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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 448

Your dog’s behavior is a product of their genes

A study analyzing DNA samples from over 200 dog breeds and nearly 50,000 pet-owner surveys pinpointed genes behind canine behavioral traits. The researchers found that common sets of genes were responsible for behaviors among dog breeds well-suited for similar tasks, such as hunting or herding.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Adding capivasertib to fulvestrant improves progression-free survival in patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

A phase III clinical trial found that adding the AKT inhibitor capivasertib to fulvestrant doubles median progression-free survival in patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer resistant to aromatase inhibitors. This improvement is associated with a lower risk of tumor progression and manageable side effects.

One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds study

Research found that three to four one-minute bursts of vigorous physical activity per day can lead to significant reductions in mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study, led by the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, used wrist-worn tracker data from UK Biobank to measure incidental physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Immune system of modern Papuans shaped by DNA from ancient Denisovans

A recent study found that Denisovan DNA sequences near immune-related genes in modern Papuans regulate their activity, affecting how people respond to infections. The research suggests that Denisovan DNA contributed to the adaptation of early modern humans living in New Guinea and nearby islands.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022

Longitudinal field laser processing enabling high aspect ratio 10 nm features produced in sapphire

A team of scientists has developed a novel method to demonstrate a high-purity longitudinal femtosecond laser field, enabling the creation of 10nm features in sapphire with unprecedented resolution. The technique uses an 800nm wavelength femtosecond laser source and spatial light modulators to produce a high-quality annular beam with r...

Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders

A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

New treatments for Huntington’s disease

An interdisciplinary team from Erlangen has found a new treatment for Huntington's disease by accelerating the degradation of a specific messenger molecule necessary for protein synthesis. This reduces the huntingtin level in patients, offering new hope for long-term implementation of RNA-modifying approaches for fatal diseases.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

People with disabilities who mis-use opioid drugs 73% more likely to attempt suicide, national US study finds

A national US study found that people with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs are 73% more likely to attempt suicide. The study, which looked at over 38,000 adults, also found that those with disabilities were more likely to have serious thoughts of suicide and make a plan or attempt to take their own life.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2022

Incoherent use of ethnoracial categories in biomedical literature on COVID-19

Researchers analyzed 119 articles from the Lit Covid database to understand how researchers use ethnoracial categories in biomedical studies. The study found that many articles used terms 'race' or 'ethnicity' without clear definitions, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of research findings.

SourceInterdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University in Kraków·JournalMedicine Health Care and Philosophy·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 8, 2022

Solving the puzzle: Cubic silicon carbide wafers demonstrate high thermal conductivity, second only to diamond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have solved a long-standing puzzle about cubic silicon carbide's thermal conductivity, which is higher than previously thought. The team measured an isotropic high thermal conductivity of over 500 W m–1 K–1, ranking it second only to diamond.

FSU research links common sweetener with anxiety

Researchers at Florida State University have found that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that aspartame's effects extend up to two generations from exposure, affecting male mice and their offspring.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2022

Babies born to Black mothers in rich countries twice as likely to die in first weeks of life

Research reveals significant disparities in perinatal outcomes between babies born to Black and white mothers in high-income countries, with Black women experiencing twice the neonatal mortality rate. The study analyzed 2.2 million pregnancies across 20 countries, highlighting systemic issues that need international attention.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2022

White Americans who believe white people are poor are more likely to support welfare policies

New research finds that White Americans' beliefs about their own poverty influence their attitudes towards the poor and support for welfare policies. These effects are strongest among those experiencing status threat from Black people, suggesting a motivation to maintain racial status quo.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

THE LANCET: Racism, discrimination, and xenophobia are fundamental drivers of health disparities worldwide and must be universally acknowledged as a public health threat

A new Lancet Series reveals racism, xenophobia, and discrimination as fundamental drivers of health inequities worldwide. These social and political factors have profound effects on the health of disadvantaged populations, including higher mortality rates, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to healthcare.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers identify a critical inhibitory site in an energy-producing enzyme, which can lead to rational design of antibiotics

A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism to inhibit the critical enzyme in the respiratory chain, making it effective against drug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The findings could lead to the development of novel antibiotics with a different mechanism of action.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Smilodon's sabre teeth

A study by University of Liège researchers provides insight into the mechanisms of Smilodon's biting efficiency, using high-precision 3D scans and simulation methods. The results show that sabre-toothed predators can effectively hunt despite their long canine teeth.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 8, 2022

Radiation shielding: MAPbI3/epoxy composites exhibit superior performance

Scientists have developed a new composite material that exhibits excellent gamma-ray shielding performance, 10 times higher than epoxy. Crystal plane engineering plays a crucial role in regulating the electron density of MAPbI3/epoxy composites, improving their ability to absorb radiation.

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Is it feasible to resume high salinity wastewater as a plant nutrient medium for plant hydroponics in CELSS?

Two crops, celery and cordifolium, were cultivated using reused medium from domestic wastewater and standard Hoagland nutrient solution. The results showed that the reused medium was effective in promoting plant growth, with cordifolium exhibiting better performance than celery, despite initial salt toxicity issues.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateDec 8, 2022

Deepmind’s AlphaCode AI system performs competitively in programming competitions

AlphaCode demonstrates impressive code-generation abilities, solving complex programming tasks with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It achieves an overall average ranking within the top 54.3% of human participants on Codeforces' problems, showcasing its potential to revolutionize programming productivity.

SLAC/Stanford researchers discover how a nano-chamber in the cell directs protein folding

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have discovered the role of a tiny cellular machine called TRiC in directing protein folding, contradicting a 70-year-old theory. The study's findings have profound implications for treating diseases linked to protein misfolding, such as certain cancers and neu...