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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 270


Page 270 of 448

How to break up with your phone

McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateMay 19, 2022

First intermediate to long-term study of the harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve system validates safety and efficacy

A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.

Satellite monitoring of biodiversity moves within reach

Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

How fast-growing algae could enhance growth of food crops

Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

Ocean seafloor identified as the ultimate sink for marine plastics

Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022

Sparking sustainable new chemical catalysts

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2022

Conservationists find high DDT and PCB contamination risk for critically endangered California coastal condors

A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022

Study chronicles presence of chronic frames of race, gender, and wealth inequality

New research finds that journalists and laypersons describe racial and gender inequalities in terms of disadvantage, while wealth inequality is described in terms of advantage. The framing of inequalities is linked to their perceived legitimacy, with illegitimate inequalities being framed more strongly as disadvantages.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

400 GW wind, solar power per year to meet 1.5 C Paris Agreement

To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2022

Remote teaching during the pandemic disadvantages students in New Jersey’s lower-income school districts

A Rutgers study finds that remote teaching during the pandemic contributed to teacher and student stress, particularly in lower-income school districts where students faced inequities in online learning opportunities. The study highlights the need for targeted e-learning solutions and retrospective audits to address digital inequality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateMay 18, 2022

Study in mice suggests that COVID-19 increases risk of developing Parkinson’s disease

A recent study published in Movement Disorders suggests that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by making brain cells more susceptible to damage. Researchers found that mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to exhibit characteristic features of Parkinson's disease after exposure to a toxin.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Scientists reveal different water isotope concentrations in both monthly and daily precipitation observations across Brazil’s diverse climate

The study found different isotopic compositions of water in continental and coastal areas, with varying seasonal patterns. Daily measurements revealed the influence of moisture source, transport, and convective activity on rainfall type, providing insights into regional atmospheric controls.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

Are microplastics pervasive in Nigerian drinking water?

A recent study found that microplastics are abundant in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria. Areas with high industrial activity had higher levels of microplastics than areas with less industrial activity and lower population densities.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2022

After sprint for COVID-19 vaccines, HVTN researchers return to HIV marathon with fresh determination and knowledge, launch clinical research registry and ad campaign

The HIV Vaccine Trials Network is launching a new registry to connect people interested in supporting HIV vaccine research with clinical trials in their communities. The 'Help End HIV' campaign aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for HIV clinical trial volunteers, particularly among young people.

New research maps how the brain changes during depression treatment

Researchers have mapped the brain's changes during depression treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The study found that certain brain regions activated by rTMS were associated with better treatment outcomes. This new understanding could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of depression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 18, 2022

New model could improve matches between students and schools

A new model developed by Iowa State University researchers could improve matches between students and schools, reducing stress and inefficiencies in the admissions process. The algorithm pairs most students with their top choice schools, while also considering factors such as competition for seats and financial constraints.

SourceIowa State University·JournalGames and Economic Behavior·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2022

Study shows family medicine physicians face many barriers to providing medical abortions

A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 18, 2022

Component for brain-inspired computing

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel memristor design that can switch between two operation modes, enabling greater efficiency in machine learning applications. This breakthrough component is made of halide perovskite nanocrystals and simulates complex neural networks with high accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2022

Caesarean births not linked to increased risk of food allergy during infancy

A recent study published by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found no significant association between caesarean birth and the development of food allergies in infants. The research involved over 2,000 infants and suggested that babies born via caesarean delivery are not at a higher risk of developing food allergies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022

Nationwide study finds significant decline in treatment for heart attacks during pandemic

A nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...