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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 166


Page 166 of 448

Buck Institute scientists uncover a new role for blood-brain barrier in neuron function and damage

Researchers at Buck Institute discover that blood-brain barrier cells influence neuron function and can cause problems rather than just being protective. This finding opens up new avenues for therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Weird and wonderful world of fungi shaped by evolutionary bursts, study finds

Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that fungal diversity stems from evolutionary increases in multicellular complexity. The study found that fungal disparity has evolved episodically through time, with greater morphological variety emerging after the emergence of multicellular fungi and complex fruiting bodies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Thirdhand smoke exposures surpass health risk guideline levels

A new study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals that thirdhand smoke can exceed health risk guidelines, putting whole households at risk. The study found that concentrations of toxic chemicals in indoor environments where cigarettes have been smoked can lead to exposure through inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal absorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 15, 2022

Survey finds uneven training in cannabis therapy among cannabis dispensary staff

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that dispensaries often prioritize sales skills over cannabis therapeutics training, leading to a lack of reliable guidance for patients. The study's findings highlight the need for standardized training and education in cannabis therapy to ensure patients receive accurate information.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 15, 2022

DREADDful mimicry

Researchers successfully developed artificial replicas of GPCRs, allowing for controlled activation and replication of original functionality. The method enables precise modulation of immune cells' responses, holding promise for treating diseases targeted by GPCRs.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

The AABB releases clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 2022

Low school test scores linked to racial segregation and lead exposure in NC

Research by Duke University finds that black children exposed to lead have lower test scores, with effects exacerbated in racially segregated neighborhoods. Lead-based paint, aging pipes, and living near polluting sources contribute to environmental contamination, narrowing the achievement gap among minority groups.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Targeted cancer vaccines eliminate tumors and prevent recurrence in mice

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a targeted cancer vaccine that delivers mRNA directly to the lymphatic system, resulting in potent immune responses and complete remission in mice with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine's effectiveness was demonstrated by a 40% rate of complete response and excellent immune memory.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Researchers design high-fidelity Cas13 variants to minimize collateral RNA targeting

Researchers designed high-fidelity Cas13 variants using mutagenesis to reduce collateral effects, demonstrating their feasibility and efficiency in mammalian cells and animals. The most promising variant, hfCas13d, showed marked reduction in off-target genes and no detectable collateral damage, supporting its potential for gene therapy.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 14, 2022

Exercise answer: Research shows it’s how often you do it, not how much

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that exercising six times a day for five days can increase muscle strength by over 10% and improve muscle thickness. The research suggests that daily exercise is more beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and strength, rather than infrequent, longer workouts.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2022

Experimental verification on steering flight of honeybee by electrical stimulation

Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology successfully controlled honeybee steering behavior using unilateral optic lobe electrical stimulation, with an average successful rate of 87% in immobilized status. The study also explored the influence of pulse electrical signal parameters on steering response behaviors.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 13, 2022

Bug eyes and bat sonar: UCLA bioengineers turn to animal kingdom for creation of bionic super 3D cameras

Researchers have developed a novel computational imaging framework, Compact Light-field Photography (CLIP), allowing the camera system to acquire wide and deep panoramic views. The technology enables the detection of hidden objects around occlusions and has potential applications in autonomous vehicles and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Nationwide study shows rise in pregnancy-related complications during COVID-19 pandemic

A nationwide study found a significant increase in maternal death, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million pregnant patients and attributed the poor outcomes to pandemic-related stress, disruptions in prenatal care, and limitations on routine check-ups.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 12, 2022

UT researchers receive $2.75 million grant to investigate movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks

Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.

Linked lanthanides shine light on field of crystal engineering

Scientists have connected two soft crystals and observed energy transfer between them, leading to the potential development of sophisticated materials. The study used rare earth metals called lanthanides, which can luminesce, to create a molecular train that exhibited green luminescence at one end and yellow luminescence at the other.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Using mathematical modelling to fight malaria

Researchers developed a statistical mapping tool to predict genetic markers of resistance to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The model uses data from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and fills in gaps by making continuous predictions in space and time.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Feasibility study of novel core-strengthening intervention shows promise for maximizing trunk and balance rehabilitation outcomes after stroke

Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Betamethasone could improve outcomes for prostate cancer radiation therapy

A new study suggests that betamethasone could improve outcomes for prostate cancer radiation therapy by protecting normal cells from injury and making cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. The research found that betamethasone increases hydrogen peroxide levels, activating a protective protein in non-cancerous cells.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

More than 1 in 4 children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C have lingering complications more than two months later

A national follow-up study found that over a quarter of children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children had persistent symptoms or activity impairment two to four months later. The study identified risk factors for prolonged recovery, including MIS-C and activity impairment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 12, 2022

A new way to control pain after knee replacement surgery

Researchers at Houston Methodist found that injecting morphine into the tibia during knee replacement surgery reduces postoperative pain and the need for pain medication. This method, known as intraosseous infusion, may also facilitate a swifter recovery of the knee joint.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 12, 2022