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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 22


Page 22 of 33

Childhood trauma increases risk of opioid abuse

A new study found that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for prescription opioid misuse among young adults. Participants who reported four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly three times more likely to be at risk for opioid misuse, with a 13% higher likelihood compared to those with zero to three ACEs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateDec 9, 2021

Dinosaur faces and feet may have popped with color

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that extinct dinosaurs expressed bright colors on their beaks, legs, and around their eyes. The researchers analyzed data from living bird species and found a 50% chance that the common ancestor of birds and extinct dinosaurs had bright colors in its soft tissues.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEvolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Making childbirth safer in Indonesia

The Safe Childbirth Checklist, adapted for local needs, increased communication of danger signs, improved baby feeding practices, and reduced stillbirth rates in Indonesian health facilities. The study suggests that long-term adherence to the tool requires continued support for midwives.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2021

Large future changes in climate variability

The study found that climate change impacts are apparent in nearly all aspects of climate variability, including temperature extremes, precipitation patterns, and ecosystem changes. These changes have important implications for sustainable resource management and future adaptation strategies.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalEarth System Dynamics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Towards quantum states of sound

A team of researchers at Imperial College London has generated and observed non-Gaussian states of high-frequency sound waves comprising over a trillion atoms. This breakthrough makes important strides towards generating macroscopic quantum states that will enable future quantum internet components to be developed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 9, 2021

Stopping arthritis before it starts

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a stem cell-based bio-implant to repair cartilage and delay joint degeneration. The Plurocart implant successfully integrates into damaged articular cartilage tissue and survives for up to six months.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

LSU Health contributes to research suggesting late-onset retinal degeneration mechanism and potential Rx

A study led by LSU Health found how late-onset retinal degeneration develops and identified a surprising potential therapeutic, metformin. The research suggests that an enzyme called AMPK activates the protein CTRP5 to regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy stability.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Environmentally sustainable diet linked to health benefits

A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceLund University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 9, 2021

Modern slavery still not a priority for one in five Australian businesses

New research from UniSA finds that confusion, lack of knowledge and disinterest are hindering businesses' progress in addressing modern slavery. The study provides a framework to help companies improve their approaches, but warns that without effective measures, global efforts to stop modern slavery will be unlikely to succeed.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe British Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Study estimates that more than half of US hospitals not in compliance with new pricing disclosure rules in first five months

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that over half of US hospitals failed to comply with new pricing disclosure rules, despite 75% compliance in some regions and states. Hospitals' decisions on compliance were linked to peer hospital performance and health IT preparedness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 9, 2021

A diet rich in plant-based products reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly

A study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found a significant association between dietary polyphenols from plant-based foods and reduced cognitive impairment risk. The research analyzed the metabolism of dietary components, intestinal microbiota, and endogenous metabolism in relation to cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2021

Ultra-thin 3D lensless fiber endoscopy using diffractive optical elements and deep neural networks

Researchers have developed a new method for 3D imaging without distal optics, enabling high-resolution endomicroscopy with diameters below 0.5 millimeters. The approach uses diffractive optical elements to compensate phase distortions in fiber bundles, allowing for robust and low-cost medical imaging.

‘Super trees’ may help save Houston … and beyond

A new study ranks live oaks and American sycamores as champions among 17 "super trees" that can mitigate air pollution and climate change in urban areas. The research provides a three-part framework for selecting suitable trees, identifying high-impact planting sites, and engaging with community leadership to make the project a reality.

SourceRice University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Family-centered nutrition influences diet behaviors for children with autism

Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Preventing extreme polarization of political attitudes

A new study suggests that strictly limiting exposure to dissimilar views could be an effective mechanism for avoiding rapid polarization. Another interesting finding is that a small amount of self-interest can dramatically reduce polarization.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Breast cancer classified into 12 unique biological groups

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel way to classify breast cancers into 12 distinct biological groups using both genetic and pathologic data. This classification method has the potential to aid future research efforts and enable faster translation of molecular findings into clinical use.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Coping with schizophrenia, when emotions can be too much

People with schizophrenia struggle to regulate their emotions as negative feelings intensify, unlike healthy individuals who employ coping strategies at higher emotional states. Researchers found that those with schizophrenia tend to be less likely to engage in emotion regulation efforts when emotions are extremely high.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateDec 8, 2021

Study outlines ways to help children learn forgiveness

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that teaching children to understand others' perspectives can make it easier for them to forgive. Children are more likely to forgive someone who has apologized and is part of their in-group. The study also highlights the importance of helping kids develop Theory of Mind skills...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

More women on company boards will lead to lower risk-taking and better outcomes

Research by Åbo Akademi University found that companies with more women on their boards tend to make fewer high-risk corporate acquisitions and are more willing to write down goodwill for unsuccessful deals. This suggests that female representation can lead to a more conservative approach to risk-taking and improved financial governance.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalJournal of Management & Governance·DateDec 8, 2021

The strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv can be widely used for transient expression and stable transformation of both herbaceous and woody plants

Researchers developed a strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv that shows no harmful effects on plant biological processes, enabling the monitoring of gene expression and protein localization in diverse organisms. This technique allows for efficient, convenient transformation with real-time visualization in various plant species.

Experimental compound, which has received orphan drug and pediatric rare disease designations from the FDA, displays effectiveness in treating symptoms of Autism and Alzheimer’s disease

An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2021

Prescribing the abortion pill without restrictions is safe and effective: UBC-led study

A UBC-led study found no increase in abortion-related health complications after Canada removed mifepristone restrictions. The study examined 315,000 abortions in Ontario between 2012 and 2020 and showed that abortion continued to be safe and effective with mifepristone prescribed without restrictions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021