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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 269


Page 269 of 448

Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely

A new study analyzed genomic data from global populations to identify genetic variants linked to COVID-19 severity. The investigation found dozens of genomic variations in critical genes, suggesting these may have evolved to protect against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Fly researchers find another layer to the code of life

A new study has discovered that rare pieces of genetic code can serve as another layer of control in the genome, essential for fertility and evolutionary innovation. Researchers found that certain tissues are more tolerant of diverse codons, particularly the testes, which may play a critical role in fertility.

SourceDuke University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Medication treatment of pediatric psychiatric disorders reduces the later onset of substance use problems

Early treatment with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) by 30-35% for ADHD and major depressive disorder. Longer treatment durations also show positive results, especially when initiated before age nine.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Diet plays key role in ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which analyzed data from 134 kids with ADHD symptoms, found that those who consumed more fruits and veggies showed less severe symptoms of inattention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022

‘Sting’ protein’s efforts to clean up brain cell damage may speed Parkinson’s disease progress

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2022

Should all chemosensory modalities be unified into a single sense?

A new paper proposes unifying chemosensory modalities into a single sense, moving beyond the traditional differentiation between gustation and olfaction. The authors argue that this distinction is based on anthropomorphic biases and has hindered research efforts in understanding the evolution of chemosensation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 19, 2022

Poll the audience: Using data from citizen science to keep wild birds in flight

A new analysis found that citizen science data from apps like eBird can be a valuable resource for researchers and managers, offering insights into wild bird populations. By comparing publicly-produced data with officially tracked numbers, researchers have identified patterns and potential areas for improvement.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeCase study·DateMay 19, 2022

Topology is everywhere

A team of scientists discovered that over half of known 3D materials in nature exhibit at least one topological state, challenging the long-held idea that these materials are rare. The study also introduces a new concept called 'supertopological' and makes its data freely available to researchers.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2022

Epilepsy drug stops nervous system tumor growth in mice

Researchers discovered that neurons carrying a mutation in the Nf1 gene are hyperexcitable and suppressing this hyperactivity with lamotrigine stops tumor growth in mice. The study provides an explanation for why some people with NF1 lack optic gliomas or neurofibromas, highlighting the critical role of neurons in tumor biology.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

New process revolutionizes microfluidic fabrication

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences developed a novel photolithography technique to create self-enclosed, porous channels in microfluidic devices. This process enables the creation of high-resolution channels capable of carrying aqueous solutions and separating small biomolecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2022

Past events reveal how future warming could harm cold-water corals

A new study identifies food and oxygen supply as crucial environmental factors influencing the vitality of cold-water corals in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The analysis of ancient sediments reveals that changes in food supply, rather than ocean temperature, are likely to determine the future health of these ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022

Repurposed antibiotic may be an effective therapeutic in COVID-19 infected mice

A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that the repurposed antibiotic clofoctol may be an effective therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 infected mice, with decreased viral load, reduced inflammatory gene expression, and lowered pulmonary pathology. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Using light and sound to reveal rapid brain activity in unprecedented detail

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created a method to scan and image the blood flow and oxygen levels inside a mouse brain in real-time. The new imaging approach breaks long-standing speed and resolution barriers, enabling researchers to uncover insights into neurovascular diseases like stroke, dementia, and acute brain injury.

SourceDuke University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

SCAI issues official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale (PFO), addressing five clinical scenarios. The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for PFO closure in various situations, aligning with stroke neurology principles.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateMay 19, 2022

Better keep the instructions

Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about human problem-solving abilities, revealing that many people fail to adapt a sophisticated strategy. A new study suggests that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to rely on an inefficient approach, even when faced with complex problems.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Human behavior is key to building a better long-term COVID forecast

Researchers applied simple but nuanced variables to enhance modeling capabilities, resulting in improved mid- to long-term predictions. Human behavior, particularly the endogenous feedback loop of reduced mobility and social distancing after increased death rates, was found to be key to accurate forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

International study identifies most important vascular risk factors for dementia

A new international study has identified the most critical vascular risk factors for dementia, highlighting the importance of controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. The research, led by Professor Emer McGrath, found that individuals with these conditions are four times more likely to develop dementia than those without them.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Within U.S., exporting electricity imports about 700 premature deaths annually, Stanford study finda

A new Stanford University study reveals that US power plants generating electricity for export account for approximately 700 premature deaths in 2019. The majority of these health damages occur within the states where the power is both generated and used, but large discrepancies exist across regions.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022