Advertising source may drive experience for some Siri users
Ads on VAs are better received if VA is a medium, not the source of the ads. Socially motivated users see VAs as companions and respond positively to ads delivered in context.
Science News Archive 2022 - Page 293
Browse by Month - 2022
Page 293 of 448
Gravity telescope to image exoplanets
Astronomers at Stanford University propose a new method to manipulate solar gravitational lensing to create advanced imaging capabilities for detecting and studying exoplanets. The technique, developed by Alexander Madurowicz, uses the sun's gravity as a natural telescope to capture fine details on planet surfaces.
Lighting the tunnel of plant evolution: Scientists explore importance of two-pore channels in plants
Researchers discover that type 1 TPCs encode SV channels in plant vacuoles, while type 2 TPCs likely encode distinct ion channels. This study provides functional and evolutionary insights into the TPC family in plants, shedding light on their role in plant growth and defence mechanisms.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Public participation in environmental planning suffered during COVID-19 crisis in Ontario
A statistical analysis by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that public comments on changes to environment-related laws and policies declined during the pandemic. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) by the provincial government, which bypass public participation.
One step synthesis of efficient red emissive carbon dots and their bovine serum albumin composites with enhanced multi-photon fluorescence for in vivo bioimaging
Researchers developed efficient red emissive carbon dots (CDs) through a facile one-step solvothermal synthesis, enabling high-quality imaging in the red to NIR range. The CDs exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yield and enhanced multi-photon fluorescence when combined with bovine serum albumin.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 2, 2022
May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, climate change and mental health, and tools to address children’s mental health
The May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore the cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, the intersection of climate change and mental health, and tools to address children's mental health. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research reports on these topics.
Patients with metastatic prostate cancer living significantly longer
The S1216 study showed an unprecedented median OS of 70 months in the control arm, outperforming previous results by 24 months. This extended survival was attributed to additional life-prolonging treatments patients received after completing the trial therapy.
SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 2, 2022
Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater
Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.
Supplement: Life course intervention research optimizes health development and children’s well-being
A new supplement in Pediatrics suggests that early life interventions can improve later health outcomes and address pressing concerns around youth mental health. The Life Course Intervention Research Network calls for a major focus on supporting children's positive health development and sense of well-being.
Highly valuable Asian rosewood trees face a host of threats to survival
The study maps the extent of threats to highly valuable Asian rosewood species in the Greater Mekong Subregion, proposing conservation actions. Three key species - Siamese rosewood, Burma blackwood, and Burmese rosewood - face significant risks from overexploitation, fire, habitat conversion, and climate change.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2022
Want more students to learn languages? Win over the parents, research suggests
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that parents' beliefs about languages have a stronger impact on their children's attitudes than teachers or friends. This implies that efforts to reverse the national decline in language-learning should also target families, alongside schools.
‘Extreme’ plants grow faster in the face of stress
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that extremophytes, such as Schrenkiella parvula, can thrive and even grow faster under dry, salty, or cold conditions. This unique response is attributed to the activation of different genetic pathways in these plants, allowing them to bypass conventional stress responses.
Hospitals can reduce antibiotic overuse by avoiding unnecessary blood draws in critically ill children, study shows
Researchers developed a decision support program to reduce blood draws in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), leading to reduced antibiotic prescriptions without increasing sepsis risk. The program resulted in significant reductions in blood culture rates and unnecessary medication use.
Gene editing DNA deletion sizes reduced with new fusion method developed at WFIRM
Researchers at WFIRM have developed a novel method to refine CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, increasing efficiency and decreasing large DNA deletions. The technique, which fuses DNA polymerase I or the Klenow fragment to Cas9, improves safety and functional editing outcomes.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Sensor makes strides in detecting infection indicators
A wearable sensor designed by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers can detect two key biomarkers of infection in human sweat, enabling early warnings of infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. The sensor uses passive sweat technology and has been shown to identify interferon-gamma-inducible protein (IP-10) and tumor necrosis f...
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Bacteria make a beeline to escape tight spaces
Researchers observed that bacteria change their swimming behavior to avoid getting stuck in confined spaces. In open areas, bacteria meander without discernible pattern, but upon entry into tight spaces, they straighten their paths to escape, suggesting physical features like walls and corners serve as crucial cues.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Carbon, climate change and ocean anoxia in an ancient icehouse world
A new study describes a period of rapid global warming in an ice-capped world 304 million years ago, resulting in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels doubling and oceans becoming anoxic. Biodiversity dropped on land and at sea, with about 23% of the seafloor worldwide becoming anoxic dead zones.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
The policy dominance of Universal Health Coverage
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to be the dominant approach in low- and middle-income countries' health systems, which may not guarantee equal access to services. The study highlights the need for critical examination of UHC's history, definition, and who's involved in its pursuit.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
One-sport high school athletes prone to injury, burnout
New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.
Abnormal activity of brain circuit causes anorexia in animal model
Researchers found abnormal dopamine-serotonin brain circuit activity causes anorexia, which was reversed by restoring normal activity and inhibiting key receptor. The study provides potential therapeutic approach for treating anorexia, with future studies needed to explore sex differences.
