Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2022 - Page 46


Page 46 of 448

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

Climate crisis and anthropic pressure are destabilizing the Pantanal

Researchers found that summer rainfall and autumn-winter dry days are increasing, leading to fluvial discharge and sediment load in rainy seasons and water deficits in dry seasons. The Pantanal's complex geomorphology, including mega-fans and self-affine landforms, makes it susceptible to anthropic interference.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022

Student-based contact-tracing program prevented COVID-19 exposures and infections among university students and staff

A student-based contact-tracing program at the University of Illinois Chicago reduced COVID-19 exposures and infections by 96% among campus members. The program, which trained students as case investigators and contact tracers, effectively quarantined over 120 cases and prevented an estimated 132 downstream exposures.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2022

Developing alginate hydrogels that can support cell growth

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created alginate hydrogels that can endure the growth of bacteria, allowing them to synthesize essential enzymes. The modified hydrogels provided a stable platform for bacterial colonies to form and grow, producing important compounds like nisin.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Blinding eye disease strongly associated with serious forms of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Ray-finned fish survived mass extinction event

A new study suggests that ray-finned fish diversified earlier than previously thought, accumulating small changes before the Carboniferous period. The fossil specimen Palaeoneiros clackorum shows features typical of younger species, indicating a more complex picture of species diversification.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Development of an easy-to-synthesize self-healing gel composed of entangled ultrahigh molecular weight polymers

A research team has developed a method to easily synthesize a self-healing polymer gel made of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers and non-volatile ionic liquids. The gel exhibits superior mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and can be recycled via thermal processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Regional disparities in rates of parental incarceration among Minnesota youth

Research reveals significant regional disparities in parental incarceration rates, with children of color and those living in impoverished households more likely to experience it. The study also highlights the need for tailored strategies to address health inequities in remote or under-resourced communities.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Novel approach to treat and prevent Type 2 diabetes: SGH and NUS Medicine study

Researchers found that individuals with CYP8B1 loss-of-function mutations have improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach using bile acid modulators to target this gene.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Association between diabetes medication and less severe cases of COVID-19

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin had a 45% lower risk of needing a breathing machine or dying from COVID-19 compared to those not taking the medication. The research team analyzed data from a large database and suggested metformin may be an effective treatment option for reducing COV...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

AI-generated x-ray images fooled medical experts and improved osteoarthritis classification

Researchers created synthetic knee x-ray images to complement real images in osteoarthritis classification. Medical experts were unable to distinguish between authentic and synthetic images, highlighting the potential of synthetic data for collaboration and testing.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

A Tale of Terroir: Porcini mushrooms have evolved with a preference to local adaptation

A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Predicting the device performance of the perovskite solar cells from the experimental parameters through machine learning of existing experimental results

This study employs machine learning to analyze existing experimental results and predict the device performance of metal halide perovskite solar cells. The authors applied shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis to understand the correlations between fabrication processes, composition, and device performance.

Rice refines analysis of MRI contrast agents

A Rice-led team developed molecular simulations that reveal distinct differences in how inner and outer shells of water molecules around gadolinium respond to thermal excitation. Temperature affects the self-diffusivity of molecules, influencing relaxation rates in MRI scans.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers demonstrate in mice a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors

Researchers demonstrate a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors in mice, using a modified peptide that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The study shows promising results, with a 50% increase in survival rate for treated mice, and offers hope for future treatment breakthroughs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

COP must reverse rising pessimism over building sector decarbonization, new study argues

A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 17, 2022

Pregnant trauma patients with certain injury patterns should be screened for intimate partner violence during their hospital stay

Researchers identified key risk factors for intimate partner violence in pregnant women, including head injuries, multiple contusions, and certain injury patterns. The study highlights the importance of screening for IPV in pregnant trauma patients to prevent poor outcomes such as premature birth and low birth weight.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Evaluating use of new AI technology in diagnosing COVID-19

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that personalized federated learning may offer an opportunity to develop both internal and externally validated algorithms. This technique enables multiple parties to train AI models collaboratively without exchanging or centralizing data sets, protecting sensitive medical informatio...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022