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Science News for October 15, 2021


COVID-19 lottery announcements, vaccinations

A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates increased in states with cash drawing announcements compared to those without. The analysis suggests a positive association between these announcements and vaccine uptake, providing insight into innovative strategies for improving public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 15, 2021

Using AI for mental health assessment

Researchers used machine learning on UK Biobank data to create proxy measures for brain age, intelligence, and neuroticism traits. These indirect measurements strongly correlate with specific diseases or outcomes, offering a potential solution for mental health diagnoses.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2021

Bimetallic catalysts for oil extraction

Researchers have developed bimetallic catalysts that enhance oil upgrading, decreasing heavy hydrocarbons and increasing light hydrocarbons. The test results showed positive influence on petroleum quality, transportation efficiency, and environmental impact.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

How our past shapes the present

A study published in Nature Communications demonstrates how the brain constructs the present moment through recent past experiences. The researchers discovered that brief stimuli leave a trace in the brain for almost a minute, accumulating biases in perception that allow subjects to fine-tune their sensory channels over time.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Scientists have learned how to weld a new kind of steel

Researchers from South Ural State University and China's Xi'an Jiaotong University have successfully welded A606 (Cor-Ten) steel, a promising material with high atmospheric corrosion resistance. The study optimized welding conditions to achieve high strength properties and necessary microstructure.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateOct 15, 2021

McCullough and Liu awarded $3.7M NIH grant to study sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes

The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...

Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 2021

Unlined waste disposal pits endanger groundwater in San Joaquin Valley

A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2021

COVID curriculum brings science home for high school students

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 15, 2021

Emergency food management sector ill-prepared for digital disaster management

The emergency food management sector is ill-prepared for digital disaster management due to the lack of effective digital tools. A recent study found that existing digital strategies have not been proven effective or tested, leaving personnel with no guidance on potential best practices and the impact of digital tools.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 15, 2021

Behaviour resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

Researchers identified environmental factors and breed-specific traits contributing to canine ADHD-like behaviour. Dogs who spent more time alone at home were more hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive, while breeds bred for work displayed increased hyperactivity and impulsivity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2021

Plankton head polewards

Research finds that plankton diversity will increase in warmer waters, but this may lead to a reduction in zooplankton diversity in the tropics. As climate changes, plankton species from tropical regions will shift polewards, potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2021

New technique identifies pathogenic particles in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a revolutionary technique to identify pathogenic particles in the blood, which determine the development of autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The technique allows for early diagnosis and potentially life-threatening consequences such as blood clots and organ damage.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Penn study suggests genetic disease CDKL5 deficiency disorder could be treatable after childhood

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that the gene CDKL5 plays an essential role in the brain throughout life, even after childhood. Researchers discovered that reinstating CDKL5 activity in young adult mice with a genetic deficiency led to significant improvements in neurological problems.

Buprenorphine misuse decreased among U.S. adults with opioid use disorder from 2015-2019

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly three-fourths of U.S. adults with buprenorphine use did not misuse the medication in 2019, trending downward between 2015-2019 despite increased treatment. The research highlights the need to expand access to proven treatment approaches like buprenorphine therapy to reduce misuse.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 15, 2021

Attitudes toward vaccine travel requirements

A recent study published in Tourism Management explores travelers' attitudes toward pre-travel vaccination requirements. The researchers found that willingness to vaccinate and beliefs that others should vaccinate are key predictors of support for vaccine mandates. Travelers who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled m...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTourism Management·TypeNews article·DateOct 15, 2021

Study: Adolescents’ experiences with police have harmful repercussions for later life outcomes

A new study found that adolescents' experiences with police can negatively impact their future orientation, leading to reduced educational and career aspirations. The research, conducted by the American Society of Criminology, analyzed data from 1,354 serious offenders and found that even positive interactions with police can create co...

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 15, 2021

Ecological redlines: Possible model for maintaining biodiversity in mainland Southeast Asia

Researchers from China's Academy of Sciences propose a framework to determine ecological priorities across Mainland Southeast Asia by combining ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and biodiversity indicators. The proposed model identifies areas for protection based on overlapping hotspots of diversity, sensitivity, and service ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 2021

‘Superhuman, but never enough’: Essay details inequities experienced by Black women physicians in the United States

Black women physicians in the United States encounter barriers such as lower earnings and reduced promotion opportunities, despite having the same training and expertise as their colleagues. The essay highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine to address these disparities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2021

Researchers find few adverse health effects in wildlife exposed to low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident

Wildlife exposed to low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident showed no significant adverse health effects, according to a recent study. The research found that biomarkers of DNA damage and stress were not affected by chronic, low-dose environmental radiation exposure in wild boar and rat snakes.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2021

A decade after gene therapy, children born with deadly immune disorder remain healthy

Researchers report that 90% of patients who received gene therapy between 2009 and 2012 remain disease-free, with significant immune system differences observed among those treated. The therapy is most effective in younger children, but further work is needed to achieve high levels of gene correction in all patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2021