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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 108


Page 108 of 448

SuperAger brains contain ‘super neurons’

Researchers found significantly larger neurons in the brain's memory region of SuperAgers compared to cognitively average peers, individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and younger individuals. These larger neurons were spared from tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting they may maintain structural integrity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022

Horrible bosses cause ‘race to the bottom’ - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that hostile behavior from leaders can lead to co-workers adopting similar behavior, creating a toxic workplace environment. The research also discovered an association between experiencing hostile behavior and emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and abusive peer behavior.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2022

Ultrasmall VN/Co heterostructure with optimized N active sites anchored in N-doped graphitic nanocarbons for boosting hydrogen evolution

Researchers developed an ultrasmall VN/Co heterostructure anchored in N-doped graphitic nanocarbons, achieving high current density and durability. The hybrid structure showed improved HER activity and stability, offering a novel strategy for industrial super-stable catalysts.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateSep 30, 2022

Texas tech scientists explore ability to adapt and survive

Researchers studied lamprey, an ancient fish that can live in freshwater and seawater, to understand how animals adapted to freshwater habitats. They discovered a hormone similar to prolactin that regulates salt transport proteins, enabling the lamprey's survival in freshwater.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2022

Metastable states of floating crystals

Scientists at the University of Liège have successfully manipulated the shape and symmetry of floating crystals by navigating between metastable states. The researchers used two experimental techniques: applying a horizontal magnetic field to induce deformation or controlling the growth of an assembly using thermocapillary fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 30, 2022

Targeted reimbursement: A just price for CO2

The study identifies households with high energy expenditures as the most affected groups, which should receive direct transfers for compensation. Cash payments to all households combined with moderate support for renewable energies can achieve a socially just solution, lowering energy prices and reducing hardship cases.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2022

Why do some kids take bigger risks than others?

A new study from Boston University's Social Development and Learning Lab reveals that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds take bigger risks in certain situations due to their environment. The research, led by Professor Peter Blake, suggests that children are rationally choosing risk when it makes sense in their circumstances.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022

Research reveals quantitative and high-resolution pressure functions of pressure-sensitive material

A team at Nagoya University has created a new type of mechanochromic material, fluorenylidene-acridane (FA), which changes color in response to mechanical pressure. The material's unique properties allow it to be quantitatively analyzed, enabling the measurement of its color change and structural changes with high spatial resolution.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateSep 30, 2022

New data reveals severe impact of European contact with Pacific islands

Researchers found population declines were much larger than previously thought, with Tonga's main island experiencing a decline of 70-86% after European contact. The study used aerial laser scanning data and archaeological records to estimate the pre-contact population size, which was significantly higher than previous estimates.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 30, 2022

Imaging electrochemiluminescence layer to dissect concentration-dependent light intensity for accurate quantitative analysis

Researchers developed a microwire-based platform to visualize and quantify the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) layer in real-time. By varying the concentration ratio of Ru(bpy)3+ to TPrA, they observed an apparent extension of the ECL layer, revealing the significant contribution of the catalytic route to ECL intensity.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateSep 30, 2022

‘Love hormone’ revealed to have heart healing properties

Researchers discover that oxytocin stimulates stem cells to migrate and develop into cardiomyocytes in zebrafish and human cell cultures. This could lead to the regeneration of damaged hearts after a heart attack. The study found that oxytocin also activates EpiPCs, which can replenish lost cardiomyocytes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2022

Machine learning may enable bioengineering of the most abundant enzyme on the planet

A Newcastle University study has developed a machine learning tool that can predict the performance properties of land plant Rubisco proteins with high accuracy. This prediction will enable researchers to identify and engineer 'supercharged' Rubisco proteins that can increase atmospheric CO2 uptake and store in crops such as wheat.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2022

Combined oral contraceptives don't increase the risk of macromastia in young women

Researchers found that using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) during adolescence may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. COCs did not seem to affect the severity of breast enlargement, and there was no significant difference in the rate of breast regrowth between patients who used or didn't use COC...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 29, 2022

Race and ethnicity influence end-of-life care for Medicare patients with dementia

A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

Research led by UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center tests cost-effective approach to early-cancer detection from cell-free DNA in blood samples

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel, cost-effective approach to detect cancer at its early stages using cell-free DNA in blood samples. Their method, cfMethyl-seq, has shown high accuracy and potential for accurate early diagnosis of certain cancers from a single blood test.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Researchers develop non-invasive blood glucose monitoring process

A new non-invasive blood glucose monitoring process was developed by researchers at Kennesaw State University, which can accurately measure blood glucose levels without taking a sample. The GlucoCheck process uses light and camera technology to capture images of the skin and determine blood glucose concentration with 90% accuracy.

SourceKennesaw State University·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Elastic nozzles could create more stable liquid jets

Researchers found that softer nozzle materials produce more stable jets across a wide range of flow rates, enabling users to control the breakup length and hit targets more accurately. This is achieved through the use of passively-deforming nozzles, which can deform as liquids pass through them.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateSep 29, 2022

For the longest time: Quantum computing engineers set new standard in silicon chip performance

A team of researchers at UNSW Sydney has broken new ground by proving that 'spin qubits' can hold information for up to two milliseconds, a significant improvement over previous benchmarks. By extending the coherence time, they enable more efficient quantum operations and better maintain information during calculations.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Risk of urban tree falls is influenced by building height and neighborhood age, Brazilian study shows

A Brazilian study of 26,616 tree falls in São Paulo found that building height and neighborhood age are key factors influencing the risk of tree failure. Sidewalk width and tree height were also found to be significant variables. The research provides valuable insights for urban planning and tree management in the city.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateSep 29, 2022

RCSI study shows birth weight could help identify children at higher risk of psychological issues

A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.

SourceRCSI·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 2022

Gut bacteria may contribute to susceptibility to HIV infection, UCLA-led research suggests

Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study identifies hundreds of hospitals on Atlantic and Gulf coasts at risk of flooding from hurricanes

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts are at risk of flooding from Category 1-4 storms, with sea level rise expected to increase this risk by 22% this century. The study highlights the need for coastal hospitals to prepare for greater risks in the future.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2022

Researchers develop screening tool to aid early diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers developed a universal screening tool for IPF that can alert primary care physicians to its possible presence, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Zero-burden Co-Morbidity Risk Score for IPF (ZCoR-IPF) algorithm uses existing patient records to identify patients at risk of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2022

Ben-Gurion University scientist resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research

A team of researchers, led by Prof. Ehud Pines, has confirmed his theory that a proton moves through water in trains of three water molecules, contradicting the long-held Grotthuss Mechanism. This breakthrough resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Modelling the use of Beta Radiation in cancer treatment

Researchers compare Monte Carlo simulations and Loevinger formula for beta radiation dosimetry in cancer treatment, finding the latter to be a quick yet accurate method. The study suggests using the Loevinger formula as a basis for dosimetry software in simple geometries.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateSep 29, 2022

In vivo self-assembled siRNA as a modality for combination therapy of ulcerative colitis

A new study developed a synthetic biology strategy for delivering siRNAs through small extracellular vesicles, alleviating intestinal inflammation and exerting synergistic effects against ulcerative colitis. The approach offers an attractive option for combination therapy and holds promise for treating autoimmune diseases.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Disarming the body’s defenders

A study published in Science reveals that tumor cells with a specific mutation release a chemical metabolite that weakens nearby immune cells, rendering them less capable of killing cancer cells. The findings highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer growth and provide insights into developing targeted therapi...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2022