Mapping study yields novel insights into DNA-protein connection, paving way for researchers to target new treatments
Researchers have mapped the connections between DNA and blood proteins in two large populations, providing insights into disease causes and potential treatment targets. The study's findings could shed light on health disparities and help develop new therapies.
Association of food marketing with eating behaviors of children, adolescents
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 96 studies found a strong association between food marketing and eating behaviors in children and adolescents. The study suggests that food marketing may play a significant role in shaping the dietary preferences and consumption habits of young people.
Affirmative action bans had ‘devastating impact’ on diversity in medical schools, UCLA-led study finds
A new UCLA-led study finds that affirmative action bans in states led to a decline of 37% in the proportion of underrepresented students in public medical schools. This decrease had a devastating impact on the diversity of the physician workforce, which is crucial for providing equitable healthcare services.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Many pathologists agree overdiagnosis of skin cancer happens, but don’t change diagnosis behavior
Recent studies found that pathologists perceive an overdiagnosis of melanoma, with many diagnosing cases as non-invasive melanoma despite variability in diagnoses. A study involving over 100 dermatopathologists showed a majority agree on the issue, but awareness may not be enough to reduce overdiagnosis.
Researchers bridge the gap between disciplines to better understand chemical reactions
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered a deep connection between two previously distinct fields of physics, stochastic thermodynamics and transition-path theory, allowing for a framework to quantify reaction information. This framework enables researchers to separate signal from noise in massive datasets, facilitating b...
US-Japan research team unravels the trick of evolving the GTP sensor
Researchers from the US and Japan have discovered the mechanism of GTP recognition by a tumor-promoting kinase, leading to the evolution of a GTP sensor kinase. This finding could lead to the development of a new cancer-treating drug that targets PI5P4Kβ using GTP instead of ATP.
Search reveals eight new sources of black hole echoes
Researchers find that black holes go through a 'hard' and 'soft' state during outbursts, with the final flash possibly indicating a brief expansion of the corona. The findings help scientists understand how supermassive black holes shape galaxy formation.
Study finds children with vegetarian diet have similar growth and nutrition compared to children who eat meat
A study of nearly 9,000 children found that those on a vegetarian diet had similar measures of growth and nutrition compared to those who eat meat. Children with a vegetarian diet also had higher odds of underweight weight status.
Study highlights stresses – and ‘silver linings’ – of pandemic for moms with limited resources
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that mothers with limited financial resources experienced tremendous stress during the pandemic. However, they also valued the opportunity to spend more quality time with their children, showcasing their resilience.
Study finds how Acinetobacter baumannii survives without water on hospital surfaces
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered a mechanism Acinetobacter baumannii uses to survive in a dried state: producing hydrophilin proteins that protect against water loss. This finding could lead to new strategies for eliminating the pathogen from hospital surfaces.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Gene therapy reverses effects of autism-linked mutation in brain organoids
Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
Corn genetic heritage the strongest driver of chemical defenses against munching bugs
A new study reveals that corn varieties respond differently to herbivory in the presence or absence of a soil bacterium. The researchers found that only one type of maize increased its production of volatile compounds when exposed to the bacterium.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Nanotechnology enables visualization of RNA structures at near-atomic resolution
Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Dopamine involved in recognizing emotions
Research suggests dopamine is involved in emotion recognition, particularly in low-dose individuals. Dopamine levels influence emotional perception, with lower levels improving emotional recognition while higher levels impairing it. This finding has implications for understanding social cognition impairments in neurological disorders.
Untrained disaster responders are more prone to suicide years after World Trade Center attack
A Rutgers study found that nontraditional 9/11 emergency workers are more than five times as likely to have considered suicide, with 12.5% expressing suicidal ideation compared to 2.2% of traditional first responders. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate training and financial hardship.
SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Brain connectivity changes revealed in individuals with pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers used PET and fMRI to study brain connectivity changes years before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear. Disruptions were found in the main memory network, even before cognitive impairment was observed, suggesting potential strategies for early detection.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022
A new model predicts forest tree growth in new environments
Researchers developed a new model combining climatic and genomic data to predict forest tree growth in new environments. The model, based on maritime pine, showed improved predictions of population height growth by 14-25% compared to models using climatic data alone.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMay 2, 2022
Enzymes discovered in capybara gut can accelerate utilization of agroindustrial waste
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2022
Aging and fake news: It's not the story you think it is
A new study found that older adults are no more likely to fall for fake news than younger adults, except for those aged 70 and above. Analytical reasoning skills and positive affect impact detection ability, with 'shallow' information processing increasing vulnerability to deception.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers discover pathways to severe COVID-19 in children
A study has identified disease mechanisms in children with severe COVID-19, including blood clotting and immune protein pathways. The research found specific proteins involved in multisystem inflammatory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which are major potential outcomes of severe COVID-19.
SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2022
Photonic slide rule：Simultaneous resolving of wavelength and polarization state
A team of scientists has proposed a versatile photonic slide rule that enables simultaneous resolution of wavelength and polarization state. The device uses an all-silicon metasurface to achieve angle-resolved focusing spots, allowing for easy retrieval of the wavelength and polarization information.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 2, 2022
Over the lips, through the gums, look out gamers, here it comes — or so it seems
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a practical new way to receive tactile feedback in virtual worlds using airborne ultrasound waves. The system, small and light enough to attach to VR goggles, creates sensations on the lips, teeth, and tongue, enhancing VR experiences.
Precipitation helped drive distribution of Alaska dinosaurs
New research published in Geosciences finds that precipitation, not temperature, influenced the distribution of herbivorous dinosaurs in what is now Alaska. Hadrosaurids preferred wetter climates with narrower annual temperature ranges, while ceratopsids preferred milder and drier conditions.
Researchers find a gene on the Y chromosome that may explain lower risk of pulmonary hypertension in men
Researchers at UCLA have identified a gene on the Y chromosome that protects against pulmonary hypertension in men by reducing proinflammatory chemokines. The study suggests that targeting inflammation may be a promising new avenue for therapy, and could lead to effective treatments for this fatal disease.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Park rangers use butterflies to take planet’s pulse in a biodiversity hotspot
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
Affirmative action bans reduce diversity in physician workforce, impact health equity
State bans on affirmative action policies are associated with lower enrollment of underrepresented minority students in public medical schools. The study found a 5.5 percentage point decrease in enrollment of underrepresented students relative to control schools.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Ultrafast all-optical random bit generator
Researchers proposed and experimentally demonstrated an all-optical random bit generation method using chaotic pulses quantized in the optical domain. This method generated a 10 Gb/s random bit stream, potentially operable at higher rates by exploiting ultrafast fiber response.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 2, 2022
New research could help identify babies at risk of brain bleeds
Researchers have discovered a new way to predict brain bleeds in unborn babies and newborns by analyzing platelet levels. The study found that babies are guaranteed to develop brain bleeds if their platelet count drops below 10%, while moderate levels may trigger the condition, but not extremely low levels.
Automated synthesis allows for discovery of unexpected charge transport behavior in organic molecules
A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Illinois used automated synthesis to discover a new mechanism for high conductance in organic electronics applications. The technology rapidly scanned through a library of molecules and uncovered unexpectedly high conductance, dependent on concentration and surface adsorption.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2022
Older men with high body-mass index have more sperm cell irregularities
Research reveals that older men with higher BMI display reduced reproductive health, particularly in terms of sperm cell production. The study also highlights the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of testis aging and directions for potential treatment.
Dinosaur extinction changed plant evolution
Research revealed that the absence of megaherbivores led to denser vegetations with larger seeds and fruits, as smaller animals could disperse these through their excretions. Defense traits like spines and thorns decreased during this gap but returned when new megaherbivores evolved.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers develop powerful strategy for creating new-to-nature enzymes
A team of researchers developed a simple yet powerful strategy for creating new enzymes with novel reactivity that can produce valuable chemical compounds. They used photobiocatalysis to repurpose naturally occurring enzymes and achieved an enantioselective biocatalytic reaction.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Discovery about coral-algal symbiosis could help coral reefs recover after bleaching events
A new study by University of California, Riverside researchers has found that coral-algal symbiosis can initiate without photosynthesis. This breakthrough could help corals survive climate change and ultimately save coral reefs.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
The era of ‘optical computers’ operated by light is fast approaching
Researchers at KIST and GIST have developed an ultra-high-speed, high-efficiency optoelectronic logic gate that can perform all five basic logic operations using light as input. This breakthrough enables the development of optical processors with high spatial efficiency and integration.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2022
Geophysics: Better insights into Earth’s interior
A new method developed by LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp improves the accuracy of understanding the Earth's crust composition. By combining data on electrical conductivity and density, researchers can better distinguish between fluids and solid graphite in geological regions.
How creative arts therapy helps young cancer patients through their treatment journey
A study by University of Colorado Cancer Center member Jennifer Raybin found that creative arts therapy significantly improves quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer. The therapy, conducted by a trained clinician, helps patients express and process emotions through activities like dance, yoga, and art-making.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing·DateMay 2, 2022
Making untreatable vision problems treatable: WVU receives $11M for visual sciences research center
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
Compact Light Source based on the movement of atoms
Researchers demonstrate atomic scale memristors capable of emitting photons during resistive switching, providing a compact and CMOS-compatible light source. The 'Atomic Photon Source' consists of a planar Ag/amorphous SiOx/Pt junction with optical antennas, emitting light during electrical connection formation.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 2, 2022
Neighborhoods most affected by racism, inequities and COVID-19 pandemic stressors at a greater risk for preterm births, study finds
A cohort study of nearly 1,000 pregnant persons in NYC found that neighborhoods most affected by racism and economic inequality had higher rates of COVID-19 infection and preterm births. The researchers linked structural racism and community unemployment to increased risk of preterm birth.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·DateMay 2, 2022
Scientists map living corals for the first time before and after marine heat wave: Winners and losers discovered
Researchers mapped living corals in Hawaii before and after a mass bleaching event, discovering 'winners' that thrive in cleaner waters with less coastal development. The study found coral reefs near heavily developed coasts are more susceptible to mortality during heat waves, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022