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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 35


Page 35 of 448

Family history, gene variants put black men at risk for early prostate cancer

A recent study by Duke University researchers has identified key risk factors for Black men diagnosed with early-onset prostate cancer. Genetic variants and a family history of cancer are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. The study's findings could help reduce racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateNov 29, 2022

1930s Dust Bowl led to extreme heat around Northern Hemisphere

The study reveals that the Dust Bowl's extreme heating influenced temperatures across North America and beyond, suppressing cloud formation in some regions. The research suggests that the hot, exposed land in the central US triggered a wave-5 teleconnection pattern, which spread record-breaking heat to Europe and East Asia.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022

Rutgers researchers discover how immune cells prevent cognitive decline

A Rutgers study suggests that mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) protect against cognitive decline by creating antioxidant molecules. Injecting MAITs into genetically altered mice restored their cognitive function, and researchers hope to compare MAIT numbers in healthy humans and those with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Microphytobenthos in the Dutch Wadden Sea feeds on ‘left-overs’ in the bottom

Research reveals that microphytobenthos, a key component of the Dutch Wadden Sea food web, obtains its nutrients primarily from detrital nitrogen in pore water. This finding provides new insights into the ecosystem's dynamics and highlights the importance of considering all nutrient pools in models predicting future changes.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 2022

Diet can lower risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent, study shows

A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 10%. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables, showed additional benefits for women and black adults compare...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·DateNov 29, 2022

Bats use death metal “growls” to make social calls

Researchers studied the larynx of Daubenton's bats and found that different structures are used for high-frequency echolocation calls and lower-frequency social calls. The study reveals that bat vocalizations can be compared to death metal growls, highlighting the animals' unique ability to produce a wide range of sounds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Study finds NYC health inspectors gave only Asian restaurants higher number of citations at start of pandemic

A study by researchers found that NYC health inspectors issued disproportionately high citations to Asian restaurants in January and February 2020, highlighting systemic racism and perpetuation of stereotypes. The study suggests that biases against specific types of restaurants can lead to unequal treatment and exacerbate existing ineq...

SourceNew York University·JournalEthnicities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022

Strongest Arctic cyclone on record led to surprising loss of sea ice

The strongest Arctic cyclone ever observed poleward of 70 degrees north latitude caused a 30% greater loss of sea ice than previous records, with waves reaching up to 100 kilometers towards the center of the ice pack. Researchers suggest that existing models underestimate the impact of big waves on ice floes in the Arctic Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

New paper highlights the co-benefits of coordinating climate action and peacebuilding

A recent paper reveals that climate mitigation and peacebuilding can generate co-benefits, addressing the root causes of both conflict and climate change. The authors recommend collaboration between sectors to create a virtuous cycle, promoting social inclusion, economic opportunities, and conservation of natural environments.

Researchers explore why patients don’t follow up with their doctors after receiving a positive colorectal cancer test

A nationwide questionnaire in Dutch colorectal cancer screening found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of provider discussion, and personal risk perceptions are common reasons for not following up. Personalized screening counseling and family practitioner involvement may help increase follow-up rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 29, 2022

Smart inverters’ vulnerability to cyberattacks needs to be identified and countered, according to Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers identify vulnerabilities in smart inverters to cyberattacks, including reconnaissance, replay, DDoS, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. These attacks can disrupt energy flow and create power oscillations, severely impeding microgrid functionality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022

Forests benefit from tree species variety and genetic diversity

Forests with multiple tree species have been shown to be more productive, as different species fill distinct niches and compete less. Additionally, genetic diversity within each tree species also promotes forest productivity by increasing resource use efficiency and reducing damage from herbivores and fungi.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 29, 2022

Hunting brain cancer cells

A study published in Trends in Cancer suggests that targeting vulnerabilities in glioblastoma cancer cells, which maintain resemblance to the cells of origin, may lead to effective therapies. The research aims to identify ways to block these identity shifts and develop personalized treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTrends in Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

Magnetic material mops up microplastics in water

Researchers have developed an innovative magnetic adsorbent that can remove microplastics 1,000 times smaller than those detectable by existing wastewater treatment plants. The process takes just one hour, compared to days for current methods.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Increasing crop yields by breeding plants to cooperate

A simple breeding experiment identified genes that promote cooperation and higher yields in plant populations. Plants with specific alleles were found to produce 15% more biomass when grown in close proximity, while reducing root competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Quantum algorithm of the direct calculation of energy derivatives developed for molecular geometry optimization

A new quantum algorithm allows for the direct calculation of energy derivatives, a crucial step in molecular geometry optimization, using only one query on a quantum computer. This breakthrough enables the computation of energy derivatives with respect to nuclear coordinates in a single calculation.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022

Modified enzyme brings value to lignin monomers

A team of scientists, led by Marco Fraaije from the University of Groningen, has developed an enzyme that can convert lignin monomers into useful chemical building blocks. The enzyme has been engineered to be stable, selective, and faster in conversion, offering a promising solution for the valorization of biomass.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022