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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 274


Page 274 of 448

Energy-efficient AI hardware technology via a brain-inspired stashing system​

Scientists at KAIST have proposed a novel 'stashing system' inspired by the human brain's neural activity, which efficiently handles mathematical operations for artificial intelligence. This technology reduces power consumption by 37% while maintaining accuracy, paving the way for next-generation semiconductor chips.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 17, 2022

Tooth unlocks mystery of Denisovans in Asia

The discovery of a 164,000- to 131,000-year-old Denisovan tooth in Laos provides significant insights into the species' geographic range. The ancient tooth's shape and similarity to teeth found on the Tibetan Plateau suggest that Denisovans inhabited Southeast Asia, particularly northern Laos.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateMay 17, 2022

Predictable home environment protects against development of heart disease risk factors after child abuse

A new study published in the Journal of American Heart Association found that well-organized households can help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors in children who have experienced abuse. The study's results suggest that stable home environments may play a crucial role in reducing racial disparities in cardiac disease.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 17, 2022

Teaching physics to AI makes the student a master

Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning algorithm that incorporates known physics into neural networks, allowing for new insights into material properties and more efficient predictions. The approach helps the algorithm attain transparency and accuracy, even with limited training data.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

Deep ocean warming as climate changes

New research suggests that 62% of warming in the subtropical North Atlantic is stored in the deep ocean below 700m. The study estimates a further 0.2°C warming in the next 50 years due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2022

Nearly 700,000 US hospitalizations and 110,000 deaths prevented from the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, national study finds

A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Medical Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2022

Georgia State researchers find CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing approach can alter the social behavior of animals

A team of Georgia State researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to eliminate the Avpr1a receptor in hamsters, leading to unexpected changes in their social behavior. The study found that knocking out the receptor increased social communication behaviors and eliminated sex differences in aggression.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2022

New mechanism for regulating supply of DNA building blocks may lead to better antibiotics

Researchers at Stockholm University have identified a novel mechanism for regulating the supply of DNA building blocks, providing a potential new target for designing better antibiotics. By targeting the pathogen's ability to reproduce, scientists may be able to control the growth of bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

When more complex is simpler: ‘Coarse-graining’ can help scientists understand complex microbial ecosystems

A new modeling framework suggests that some microbial ecosystems are more easily understood through coarse-graining, which involves omitting details. This approach could help biologists study microbes in their natural environments, rather than isolating them in a petri dish.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

HKU biologists reveal a novel macrophages-mediated mechanism that promotes peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer, providing important insights into its therapeutic strategy

Researchers at HKU have discovered a novel cellular and molecular interaction between cancer cells and tumour-associated macrophages that promote peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer. The study reveals that Wnt/b-catenin signalling upregulates the expression of metadherin, which communicates with macrophages through CEACAM1.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 16, 2022

Helping EVs keep their cool during the battery weight balancing act

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a design optimization system to incorporate blood vessel-like cooling networks into battery packaging for electric vehicles. The system balances performance-enhancing factors against problematic variables like weight and thermal activity to provide the best battery package specifications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalComposites·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Top five reasons why midwives stay in the job

A University of Gothenburg study found that midwives' job satisfaction is linked to possibilities for development, role conflict resolution, and burnout avoidance. The research highlights the importance of quality work, recognition, and autonomy in midwives' occupational roles.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2022

Eavesdroppers can hack 6G frequency with DIY metasurface

Researchers from Rice University and Brown University demonstrate a DIY method to hack 6G frequency using office paper, inkjet printer, metallic foil transfer, and laminator. The 'metasurface-in-the-middle' attack can redirect part of a high-frequency transmission between two users, threatening the security of next-gen wireless networks.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Vaccinia virus MacGyvers a makeshift tool to repair its DNA, exposing a vulnerability that could be targeted

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that blocking the enzyme polymerase reduces the virus's ability to multiply. This discovery exposes an Achilles' heel that could be targeted with a therapeutic. Polymerase is a key tool for DNA replication and repair, making the virus vulnerable to disruption.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Early days of COVID-19 pandemic brought increased anxiety for some cancer survivors

A recent study found that previous therapy interventions, including ACT, did not spare cancer survivors from increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that anxiety symptoms worsened over time, with participants who received ACT intervention performing worse than those who received usual care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2022

Tiny bots that can deep clean teeth

Researchers at IISc and Theranautilus have developed nano-sized robots that can manipulate using a magnetic field to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules, improving the success rate of root canal treatments. The nanobots were able to penetrate further than previous methods, providing a safer alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2022

CRISPR now possible in cockroaches

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Highway links benefit businesses – unless they are based outside cities

A new study published in China Economic Quarterly International found that the construction of China's national trunk highway system did not benefit all regions or enterprises along the route. County-level enterprises remained at the low end of the regional industrial value chain, despite improved connectivity and efficiency improvements.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022

Circuit model may explain how deep brain stimulation treats Parkinson’s disease symptoms

A new circuit model provides an explanation for how deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves Parkinson's disease motor symptoms by interrupting a vicious cycle between the subthalamic nucleus and the striatum. The model suggests that DBS restores a balance with other rhythm frequencies, enabling better movement control.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Rare genetic variants not the major contributing factors to common diseases

Researchers at Uppsala University found that rare genetic variants contribute less to common diseases than previously thought. Common genetic variants with small effects play a major role in disease risk. High-throughput sequencing technologies are crucial for identifying individuals with pronounced genetic risks, suitable for precisio...

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2022

WHO Foundation should not accept donations from the alcohol industry

The WHO Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy does not specifically preclude donations from the alcohol industry, allowing for case-by-case acceptance. However, critics argue that this lack of transparency and safeguards against corporate influence poses a risk to the agency's integrity and public health goals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 16, 2022