Drug overdose deaths among adolescents
This study examines shifts in adolescent overdose deaths, highlighting the growing threat of illicit fentanyl. Researchers analyzed CDC data to understand the impact of increased fentanyl use on this age group.
Science News Archive 2022 - Page 317
Browse by Month - 2022
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Discovery of new phenomenon a game-changer for efficient bioproduction of useful chemicals
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a new mechanism by which E. coli captures glucose and secretes it as glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), leading to increased production of target compounds. By trapping the secreted G6P on the surface of the bacteria, they developed a novel technique to improve bioproduction efficiency.
Association of injection or IV administration of monoclonal antibodies with COVID-19 outcomes
Researchers evaluated monoclonal antibody administration methods and their impact on COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates. The study found no significant difference in effectiveness between injection and intravenous administration, suggesting that injection could expand outpatient treatment capacity.
Interconception preventive care and pregnancy complications
A study published in Journal of Women's Health found that preventive visits after an index pregnancy were associated with reduced hypertension in the subsequent pregnancy. Nearly half of women included in the study experienced a complication in their subsequent pregnancy, with diabetes and hypertension having the highest recurrence rates.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeCase study·DateApr 12, 2022
Beyond the honeybee: how many bee species does a meadow need?
A new study shows that meadow ecosystems rely on 2.5 to 7.5 times more bee species for pollination than a single plant species does. Rare bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants no one else visits, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022
CNIO researchers find a way to increase effectiveness of radiotherapy for brain metastasis
Researchers at CNIO have identified a biomarker for radioresistance in brain metastasis, which can help predict patient response to radiotherapy. They also found a drug that reverses radioresistance and demonstrated its potential in animal models and patient-derived cell cultures.
Simulating supernova remnants, star formation in earthbound lab
Researchers create high-power laser and foam ball to simulate supernova remnants and observe compression of molecular cloud material. This experiment demonstrates the potential for laboratory astrophysics to understand star formation mechanisms.
TTUHSC’s Reynolds receives CPRIT research grant to study childhood cancers
The TTUHSC's C. Patrick Reynolds has received a $1.34 million CPRIT grant to investigate updating the clinical risk stratification scale for neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, two childhood cancers in need of improved therapies.
Rapid image reconstruction for real-time superresolution fluorescence microscopy
Researchers developed a novel algorithm, 'Joint Space and Frequency Reconstruction' (JSFR-SIM), to accelerate image reconstruction in optically sectioned superresolution structured illumination microscopy. The method achieves 80 times faster execution speed without compromising image quality.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 12, 2022
Newly identified cell type could be the key to restoring damaged salivary glands
Scripps Research scientists have discovered a special cell type called 'ionocyte' that maintains healthy concentrations of ions in saliva, producing growth factor FGF10. This ionocyte might hold the key to repairing salivary glands and treating conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and dry mouth.
Permanent birth control methods for women have up to six percent failure rates
A new study found that hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization procedures have higher-than-expected failure rates of five to six percent at 5 years post-procedure. The study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, used Medicaid claims data to compare the effectiveness of these methods.
Low-dose lithium may slow kidney aging
Researchers at The University of Toledo found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys by blocking GSK3-beta, an enzyme associated with cellular aging. Studies showed improved kidney function and reduced albuminuria in mice and psychiatric patients treated with lithium.
SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
Some see Antarctica as ‘last chance’ destination; for others, it’s a backdrop
Researchers found that social bonding and adventure seekers are visiting Antarctica for vacations, anniversaries, and birthday celebrations, rather than just to learn about the land and wildlife. This raises questions about the effectiveness of conservation appeals and educational efforts.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022
Bacteria generate electricity from methane
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can convert methane into electricity, with 31% efficiency, providing a potential breakthrough for renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in contaminated water sources.
SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
Hard to change minds when it comes to vaccine willingness
A recent study found that most older adults in Canada are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with only a small percentage expressing hesitation. Factors such as safety concerns and previous flu shot history played a significant role in determining willingness.
Researchers demonstrate how biomolecule mixtures communicate, interact and adapt to their environment
Researchers create complex mixtures of biomolecules that spontaneously form self-organized patterns in response to environmental changes. This breakthrough bridges the complexity gap between chemistry and biology.
Drones and machine learning help reveal the scale of plastic pollution
A novel method developed by the University of Tsukuba uses drones and machine learning to estimate the amount of plastic litter in rivers. The approach combines high-resolution optical and thermal images, resulting in more accurate estimates than other methods.
