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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 282


Page 282 of 448

Low-energy protons from strong-field breaking of hydrogen

A joint research team investigated the generation of low-energy protons in dissociative ionization of H2 using time-energy-resolved spectroscopy. They found that low-energy protons are produced via dipole-transition at large bond lengths, contrary to the expected bond-softening scenario.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Springing people from the poverty trap

A field experiment in Bangladesh shows that the poor lack opportunities to gain wealth, but a one-time boost can make a major difference. The study suggests that poverty is not principally due to people's capabilities or attitudes, but rather an initial lack of resources prevents them from improving their circumstances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMay 11, 2022

Exposing liars by distraction

A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that investigators who asked suspects to multi-task during interviews were more likely to detect lies. Lie tellers struggled with secondary tasks, particularly those deemed important.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology & Behavior Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases

The new ASTRO guideline provides guidance on radiation therapy for brain metastases, including evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary planning and delivery of advanced techniques to manage intact and resected brain tumors. The guideline aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 10, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Mental health and substance use among adolescents experiencing homelessness in the United States

A recent study found that homeless US adolescents experience significantly worse mental health and more substance use than their housed peers. The burden of homelessness disproportionately affects black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to address structural injustices.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Study points to ways of involving visually impaired people in environmental disaster prevention

A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·DateMay 10, 2022

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Stress may be associated with fertility issues in women

A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMay 10, 2022

What benefits nutrition in Africa the most

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improving market access has a positive impact on nutritional status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, increasing crop diversity had little effect on children's growth and nutrition. Diversifying animal production, however, showed positive effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Study finds psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Seeing members of minority groups everywhere? It's an illusion

A study by Hebrew University researchers reveals that individuals overestimate the presence of minority groups in social settings. This 'diversity illusion' can hinder policies promoting diversity and leads to less support for related initiatives. The research team suggests that awareness and education are key to addressing this bias.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

The double-edged sword of clinical texting: Study explores improving patient care via more effective clinician communication

A new study from the Regenstrief Institute examines the effects of clinical texting on hospitalist and nurse communication, highlighting both benefits and challenges. The study suggests that clinical texting can improve communication, but also raises concerns about user buy-in and shared understanding.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateMay 10, 2022

Micro- and nanoplastic from the atmosphere is polluting the ocean

Researchers estimate that by 2040, up to 80 million metric tons of plastic will be annually released into the ocean. The study reveals that wind transport contributes significantly to plastic particle distribution in remote regions. Integrating microplastic into air pollution measurements is crucial for better understanding its effects.

Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Researchers use computational detective work to verify the existence of a 3D quantum spin liquid in cerium zirconium pyrochlore, overcoming decades-long challenge. The material exhibits fractionalized spin excitations, where electrons do not arrange their spins in relation to neighbors.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022