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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

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

A rapid mechanism for muscle self-repair independent of stem cells

Researchers discovered a rapid muscle self-repair mechanism that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei, independently of muscle stem cells. This process occurs rapidly after physiological damage or exercise-induced injury and represents a time- and energy-efficient protective mechanism for minor lesions.

Data continues to show that American’s need at least 5 hours per week of physical activity to prevent some cancers

A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that over 46,000 cancer cases annually in the US could be prevented with moderate-intensity physical activity. The study found that states in the South had the highest proportion of cancers attributable to physical inactivity, while northern states had lower proportions.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Who's been kissing who? Prairie dog 'greet kisses' reveal complex social networks

A study by University of Arizona behavioral ecologist Jennifer Verdolin mapped the intricacies of prairie dog social dynamics, including degree centrality and between-ness centrality. This research has big implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of considering all factors that support a species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

New UMass Amherst study explores the decisions made by physicians in the delivery room, and why they may be making them

A new study by Manasvini Singh found that physicians are more likely to switch between vaginal and cesarean deliveries based on their previous patients' experiences, potentially leading to sub-optimal patient health. The study analyzed 86,000 electronic health records and found a significant increase in the probability of a cesarean de...

Molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals unusual cell type that could explain why it’s so aggressive

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have developed a molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer, revealing a rare population of stem-like cells that correlate with patient outcomes. These cells have metastatic properties and are found across many SCLC tumors, suggesting they may be driving the disease's aggressiveness.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New study finds easy way to improve hospital soundscapes

Researchers at McMaster University have found a simple tweak in medical device tones can significantly lower annoyance caused by alarms. The study suggests changing the amplitude envelope of existing sounds to make them sound more musical, without harming efficacy or affecting patient recovery.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers demonstrate a more effective personal protective equipment strategy for COVID-19

Researchers developed a reusable respirator hood that is significantly preferred by frontline healthcare workers and support staff due to its safety and comfort. The new PPE strategy has also led to cost savings and reduced environmental impact, with over 80% of staff requesting their respirators for future use.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalFrontiers in Medical Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nuclei on the move for muscle self-repair

A recent study reveals that muscle regeneration after physiological damage relies on the rearrangement of nuclei, accelerating repair of contractile units. Nuclei are attracted to injury sites and deliver mRNA molecules to initiate protein synthesis for muscle repair, offering a new insight into muscle biology.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Serious injury risk higher for horse riding than for football, motor racing, or skiing

Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTrauma Surgery & Acute Care Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Monitoring glucose levels, no needles required

A team of Penn State researchers has created a noninvasive, low-cost sensor that can detect glucose in sweat, enabling less intrusive glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. The device uses a nickel-gold alloy and is flexible enough to be worn on the body.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 14, 2021

Aided by stem cells, a lizard regenerates a perfect tail for first time in more than 250 million years

A USC-led study has improved lizard tail regeneration through stem cell-based therapy, leading to the creation of tails with skeletal and nerve tissue on both sides for the first time in history. This breakthrough informs efforts to improve wound healing in humans, particularly for injuries that don't naturally regenerate.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

New journal article examines vaccination misinformation on social media

A new study examines vaccination misinformation on social media, revealing that fear-provoking messaging fuels its spread. The research team developed predictive models to identify true and false information on Twitter, categorizing messages as positive or negative cause-effect statements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021