Measuring endocrine disruptors in wastewater
A team of researchers from INRS has developed a new tool to measure the effects of endocrine disruptors in wastewater. Using human cell lines, they can detect the presence of these contaminants and predict their harmful effects without resorting to animal testing.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 12, 2022
Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 12, 2022
Method efficiently breaks down plastic bottles into component parts
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastics into their component parts. The method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and requires only three components: plastic, hydrogen, and the catalyst.
A 4 V-class metal-free organic lithium-ion battery gets closer to reality
Researchers at Tohoku University and UCLA have made a breakthrough in high-voltage metal-free lithium-ion batteries using a small organic molecule, croconic acid. The battery has a strong working voltage of around 4V and a high theoretical capacity, potentially leading to more energy-dense and cost-effective batteries.
Discovery reveals new way to inhibit key cancer driver, other mutated genes
Scientists have developed a novel approach to targeting transcription factors, which could lead to new therapies for cancer and other diseases. A peptide designed to target the Mediator complex has been shown to selectively inhibit p53, a critical gene in human development and stress response.
Greater diversity in genetic studies helps researchers uncover new insights
A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...
SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022
Pervaporation membranes showed attractive property for alkaline wastewater reclamation
Researchers developed an alkali-resistant pervaporation membrane with excellent performance in separating sodium chloride solutions. The composite membrane showed stable desalination and alkaline resistance, making it suitable for various industrial applications such as papermaking and water resource recovery.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
100 km, the current Longest Distance of Quantum Secure Direct Communication
A team of scientists has successfully implemented a novel QSDC system that transmits information directly using quantum states over 100 km of fiber, achieving ultra-low error rates and high transmission rates. The system uses photonic time-bin and phase states, resulting in a record-breaking distance of 100 km.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 12, 2022
‘Patient influencers’ the new frontier in direct-to-consumer drug marketing
The partnership between pharma companies and patient influencers has raised concerns about the potential risks and benefits. While some see it as a way to improve disease awareness and treatment options, others worry about misinformation and advertising blurring the lines between opinion and ad content.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 12, 2022
Worrying number of cancer patients in UK diagnosed through emergency routes
A study found that over a third of cancer patients in the UK were diagnosed through emergency routes, with older and advanced cancer patients being disproportionately affected. The researchers called for better symptom awareness, reduced barriers to screening, and additional diagnostic capacity to improve early diagnosis.
COVID-19 vaccination prioritization, vaccination rates among incarcerated individuals
This analysis examines the association between COVID-19 vaccination prioritization policies and incarcerated individual vaccination rates. The study found that policies favoring certain groups led to significantly lower vaccination rates among incarcerated populations.
Oregon State research helps provide scientific framework for psilocybin use in therapeutic settings
A new paper by an Oregon State University-led research team provides a scientific framework to shape the rollout of a program in Oregon allowing the use of psilocybin for therapeutic reasons. The research highlights the importance of Indigenous traditions and safety guidelines for using psilocybin-containing fungi.
Biomolecular insights into protein-insolubility-related disease
Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the aggregation and deposition of TTR amyloids in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, according to new research. The study reveals that EVs promote the formation of V30M-TTR aggregates on cells, leading to tissue damage.
Postmortem examination of smell sensory system in patients with COVID-19
A postmortem examination of 23 COVID-19 patients revealed significant changes in the sensory system responsible for processing smells. Loss of smell is an early symptom of COVID-19, and this study provides new insights into its underlying causes.
Revealing similarities and differences between languages through network science
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers used WCNs with increasing n values to find features of language that cannot be analyzed using existing WCNs. They found important features in networks with more than three co-occurrences, independent of text data.
Engineered bacteria could help protect “good” gut microbes from antibiotics
Researchers developed a new way to help protect the natural flora of the human digestive tract by engineering bacteria to break down beta-lactam antibiotics. This approach protects the microbiota in the gut while allowing antibiotics to remain effective, reducing the risk of infection and antibiotic resistance.
Cereals take control of bacterial production of ammonia fertiliser
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Researchers undertake challenge to image every cell in the human brain at unprecedented speed
Researchers are developing technologies to image tens or hundreds of human brains at unprecedented speed, generating comprehensive brain-cell atlases to uncover behavior, emotion, and cognition. The team aims to chart the diversity of brain cells, including neurons and glial cells, to gain insights into normal brain function and disease.
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients
Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.
UCF researchers create brain-like devices to enable AI in remote regions and space
Researchers at UCF create brain-like devices that enable AI to function independently, allowing technology like robots and voice assistants to operate in remote areas or space. The devices use parallelism and in-memory computing, similar to the brain, for AI and unsupervised learning.
