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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 34


Page 34 of 448

Acoziborole: Investigational single-dose oral treatment raises hope for elimination of sleeping sickness in Africa

The Phase II/III study found that acoziborole has an 18-month treatment success rate of 95% for late-stage patients and 100% for early-stage patients, with no significant safety concerns reported. This breakthrough could lead to the elimination of sleeping sickness through a simplified 'screen-and-treat' approach.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Non-hormonal gel proves effective at helping mucus block sperm, with low risk of side effects

A new non-hormonal gel blocks sperm by reinforcing cervical mucus barrier, demonstrating high effectiveness in reducing uterine sperm numbers. The gel has shown a 98% average decrease in sperm numbers compared to untreated control animals, making it a promising alternative to existing contraceptives.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

Heightened activity of specific brain cells following traumatic social experience blocks social reward and promotes sustained social avoidance

Chronic social defeat stress impairs brain reward function, leading to severe social avoidance. A subset of susceptible mice exhibit heightened activity of lateral septum neurotensin neurons, which inhibit centers encoding social rewards.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Controversial Alzheimer’s drug approval sparks surprising impact

A survey by UCI MIND found that news coverage of the FDA's decision made the public less willing to volunteer for Alzheimer's pharmaceutical trials. The study suggests that media attention can have a significant impact on people's choices, potentially hindering scientific progress. Researchers plan to conduct further research to better...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateNov 29, 2022

Do voluntary corporate pledges help reduce plastic pollution?

A recent analysis by Duke University researchers found that most top companies have made voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution, but few prioritize reducing virgin plastic use. The study suggests that these efforts focus on downstream waste-reduction strategies such as lightweighting, rather than addressing the root cause of...

SourceDuke University·JournalOne Earth·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

Pregnant women’s cannabis usage in legalized US states raises calls for screening

A new national study found pregnant women in legalized US states are far more likely to use cannabis, with a 4.6 times higher rate compared to CBD-only states. The study emphasizes the need for prenatal and primary care providers to screen and counsel patients regarding cannabis use in pregnancy.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

New Carnegie Mellon University research investigates how the brain processes language

A recent study published in Nature Computational Science reveals that specific regions of the brain process both individual and combined words, while others focus solely on individual words. The research could contribute to the development of wearable neurotechnology devices that can decode language directly from brain activity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Computational Science·DateNov 29, 2022

Scientists reveal the fate of microplastics and plasticizers in municipal wastewater treatment plant

Scientists investigated microplastics and plasticizers in municipal wastewater treatment plants, detecting MPs in influent, effluent, and sludge. The study found high MP removal efficiency and accumulation of MPs in sludge, with PAEs detected in the MWTP. Thermal hydrolysis increased plasticizer concentration and decreased MP size.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

New study provides evidence for three-year interval for multi-target stool DNA screening for those at average risk of colon cancer

A new study found that a three-year interval between screenings using non-invasive multi-target stool DNA testing is clinically appropriate for individuals with average risk of colorectal cancer. The study, led by Thomas F. Imperiale, M.D., identified no colorectal cancers in participants after an initial negative test.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateNov 29, 2022

Diagnoses of suicidal ideation surged among Black pregnant women in 10-year study

A 10-year study found diagnoses of suicidal ideation surged by over 700% among Black pregnant women, while depression diagnoses increased by 66% during the same period. This disparity suggests that many women may be going undiagnosed and untreated until their mental health becomes a crisis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

Egyptian mothers’ employment early in children’s life help their daughters stay in work

Research by Lancaster University found that Egyptian mothers' employment during their daughter's adolescence has a long-lasting impact on their daughters' employment stability in adulthood. Employed mothers are more effective role models and bolsters daughters' aspirations, leading to stable public sector employment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalSex Roles·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

Long-term benefit of wearing masks for endemic diseases depend on the biology of transmission and immunity

Princeton University researchers found that mask-wearing and social distancing reduce respiratory disease spread in the short term but do not guarantee long-term benefits. Vaccination successfully limits return epidemics, whereas sustained NPIs can lead to increased susceptibility and eventual outbreaks.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022

High rates of complications and rehospitalizations after abdominal ostomy surgery

A recent study found that patients undergoing abdominal ostomy surgery have high rates of hospital readmissions and emergency department visits, often due to ostomy-related complications. The study analyzed data from nearly 28,000 patients and found that 42% were readmitted within 120 days after initial hospitalization.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing·DateNov 29, 2022

Healthcare workers in Massachusetts prefer strategies supporting education and trusted community-based communication to increase COVID-19 vaccine and booster rates

Healthcare workers in Massachusetts prefer strategies supporting education, trust in community-based communication, and accessibility of vaccination sites to increase COVID-19 vaccine and booster rates. These approaches were seen as more effective than mandates or incentives in improving vaccination uptake.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·TypeSurvey·DateNov 29, 2022

Excessive television viewing in childhood is a risk factor for later smoking and gambling disorders

A University of Otago study found that excessive leisure time television viewing in childhood and adolescence is associated with a higher risk of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis disorders and disordered gambling in adulthood. This association was independent of other potential influences.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeCase study·DateNov 29, 2022

USTC researchers develop highly hydrated paramagnetic amorphous calcium carbonate nanoclusters as an MRI contrast agent

Researchers at USTC developed a novel MRI contrast agent using highly hydrated paramagnetic amorphous calcium carbonate nanoclusters, exhibiting improved relaxivity and mass production. The material shows great potential in creating efficient diagnostic agents with low toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2022

Unveiling the mechanism of the metal-to-insulator transition in ruthenium phosphide suggests a new way of looking at solids

Researchers at Nagoya University have uncovered the mechanism behind ruthenium phosphide's transition from metal to insulator, revealing a unique crystal structure and molecular bonding. This discovery could lead to the development of faster responding sensors and smart windows that change light transmittance depending on temperature.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 29, 2022

New tools map seizures, improve epilepsy treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed two new models that can identify where seizures originate in the brain, potentially leading to more effective surgeries and improved patient outcomes. The models use machine learning and calculus to analyze brain activity patterns, predicting seizure onset with 79% accuracy.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBrain·DateNov 29, 2022

Sex roles in the animal kingdom are driven by the ratio of females to males

Research suggests that the ratio of adult females to males influences sex roles in animal species. Variation in this ratio can lead to differences in mate competition, parental care, and social behavior among species. The study proposes that understanding these dynamics can inform conservation efforts.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022

Mapping the Arab genome

The Qatar Genome Program aims to decipher the genetic makeup of Middle Eastern populations and build a foundation for precision medicine. With over 30,000 whole genomes collected, researchers are mining genomic data to produce meaningful findings and promote international collaboration.

SourceQatar Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2022

The real benefits of walking in a winter wonderland

Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2022