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Science News Archive May 2021 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

340B hospitals offer more assistance removing barriers to medication access

According to a new study, hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program provide more medication access services than comparably sized non-340B hospitals. The study found that 340B hospitals offered an average of 6.2 services, including prior authorization assistance and free or discounted outpatient medications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateMay 5, 2021

Large bumblebees start work earlier

Researchers found that larger, more experienced bumblebees begin foraging at dawn despite poor visibility. This suggests that knowledge of food locations helps them navigate safely, and they can capitalize on the benefits of extra foraging time during early morning.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 5, 2021

Meet the freaky fanged frog from the Philippines

Researchers at the University of Kansas have described a new species of fanged frog found in the Philippines, which was previously thought to be the same as another species on a neighboring island. The Mindoro Fanged Frog has distinct genetic differences and unique mating calls, setting it apart from its cousin.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalIchthyology & Herpetology·DateMay 5, 2021

Which medications are most toxic to the liver?

A recent study analyzing 156,570 hospitalized patients found that anti-infective agents, cancer medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most toxic to the liver. Voriconazole, an antifungal medication, was associated with the highest incidence of drug-induced liver injury.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMay 5, 2021

Africa's oldest human burial site uncovered

A team of researchers from CNRS has uncovered the earliest human burial site in Africa, dated to approximately 78,000 years ago. The discovery at Panga ya Saidi in Kenya reveals a complex funerary treatment involving a shroud and potential ritual participation from the child's community.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2021

Dark matter detection

Scientists are certain that dark matter exists, but have no direct evidence. Researchers at the University of Delaware propose using tabletop sensors to detect ultralight dark matter particles. They plan to use optomechanical accelerometers to measure changes in acceleration between materials.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2021

Dexamethasone treatment safe in surgery

A large clinical trial has definitively shown that dexamethasone, a steroid commonly used during anaesthesia before surgery, does not increase the risk of surgical wound infections. The study enrolled over 8,700 patients and found no significant difference in wound infection rates between those receiving dexamethasone and placebo.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2021

Light pollution at night affects the calls of migratory birds

Research published in Ibis found that call rates of migratory birds were significantly higher in urban areas compared to villages, indicating a impact of artificial light on bird migration. The study suggests that improved management of urban lighting is necessary to mitigate this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateMay 5, 2021

Biophotonics in photomedicine

Researchers are bridging gaps between scientists from different fields to merge knowledge and create innovated, reliable products. Biophotonic innovations are expected to transform healthcare for the next few decades.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateMay 5, 2021

Why robots need reflexes - interview

The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2021

How accurate are virtual assessments of cognitive function?

A study analyzed 121 published studies on virtual and in-person cognitive assessments for diagnosing dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The analysis found good reliability and accuracy of virtual assessments for diagnosing dementia, but identified barriers to implementing cognitive assessments for older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 5, 2021