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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 40

Researchers measure the bond strength of thin coatings

A research group employed ultra-small testing technologies to measure the interfacial bonding strength of coated materials. The study successfully measured the shear strength of a tungsten coating on ferritic steel, contributing to the safe application of multi-material technology in industrial components.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering·DateSep 17, 2021

How scents take on meaning

A study published by Ruhr-University Bochum's Department of Neurophysiology found that the olfactory system works closely with the brain's reward and aversion systems to form and retrieve memories. Non-olfactory brain regions, such as the limbic cortex, play a crucial role in categorizing scents as pleasant or unpleasant.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Mass shootings in US during pandemic

A study analyzing mass shootings in the US found a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that extreme violence may be influenced by social and economic factors. The research revealed consistent patterns, implying that mass shootings are not solely driven by mental health issues or individual motivations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 16, 2021

For one group in child welfare, trauma is especially common

Adults in the child welfare system with substance misuse issues have higher scores on a trauma questionnaire than previously estimated for other adults and the general population. Children in these families also experience more trauma, with trauma scores 27% higher than those in the juvenile justice system.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2021

Act now to benefit economically from peatland restoration

A new study found that restoring peatlands now would provide significant economic benefits to society, including a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improved wildlife habitat. In Scotland, restoration could generate £191m in annual societal benefits if done by 2027, rather than later.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeCase study·DateSep 16, 2021

Study finds long-term injectable medications combined with counseling improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder

Researchers from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that combining long-term injectable medications with psychosocial intervention improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. The study enrolled 30 people with bipolar disorder who had adherenc...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalThe Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Discovery of rapid-response signaling platform suggests new path for blocking allergic inflammation

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified a common biological response platform that could help alleviate allergic inflammation. The research suggests that inhibiting this pathway may provide a unique opportunity to counteract type 2 immunity and reduce allergic reactions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 16, 2021

Researchers explore promising treatment for MRSA ‘superbug’

A new study from Cornell University has found that the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins can effectively reduce the viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin wounds. The treatment also stimulates the surrounding skin cells to build up a defense against the bacterial invader.

SourceCornell University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 2021

Study findings could provide blueprint for regulating lab-developed diagnostic tests

Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 16, 2021

Childhood maltreatment alters the HOA-axis activity in early stages of life

A study published in Psychological Medicine confirms that childhood maltreatment disrupts HPA-axis activity, leading to altered stress regulation and increased risk of mental disorders. The study found a dose-response relationship between the severity of maltreatment experiences and HPA-axis dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2021

A novel malaria vaccine vector – target to the liver

Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 16, 2021

Study suggests earliest use of bone tools to produce clothing in Morocco 120,000 years ago

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a worked bone assemblage found near the Atlantic Coast of Morocco dating back to 120,000 years ago, suggesting the manufacture of clothing during this period. The find provides strong evidence for the emergence of complex culture and specialized tool manufacture in early humans.

SourceArizona State University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2021

UCF researchers identify food products that could reduce COVID transmission

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have identified food products that can alter a person's saliva to reduce the transmission potential of airborne pathogens. By adding ingredients like ginger, cornstarch, and xanthan gum to food products, people may be able to make masks more effective or even reduce their need for them.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

AI system identifies buildings damaged by wildfire

Researchers developed DamageMap, an AI system that uses machine learning to identify building damage from post-wildfire images, achieving 92% accuracy. The system can analyze satellite and aerial photos to pinpoint damaged buildings, providing immediate results for first responders and fire victims.

SourceStanford University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateSep 16, 2021

Ground-breaking bacteria-killing viruses unite with antibiotics to fight devastating antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

PFAS exposure can affect women’s ability to breastfeed

A recent study found that women with higher levels of PFAS in their system are 20% more likely to stop breastfeeding early. This is significant because almost every human on the planet is exposed to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on reproductive health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 16, 2021