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Science News for September 24, 2021


Blue mussel habitat is decreasing

Climate change is linked to the decline of blue mussels in shallow waters along Sweden's west coast. Overfishing and invasive species are also contributing factors. The study found that warmer temperatures have led to an increase in freshwater input, making it harder for mussels to settle on natural substrates.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 2021

A 3D printed vaccine patch offers vaccination without a shot

Scientists at Stanford and UNC Chapel Hill developed a 3D-printed vaccine patch that provides greater protection than traditional vaccines. The patch applies the vaccine directly to the skin, triggering a potent immune response and potentially leading to dose sparing and higher vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

Ancient humans traded dogs for their usefulness

Researchers found that ancient Siberian human populations interacted with outside dog populations at least 2,000 years ago, suggesting dogs were traded as goods. The study reveals that modern dog breeds like Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies maintain significant ancestry from a lineage established prior to 9,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2021

Earth and Venus grew up as rambunctious planets

The study proposes a novel 'hit-and-run-return' scenario, where pre-planetary bodies crash into each other, slow down, and then merge again. This led to the formation of Venus as having had a very different experience in its growth compared to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2021

Shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms predict worsening health and death of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients

Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

The origin and legacy of the Etruscans

A recent study using genome-wide data from 82 ancient individuals in central and southern Italy has clarified the origins of the enigmatic Etruscans. The results show that despite their unique cultural expressions, the Etruscans were closely related to their Italic neighbors, with genetic transformations associated with historical events.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2021

New technique speeds measurement of ultrafast pulses

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a time-domain single-pixel imaging technique that detects ultrafast light pulses with high accuracy and speed. The new method can capture 5 femtojoule pulses with temporal sampling sizes as low as 16 femtoseconds, outperforming existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

During the pandemic survivors of domestic violence and abuse have been at an increased risk of contracting suspected or confirmed COVID-19, study finds

Women with recorded exposure to domestic abuse were found to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. The researchers recommend increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable groups and reconsidering COVID-19 vaccine prioritization.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Social media ‘likes’ found to positively influence healthy food choices – new research

A new study by Aston University found that social media users who view images of healthy foods with high 'likes' are more likely to make healthier food choices. Participants who viewed highly liked mock Instagram posts of fruit and vegetables ate a significantly higher proportion of grapes than cookies, increasing calorie consumption b...

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2021

New study examines association between nurses’ well-being, workplace wellness cultures and shift length during COVID-19

A new study by The Ohio State University College of Nursing found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated clinician burnout and mental health problems among nurses. The study suggests that effective interventions such as mindfulness, health coaching, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve mental/physical health and well-being.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNursing Administration Quarterly·DateSep 24, 2021

Early signs of efficacy of new targeted agents and immunotherapies reported for multiple cancers at ESMO Congress 2021

New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 24, 2021

The European University Alliance FORTHEM welcomes new partners and strengthens its network with the university cities' administrations and chambers of commerce

FORTHEM, a European University Alliance, has welcomed two new members: the University of Agder in Norway and Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu in Romania. This expansion aims to increase student mobility, create a virtual campus, and merge research programs across member universities.

Backed by Penn Medicine Research, national task force recommends removing race from kidney function equation

A national task force endorses a new diagnostic equation for measuring kidney function, which removes racial data to increase access to transplantation for Black patients. The recommendation is supported by Penn Medicine research and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Exotic mix in China’s delivery of moon rocks

The Chang'e-5 mission brought back nearly two kilograms of lunar rocks and dust, including a mix of 'exotic' fragments that may preserve records of other lunar surface areas. The youngest geological area of the Moon's nearside has yielded insights into past volcanic activity

3D nano-inks push industry boundaries

Mechanical engineering researchers at Michigan Technological University have created a 3D-printable nanocomposite polymeric ink using carbon nanotubes. The ink's properties, such as electrical conductivity and increased strength, make it suitable for various applications, including aerospace and electronics industries.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 24, 2021

When it comes to communication skills—maybe we’re born with it?

A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.

SourceBoston University·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2021