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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 102


Page 102 of 448

How money brings hunter-gatherers new choices

A decades-long study found that cash changed the Ju/’hoansi economy, allowing individuals to keep their earnings and fill their own needs. The study also revealed a decline in the traditional system of gifting and sharing, which had previously distributed possessions throughout communities.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2022

Discovery broadens scope of use of CRISPR gene editing

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new CRISPR-based therapy platform that can deliver cargo to a broader range of tissue and cell types, increasing its potential for treating various diseases. The platform achieves this by transforming the Cas-9 protein into a spherical nucleic acid and loading it with critical components.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2022

Microbes that cause cavities can form superorganisms able to ‘crawl’ and spread on teeth

Researchers discovered that cross-kingdom assemblages of bacteria and fungi can form superorganisms that colonize teeth, causing extensive tooth decay. These superorganisms exhibit enhanced surface adhesion, increased mechanical and antimicrobial tolerance, and unique mobility, moving at speeds similar to fibroblasts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Scientists shed light on COVID-19 booster dose effectiveness among the elderly in Japan

Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

How cattle ranchers in Brazil cope with weather shocks

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals how cattle ranchers in Brazil cope with weather shocks. The research found that ranchers make decisions based on rainfall patterns and anticipate extreme dry seasons by selling animals for slaughter or to confinement operations, which can decouple food sources from current weather.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022

Hackensack Meridian health doctor, bioethicist publishes surgery decision-making piece in New England Journal of Medicine

A Hackensack Meridian health doctor and bioethicist argues that surgeons' subjective assessments can lead to 'ableist' biases in patient treatment. The author proposes using algorithms to aid doctors in making more data-driven decisions, reducing assumptions about patients' quality of life.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2022

BU study: increasing mental health staffing may reduce suicides among veterans

A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that increasing mental health providers at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities likely reduced suicide-related events among veterans who recently returned from active service. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 veterans and found a significant reduction in su...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

How do female CEOs affect corporate environmental policies?

Researchers analyzed 351 Chinese firms from 2006 to 2019, finding that female CEOs were associated with environmentally sustainable policies. The presence of female directors on the board strengthened this relationship. These findings suggest women's leadership can promote social and environmental benefits for stakeholders.

SourceWiley·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateOct 5, 2022

How the smell of food can enable “time travel”

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 3D printed flavor-based cues can stimulate rich sensory accounts and strong emotional connections in older adults, recalling memories from their youth. This technology has potential applications for dementia care, allowing individuals to relive cherished moments through the power of smell.

SourceLancaster University·JournalHuman-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

As winters warm, nutrient pollution threatens 40% of US

As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Do attitudes and behaviors in response to stress impact the health of older people with diabetes?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who exhibit psychological resilience experience fewer hospitalizations, better physical functioning, and a lower likelihood of becoming frail. Psychological resilience also appears to mitigate aging-related concerns.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2022

Study links omega-3s to improved brain structure, cognition at midlife

A study published in Neurology found that eating omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline in midlife. The research, conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, suggests that even small amounts of omega-3s can have a significant impact on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Climate risks for Gulf of Mexico coral reefs spelled out in study

New research simulates climate warming and ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, finding that high emissions could lead to critically warm temperatures as early as 2050. Reducing emissions may delay this onset, giving coral conservation programs more time to adapt.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

Logging down the value chain raises future forest sustainability concerns

New research highlights how logging operations have shifted to lower-value components of forests over time, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and intergenerational access. The study suggests that policy interventions can influence management paradigms and shape the distribution of forest harvesting across the landscape.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2022

Mouthwashes may suppress SARS-CoV-2

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Petting dogs engages the social brain, according to neuroimaging

Researchers found that petting real dogs activates the prefrontal cortex more than stuffed animals, with increased brain activity each time interaction occurs. This effect persists after the dog is gone, suggesting a long-lasting impact of social bonding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

Multiple health benefits of b-type procyanidin-rich foods like chocolate and apples consumed in right amounts

Researchers found that B-type procyanidins induce hormesis in hemodynamic and metabolic responses, with optimal doses triggering improved cognitive functions and stress resistance. The study suggests a link between B-type procyanidin intake and CNS neurotransmitter receptor activation.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery methods

A new clinical trial found that the bionic pancreas device was more effective at maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range than standard-of-care management among people with type 1 diabetes. The device requires minimal user input and provides more automation, resulting in improved glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

RNA origami enables applications in synthetic biology

Researchers at Aarhus University use RNA origami sponges and CRISPR technology to regulate protein production levels and gene expression in bacteria and yeast. This approach generates stable, interactive molecules for synthetic biology-based regulation, enabling unique applications in industrial, diagnostic, and therapeutic fields.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Can paid parental leave help prevent newborn deaths?

A recent analysis published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that 6-week paid family leave in California saved 339 infant lives from 2004-2008. The study also revealed a significant reduction in post-neonatal mortality rates for infants with married mothers and boys.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 5, 2022

The "cellular" network

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

This new, more sustainable method for recycling lithium-ion batteries could help meet electric vehicle demand

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering use supercritical carbon dioxide to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process matches conventional extraction efficiency while using fewer chemicals and generating less secondary waste.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateOct 5, 2022

Promising medication for sleep apnoea

A new study from Flinders University has shown that reboxetine, previously used to treat depression, can reduce obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity. The study found that reboxetine alone reduces the number of sleep apnoea events per hour and improves oxygen levels.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022