Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 26


Page 26 of 40

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has long-term impact on children’s health, development

Research reveals that air pollution exposure during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on children's health and development. Studies show a link between prenatal exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, asthma, cognitive and behavioral issues, obesity, and diabetes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 13, 2021

Study describes new procedure that successfully treated patients with congenital intestinal malrotation

A new surgical procedure called Kareem's procedure has been introduced to treat congenital intestinal malrotation, a condition where the intestines twist, causing serious complications. The study shows favorable outcomes in patients with intact gut and disabling symptoms, with significant improvement in digestive symptoms after surgery.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 13, 2021

Light does the twist for quantum computing

Researchers generate circularly polarized light at room temperature, a breakthrough for optical quantum information processing. The device uses strained semiconductors to produce twisting 'chiral' valley-polarized light, promising vast data storage capabilities.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Jet stream changes could amplify weather extremes by 2060s

Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

How genetic islands form among marine molluscs

A new study explains how genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs by studying the limpet Nacella concinna. The researchers found that an entire generation of offspring descended from a limited number of parents and were carried by ocean currents to one location.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Eye conditions linked to heightened risk of dementia

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Astronomers spot the same supernova three times — and predict a fourth sighting in 16 years

Researchers used gravitational lensing to observe the same exploding star in three different locations and predict a fourth image will appear in the sky by 2037. This study provides an opportunity to explore the expansion of our universe and sheds light on cosmological riddles, including the expansion rate.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

Neoadjuvant atezolizumab in combination with cisplatin/pemetrexed and as maintenance for resectable pleural mesothelioma meets safety criteria

Research presented at the IASLC 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer found that neoadjuvant cisplatin and pemetrexed plus atezolizumab followed by surgical resection and maintenance atezolizumab met safety criteria for patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma. Sixty percent of eligible patients proceeded to maintenance therapy.

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

World-leading pharma collaborates call for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal articles

Pharmaceutical companies in the Open Pharma collaboration recommend developing plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical research articles. The summaries should be understandable, unbiased, non-promotional, and easily accessible. This move aims to make medical publishing more open and inclusive for all audiences.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2021

Linking US prescription drug prices to those paid in other nations could cut costs in half

A new RAND Corporation study models likely savings from legislative proposal to adopt reference pricing, which could reduce US spending on prescription drugs by at least half. The study found that caps on prices set at 120% of what is paid in six other nations could lower US spending on insulins and 50 top brand-name drugs by 52%, savi...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Treatment with gene therapy of a new rat model of Morquio A, a disease with severe skeletal dysplasia and cartilage deterioration

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Medicaid expansion tied to improvements in blood pressure, glucose control

A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Do family members understand the end-of-life wishes of patients on chronic dialysis?

A study found that many family members of patients with kidney failure on chronic dialysis lack a clear understanding of their end-of-life wishes. Despite having spoken with the patient about treatment preferences, fewer than one-third had discussed specific aspects of care, such as hospice or mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 10, 2021

When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics

Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

The mystery of the flexible shell

A team of researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute has discovered that the brachiopod shell can become extremely soft in water due to the absorption of liquid, allowing it to be folded without breaking. The transformation is reversible, and the shell returns to its hard state upon drying.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2021

Only a minority of those with alcohol use disorders receives medication

A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021