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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 151


Page 151 of 448

New evidence shows planting around school playgrounds protects children from air pollution

A new study published in Scientific Reports shows that selectively planting vegetation between roads and playgrounds can cut toxic air pollution reaching school children. Western red cedar tredges were found to be most effective at capturing particulate matter, with almost half of black carbon and 46% of fine particles eliminated.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Neuronal back-up system discovered

A study at MedUni Vienna identified a glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle system as an essential back-up in neurons, ensuring sufficient energy supply even when one regulatory system fails. The system follows a hierarchy, with deployment triggered by the failure of other two mechanisms to function adequately.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 26, 2022

Tracking small-scale fishers

Researchers gauged small-scale fishers' willingness to use vessel tracking systems, finding that safety functionality and ownership of data were key factors. In a survey of 211 fishers, 67% were willing to pay for the technology, while those citing corruption as their main problem were more likely to participate if paid.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateAug 26, 2022

Economical PEF production

A new titanium-based photocatalyst overcomes production inefficiencies in polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a biobased plastic replacement for PET. The catalyst increases efficiency by shifting light absorption to the visible range, reducing unwanted byproducts and requiring less UV light.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Pediatric cardiologists uncover possible cause of racial disparity affecting congenital heart disease

A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Diversity is everyone’s responsibility: Researchers outline a path to representation in cancer clinical trials

Researchers outline a five-step approach to increase racial representation in cancer clinical trials through DRIVE: Diversity officer, Ranking of clinical studies, Individual diversity plan, Verification, and Training. This can lead to more inclusive and individualized treatment for diverse patient populations.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateAug 25, 2022

‘Dangerous’ and ‘extremely dangerous’ heat stress to become more common by 2100

A new study predicts that record-breaking heat waves will become more frequent in places like North America and Europe by 2100. The research suggests that even if countries meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 2°C, dangerous heat stress could double by 2100 in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

New study demonstrates clinical and financial impact of patient exposure to ill healthcare worker in long-term care facility

A Japanese study found that a single ill healthcare worker caused respiratory infections among 17 patients, resulting in $12,324 in medical costs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing presenteeism and its impact on patient safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles highlight the potential of nanotechnology to detect clinically useful biomolecules

Recent studies in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis highlight innovative nanosensors for efficient biomolecular detection, including rutin, paracetamol, and hypochlorite. These advancements enable high sensitivity and reliability in clinical samples, paving the way for improved patient care.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait

Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Trapping heat like black holes

Scientists discovered a mechanism to generate asymmetric temperature profiles without dynamic modulation, allowing for the imitated advection of heat. This phenomenon enables thermal trapping like that observed in black holes, with potential applications in waste heat recovery and thermal funneling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 25, 2022

New research demonstrates how maternal fat metabolism very early in pregnancy and fetal abdominal growth influence child weight and adiposity by 2 years of age.

A new study found patterns of fetal abdominal growth associated with maternal lipid metabolites that track newborn growth, adiposity, and development into childhood. The study monitored over 3,500 babies from birth to 2 years of age, providing insights into the complex interaction between maternal and fetal nutrition early in pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

Glowing tags reveal split-second activity of pathogenic circuitry

Researchers at Rice University have created a new optical tool called homo-FRET that allows them to observe the real-time activity of two-component systems in bacteria. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of deadly pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential targe...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Pandemic response in Mayotte: How approaches need to be adapted to local community needs

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Mayotte, with over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases causing interruptions in work and healthcare services. The island's unique socioeconomic vulnerability and communication challenges affected the surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Miniaturized high-performance filter capacitor based on structurally integrated carbon tube grids

A new type of filter capacitor is developed using structurally integrated carbon tube grids, achieving high frequency response performance and volumetric capacitance. The capacitors are expected to be used in electronic circuits for AC line-filtering, providing a solution to the limitations of traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

New nanophotonic coating could aid thermal management and counter-surveillance efforts

Researchers have developed a new nanophotonic coating that can effectively manage body temperature without the need for external energy sources. The coating, which is transparent to visible light and infrared radiation, has been shown to provide a 15°C higher heating effect than commercial clothing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 25, 2022

Study shows a single cover crop can outperform mixtures

A recent study found that a single high-performing cover crop can effectively suppress weeds, even surpassing the benefits of mixtures containing multiple species. The research demonstrated that monoculture cover crops, such as buckwheat and oat, outperformed average mixtures in terms of productivity and weed suppression.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Climate change: Australian bushfires linked to largest stratospheric warming recorded in three decades

A study published in Scientific Reports found that Australian bushfires contributed to the highest recorded temperature in the lower stratosphere since the early 1990s. The smoke aerosols emitted by the fires led to a significant increase in stratospheric temperatures, with a modelled temperature spike of around 0.65 degrees Celsius.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 2022

Concordia researchers present a blueprint for building green

A new paper from Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute outlines the challenges and realities of sustainable real estate development. The study identifies key stakeholders and building life-cycle processes to reduce carbon footprint. Cities can use municipal policies and incentives, such as fast-track zoning and densit...

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainability·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

Chinese researchers identify new molecular targets into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Researchers have identified Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) as a key regulator in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IGF2BP2 overexpression was found to induce liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury in healthy mice, while knockdown improved NASH pathogenesis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Study uncovers differences in saliva bacteria of students with recent suicidal thoughts August 25, 2022

Researchers discovered a significant difference in saliva bacteria between college students who reported recent suicidal thoughts and those without. Students with recent suicidal ideation had higher levels of bacteria associated with inflammatory health conditions and lower levels of Alloprevotella rava, which promotes brain health.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Lost islands cited in Welsh folklore and poetry are plausible - new study of coastal geography and a medieval map

A new study of coastal geography and a medieval map proposes that two islands in Cardigan Bay, Wales, which are no longer exist, could have come into existence and disappeared due to erosion. The research, published in Atlantic Geosciences, suggests the islands may be remnants of a low-lying landscape underlain by soft glacial deposits.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAtlantic Geoscience·DateAug 25, 2022

A perfect trap for light

A team of researchers from TU Wien and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a 'light trap' that absorbs light perfectly in thin layers. This method uses mirrors and lenses to steer the light beam into a circle and then superimpose it on itself, preventing the light from escaping.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

These neurons have food on the brain

A study from MIT neuroscientists has identified a population of neurons in the visual cortex that respond to images of food. The researchers found four previously known populations and a fifth, more surprising population that appears to be selective for food images. This finding may reflect the special importance of food in human culture.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 25, 2022