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Science News Archive October 2021 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

Zeolites’ isotopes defy nature

Researchers analyzed ancient zeolite specimens to discover that some prefer lighter isotopes, while others prefer heavier ones. This finding could help quantify temperatures in geologic systems and mitigate human-caused climate change.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

What are the keys to a healthy intercultural relationship?

A new study explores how cultural values affect intercultural relationships. Secure attachment and relationship equality are key factors in greater relationship satisfaction, while adherence to traditions and less support of traditional gender roles also play a role.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Multicultural Counseling and Development·DateOct 6, 2021

Getting up to speed on the proton

Physicists have developed a groundbreaking theory, LaMET, to calculate the quark and gluon structure of protons traveling at the speed of light. This breakthrough resolves limitations in existing lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) theories, allowing for predictions on proton structure that can be tested by future experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateOct 6, 2021

Do blood pressure medications increase the risk of psoriasis?

A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a potential link between blood pressure medication use and the development of psoriasis. Data from 13 studies suggests that certain types of antihypertensive medications may increase the risk of skin conditions, warranting close monitoring.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 6, 2021

Pandemic took a toll on older adults serving as unpaid caregivers for chronically ill or disabled loved ones

A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInnovation in Aging·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Changes in older adults’ life space during lung cancer treatment

Researchers found that older adults with non-small cell lung cancer have low life-space mobility before treatment, which declines after starting treatment. A lower body mass index prior to treatment is associated with an improvement in life-space mobility during treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 6, 2021

Students engaging in COVID-19 distance learning were more motivated and persistent – and less likely to procrastinate – when they perceived themselves as autonomous, competent and socially connected

A multi-country study finds that students performing COVID-19 distance learning exhibit increased motivation and perseverance when they perceive themselves as self-motivated and connected to others. The study also reveals lower procrastination rates among these students.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2021

Common diabetes drug promising against rare childhood brain tumor in laboratory studies

Researchers found that metformin suppressed glucose metabolism and killed cancer cells in group A posterior fossa ependymomas, a type of childhood brain tumor. The study's senior author believes this opens a promising possibility for therapeutic suppression of the epigenetic changes driving these tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Protecting the ozone layer is delivering vast health benefits

A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2021

Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity

Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Beavers benefit fish by building dams in Scottish rivers

A new study found that beaver dams in Scottish streams increase the availability of suitable habitat and abundance of food for brown trout, benefiting their growth and abundance. The research showed that beaver-modified streams had larger trout populations with greater sanctuary from predators.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

The Lancet: Half of the global population lack access to basic diagnostics for many common diseases, new estimates suggest

New estimates suggest nearly half (47%) of the global population has limited or no access to key tests and services for diagnosing common diseases. The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics calls for urgent investment and training to improve access to testing in primary care, especially point-of-care testing.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 6, 2021

Dwarf planet Vesta a window to the early solar system

Researchers have successfully sampled Vesta's mantle using meteorites derived from the dwarf planet, resolving the 'missing mantle problem' and providing a record of the earliest era in solar system formation. This breakthrough pushes back our knowledge to just two million years after the beginning of solar system formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Skyrmion research: Braids of nanovortices discovered

Researchers from Germany, Sweden, and China have discovered braided structures of nanoscale skyrmions in alloys of iron and germanium, offering new insights into their properties and potential uses. These complex shapes stabilize the magnetic structures, making them interesting for applications in information processing.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2021

More and more roads but little knowledge about their impact on wildlife

A recent meta-study found that the existing data on road networks' impact on wildlife is limited to high-income countries and only a few species groups. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the effect of roads on threatened species and population dynamics.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Massage doesn’t just make muscles feel better, it makes them heal faster and stronger

A Harvard study found that massage therapy using mechanotherapy rapidly clears immune cells from severely injured muscles, enhancing regeneration. The treatment also removed inflammatory cytokines, leading to greater repair and strength recovery in injured muscles.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2021

Maternal emergencies without a safety net

The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGlobal Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital prove efficacy of new immunotherapy for multiple myeloma

Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital have developed a new cancer treatment called CAR-NK-cell immunotherapy, which uses natural killer cells to target cancerous cells. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with multiple myeloma, with 25% of treated mice remaining disease-free.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Some pancreatic cancer clinical trial eligibility criteria may be more likely to disqualify black patients

A simulated screening process for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from trials. The study found that nutrition and infectious disease criteria disproportionately excluded Black patients, while a history of prior cancer treatment excluded more...

Peeling back the layers of the onion genome

Researchers at Yamaguchi University have successfully assembled the genetic map of the onion genome, revealing over 540,000 possible genes. The findings also suggest that functional gene regions are evenly distributed across the genome, highlighting the need for careful examination to determine gene functionality.

SourceYamaguchi University·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021