocities are influenced by physical properties of charged boundaries. This study could help engineer micromotors for complex biological environments, including drug delivery and nano-surgery.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 31, 2021

International study shows alternative seafood networks provided resiliency during pandemic

Researchers found that alternative seafood networks (ASNs) experienced unprecedented growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers temporarily relocalize their seafood purchases. This growth underscores the importance of functional diversity in supply chains and regional food systems for resilience, with policy changes and data col...

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateMar 31, 2021

Pancake strategy for the win

Researchers at HZDR have created a novel method for growing magnetic thin-film materials that host skyrmions, tiny magnetic vortices promising for high data storage and processing capacities. The new process involves rapid heating with brief flashes of light to prevent undesired crystal phases, resulting in stable skyrmion formation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 31, 2021

How chronic stress leads to hair loss

Harvard researchers identify how chronic stress impairs hair follicle stem cells, leading to delayed regeneration and hair loss. The study found that the stress hormone corticosterone delays stem cell activation, while Gas6 pathway activation promotes hair growth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2021

Carbon-neutral 'biofuel' from lakes

Lakes store huge amounts of methane, which has a global warming potential 80-100 times greater than CO2. Researchers at the University of Basel suggest extracting and using this methane for sustainable energy production, potentially meeting world's energy needs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 31, 2021

For people with dementia in assisted living, quality of life improves with mindful care

A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that residents with dementia in assisted living facilities benefit from being included in activities and having caregivers meet them where they are. This approach improves quality of life for individuals with varying types of dementia and levels of functional ability.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateMar 31, 2021

Study identifies risk factors for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality among U.S. nursing home residents

A large study found that risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection differed from those for hospitalization and death in U.S. nursing homes. Risk of infection was mainly dependent on nursing home and community factors, while hospitalization risk varied more with patient-specific characteristics such as age, BMI, and ethnicity.

What are we breeding for, and who decides?

A review in the Journal of Dairy Science examines how US dairy industry breeding selection objectives are established, detailing opportunities and obstacles related to new technologies. The net merit dollars (NM$) selection index has increased the rate of gain in dairy cattle through genomic selection, but challenges remain in measurin...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 31, 2021

Venus plots a comeback

Space agencies are turning their attention back to Venus, the closest planet to Earth, to learn more about its atmosphere and geology. Recent findings have generated renewed interest, and multiple missions are planned to study Venus' surface and atmospheric chemistry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 31, 2021

Advances in tropical cyclone observation may aid in disaster reduction and prevention

The launch of a comprehensive tropical cyclone database and recent marine observing experiments may improve prediction accuracy and help mitigate disasters. Researchers aim to better understand tropical cyclones to inform disaster reduction planning, using technologies like artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 31, 2021

Historical data offers a glimpse into the mental health of adolescents during COVID-19

Researchers studied historical data from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on adolescents' mental health. They found that limited physical exercise can help reduce mental health issues, contradicting previous studies that showed worsening psychological status during lockdowns.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Bringing KAIZEN to kid healthcare

A systematic review of literature found that only 17% of quality improvement articles in PICUs met high standards, highlighting a need for better reporting practices. The study suggests that bringing the KAIZEN philosophy to kid healthcare can improve the timely delivery of medical care.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Chemo for glioblastoma may work better in morning than evening

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that administering chemotherapy drug temozolomide in the morning improved overall survival by about 4 months compared to evening, with an average increase of 3.5 months in patients with MGMT methylated tumors. The study suggests that adjusting timing of standard treatment could enhance effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateMar 31, 2021

The majority of workers return to their jobs after being hospitalized for injuries

A recent study found that nearly 60% of adult patients who needed hospitalization for injuries eventually returned to work. However, they often faced significant challenges, including increased rates of food insecurity, physical disability, and difficulty accessing healthcare. The research team analyzed data from the National Health In...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 31, 2021

Creation of 3D organoid models to fine-tune radiation dose for nasopharyngeal cancer

Researchers have created the first in-vitro patient-derived 3D organoid models of nasopharyngeal cancer, enabling them to predict optimal radiation treatment doses. These models mimic the hypoxic radioresistant sub-volumes of recurrent NPC and have shown that radiation dose escalation can improve treatment outcomes.