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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 277


Page 277 of 448

COVID-19 and hospital financial viability

Despite significant operating margin reductions in 2020, hospitals' overall profit margins remained similar to prior years, thanks to the COVID-19 relief fund. Government and rural hospitals saw higher profit margins during this time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 13, 2022

The role of variability: From playing tennis to learning language

The study found that variability in input leads to better generalization of learned concepts, with relevance being key. Researchers also discovered four types of variability affecting learning, including set size and scheduling, with the 'Mr. Miyagi principle' suggesting unrelated skills can benefit from practice.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Understanding the genomic modifications in transgenic papaya

A new study has identified genomic modifications in the transgenic papaya 'SunUp', which was developed to resist the papaya ringspot virus. The researchers used advanced sequencing technologies to read long stretches of DNA and found that the insertion did not cause any change in gene expression.

Terahertz near-field microscopy based on an air-plasma dynamic aperture

Researchers have developed a novel terahertz imaging technique that enables sub-wavelength resolution without approaching the sample, overcoming sample damage and distance limitations. The new method uses an air-plasma dynamic aperture to modulate THz beam intensity on a sample surface.

Demographics, not bias, best predict traffic stops

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that counties with a higher proportion of white residents have stronger anti-Black/pro-white attitudes, leading to larger disparities in traffic stops. The study suggests that racial demographics are a more reliable predictor of traffic stop discrepancies than racial biases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2022

COVID-19 and hospital financial viability

The COVID-19 relief fund effectively offset financial losses for hospitals during the pandemic, with overall profit margins remaining similar to previous years. Government and rural hospitals generated higher profit margins in 2020 compared to prior years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 13, 2022

New study of train travel pre- and during Covid-19 suggests three ways to make commuting less stressful

A new study by Dr. Marin Marinov at Aston University proposes three solutions to make train commuting less stressful: purchasing tickets on smartphones, removing ticket gates and installing sensors, and implementing one-way flow systems in station concourses. These changes could reduce queuing times and promote social distancing.

SourceAston University·JournalUrban Rail Transit·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2022

Seasonal variations of methane (CH4) consuming and methane producing microbial communities contribute to CH4 emissions in wetlands

Researchers investigated the impact of seasonal variations in methanogenic and methanotrophic communities on CH4 emissions in wetlands. They identified a keystone species that plays a pivotal role in mediating CH4 fluxes, providing substantial evidence for understanding microbial driving mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 13, 2022

Microbes help orchestrate how the gut uses its genes

Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.

SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

New advances in brain region targeting may support future research in treating visual hallucinations in psychiatric patients

Recent advances in neuroimaging technology show promise in helping tES to effectively treat visual hallucinations (VH) in psychiatric disorders. These advances, combined with individualized modeling techniques and advanced electrical field modeling, may provide a sound foundation for subsequent research on using VH.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2022

Asking for ideas boosts collective action

New research found that seeking ideas and perspectives from fellow group members can boost collective action among racial and ethnic minorities. Positive everyday experiences with fellow minority group members are a key driver of collective action, contrary to the focus on unjust treatment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMay 13, 2022

An optoelectronic thermometer based on microscale infrared-to-visible conversion devices

A team of scientists has developed an optoelectronic NIR-to-visible upconversion device with a linear response, fast dynamics, and low excitation power. The device exhibits intensity-temperature sensitivity and spectrum-temperature sensitivity, enabling spatially resolved thermal sensing and applications in biomedical diagnostics.

"Growing end" of inflammation discovered

Researchers find NLRP3 protein forms filament that grows in one direction, allowing for targeted treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The discovery could potentially stop inflammation at the 'growing end', bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Throwing drug resistance for a loop

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel class of therapeutics called feedback disruptors that target viral proteins' negative feedback loops. These drugs break the genetic feedback circuits, causing infected cells to self-destruct and stopping infection in its tracks.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2022

Physics and applications of Raman distributed optical fiber sensing

Raman distributed optical fiber sensing offers flexibility and effectiveness in distributed temperature measurement for various engineering applications. Researchers have developed high-performance systems with optimized performance indices, including accuracy, distance, resolution, and multi-parameter monitoring.

Can pickles increase the health benefits of sour cream?

Adding pickled cucumbers to sour cream significantly increases antioxidant activity and reduces cholesterol oxidation products. The addition also improves the bioaccessibility of antioxidants, making it a promising strategy for enhancing the health-promoting activities of sour cream.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Russian scientists create biomimetic algorithm to find epileptogenic areas of the brain

Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 12, 2022

Climate change increases risks of tree death

A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Review into pre-eclampsia care published

Pre-eclampsia affects up to 8% of women during their lifetime, causing high blood pressure and organ damage. The King's College London review provides a state-of-the-art summary of current knowledge and best practices for caring for women with pre-eclampsia.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 12, 2022

Seven out of ten patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease feel stigmatized

A study led by the University of Barcelona found that 69% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease perceive stigmatization in their daily lives, affecting stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation. The perceived stigma is associated with impaired quality of life and can lead to human and social rights issues.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Extreme storms could help protect beaches from sea level rise, new study finds

A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022