Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2022 - Page 297


Page 297 of 448

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022

Tumors on withdrawal: Amino acid deficiency shrinks childhood tumors

Researchers discovered that neuroblastoma cells with high MYCN activity need cysteine, an amino acid crucial for protein production. Depriving these cells of cysteine triggers ferroptosis, a form of cell death, causing tumors to shrink. The study provides new insights into the treatment of aggressive neuroblastoma in children.

Risk factors for severe COVID-19 in hospitalized adults differ by age

Researchers found that vital signs and lab results at hospital admission are key predictors of disease severity. Age groups between 18-50 and 50+ showed different risk factors for severe cases and death. The study's findings suggest a need for updated models reflecting current standard care, where physiological parameters can be more h...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Model pinpoints glaciers at risk of collapse due to climate change

A University of California, Berkeley scientist has created a model that predicts the most vulnerable glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic are thick and fast-moving ones. The new model incorporates the effects of meltwater lubricating their downhill flow, suggesting these glaciers are more sensitive to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Discovery of 30 exocomets in a young planetary system

An international team of scientists has discovered 30 exocomets in the β Pictoris planetary system, determining their size range and estimating a similar size distribution to those orbiting the Sun. This discovery sheds new light on the origin and evolution of comets in planetary systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

A sharper image for proteins

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance

Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Chicago public schools and Lurie Children’s Hospital expand partnership to support youth mental health

The expanded partnership aims to strengthen the District's response to an escalating national youth mental health crisis. The school-based Behavioral Health Team model provides comprehensive support, including early identification of students with behavioral health needs and connection to evidence-based interventions.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateApr 28, 2022

New insight in patient response to surgical disruption in life-saving hormones

A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men

A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 28, 2022

Mother and child vulnerable to endocrine disruptor exposure

A Canadian research team found that pregnant women and their unborn babies are sensitive to environmental contaminants like endocrine disruptors. The study highlighted the role of the placenta in regulating maternal physiology and fetal development, and linked early exposure to certain EDs with breast cancer and prostate cancer risk.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2022

Analysis of firearm violence during pandemic in US

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2022

New study could help reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

Agricultural nitrous oxide emissions are estimated to be 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. The new knowledge-guided machine learning model, KGML-ag, is 1,000 times faster and more accurate than current systems, providing a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Older Latinos redefine family to include friends, neighbors, other community members

Researchers found that older Latinos view supportive relationships with friends, neighbors, and community members as equally important to traditional family connections. This 'convivir' concept emphasizes harmonious connections and cooperative coexistence, which can enhance quality of life and promote successful aging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2022

E. coli bacteria exploits Crohn’s disease inflammation

Research finds that intestinal inflammation liberates chemicals that nourish E. coli's growth and promote inflammation, highlighting new treatment targets for Crohn's disease. The study identifies key compounds that feed E. coli, such as phospholipids and amino acids, and shows that these compounds can enhance the bacteria's virulence.

SourceCornell University·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 27, 2022

Study: Lawyers’ “game framing” of negotiations associated with lower moral character and less honesty

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that lawyers who view negotiation as a game, with arbitrary rules, are less willing to disclose honest information. Lawyers with higher moral character are more likely to adopt an ethical approach, while those with lower moral character are more prone to game framing.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNegotiation Journal·DateApr 27, 2022

Study shows sharing behavior among young children may be related to their counting skills

A new study found that symbolic counting skills are strongly related to young children's fair sharing behavior. Researchers developed a counting intervention that improved sharing behavior in preschoolers, suggesting that learning to count may be a key factor in developing this social skill.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

CNIC scientists discover a new mechanism involved in the modulation of heart muscle elasticity

Researchers have identified a new mechanism involving the oxidation of cysteines in titin protein that modulates cardiac stiffness and dynamics. This discovery sheds light on how the heart adapts to various situations and responds to oxidative balance disorders.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Study shows creativity assessments progressing slowly, including racialized, gendered approaches

A new study from the University of Kansas found that creativity assessments in education rely on standardized approaches, overlooking many students. The research highlights the need for a more diverse range of assessments to identify and encourage creative young people across different domains and populations.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalReview of Research in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2022

THE LANCET: Global child and adolescent health targets in jeopardy without urgent, comprehensive reform, experts warn

Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 27, 2022

New data shows burden of dementia symptoms just as high in community population as nursing home residents

Researchers found that people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who live in the community experience similar symptom burdens to those in nursing homes. The study suggests that palliative care interventions could ease symptom burden and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateApr 27, 2022

Is the origin of cultivated kumquat species implicated with Hong Kong kumquat? Probably no.

The study found that cultivated kumquat species have an independent phylogeny among citrus taxa, rejecting the hybridization origin hypothesis. The populations underwent directional selection during their evolutionary trajectory, and the asynchronous population dynamics were earlier than human activity in southern China.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Researchers shed light on why a certain plant virus is so powerful at fighting cancer

A team of researchers has discovered that cowpea mosaic virus, when injected into a tumor, triggers a powerful immune response, preventing cancer recurrence. The unique protein shell and RNA structure of the virus activate toll-like receptors, leading to increased cytokine production and a prolonged anti-cancer response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 27, 2022

Electronic skin anticipates and perceives touch from different directions for the first time

Researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology and Leibniz IFW Dresden create a new approach for miniaturizing soft sensor units with integrated artificial hairs. They successfully integrate the 3D magnetic field sensors with magnetically rooted fine hairs into an artificial e-skin, enabling precise spatial arrangement and mass pro...

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

People who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been less likely to seek help and have found it harder to access in-patient treatment, according to study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens

A study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens found that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to seek help and faced difficulties accessing in-patient treatment. The research used linked electronic health records to investigate healthcare contacts with self-harm during this period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2022

UK wildlife watchers welcome 'ecological refugees'

UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

Visual ordinal scoring of coronary artery calcium on chest CT: Diagnostic performance and prognostic utility

A retrospective study found high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing coronary artery calcium on contrast-enhanced and non-contrast chest CT. The visual ordinal assessment of CAC has prognostic utility, identifying patients at higher risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2022