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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 292


Page 292 of 448

A Concordia-made tool assessing indoor COVID-19 transmission risks expands across North America

CityRPI, a web-based tool developed by Leon Wang, calculates the probability of COVID-19 infection through aerosol transmission in indoor spaces. The tool can be expanded to project this likelihood in cities across North America using customizable assessments based on building type and mitigation measures.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2022

Acute sleep loss may alter the way we see others

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that sleep deprivation affects the way humans evaluate facial expressions, particularly those conveying negative emotions. Young adults who were sleep-deprived rated angry faces as less trustworthy and healthy-looking, while neutral and fearful faces appeared less attractive.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

New study challenges stereotypes surrounding mental illness

Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Coronaviruses on Glass: Commercial detergents and manual glass washers effectively remove viruses from glass

A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) study published in Food Microbiology found that coronaviruses on glass are stable but can be inactivated through conventional rinsing processes. Commercial dish washing detergents and manual glass washers were shown to effectively remove coronaviruses from drinking glasses.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMay 3, 2022

How solving Central Asia's water-energy conflict can also boost renewable energy generation

Researchers propose a dual water and energy storage scheme to resolve the temporal mismatch between resources, reducing CO2 emissions while guaranteeing water supply. The scheme utilizes seasonal pumped hydroelectric systems to store water for irrigation during summer and hydropower generation in winter.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateMay 3, 2022

Prepare for the foreseeable future of 6G

A team of Chinese and UK researchers propose a reconfigurable intelligent surface technique to address the high energy consumption issue in THz communication for future 6G technology development. The study reveals that this approach achieves more energy-efficient beamforming than traditional phased array techniques.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 3, 2022

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may impair bone health in male teens

A new study published by The Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates may impair bone health in male teenagers. Researchers analyzed urine and blood samples from over 800 adolescents, finding an association between certain PFAS and phthalates and reduced bone mineral density.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Albert Einstein College of Medicine receives $11.3 million NIH grant to expand the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a $11.3 million NIH grant to expand its efforts in preventing, treating and curing HIV infection. The center will support research initiatives identifying more effective approaches to expand PrEP uptake and increase ART adherence among marginalized populations.

New study “exonerates” urban pests like rats as one-of-a-kind disease reservoirs

A recent study led by Georgetown University researchers found that city wildlife may not be a significant threat for future pandemics. Urban-adapted animals host roughly ten times as many diseases, but after adjusting for sampling bias, the risk of human-infective viruses is no greater than in rural areas.

SourceGeorgetown University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2022

Scientists create viable, reproducing yeast-cyanobacterial hybrids

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully engineered artificial photosynthetic life-forms through endosymbiosis between cyanobacteria and yeast. The engineered chimera can survive and reproduce under optimal conditions, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Depression detection has never been more important: PHQ-9 enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression with combined physical and emotion symptoms score

A large international study found that PHQ-9 accurately indicates the presence and severity of depression, regardless of sex, age, or language. The tool enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression by measuring both physical and emotional symptoms.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateMay 2, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Consensus approach proposed to protect human health from intentional and wild forest fires

Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2022

YVO₄: Nd³⁺-based nanotheranostic agent for imaging and therapy of orthotopic gliomas

Researchers developed a core-shell structured nanotheranostic agent (YVO₄:Nd³⁺-HMME@MnO₂-LF) for orthotopic glioma imaging and therapy. The YVO₄ core exhibits NIR-II fluorescence properties, while the MnO₂ shell releases Mn²⁺ ions for T₁-weight MRI and provides O₂ in tumor microenvironments to enhance sonodynamic therapy.

Using sound to control enzymatic reactions

A team of scientists successfully controlled multistep enzyme reactions using audible sound, creating a new method for spatiotemporal regulation. The researchers used standing waves generated by sound to separate and compartmentalize solutions, allowing for the precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Technology generates indications that automatically guide students and teaching staff

Researchers developed an AI system that identifies at-risk students and provides personalized guidance to improve their academic performance. The system sends relevant information and notifications to help students set goals, plan their learning process, and stay engaged in online courses.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalThe International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning·DateMay 2, 2022

Researchers develop smartphone-powered microchip for at-home medical diagnostic testing

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a new microfluidic chip that can diagnose diseases wirelessly using a smartphone. The innovation makes at-home diagnosis faster and more affordable, with potential applications for detecting viruses, pathogens, bacteria, and other biomarkers in liquid samples.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

New research finds augmented reality devices in the workplace boost short-term productivity, risk long-term innovation and efficiency

A new study published in INFORMS Journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that augmented reality devices increase worker productivity by 44% compared to traditional paper instructions. However, this technology also hinders long-term innovation and efficiency in the workplace.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2022

Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids

Scientists at Osaka University created 3D human stem cell-derived lacrimal gland organoids that mimic the human tear duct. The organoids exhibited organization and branching patterns characteristic of the human lacrimal gland, demonstrating potential as a platform for regenerative therapies for dry eye syndrome.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Chasing the blue whale

The article examines blue whale whaling records from the North Atlantic, revealing a sharp decline in populations during large-scale exploitation. However, after regulation and moratoriums, the species has recovered due to protection measures.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Youths of color use photographs to highlight health-care inequities throughout COVID-19 pandemic

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine explores how youths of color conceptualize health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research uses Photovoice methodology to identify themes related to individual and community health, including inequitable access to resources and mistrust in healthcare. The findings emphasize the need...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2022

Self-eliminating genes tested on mosquitoes

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a mechanism to make temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes that self-delete over time. This technology has the potential to help manage mosquito populations and prevent vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus without permanently altering wild populations' genetic makeup.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022

Physics provides new perspective on cellular function and evolution

Researchers at Stockholm University mapped physicochemical properties of proteins in 20,000 organisms, revealing a universal problem that has shaped the proteins of all cellular organisms. This balance between repulsive and attractive forces ensures functional control and is carefully tuned to an organism's environment and lifestyle.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022