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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Dynamic pregnancy intentions

Researchers found that economic stability, relationship status, and educational status can lead to shifts in pregnancy intentions, with 22% of participants changing their mind within a year. The study aims to provide insight for healthcare providers to check in frequently about patients' desires.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

Smartphone sensors are capable of detecting cannabis high and have the potential to provide early intervention

Researchers led by Stevens Institute of Technology's Sang Won Bae developed a machine-learning model using smartphone data to detect cannabis intoxication in young adults. The study combined features such as GPS, noise, light, and activity levels to predict intoxication with high accuracy. This technology has the potential to provide e...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

New research from Children’s Hospital Colorado shows dual therapy upon diagnosis of MIS-C improves cardiac outcomes

A recent study found that pediatric patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) who received initial IVIG plus Infliximab had improved cardiac outcomes, reduced need for additional therapies, and faster resolution of inflammation. The updated care pathway recommends this intensified therapy for all MIS-C patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

New report shows accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change

A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2021

HSE researchers say only female public officials will be able to eliminate corruption in Russia

A study by HSE researchers found that women believe corruption presents an obstacle to economic development, while men see it as a problem for customers and suppliers. The survey of over 1,200 public procurement experts revealed significant gender differences in perceptions of corruption.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateSep 30, 2021

Earth is dimming due to climate change

Researchers found a significant drop in Earth's albedo over the past two decades, primarily caused by reduced bright clouds in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This decrease in reflectivity allows more solar energy to be captured by the climate system, contributing to potential global warming.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2021

Cell labelling method from microscopy adapted for use in whole-body imaging for the first time

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new cell labelling method using SNAP-tag technology and positron emission tomography (PET) for whole-body imaging. This breakthrough allows for the visualization of specific cellular processes, opening up new avenues for understanding bodily functions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

How a committed minority can change society

An agent-based study found that a committed minority can influence the majority to overturn long-standing practices. The researchers created an online game where participants voted on a product launch, with a small group of 'activists' able to sway the majority. The study's findings may help stimulate sustainable behavior.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Living at high altitudes may lower chance of having a deadly stroke

Researchers found that people living at high altitudes have a lower risk of stroke and stroke-related death. The study suggests that adaptation to low oxygen conditions may help protect against stroke damage. A protective window between 2,000 and 3,500 meters was identified, with less protection seen above this altitude.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

Gene found in monkeys and mice could work as a new type of antiviral to block HIV, Ebola, and other deadly viruses in humans

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation called retroCHMP3 that can block the replication of certain viruses like HIV and Ebola by disrupting their ability to exit an infected cell. This finding has the potential to lead to the development of new medical interventions against these deadly diseases.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Light in, sound out: photoacoustic probe helps find and fight Wilson's disease and other maladies

Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

New research provides compelling evidence of the connection between AMR surgical-site infections and arthropods

A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

Relieving pain by mapping its biological signatures

Scientists have identified specific epigenetic signatures for nociceptive and neuropathic pain, allowing for quicker and more reliable classification. This breakthrough enables a simple blood test to determine the type of pain an individual suffers from, paving the way for targeted treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeNews article·DateSep 30, 2021

A Chinese medical journal review sheds light on T-cell responses in respiratory diseases

Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 30, 2021

The Lancet: More than half of police killings in USA are unreported and Black Americans are most likely to experience fatal police violence

A new study by The Lancet found that over 55% of police killings in the USA are unreported and Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to experience fatal police violence than white Americans. Researchers estimate an additional 32,000 deaths from police violence between 1980-2019.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

Signaling from neighboring cells provides power boost within axons

A recent NIH study identifies oligodendrocytes as a key player in maintaining energy levels within axons, which are essential for long-distance communication. The research discovered that oligodendrocytes release an enzyme called SIRT2, which increases mitochondrial activity and provides a local power boost to axons.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021