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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 119


Page 119 of 448

Novel method to predict behavior of different COVID-19 waves in the vaccinated or previously infected

Researchers developed a faster, more affordable method to analyze serological data and predict COVID-19 wave behavior. The study showed that vaccination boosted immunity, with hybrid immunity producing higher protection levels. Antibody levels rose quickly after the first dose, especially in cities where case numbers were highest.

Climate change is making lakes less blue

A new study finds that climate change may decrease the percentage of blue lakes worldwide, leading to shifts in lake water color and ecosystem health. The research uses satellite images to determine a global inventory of lake colors, finding that green-brown lakes are more widespread than previously thought.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 22, 2022

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption blasted vast quantities of water vapor into the stratosphere

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption injected at least 50 million metric tons of water vapor directly into the stratosphere, potentially increasing global stratospheric water vapor by more than 5%. This unprecedented event could lead to changes in atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, including stratospheric cooling and surface warming.

Shocking paint – let’s get cell in

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel polymer-based solution that enables easy delivery of large molecules to cells. By applying hypertonic solutions, they can induce osmotic stress and relax the cell membrane, allowing for precise control over molecule transfer.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateSep 22, 2022

Substance use disorder treatment during COVID-19

Researchers analyzed changes in substance use disorder treatment admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing significant disparities by sex and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches to address these inequities and ensure equitable access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 2022

Teams of sperm swim more smoothly against the current

A recent study found that sperm clustering in viscoelastic fluid offers three biological benefits: reduced direction changes, improved alignment, and increased safety from strong flows. This research may inform studies on infertility and provide better selection of sperm for assisted-reproduction technologies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Pin-prick blood test identifies immunity to COVID-19

A finger-prick blood test developed by Cardiff University researchers can identify individuals most at risk of being reinfected with COVID-19. The test measures T cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2 and shows those with a stronger response are best protected from the virus.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

The greatest increase in animal species in the history of the Earth can help us understand and control ocean deoxygenation

A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment found that stable oxygen levels in the ocean, rather than high oxygen levels alone, triggered the greatest increase in animal species in Earth's history. This discovery may help scientists preserve marine ecosystems and understand how to control ocean deoxygenation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Modulating MoSe2 functional plane via doping-defect engineering strategy to develop conductive and electrocatalytic mediators in Li-S batteries

Researchers developed a conductive and electrocatalytic mediator for Li-S batteries by modulating the MoSe2 functional plane through doping-defect engineering. This approach improves lithium polysulfide adsorption, reducing the shuttle effect and enhancing overall battery performance.

Clarifying the chaos of narwhal behavior

Long-term monitoring data reveals previously undetected diurnal patterns in narwhal behavior, including changes in surface activity and diving patterns influenced by sea ice and squid migration. The study's method can be applied to assess the challenges faced by narwhals and other Arctic animals due to climate change.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2022

Aged neurons generated directly from skin more accurately model Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have successfully created dopaminergic neurons directly from the skin of patients with Parkinson's disease, preserving aged characteristics and cellular defects. This breakthrough allows for modeling PD-related neuronal defects in a larger cohort of patients, aiming to identify disease causes and potential therapies.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 22, 2022

New study shows higher death toll among Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria than reported following 2017 disaster

A new University of Toronto study finds an additional 514 deaths should be added to the official Hurricane Maria death toll due to displaced Puerto Ricans in the US. The study suggests undercounting and highlights the need for equitable disaster preparedness and cross-jurisdiction data sharing.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Balanced fertilization: a fulcrum for sustainable production of maize and rice in Africa

A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Global consortium study, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, aims to shed light on viruses’ impact on the brain

A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022

Anthropogenic air pollution more significant than desert dust

An international team found that more than 90% of fine aerosol particles detrimental to health and the climate originate from human-made sources. The study revealed high concentrations of nitrogen oxides, exceeding WHO guidelines, and linked air pollution to an annual excess mortality rate of 745 people per 100,000 in the region.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022

Discovering sirtuin longevity proteins in early branches of animal life

A study from University of California, Davis, and Harvard Medical School reveals multiple new sirtuins in early branching animals like jellyfish, sea sponges, and sea anemones. These proteins are involved in metabolism and DNA repair, playing a crucial role in the unique longevity strategies of these animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Distantly related viruses share self-assembly mechanism

Researchers have discovered that two distantly related RNA viruses perform chemical choreography in strikingly similar ways, forming a symmetrical icosahedral shell. This finding has potential applications in improving pharmaceutical delivery and engineering, as well as understanding protein folding mechanisms.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Awakening «dormant» cells to fight cancer

A team from UNIGE and HUG identified a protein regulation mechanism that reduces melanoma cells' capacity to adapt and resist treatment. They found that targeting this mechanism with an enzyme inhibitor reduces therapeutic resistance in all melanoma cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateSep 22, 2022

How to keep researchers safe in the field

A team of researchers developed a comprehensive guide to making fieldwork safer and more equitable for students from diverse backgrounds. The document addresses risks such as mobility challenges, cultural sensitivities, and structural inequality, providing resources for leaders to create inclusive teams.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Study findings suggest association between exposure to air pollution -- particularly in the first 5 years of life -- and alterations in brain structure

A study found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the first 5 years of life with altered white matter structural connectivity in children's brains. Exposure to fine particulate matter was also linked to changes in brain volume, particularly in preadolescents.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Researchers demonstrate chemically sensitive lidar method

Researchers have developed a chemically sensitive lidar method that can map and identify the composition of environments, augmenting human interactions and industrial processes. The new technique resolves chemical information by detecting sub-nanometer surface deformations due to photothermal absorption.

SourceOptica·DateSep 21, 2022

Chemical cocktail in skin summons disease-spreading mosquitoes

Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022