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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 307


Page 307 of 448

Study suggests tree-filled spaces are more favorable to child development than paved or grassy surfaces

A recent study found that children living in areas with tree cover had better early childhood development than those in areas with grass or paved surfaces. The research also showed that tree-filled spaces mitigate air pollution, noise, and heat better than more open green spaces.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

CityU chemists develop a strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

A research team from City University of Hong Kong and Imperial College London developed a new strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using ferrocene molecules. The breakthrough invention can achieve efficiency of up to 25% while maintaining stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon solar cells.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Physicians working in physician-owned practices more likely to be satisfied with their electronic health records

Researchers found that physicians working in physician-owned practices were significantly more satisfied with their EHRs, citing staff support for documentation and appropriate time spent on documentation. These differences partially explained the disparity in EHR satisfaction between solo and non-solo practices.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

The application of compost shows agricultural and environmental benefits in the bacterial community

A study by the Diverfarming project found that long-term compost application improved soil bacterial community complexity and communication, increasing nitrogen fixing potential and reducing emissions. This highlights the importance of using compost in sustainable agriculture, which can reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and create mo...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgronomy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Lower intramuscular fat for a stronger heart

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that measuring intramuscular fat in thigh muscles can predict cardiovascular health outcomes in heart failure patients. Patients with lower intramuscular fat had higher grip strength and were less likely to be hospitalized.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Do pain relievers impede bone drug’s efficacy?

Researchers found that NSAID use negates the bone-protective effects of bisphosphonate clodronate on preventing osteoporotic fractures. The study suggests caution in extrapolating these data to more widely used bisphosphonates, as concomitant usage may lead to reduced fracture risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 20, 2022

African dust crosses the Atlantic

Researchers found a simulated annual downward trend in surface PM10 concentrations in Senegal and Cabo Verde after the 1980s. However, there was an increase in dust over the Western Sahara transported to Cabo Verde, suggesting Eastern Atlantic dust continued on toward the U.S. and Caribbean.

SourcePenn State·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 20, 2022

Using bacteria to build settlements on Mars

Researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a method to make bricks out of Martian soil using bacteria and urea. These 'space bricks' can be used for building-like structures on Mars, reducing porosity and increasing strength. The team plans to study the effect of Mars' atmosphere and low gravity on the bricks.

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group publishes new guidance

The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has published a new guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which includes updated recommendations for vertebral fracture detection and anabolic treatment options. The guidance aims to improve service provision in both primary and secondary care settings.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

Got food cravings? What's living in your gut may be responsible

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice with different gut microbiomes choose different diets, influenced by substances produced by microbes. The researchers suggest that certain molecules, such as tryptophan, may be hijacking the body's natural signals to promote specific food cravings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Dying stars’ cocoons might explain fast blue optical transients

A Northwestern University astrophysics team proposes that fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) originate from the cocoons of jets launched by dying stars. The new model, fully consistent with all FBOT observations, suggests that as the jet pushes the cocoon outward, it cools and releases heat, emitting an observed FBOT emission.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2022

Automated cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia delivered over the internet shown to be highly effective in Black women

A randomized trial found that an internet-delivered CBT-I program tailored for Black women resulted in significant improvements in insomnia symptoms and sustained gains at 6 months. Compared to a standard program, the culturally-tailored version improved engagement with treatment and led to better sleep outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

Providing a potential treatment option to infants where there is none

A study led by MUSC researchers found that inhibiting the complement system with CR2Crry can prevent long-term brain damage and improve outcomes in premature infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage. The treatment has shown improved survival, weight gain, reduced brain injury, and enhanced motor and cognitive performances.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateApr 20, 2022

Fewer smartphones, more well-being

A study of 619 participants found that reducing smartphone use by one hour daily or complete abstinence for a week led to positive effects on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. These benefits lasted longer in the reduced-use group, suggesting an optimal daily usage time may exist.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Applied·DateApr 20, 2022

New tools against hospital infections?

A synthetic peptide has been shown to block the communication and virulence of resistant Staphylococcus bacteria in an animal model. The peptide, encapsulated in biodegradable microparticles, effectively inhibited skin wound infections.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

‘Dative epitaxy’: A new way to stack crystal films

Researchers have developed a novel method called 'dative epitaxy' for growing thin layers of crystals made from different materials on top of each other. This technique allows for the formation of special chemical bonds to fix crystal orientation, overcoming limitations of conventional and van der Waals epitaxial techniques.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 20, 2022

Only Arsenal of the Premier League ‘Big Six’ show resilience to withstand major future economic shocks

A new study from the University of Portsmouth reveals that only Arsenal among the Premier League's top six clubs has strong financial resilience to external economic shocks. The research found that Arsenal can withstand significant economic fluctuations, while other 'Big Six' clubs are more vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalSoccer and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2022

Study challenges theories of earlier human arrival in Americas

A recent study published in PLOS One suggests that humans arrived in the Americas by at least 14,200 years ago in Beringia and approximately 13,000 years ago in temperate latitudes. The researchers' findings are based on an analysis of buried archaeological deposits using a new statistic called the Apparent Stratigraphic Integrity Index.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2022

Warming climate and agriculture halve insect populations in some areas

A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2022

Astronomers discover micronovae, a new kind of stellar explosion

A team of astronomers has discovered micronovae, extremely powerful events that occur on the surface of white dwarfs and can burn through billions of kilograms of material in a few hours. These new stellar explosions challenge our understanding of thermonuclear reactions in stars and may be more abundant than previously thought.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2022

Feeling worse after single session with health coach

A University of Gothenburg study found that a single visit to a health coach can deteriorate perceived health in 50-year-olds. After one hour-long session, participants reported worse changes in overall wellbeing, physical and mental health compared to those who received no treatment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2022

Reversible fuel cells can support grid economically, Stanford researcher finds

Researchers at Stanford University and University of Mannheim find that integrated reversible power-to-gas systems can provide backup electricity during surging prices, reducing costs and increasing capacity utilization. The technology has the potential to link the electricity and hydrogen markets, making renewable energy more viable.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

The answer to keeping moose populations healthy? Wolves

A new study found that wolves preferentially target adult moose with osteoarthritis, an age-related disease, over prime-aged adults. This selective predation helps maintain a balance in prey populations, reducing the incidence of diseases such as osteoarthritis.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 20, 2022

No rest for new elephant mothers

A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

Do personality traits and social norms impact the gender pay gap?

A systematic review of 39 studies found that personality traits and social norms are important determinants of the gender pay gap. The analysis suggests that these factors can explain a significant portion of the gap, but further research is needed to fully understand their contributions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Economic Surveys·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 20, 2022