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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 18


Page 18 of 40

Pregnant and lactating women should adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection

A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

Flower-like nickel phyllosilicate nanoparticles to boost the excellent mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Researchers introduce flower-like nickel phyllosilicates to epoxy resin, enhancing mechanical property, thermal stability, and tribological response. The addition of 5% nanofillers can suppress wear resistance by 86.6%, improving anti-wear properties.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Environmental injustice, population density and the spread of COVID-19 in minority communities

Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

A new standard for reporting epidemic prediction research

International panel develops EPIFORGE guidelines to standardize reporting of epidemic prediction research, aiming to improve manuscript quality and impact. The checklist outlines 19 recommended items, including clear data sources and public availability of computer code.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2021

Maintaining balance in the brain

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that reducing tau levels impacts both excitatory and inhibitory cells, leading to a reduction in excitation-inhibition ratios. This effect counteracts diseases that cause abnormal increases in this ratio, potentially improving the brain's ability to perform its functions.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 19, 2021

Canada should limit use of forceps in childbirth to prevent lifelong injuries to women: Study

A recent study has called for reduced forceps use in Canada and better education for both clinicians and mothers on how to avoid injury during childbirth. The researchers analyzed nearly two million birth records from Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Austria, finding that five percent of women had third or fourth degree tears to the perineum.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2021

Novel sugar detector system in the human mouth has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods, according to Monell Center study

A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that humans have a second sensory ability to detect sugars in the mouth that involves detecting potential energy-burning sugars. This discovery has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

New study demonstrates community engagement efforts are critical to ensuring the equitable inclusion of BIPOC communities in vaccine clinical trials

A recent study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates the critical role of community engagement in increasing diverse participation in vaccine clinical trials. The research found that robust engagement strategies can overcome barriers to inclusion, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

High effectiveness of mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccines

A nationwide study in Sweden found that receiving a mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccine schedule reduced the risk of infection by up to 79%. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, showed greater risk reduction for people who received an mRNA vaccine after having received a first dose of a vector-based vaccine.

SourceUmea University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure

A new AI-based computer algorithm created by Mount Sinai researchers can identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms to predict heart failure. The algorithm was 94% accurate at predicting healthy ejection fractions and 87% accurate at detecting weakened hearts, offering a promising alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021

Scientists gain new understanding of how brain cells talk - which could help in the treatment of mental health conditions and memory diseases

Scientists have discovered that reversing molecular message modification at synapses may contribute to reversible mental health conditions like anxiety and memory diseases such as dementia. The findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, are a major step in understanding brain cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

UC Santa Barbara Researchers investigate how herbivore activity around water affects plant communities

In a two-year study, UC Santa Barbara researchers found that herbivore activity around water sources in arid locations can either increase or decrease plant diversity, depending on environmental conditions. The findings suggest that plant communities exist along a spectrum based on environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 18, 2021

China’s solar-powered future

Researchers from Harvard and Tsinghua University found that solar energy could provide 43.2% of China's electricity demands in 2060 at less than two-and-a-half U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. The study highlights a crucial energy transition point for China and other countries, where combined solar power and storage systems become a cheap...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021

People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Research finds people prefer to criticize the billionaires' club than a single billionaire. When portrayed individually, billionaires are viewed as more deserving of their wealth due to talent and hard work. In contrast, when shown as part of a group, people perceive greater unfairness and advocate for policies like inheritance taxes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop self-folding natural plant material for ‘intelligent’ green products

Researchers created a paper-like material that folds itself into new shapes in response to environmental humidity, with potential applications in self-folding envelopes and boxes. The material's ability to morph on demand could lead to the development of autonomous origami robots and other complex shapes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021

Volcanic memories: black holes give shape to bubbles, rings and "intergalactic smoke" filaments

A team of researchers observed the evolution of warm gas coming from an active black hole for unprecedented detail, revealing structures reminiscent of volcanic eruptions. These gas bubbles, rings, and 'intergalactic smoke' filaments are formed when black holes consume surrounding matter and release energy, influencing galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 18, 2021

A step towards natural interaction between robots and animals

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology created a robot that can track fast-moving rats for extended periods using real-time localization and movement analysis. The robotic rat's built-in stereo vision system enables it to characterize typical behaviors of actual rats, promoting autonomy and reproducibility in behavior research.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021

Out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations

A recent study used national claims data to estimate out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. The results show that these costs significantly affect the financial burden on patients, especially those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 18, 2021

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021

Compact biosensor microscope built for point of care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact photonic resonator absorption microscope for point-of-care diagnostics, using photonic crystal biosensors to detect proteins or other biomarkers linked to gold nanoparticles. The portable instrument costs $7,000 and has potential applications in detecting various cancers.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

The human immune system is an early riser

Researchers found that the human immune system is most active just before dawn, making it an important consideration for vaccination and cancer therapy. The study's findings suggest that stimulating the immune system at the right time could lead to better treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Immunology·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021

Towards affordable clean energy: Exploring new catalysts for urea-based fuel cells

Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University have created a state-of-the-art catalyst for urea-based fuel cells using inexpensive nickel chalcogenides, outperforming precious metal-based catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in remote areas and beyond.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Infrared light therapy might aid dementia patients

A pilot study found improvements in memory, motor function, and processing skills in healthy individuals after receiving transcranial photobiomodulation therapy. The therapy, involving infrared light, has the potential to alleviate nerve cell damage and reduce symptoms of dementia.

SourceDurham University·JournalPhotobiomodulation Photomedicine and Laser Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2021