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Science News for May 28, 2021


Plastic in Galapagos seawater, beaches and animals

A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 28, 2021

Antarctic hotspot: Fin whales favour the waters around Elephant Island

Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute found that fin whales regularly inhabit waters surrounding Elephant Island, indicating a notable achievement in the fin whale population's recovery. The study suggests that protecting this habitat is crucial due to frequent visits by cruise ships and extensive krill fishing.

Open, expressive family life may reduce social deprivation effects among adopted children

A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that open, expressive family life can moderate the effects of pre-adoption adversity on adopted children's cognitive ability and development. In contrast, rule-driven households with conflict may increase the risk for behavioral problems.

Revenge of the seabed burrowers

A new Yale study finds that seabed burrowers were helpful in creating conditions for complex animal life to expand. Bioturbation altered the chemical makeup of the sea and oxygen levels, fostering the emergence of increasingly productive ecosystems during the Cambrian explosion.

SourceYale University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 28, 2021

Socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in US

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals worsening socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in the US over the past six decades. The researchers found that individuals from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to experience respiratory problems and have poorer lung function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Older adults with cerebral palsy need more, receive less physical therapy

A recent study found that adults with cerebral palsy receive significantly less physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, despite greater risk of secondary comorbid conditions. The researchers underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and improved screening strategies to address this inequity in healthcare.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMay 28, 2021

Researchers create machine learning model to predict treatment with dialysis or death for hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict patients requiring dialysis or critical illness leading to death in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The XGBoost without imputation method outperformed other models with higher precision and recall, using data from electronic health records.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 2021

Providing more low-value care doesn't lead to higher patient experience ratings

A new study from the University of Chicago and Harvard Medical School found no relationship between low-value care exposure and favorable patient ratings. Despite concerns that catering to patient satisfaction may lead to worse outcomes, the researchers eliminated patient-level factors and gained a less-biased look at the relationship,...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Data from 45 million mobile users further shows poorer people less able to stay at home COVID rules

A study of 45 million mobile users in the US found that poorer communities spent less time indoors during lockdowns, with lower earners often unable to afford stay-at-home orders or working from home. This disparity worsens social inequality and puts vulnerable groups at greater risk from COVID-19.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateMay 28, 2021

Earlier sleep timing associated with lower depression risk, new study suggests

A large genetic study suggests that going to bed earlier may be associated with a lower risk of major depression. The study found that one-hour earlier sleep timing corresponded to a 23% lower likelihood of having a major depressive disorder. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect and how shifting sl...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2021

Stem cell drugs surprise researchers: Could lead to better drugs in the future

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted a study on stem cell transplantation, revealing that one drug is more effective than previously thought due to its impact on cell signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to improved drugs for both stem cell mobilization and HIV treatment.

Nanofibrous filters for PM2.5 filtration

Researchers reviewed various nanofibrous membranes for their filtration efficiency and pressure drop, highlighting the trade-off between mechanical adsorption and electrostatic adsorption in nanoparticle removal. Six filter classifications were also presented, including net/nanofiber and conductive filters.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateMay 28, 2021

Helping doctors manage COVID-19

A new AI tool developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo uses deep-learning technology to assess the severity of lung infections in COVID-19 patients. The tool shows promising results, aligning well with expert assessments and potentially improving clinical efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 28, 2021

Horror films as a reimagined space for healing

Researcher Morgan Podraza examines the representation of trauma in horror films, arguing that the final girl trope can be reimagined as a space for healing and futures for people with trauma. The analysis highlights the need to acknowledge trauma and its ongoing effects, rather than just focusing on survival.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHorror Studies·DateMay 28, 2021

A non-invasive procedure allows obtaining archaeological information without excavating

Researchers led by Stefano Biagetti used portable X-ray fluorescence analysis to analyze anthropogenic sediments in Botswana, detecting patterns of livestock use, middens, and workshop areas. The non-invasive technique provides unprecedented insights into ancient settlement functions, confirming the potential for future archaeological ...

Applying private insurer rules to Medicare Part B

Researchers estimated the extent of Medicare Part B medical services subject to private insurer prior authorization under coverage policies. The study found that these restrictions would have resulted in significant spending savings, affecting healthcare delivery and policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 28, 2021