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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 280


Page 280 of 448

Understanding the biology and possible biological treatments of cartilage for osteoarthritis of the knee, using computational modelling

Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2022

A gene in tuberculosis bacteria is found essential for siderophore secretion and virulence

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a gene essential for siderophore secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key process for acquiring iron. The discovery validates siderophore secretion as a drug target for tuberculosis treatment and reveals a new mechanism for putative drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Sugar aversion hampers cockroach coupling

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that female German cockroaches averse to glucose reject male offers of body secretions containing sugars and fats. The study shows that glucose-averse females sense a bitter taste when mixing their saliva with the male secretions, ending the courtship ritual.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Healthy diet in pregnancy might not impact risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations, according to new meta-analysis

A new meta-analysis suggests that a healthy diet during pregnancy does not significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations. The study analyzed data from various ethnic groups and found no significant association between dietary habits and the incidence of gestational diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMay 11, 2022

Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation

A study published in Stroke journal found robot therapy to be as effective as traditional therapy in improving motor function and daily tasks for chronic stroke patients. The robotic device provided repetitive exercises and real-time analysis, leading to significant improvements in shoulder, elbow, and forearm use.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStroke·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2022

Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data

Researchers have developed a refined tool to identify potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors using epigenetic data. The new methodology improves the characterization of somatic copy number alterations up to 20% with high accuracy, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding

Researchers found glatiramer acetate to be compatible with breastfeeding, reducing the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The study's results indicate no negative effects on infant development, leading to updates in the drug's label and approval for treatment during the breastfeeding period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

How do genomes evolve between species? The key role of 3D structure in male germ cells

A study by UAB and University of Kent researchers found that the 3D structure of male germ cells plays a key role in determining genome evolution. Genome rearrangements were associated with DNA damage locations in spermatids, suggesting that males have a unique impact on genome evolution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022

Large study in Botswana finds daily micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy reduces complications at birth

A six-year study of nearly 100,000 women in Botswana found daily iron, folic acid, and vitamin supplementation can reduce birth complications, including low birthweight. The study also showed benefits for HIV-positive pregnant women, with rates of adverse outcomes significantly lower than those taking iron or folic acid alone.

Should you give your child opioids for post-operative pain management?

A new study found that most caregivers are unsure about giving their child opioids post-operatively due to concerns about addiction. The survey, which assessed demographic information and attitudes towards opioid use, revealed that caregivers who had taken opioids in the past were more likely to feel comfortable using them.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Opioid Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022

Laser bursts drive fastest-ever logic gates

Scientists at Rochester and Erlangen develop logic gates that operate at femtosecond timescales, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and information processing. The breakthrough involves harnessing and independently controlling real and virtual charge carriers in gold-graphene-gold junctions with laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022

Smoking-cessation program that targets cancer patients effective

A new smoking-cessation program that targets cancer patients has been shown to increase the percentage of patients receiving treatment from 2% to nearly 30%, as well as improve quit rates. The program's costs are also lower than previous methods, averaging $70 per patient.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase mortality from COVID-19 – especially among young and middle-aged people

A recent study found that obesity, impaired blood glucose metabolism, and high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young and middle-aged people. Researchers analyzed data from the European case registry LEOSS and found that patients with all three conditions had a similar increased risk of death as ...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining

A study exploring restaurant menu design found that adding carbon labels and setting default options to low-emission dishes encourages diners to choose more environmentally friendly options. The findings suggest a promising strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of dining, but further research is needed to inform such strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Underestimating people’s COVID concerns undermines cooperation

A Cornell-led study found that underestimating people's COVID concerns can have severe consequences, including undermining cooperation and trust. The researchers analyzed over 1 million responses from mid-2020 and discovered significant disparities in concern levels between different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic, Black, and Asian...

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMay 11, 2022

Effects of stress on adolescent brain’s “triple network”

A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

10-minute meditation could help reduce Brexit polarization

A new study found that a brief befriending-themed meditation can reduce affective polarization between Remain and Leave voters in the UK. The meditation increased perceived commonality between sides, suggesting a potential strategy to address polarization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Teaching underwater stingray robots to swim faster and with greater precision using machine learning

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new machine learning approach to model underwater robot dynamics, allowing for efficient swimming in complex environments. The approach, published in IEEE-RAL, uses deep neural networks to predict required flapping motions for a set of given propulsive force targets.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMay 11, 2022