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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 33


Page 33 of 40

Childhood asthma study uncovers risky air pollutant mixtures

Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Ranking of European cities with highest mortality due to lack of green space

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

History of alcohol offenses associated with higher suicide risk for men who bought handguns

Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2021

Oregon State microbiology research furthers understanding of ocean’s role in carbon cycling

The study tracks ocean microbes consuming different types of organic carbon produced by phytoplankton species, revealing predictable food source preferences. The findings have implications for understanding marine microbes and photosynthetic algae's impact on global carbon cycling.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

A peptide-drug conjugate that targets the acidic environment of cancer cells may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy

A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.

Characteristics associated with high performance in Medicare’s ESCO initiative to improve care for patients with kidney failure

An analysis of Medicare's Comprehensive ESRD Care Initiative found that factors like leaner operations, organizational experience, and community resources contribute to successful performance. The study aims to inform healthcare providers and policymakers in developing value-based payment models for kidney care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 7, 2021

Peanut consumption: Potential benefits in young and healthy people

A study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal found that daily peanut consumption improved cognitive function and stress response in young and healthy individuals. The researchers discovered that bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and p-coumaric acid, as well as short-chain fatty acids, contributed to the health effects.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2021

How mussels make a powerful underwater glue

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how blue mussels fabricate underwater adhesives in just 2-3 minutes. The adhesive is created by mixing metal ions with fluid proteins, and its unique properties make it ideal for use in wet environments such as surgical or dental treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Researchers simulate an acute decline in exercise, as many experienced during COVID19 lockdowns, to study its metabolic consequences

A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Common chemicals in electronics and baby products harm brain development

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021

Key role neuropsychological assessment plays in rehabilitation after neurological injury or disease

International experts discuss the clinical and therapeutic applications of neuropsychological assessment, highlighting its contributions to neurorehabilitation and cognitive performance. The articles explore performance validity testing, teleneuropsychology, and the nexus of neuropsychology and neuroimaging.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Neurobiologists identify widely used assembling and stabilizing forces behind brain synapses

Scientists at the University of California San Diego have discovered that planar cell polarity is a widely used mechanism for forming and maintaining glutamatergic synapses. The study found that Prickle protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing these synapses, which are essential for neuronal communication.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Chronic stress may impact treatment completion and survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer

A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...

K-State researchers publish article on data collection of maternal mortality due to violence

Researchers at Kansas State University argue that integrating National Violent Death Reporting System data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees can improve the efficacy of MMRCs and address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The study found increased risk for pregnancy-associated homicide and suicide during pregnancy and po...

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateOct 6, 2021

EWG scientists create new framework for using demographic data to evaluate cumulative cancer risk from tap water contamination

The study provides a new framework for policymakers to consider drinking water quality data when analyzing environmental justice issues. Communities with higher ratios of Hispanic and/or Black populations were found to have statistically significant increases in cancer risk due to exposure to tap water contamination.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Smoggier skies, lower scores? A Brazilian study examines the effects of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance

A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

A study of skull growth and tooth emergence reveals that timing is everything

A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Study examines what makes adult children cut ties with parents

A study of over 1,000 mothers estranged from their adult children found that nearly 80% believed an ex-husband or child's mental health issues were responsible for the estrangement. The results highlight a disconnect between mothers' and children's reasons for the rift, suggesting a need to consider differing perspectives when trying t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCouple and Family Psychology Research and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Why do muffins rise in the oven? Researcher wins NSF award to develop phenomenon-based science courses for elementary teachers

Northern Arizona University researcher Marti Canipe has developed a three-year project to create science courses for undergraduate elementary education majors using phenomenon-based instruction methods. The courses will focus on real-life phenomena and engage students in scientific practices, leading to deeper understanding of science ...