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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 24


Page 24 of 40

Scientists explore method to produce composites with ‘shape memory’

Researchers investigated glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-based flat laminates with pultrusion, a fast and versatile composite manufacturing process. The study found significant promise for structural applications of these 'shape memory' composites in various industries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Contrary to expectations, study finds primate neurons have fewer synapses than mice in visual cortex

Researchers at University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory found that primate neurons receive two to five times fewer excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections than similar mouse neurons. The study suggests that metabolic costs may drive larger neural networks to be sparser, as seen in primates versus mouse neurons.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 14, 2021

Supporting breastfeeding during maternal or child hospitalization

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping lactating mothers and their infants together, using direct breastfeeding over pump use whenever possible. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of considering fluid needs, infection control, and creating a policy to support lactating mothers and breastfeeding children.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 14, 2021

Species in polar regions hard hit by climate change

A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Concentration of microparticles in lakes reflect nearby human activity and land use

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

COVID-19 transmission risks rise during labor with patients’ heavier breathing

A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that respiratory emissions produced during labor and vaginal delivery can increase the risk of respiratory disease transmission. The findings support the recommendation of providing full PPE, including N95 masks, to healthcare workers in labor and delivery units to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

BCL11A: Evidence for neuroprotective effect

Researchers investigated BCL11A's role in dopamine-producing neurons and found that its absence makes them more susceptible to death. The transcription factor may play a protective role for neurons, which could help prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Better mental health supports needed for pregnant individuals during the pandemic: study

A recent study found nearly three-quarters of pregnant individuals reported moderate to high levels of distress and one in five experienced depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top concerns among expectant parents included hospital policies, introducing their baby to loved ones, and conflicting medical information.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Family Physician·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 2021

Protein from the liver may cause Alzheimer’s disease in the brain

A new study suggests that peripherally produced amyloid-beta protein from the liver can cause neurodegeneration and brain atrophy in mice. The findings indicate that peripheral A-beta has the ability to cause neurodegeneration and may be a potential contributor to human Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Novel technology makes studying gene function easier, faster and more efficient

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel technology that enables scientists to track genetic manipulations in fruit flies more efficiently. The system uses drug-based markers for selection or counter-selection of genes, reducing the need for manual screening and increasing productivity by at least 10 times.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Energy under control

Researchers have observed the forced release of energy from a Mo isomer using an electron capture process, which could lead to the development of ultra-efficient nuclear batteries. The study, conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory, found a surprisingly high probability of occurrence for this process.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 14, 2021

Rapid increase in global light pollution

A new study found that global light pollution has increased significantly over the past 25 years, with the true increase potentially being much higher. The study, led by the University of Exeter, reveals that the transition to solid-state LED technology has masked the impact of light pollution in many regions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

When Republicans control state legislatures, infant mortality is higher

A new study found that Republican control of state legislatures is associated with increased infant mortality rates, especially among Black infants. The research suggests that the party's influence on social determinants of health, such as safety-net programs and minimum wage, contributes to these disparities.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2021

Probotic-containing yogurt protects against microbiome changes that lead to antibiotic-induced diarrhea

A randomized clinical trial found that yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 protected against harmful changes in the gut microbiome after antibiotic administration. The study also showed that levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acid acetate returned to baseline within 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2021

Model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills developed

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills, which is influenced by particle size and gravity. The model was validated using simulations and has potential applications in space exploration, additive manufacturing, and planetary science.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Triangular honeycombs

Researchers created indenene, a topological quantum material with a triangular honeycomb structure, which exhibits robust properties and doesn't require ultra-low temperatures to manifest its characteristics. This design improvement enables the growth of perfect films suitable for device nanofabrication.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Hospitals face urgent need for addiction treatment in emergency departments

A study by UCSF researchers found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations made by patients with addictions increased by 30% and 57%, respectively, between 2014-2018. The authors highlight the urgent need for hospitals to develop systems of hospital-based interventions to provide addiction treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 13, 2021

New model helps determine optimal strategies for combining vaccines and social distancing

A new model developed by Ben-Gurion University scientists can help policymakers simulate their choices and find the optimal strategy for combining vaccines and social distancing. The model suggests that vaccinating the elderly and imposing social distancing on adults is generally more effective than other approaches.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2021

Cyclones starve North Atlantic seabirds

Seabirds are dying from starvation after being exposed to cyclones, which disrupt their ability to feed. The study found that birds can't fly in high winds and dive into stormy seas, leaving them without food sources.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2021