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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 324


Page 324 of 448

Research team from Goethe University discovers Achilles’ heel of dangerous hospital pathogen

A team from Goethe University has identified the spatial structure of the mannitol-synthesizing enzyme MtlD in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is crucial for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of customized substances to inhibit the enzyme and combat this hospital pathogen.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Simulations explain Greenland’s slower summer warming

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cooler summer temperatures across Greenland are triggered by changes in the El Niño climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery will help improve future predictions of Arctic ice sheet and sea ice melting.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

For vaccine text-message campaigns, Brown researchers confirm success is all about timing

A new study from Brown University's Policy Lab found that text-message vaccination campaigns work better when sent early, as all state residents ages 16 and up had been eligible for a shot four weeks before the campaign. Despite this, the messages' ineffectiveness was due to poor timing rather than the content.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him...

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees exhibit a preference for faces and skulls of their own species, similar to previous studies with African elephants. This suggests the presence of a face module in chimpanzee brains that detects and processes facial cues.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Electronic implant reactivates spinal-cord nerves of a patient with neurodegenerative disease

A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

National Parks Study: 'Every Kid Outdoors' program is increasing family hiking, but not for everyone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that the Every Kid Outdoors program is increasing family hiking, with a seven-fold jump in frequency among high-income and white families. However, minority and lower-income families have not seen a similar significant increase in hiking frequency.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Report: remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021

The COVID-19 treatment remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021, with total spending reaching $576.9 billion. Biosimilars usage increased, saving the healthcare system money, while new drugs like aducanumab and upcoming oncology approvals are expected to impact spending.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows flood risk for Iowa farmland

A new study from the University of Iowa has created comprehensive maps showing flood risk for farmland throughout Iowa. The researchers analyzed nearly 25 million acres of agricultural land to classify the flood risk according to eight scenarios, highlighting areas prone to chronic flooding and low productivity yields.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Mini-livers on a chip

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 6, 2022

Amazon Rainforest Foliage Gases Affect the Earth’s Atmosphere

A recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the Amazon rainforest, driven by plant-foliage-derived gases. These gases condense to form fine particles that cool the planet and seed clouds, affecting precipitation and the water cycle.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Digital training at home to beat lockdown frustration

A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

How does perennial grassland cover affect duck nest survival?

A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 6, 2022

CABI-led study creates first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval stages for Africa to help fight against devastating pest

A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows robust increases in atmospheric thirst across much of U.S. during past 40 years

A new study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

High performance microscopy for non-invasive conjunctival goblet cell examination

Conjunctival goblet cells play a crucial role in tear film stability, and their dysfunction is linked to various ocular surface diseases. A new microscopy system allows for non-invasive examination of CGCs in live animal models and humans, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 6, 2022

Diversity in U.S. medicine is not keeping pace with population changes, analysis finds

Despite increasing racial and ethnic diversity, US academic medical programs have underrepresented minority groups, with only modest increases in representation over the past four decades. Female representation has increased significantly, but progress in promoting diversity at leadership levels remains stagnant.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Biodegradable gel boosts immune system's attack on several cancers in mice

A new biodegradable gel has been developed to improve the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The gel releases drugs and special antibodies that target tumor cells, slowing their growth and increasing the lifespan of mice. This breakthrough could lead to new clinical trials for human patients in the coming years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

What are the motives behind cronyism?

A novel experimental design study reveals cronyism is profitable for those who engage in it, driven by beliefs in reciprocity and favoritism. Shared identity motivates even low-quality workers to reciprocate trust with greater effort.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateApr 6, 2022