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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 305


Page 305 of 448

Genetic breakthrough offers novel approach to controlling Africa’s East Coast fever, which kills a million cattle a year

Researchers have identified a genetic marker that predicts East Coast fever tolerance in cattle, paving the way for breeding programs and potentially reducing livestock losses by up to 100%. The discovery could also lead to more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices in Africa.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Environmentally-friendly coatings

Researchers from Konstanz University have developed a new class of water-soluble catalysts that allow for the direct manufacturing of polyethylene dispersions in water. This breakthrough enables environmentally-friendly and emission-free production of plastic coatings, reducing energy consumption and pollution.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 21, 2022

This algorithm has opinions about your face

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to model first impressions and accurately predict how people will be perceived based on a photograph of their face. The algorithm's findings align with common intuitions or cultural assumptions, such as people who smile being seen as more trustworthy.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Why stored linseed oil tastes bitter -- And what you could do about it

Researchers identified cyclolinopeptides, particularly a methionine sulfoxide-containing class 4 peptide, as the primary cause of linseed oil's bitter off-flavor. Breeding or technical measures may help optimize flavor quality by reducing these peptides' content.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Researchers boost rice yield by overcoming trait tradeoff between panicle number and size

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

Longest known COVID-19 infection – 505 days – described by UK researchers

Researchers from King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust studied nine immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infections, finding that five developed at least one mutation seen in variants of concern. The study provides evidence that new variants may develop in immunocompromised individuals.

Designing the perfect piece of chocolate

Scientists create S-shaped chocolate metamaterials with adjustable cracking properties and distinct sounds, allowing for a customizable eating experience. The research opens the door to designing foods that are enjoyable to eat and materials that optimize human interaction.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalSoft Matter·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Breast cancer: Why metastasis spreads to the bone

A team of biologists identified a protein involved in the spread of breast cancer to bones. The discovery confirms the importance of cellular plasticity during the metastatic process and could lead to new treatments. ZEB1, a protein that increases cell plasticity, was found to direct cells with metastatic characteristics to bones.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Tongue stimulation device reduces sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome

A surgically implanted device has been found to safely and effectively reduce sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome, with significant improvements in daily functioning, behavior, and language. The device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, was tested in a phase I clinical trial and showed promising results.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2022

Pandemic redeployment caused stress to nurses - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of redeployed nurses felt stressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many reported strong motivation to help, driven by a sense of duty and care for patients. The research highlights the need for comprehensive resilience strategies in healthcare services.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2022

Haber-Bosch at the atomic scale

Researchers have directly observed N2 adsorption and tunneling electron-induced desorption processes at the atomic scale using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study reveals dominant pairwise electrostatic interactions between K and N2, weakening the molecule bond towards dissociation in the Haber-Bosch synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Symptom data help predict COVID-19 admissions

Researchers used symptom data from over 10 million participants to estimate regional COVID-19 prevalence and predict hospital admissions. The findings confirm previous reports that symptoms are related to community infection rates, providing a scalable tool for pandemic preparedness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Key to improved green tech efficiency found in simple acid treatment

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a simple acid treatment to improve the efficiency of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs), overcoming long-standing challenges. The treatment increases the surface area between the electrode and electrolyte, allowing for more efficient flow of hydrogen atoms and improved cell...

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Researchers demonstrate label-free super-resolution microscopy

A new measurement and imaging approach resolves nanostructures smaller than the diffraction limit without dyes or labels, using polarization and angle-resolved images of transmitted light. The method measures particle size and position with high accuracy, closing the gap between conventional microscopes and super-resolution techniques.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 21, 2022

COVID-19 can directly infect and damage human kidney cells

Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Study casts doubt on impact of menthol-flavored tobacco ban

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers has cast doubt on the impact of a proposed ban on menthol-flavored tobacco cigarettes. The study found no statistically significant difference in quit rates between menthol and non-menthol smokers, despite earlier reports that menthols were harder to quit. The study's authors suggest cau...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 2022