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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 262


Page 262 of 448

When male buddies become less important than female mating partners

In a study of 30 males and 400 individuals, researchers found that males with many friends spent less time with them when females entered the picture. The study suggests that male friendships may not be crucial for attracting females or maintaining reproductive success.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Newly discovered ancient Amazonian cities reveal how urban landscapes were built without harming nature

Researchers uncovered intricate settlements in Bolivia's Llanos de Mojos savannah-forest, featuring elaborate structures and a vast network of reservoirs. The cities were built alongside nature, employing successful sustainable subsistence strategies that promoted conservationism and maintained rich biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Regenstrief and Indiana University study explores eating, drinking, and physical activity among middle aged women living with obesity and urban poverty

Researchers analyzed mobile app data to gain insight into behaviors of middle-aged women living with severe obesity in urban poverty. The study found associations between anxiety and weight loss or gain, as well as correlations between location, timing, and eating/drinking frequency.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateMay 25, 2022

Bat brains organized for echolocation and flight

Researchers at UC Davis and UC Berkeley have mapped the full motor cortex of Egyptian fruit bats, showing that brain areas represent common synergies of muscles rather than individual muscles. This study highlights the unique motor control abilities of these bats, which use their tongue to echolocate and aim sonar beams.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Researchers discover the mechanism responsible for information transfer between different regions of the brain

A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers reveals that synchronized brain activity is crucial for information transfer between brain regions. Increasing synchronization improves transmission and processing of information, while decreasing it impairs cognitive function. This finding may contribute to the development of treatments f...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 25, 2022

New study: Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding has protective effect on childhood asthma

A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding are associated with lower odds of current asthma. The study analyzed over 2,000 mother-child pairs and discovered a 'dose-response' effect depending on how long the mother breastfed.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Building bridges after crime and self-punishment

Research found that self-punishment can garner sympathy for offenders by signaling their commitment to shared social norms. The study suggests that prolonged social exclusion and self-harm can be destructive, highlighting the need for support in making amends to society.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Obesity-related fertility issues may be improved by correcting blood sugar levels

A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Forecast of food cyber attacks

Researchers warn that the increasing use of digital agriculture could lead to serious cyber-attacks, compromising food supply and production. Complex modeling studies have identified vulnerabilities in ag-tech applications, including side-channel attacks that can exploit physical access to devices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSensors·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Researchers identify biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes in early pregnancy

A study published in PLOS ONE identified a biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy, potentially reducing its impact on mother and baby. Researchers found distinct expression of microRNA genes in extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood samples taken during the first trim...

Early urbanism found in the Amazon

Archaeologists have discovered two remarkably large sites of 147 hectares and 315 hectares in a dense four-tiered settlement system using LIDAR technology. The largest site is as large as Bonn was in the 17th century, with modifications indicating a reasonable increase in population.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2022

Scientists build subcellular map of entire brain networks

Researchers have developed an imaging technique to capture information about brain tissue at the subcellular level, combining seven methods to visualize neural networks and individual cells. This approach allows for a complete picture of brain structure and function, overcoming challenges of imaging tissues at different scales.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Addressing racial gaps in NIH grant funding

Racial gaps in NIH grant funding are attributed to the subjective review process and lack of diversity among reviewers. The NIH has proposed initiatives to address these disparities, including appointing diversity officers and allocating funding for research on health equity and health disparities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 25, 2022

Breastfeeding duration associated with cognition

A new study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores in children up to age 14. After adjusting for socioeconomic position and maternal cognitive ability, the researchers discovered that longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher cognitive scores.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Optical cavities could provide new technological possibilities

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a method for describing molecules in optical cavities, which could lead to breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The study uses molecular orbital theory to predict how molecules will react inside optical cavities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

HKU Conservation Forensics Lab develops novel environmental DNA monitoring method for identifying rare and endangered fish species sold in Hong Kong wet markets

Researchers at HKU's Conservation Forensics Lab have developed a powerful new tool for monitoring the trade of rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong wet markets. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, they were able to identify over 100 species of fish that had passed through the market.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 25, 2022

Chemists’ HAT trick for greener chemical synthesis

Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Curbing other climate pollutants, not just CO2, gives Earth a chance

A new study finds that reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants like methane and ozone can cut the rate of global warming in half by 2050. This approach offers a fighting chance to prevent catastrophic warming and improve our chances of remaining below the 1.5 degree centigrade mark.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

Why are male mice afraid of bananas?

Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Cystic fibrosis: Restoring airway integrity

Researchers discovered that hydrating the surface of airways in people with cystic fibrosis restores their protective barrier against bacterial infections. This breakthrough opens the way to new therapies based on mucus hydration, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCells·TypeNews article·DateMay 24, 2022

Continuity of primary care reduces hospitalizations in people with chronic kidney disease

A retrospective cohort study found that poor continuity of care is associated with increased health care use and sub-optimal prescribing of guideline-recommended medications in patients with CKD. Strengthening patient-provider relationships and guiding physicians on recommended prescribing can help mitigate these issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Human membrane proteins strike evolutionary balance

A recent study by Seoul National University researchers found that human membrane proteins have evolved to strike a balance between foldability and functionality. The folding pathway of a glucose transporter was elucidated using single-molecule magnetic tweezers, revealing the importance of domain stability in structure formation.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 24, 2022

Silk improves function of surgical masks

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a double layer of silk in combination with a surgical mask can enhance its ability to prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19. The study also showed that double masking with a silk face mask prolongs the life of surgical masks without impeding breathing comfort.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Dancing in the light

Scientists from Harvard and Pittsburgh develop liquid crystal elastomer material that can perform complex dance-like motions in response to UV light. The material's behavior is inspired by the interconnected structures of the human body, allowing it to seamlessly integrate dynamic processes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

The road to success when it comes to mitigating flood disasters

A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022