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Science News Archive September 2021 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

NIH-funded study shows screening device accurately detects amblyopia (lazy eye)

A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021

First reported case of anthrax in wildlife in the Namib Desert: Infected zebra most likely causes death of three cheetahs

A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that three free-ranging cheetahs in the Namib Desert died after feeding on a mountain zebra infected with anthrax. The study highlights previously unknown risks to cheetah populations in the desert.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Study: Whether journalists who left jobs chose to or were laid off predicts physical, emotional reaction

A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2021

Prevalence of spatial neglect prompts call for screening survivors of right and left brain strokes

A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2021

Experimental drug development approach points to better targeted therapies for treatment-resistant leukemia

Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 27, 2021

0.75 Gbit/s key distribution with mode-shift keying chaos synchronization

Researchers propose a novel key distribution scheme based on mode-shift keying chaos synchronization to overcome limitations of laser transition time, achieving 0.7503 Gbit/s rate with high security. The method uses Fabry-Perot lasers and random drive source to generate chaotic waveforms, which are then quantized to produce random bits.

New world record in materials research - X-ray microscopy with 1000 tomograms per second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

The earlier, the better

A team of researchers from FAU has investigated the timing of treatment in autoimmune diseases and found that early intervention can have a major impact on disease progression. By targeting B cells, which produce autoantibodies and influence other immune cells, researchers were able to prevent or delay severe organ damage.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournaliScience·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2021

Late Pleistocene humans may have hatched and raised cassowary chicks

An international team of scientists suggests that early humans in New Guinea collected cassowary eggs near maturity and then raised the birds to adulthood, with evidence supporting this behavior dating back 18,000 years. The researchers used eggshells to determine the developmental stage of ancient embryos/chicks when the eggs cracked.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2021

Reducing tropical cyclone impacts: The double benefit of climate protection through both limiting and delaying global warming

Researchers found that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius can postpone severe tropical cyclone impacts to the late second half of the century when there are fewer people at risk. Delaying warming can reduce exposed populations in countries like Japan, China, and the Korean peninsula.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2021

Anti-seizure medication improves cognitive function in some Alzheimer’s patients

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that levetiracetam improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients with epileptic activity, particularly those under 65 when symptoms began. The study demonstrated a clear benefit from the medication for this subtype of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2021

Parental income has long-term consequences for children’s health

A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

Women with diabetes less likely to receive comprehensive cardiovascular prevention than men, international study finds

An international study involving almost 10,000 patients with type 2 diabetes found that women are less likely to reach recommended treatment targets for cardiovascular prevention, such as statins and blood pressure medications. However, women were less likely to experience adverse cardiovascular outcomes apart from stroke.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 26, 2021