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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 132


Page 132 of 448

Cowbird chicks do best with two warbler nest mates – not four, not zero, study finds

A new study reveals that Brown-headed cowbird chicks thrive when paired with two Prothonotary Warbler nestlings, while performing poorly with four or no nestmates. This strategic advantage is attributed to the cowbirds' ability to outcompete and manipulate their host environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022

Where do high-energy particles that endanger satellites, astronauts and airplanes come from?

Scientists Luca Comisso and Lorenzo Sironi used supercomputers to simulate the origin of high-energy particles in turbulent environments like the sun's atmosphere. Their research provides a clear pattern of when and how these particles form, paving the way for more accurate predictions of space weather events.

SourceColumbia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2022

Keep the beat!

Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateSep 13, 2022

Women’s mental well-being more sensitive to exercise than men’s during different stages of pandemic

A recent study by Binghamton University researchers found that women's mental health is more affected by physical exercise frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic. High exercise frequency often resulted in high levels of mental distress in women, contrasting with men, where frequent exercise was advantageous. The study suggests that wom...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNutrients·DateSep 13, 2022

Study quantifies impact of human activity on Atlantic Rainforest’s carbon storage capacity

The study quantifies the impact of human activity on the Atlantic Rainforest's carbon storage capacity, highlighting that forest degradation leads to significant losses and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts are crucial to reverse these effects and protect the biome's carbon stocks.

Chinese Medical Journal review sheds light on protein drug target for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A review article suggests that retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) may be a potential target for clinical intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study highlights the importance of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including its role in inducing hepatic de novo lipogenesis and impairing fatty acid oxidation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2022

Immuno-oncology treatment pre-surgery safe and effective option for localized non-small cell lung cancer

A new study led by Ohio State University researchers found that atezolizumab is a safe and effective treatment option for stage IB-IIIB non-small cell lung cancer patients prior to surgery, with survival rates reaching 80% at three years post-treatment. The study also identified new blood markers that can help predict treatment response.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022

Specific sequence of drugs reduces cost of treating metastatic breast cancer while preserving quality of life

Researchers found that a specific sequence of drugs can reduce overall costs and improve the value of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer, while minimizing side effects. The study's results suggest that treatment sequencing approaches that minimize costs early may improve the value of care.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2022

Significant increase in suicide rates in women and younger age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found a significant increase in suicide rates among women and younger age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Excess suicide deaths for men and women were recorded, with sub-group analyses revealing a positive correlation between increased mortality and specific age ranges.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

New approach to correct systematic errors in bottle data of ocean temperature

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics develop a correction method for Nansen cast temperature profiles, addressing a depth bias affecting global ocean warming assessments. The new approach has significant implications for understanding ocean warming rates and achieving better climate understanding.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateSep 13, 2022

Brothers and sisters shape character less than thought

A large-scale study of over 80,000 adults from nine countries found no systematic relationship between sibling gender and personality traits such as risk-taking or emotional stability. The results suggest that siblings have a limited influence on personality development in adulthood.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

Counting cravings for coffee and soft drinks

A study by Flinders University found that stronger cravings for coffee and soft drinks are associated with increased consumption, especially for soft drinks. The study analyzed data from 128 participants aged 17-25 years old and found that water was the most craved beverage but not necessarily consumed more.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEating Behaviors·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Crops grown together cooperate better in just two generations

Researchers found that crops bred for single-species systems rapidly adapt to growing alongside multiple species, leading to increased cooperation and productivity. The study suggests breeding plants to grow in mixed-species plots may improve yields and reduce the need for fertilizers and other harmful practices.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 13, 2022

Leipzig hematologists research rare forms of blood cancer

Researchers at Leipzig University Hospital's Clinic and Polyclinic for Hematology discovered two new forms of rare blood cancers, including a molecular mechanism in T-lymphocytes that augments the response to incoming cell signals. The findings have significant implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2022

Revealing one of the mechanisms by which thyroid cancer becomes resistant to lenvatinib-a molecularly targeted drug

A study found that activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling pathway is involved in lenvatinib resistance in thyroid cancer cells. Inhibition of EGFR by lapatinib therapy in combination with lenvatinib enhanced growth inhibitory effect and inhibited tumor growth more remarkably than monotherapy.

SourceShinshu University·JournalCancer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022

Reaching national electric vehicle goal unlikely by 2030 without lower prices, better policy

A new study from Indiana University warns that the US is unlikely to reach its national goal of 50% plug-in electric vehicle penetration by 2030 unless electric vehicles become more affordable. The study suggests that lower prices and better policy are needed to stimulate consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles.

SourceIndiana University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2022

Researchers identify how science can help cities and companies to operate within Earth system limits

Researchers identified seven key knowledge gaps to help cities and businesses operate within Earth system limits, including developing common procedures and science-based targets. The report highlights the need for alignment of targets across domains to avoid tipping points and ensure a social justice dimension.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 13, 2022

Nature vs. Laboratory: The differences between experimental evolution and natural adaptation

A new study finds that lab adaptation involves mutations to highly conserved proteins, but natural adaptation exhibits more complex patterns, including non-conservation within functional domains. Lab conditions differ significantly from natural environments with variable and changing selective pressures.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2022

Tumor-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells influence early-stage lung cancer biology, immunotherapy responses

A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.

Tighter gestational diabetes control good for babies

A large study found that tighter gestational diabetes control reduced serious health problems and deaths in newborns, while increasing health risks for mothers. However, the exact causes of these increased risks remain unexplained, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2022

Erotophilia and sexual sensation–seeking are good predictors of engagement with sex robots, according to new research

A study by Simon Dubé examines the personality traits of people willing to engage with sex robots, revealing that erotophilia, sexual sensation-seeking, and enthusiasm for new experiences are key drivers. The research highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to cater to a female customer base as technology improves and becomes more ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Building better quantum sensors

The new approach takes advantage of the way defects in diamonds or semiconductors behave like qubits, amplifying the information stored in solid-state defects. This discovery offers a significant improvement in sensitivity for quantum sensors measuring magnetic fields, temperature changes, and molecular structures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPRX Quantum·DateSep 13, 2022

The rates of unique names increased in Japan over the 40 years from the 1980s: long-term analysis of baby names published in municipality newsletters

A new study analyzing baby names from municipality newsletters found rising trends of individualism in Japan, with unique names increasing from the 1980s to 2018. The research suggests a cultural shift towards greater uniqueness and independence.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

Walk then sit: A scientific recipe that helps babies stop crying

A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2022

This fungus shrinks in size to better infect the brain

Scientists at University of Utah Health discovered that a fungus that causes fungal meningitis shrinks in size to better infect the brain. The 'seed' cells, which are smaller and have unique features, can colonize other organs and spread infection. Research suggests that phosphate may trigger this transformation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022