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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 267


Page 267 of 448

Surprising turbulence

Researchers at HZDR simulated liquid metal flow behavior and found that turbulence under certain conditions leads to reduced heat transport. This finding has implications for battery technology and our understanding of the Earth's core.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Study identifies new molecular target for cancer therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have discovered a new molecular drug target to treat cancer, VEGF-A, which can increase expression of dopamine D2 receptors on endothelial cells to stop blood vessel growth and spread diseases like colon cancer and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2022

Research brings hope for spinal cord injury treatment

Scientists have shown that a drug called AZD1236 can significantly reduce 'secondary damage' caused by spinal cord injury by blocking the inflammatory response. The treatment promotes significant nerve regeneration and improves movement and sensation, with an 85% improvement in these areas after just three days of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers demonstrate organic crystals can serve as energy converters for emerging technologies

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that organic crystals can efficiently convert energy, meeting the needs of advanced technologies such as soft robotics and artificial muscles. The material's ability to expand and contract repeatedly without deterioration makes it suitable for applications in electronics.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2022

Satellites and drones can help save pollinators

Researchers at the University of Exeter are using satellites and drones to track the availability of flowers for pollinators. This technology could be combined with behavioral studies to better understand the impact of human activity on pollinator habitats, leading to more effective conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 20, 2022

PFAS chemicals do not last forever

Researchers at UC Riverside discover that adding iodide to a water treatment reactor using ultraviolet (UV) light and sulfite can destroy up to 90% of PFAS chemicals in just a few hours. This method accelerates the reaction four times, saving energy and chemicals, and enables the treatment of ten times higher concentrations of PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Are Republicans and Democrats driven by hatred of one another? Less than you think

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that negative partisanship - the perception that Democrats or Republicans are driven by hatred for their opponents - is exaggerated. In fact, research found that people's primary motivations for choosing a party are more strongly tied to love for their own party.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Advancing fundamental drilling science

Researchers at Texas A&M University reduced well-completion times and drill bit changeouts by using physics-based instruction and oil and gas techniques. This approach improved the efficiency of drilling geothermal wells, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

SourceTexas A&M University·TypeNews article·DateMay 20, 2022

Research sheds light on crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever disease process

The US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases has made a breakthrough in understanding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) disease process. The study found that the host inflammatory response is a significant driver of CCHFV-mediated disease, and that modulating this response could help prevent severe disease....

University of Limerick, Ireland research reveals variety of opinions are crucial for ‘fostering trust’ in vaccination

The research found that people expressing minor reservations about vaccination can limit the influence of vaccine sceptics and promote trust among neutrals. Countries with weak chains of influence between positive and neutral positions toward vaccination performed worse in terms of vaccine coverage.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCase study·DateMay 20, 2022

Medical debt during pandemic

Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 20, 2022

Topography and soil pH steer the activity-density and spatial distribution of termites in a fine-scale study

This study reveals that topography and soil pH are key factors influencing the spatial distribution and activity density of termites in tropical forests. The researchers found that different feeding groups respond to environmental influences, such as plant biomass and litter mass, affecting their co-occurrence and ecological impact.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Deciphering the biosynthetic gene cluster for potent freshwater toxin

Researchers discovered and validated the enzymes responsible for producing guanitoxin, a potent neurotoxin associated with freshwater harmful algal blooms. The study revealed that guanitoxin-producing cyanobacteria are more prevalent than known in the US, enabling new molecular diagnostic testing to protect public health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2022

Where do “Hawaiian box jellies” come from?

A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense

A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Corals as climate archives

40-million-year-old tropical reef corals from Leipzig University's collection provide a unique climate archive. The coral skeletons reveal small seasonal temperature fluctuations of about half the current value, confirming expected small differences in the planet's warm periods.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateMay 20, 2022

Research reveals surprising inactivation mechanism for a voltage-gated ion channel

Scientists used cryogenic electron microscopy to capture multiple states of the Kv4 ion channel, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of inactivation that differs from other VGICs. This finding may help researchers identify therapeutic strategies for neurological and cardiac conditions linked to mutations in Kv4.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Scientists explain why meridional heat transport is underestimated

New research reveals that low model horizontal resolution leads to discrepancies in simulated surface heat fluxes over the North Atlantic. Increasing resolution improves surface heat flux simulations and inferred heat transport, helping the research community better interpret historical simulations and projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 20, 2022

Study finds higher excess deaths during Omicron period compared to Delta period in Massachusetts

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that excess deaths were higher during the Omicron variant period (2,294) compared to the Delta variant period (1,975) in Massachusetts. The researchers suggest that highly contagious variants like Omicron can lead to substantial excess mortality even in a highly vaccinated population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

'Traffic calming' boosts breeding on coral reefs

New research shows that motorboat noise disrupts parental behaviors in coral reef fish, but reducing noise levels improves breeding success. On quieter reefs, 65% of nests contained offspring, compared to 40% on busy reefs. The study suggests that acoustic sanctuaries can help build resilience on coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

Killer T vs. memory – DNA isn’t destiny for T cells

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a DNA-independent mechanism that allows CD8+ T cells to produce both effector and memory cells, enabling the immune system to mount an immediate and long-term response to infections. The study reveals how a specific protein complex guides translation of an important i...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Promoting diversity in forestry

Research reveals that multi-species forest plantations outperform monocultures in terms of tree height, width, and biomass production. This is attributed to functional complementarity between species, which enhances resource use efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 20, 2022

Collaboration reveals interplay between charge order and superconductivity at nanoscale

A large-scale collaboration has uncovered how charge order and superconductivity interact at the nanoscale, enabling new insights into high-temperature superconductor dynamics. The study aims to develop a framework for understanding how these materials emerge, with potential applications in energy and telecommunication systems.

New clues in fight against lethal bacteria

Researchers discovered that Clostridium septicum kills cells by releasing a toxin that acts like a hammer, triggering an overactive immune response. This can lead to sepsis and shock, resulting in rapid patient death. New therapies are being developed to neutralize the toxin and block the immune receptor.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

NACMI: International COVID-19 registry finds significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality for STEMI patients with COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic

A new analysis from the NACMI registry found that STEMI patients with COVID-19 have a significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to pre-pandemic levels. Clinical characteristics and treatment strategies differ between men and women, highlighting the need for continued research into cardiovascular health impacts of COV...

Executive narcissism inhibits inter-unit knowledge transfer

A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal found that executive narcissism inhibits inter-unit knowledge transfer. However, when there is a high level of environmental complexity or dynamism, the negative effects of narcissism are reduced. In contrast, high inter-unit competition enhances the negative impact of narcissism.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022

Music alleviates collective grief

Researchers analyze viral video of musicians covering Michael Jackson song to understand how it alleviated collective grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies key traits that allow empathy and resilience in the face of trauma, highlighting the value of music as a non-pharmacological strategy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeCase study·DateMay 19, 2022