Using vertical sounding data to forecast Zonda wind in the Andes region
Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Study shows smoking increased in those trying to quit during COVID-19
A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.
Medical assistants help close virtual-visit digital divide
Patients in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods and those needing language interpretation had higher connection rates for successful video visits, thanks to medical assistant involvement. Overall, the study found 87% of video visits had a successful connection.
Study finds SNAP-eligible families less likely to buy fresh foods—and sweets—when grocery shopping online
A new study by NYU researchers found that SNAP-eligible families are less likely to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat when buying groceries online. Participants cited concerns over the quality of products selected by hired shoppers as a major factor.
RACE Act increased the number of cancer drugs with required studies for use in pediatric patients
The RACE Act has led to an increase in required studies for cancer drugs targeting molecular targets relevant to pediatric cancer. Since its implementation, 42.9% of approved drugs have been required to conduct pediatric studies, up from 8.3% before the act.
Ultrasound gave us our first baby pictures can it also help the blind see?
A new study by USC researchers uses focused ultrasound technology to stimulate the retina of blind rats, demonstrating the potential for a non-surgical solution to restore sight. The technology generates sound waves that activate neurons and send signals to the brain, bypassing traditional light-based stimulation.
Microplastics in the Cauvery River may be harming fish
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.
SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateApr 11, 2022
New 3D Printing technique: a game changer for medical testing devices
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique to fabricate microfluidic devices with precise channels at the microscale. This breakthrough allows for accurate creation of channels in clear resin, enabling applications such as COVID-19 detection and cancer research.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Scientists crack egg forging evolutionary puzzle
A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Yale researchers have uncovered a regulator of body weight that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders
Yale scientists have discovered a protein called augmentor-alpha that regulates body weight in mice, offering insights into potential new treatments for metabolic disorders. The protein is found in the hypothalamus region of the brain and plays a role in energy conservation during fasting.
Epigenetic treatments: New allies for chemotherapies?
Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.
New review finds autistic mothers face extra barriers to breastfeed
A new review found that Autistic women face significant challenges in breastfeeding, despite being motivated to do so. The lack of understanding of their needs and limited support from healthcare professionals exacerbate these issues.
Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean
Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022
Researchers identify a new treatment for metabolic syndrome
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new receptor, Ptprd, that controls appetite and body weight. The receptor trap drug suppresses appetite, body weight, and blood glucose levels in obese mice.
Community study reveals unexpected negative correlation between residential greenspace and psychological well-being of people with spinal cord injury
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
Why 90% of clinical drug development fails and how to improve it?
Current drug optimization prioritizes potency/specificity over tissue exposure/selectivity, leading to clinical failures. A new approach, STAR, classifies drugs based on potency/selectivity, tissue exposure/selectivity, and required dose to achieve clinical efficacy/toxicity balance.
The power of kindness in improving brain health
A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.
SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022
Rhesus monkeys can perceive their own heartbeat
Researchers have discovered that rhesus monkeys can sense their heartbeats, which may help understand interoception and its link to mental health conditions. This finding provides an important model for future psychiatric research.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Inferring the size of a collective of self-propelled Vicsek particles from the random motion of a single unit
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering propose a paradigm to solve the problem of inferring collective size from individual behaviors. By observing self-propelled Vicsek particles, they show that the time rate of growth of mean square heading is sufficient to predict the number of particles under particular parameters.
SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022
Research brief: Critical benefits of snowpack for winter wheat are diminishing
Research finds that declining snowpack due to climate change poses significant risks for winter wheat crops, increasing exposure to freeze and agricultural drought. The study's findings highlight the need for improved representation of snow processes in crop models to better understand climate change effects.
Association of telehealth reimbursement parity with contraceptive visits during pandemic
Researchers found that states with telehealth reimbursement parity policies had higher rates of face-to-face and virtual contraceptive appointments during the pandemic. The study suggests that increased access to contraception through telehealth may have contributed to improved reproductive health outcomes.
Certain personality traits associated with cognitive functioning late in life
Research by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and low neuroticism tend to have better cognitive functioning late in life. Those high in extraversion may also maintain normal cognitive function longer, while high neuroticism is associated with decreased healthy cognition.
SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022
High-performance LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode by nanoscale lithium sulfide coating via atomic layer deposition
The study demonstrates a sulfide coating, amorphous Li2S via ALD, that protects the NMC811 cathode and improves capacity retention, rate performance, and mitigates voltage reduction. The coating also removes O2 released from the NMC cathode during charging.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2022