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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 159


Page 159 of 448

Compost to computer: Bio-based materials used to salvage rare earth elements

Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Out-of-pocket cost of naloxone may keep may uninsured from using life-saving treatment

A RAND Corporation study found that the out-of-pocket cost of naloxone increased by more than 500% for those without health insurance, while decreasing for those with coverage. The high cost may be a significant barrier to naloxone adoption among the uninsured, highlighting the need for policymakers to address financial barriers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Opening the black box of late neurodevelopment

A team of scientists has created the first detailed map of embryonic movements in C. elegans, showing a slow-wave twitch phase before hatching that depends on neuronal activity. The study used innovative imaging techniques and computational tools to track the embryo's movements, revealing new insights into neurodevelopment.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Deep brain stimulation to brain area linked to reward and motivation is potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression, study finds

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...

Study: New model for predicting belief change

A new predictive network model estimates how much dissonance people experience when holding conflicting beliefs about a topic. This approach can help determine who will change their minds about contentious scientific issues when presented with evidence-based information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2022

Sweet sap, savory ants

Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Shark depredation impacts support for shark conservation

A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

New heat-tolerant, high-capacity capacitor created with solid electrolytes borrowed from all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a thermally stable bulk-type all-solid-state capacitor with a highly deformable oxide solid electrolyte. This innovation enables high current densities and high-capacity charging/discharging at temperatures up to 300°C, opening doors for high-temperature applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Transplant candidates’ thoughts about tradeoffs of shorter wait time for lower quality kidneys

A recent study suggests that many patients on the transplant waitlist would accept lower quality kidneys in exchange for a shorter waiting time. The research identifies three patient-preference classes, with some respondents willing to accept increases in waiting time for small improvements in kidney quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 19, 2022

Complex patterns: building a bridge from the large to the small

Researchers develop a new coarse-graining approach that enables the prediction of patterns on small scales, reducing complexity by focusing on total densities of particles. The model is applied to the Min protein system, which controls cell division in bacteria, and experimental results confirm theoretical predictions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022

In new study in The Crop Journal, scientists develop cutting edge vascular system image analysis pipeline for crops

A team of researchers developed a deep learning pipeline to analyze vascular system images of plants with high accuracy. The pipeline can detect vascular bundles, identify specific zones, and perform statistical analysis of traits in different stem internodes. This study has the potential to improve crop resilience and food security.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Unlocking cell nucleus behaviors

The discovery reveals that the nucleus deforms like a liquid drop, preserving its shape and protecting its genome. This understanding may lead to new approaches for treating cancer by aiding cell nuclei in regaining their normal shapes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 18, 2022

Food production impacting Earth and its natural processes

New research reveals that food production is a major stressor on the planet, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. The study identifies key interactions between Earth system processes, such as green water and nutrient runoff, which must be considered in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture policies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

COVID OUT clinical trial suggests metformin effective at reducing odds of serious outcomes for COVID-19 patients seeking early treatment

The study found that metformin lowers the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or death due to COVID-19 by over 40 percent. Metformin also showed a significant reduction in serious outcomes when prescribed early in the onset of symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

Reduction in brain tissue oxygenation placing older adults with multiple health conditions at risk of faints and falls

A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Study first to explore ‘walking’ sharks on the move in early life stages

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers compared the walking and swimming behaviors of neonate and juvenile epaulette sharks. Contrary to expectations, results showed that differences in body shape did not alter kinematics between early life stages, suggesting a consistent locomotor performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

The simultaneous study of both workload distribution and division of labor

A new paper in The Quarterly Review of Biology reviews studies on workload distribution and division of labor to better understand individual differences in cooperation. The authors argue that integrating collective action and offspring care literatures could lead to a deeper understanding of these factors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2022

A novel drug suppresses muscle inflammation and restores muscle weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found a novel GLP-1R agonist, PF1801, that can suppress muscle inflammation and restore muscle strength in patients with polymyositis. The study suggests PF1801 could be used to treat patients with muscle wasting disease and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory myopathies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·DateAug 18, 2022

New method enables long-lasting imaging of rapid brain activity in individual cells deep in the cortex

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new sensor that allows neuroscientists to image brain activity without missing signals, for an extended time and deeper in the brain than previously possible. The sensor uses genetically-encoded voltage indicators to capture fast brain signals while identifying specific cell types.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Dentists should give antibiotics to high-risk patients to help prevent life-threatening heart infection

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that giving antibiotics to those at high risk of developing a life-threatening heart infection significantly reduces their risk. Current UK guidelines against routine use of antibiotics for these patients may be putting them at unnecessary extra risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status

A study at University of Jyväskylä found that recreational runners who trained based on their recovery status improved their 10 km running time by twice as much as those in a traditional program. This approach reduced the risk of low training response and showed better performance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 18, 2022