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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 8


Page 8 of 448

New study shows scientists improve communication, education skills after working with teachers

A new case study shows that scientists who worked with K-12 teachers improved their communication skills, gained a better understanding of teaching, and wanted to continue K-12 outreach. The study also found that these partnerships had a positive impact on the quality of lesson plans and classroom management.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEvolution Education and Outreach·DateDec 20, 2022

See no evil: People find good in villains

A University of Michigan study found that both children and adults believe villains are more likely to have a true self that differs from their outward behavior than heroes. Despite committing bad actions, characters like Ursula are seen as having some inner goodness, according to the research.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCognition·DateDec 20, 2022

Stresses and hydrodynamics -- Scientists uncover new organizing principles of the genome

Researchers have discovered physical forces and hydrodynamic flows that ensure proper functioning of life's blueprint. The study provides insights into the genome's organization and function, shedding light on its biophysical origins. This knowledge is crucial for understanding genetic disorders and human diseases.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

UCI-led study shows cognitively impaired degu is a natural animal model well suited for Alzheimer’s research

A UCI-led study reveals that outbred Chilean degu rodents exhibit robust neurodegenerative features, including hippocampal neuronal loss and altered parvalbumin staining, resembling human Alzheimer's Disease. This provides a practical model for studying sporadic AD.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Male wasps use genitalia to sting their predators

A study found that male mason wasps use their genitalia to sting and defend against predatory tree frogs. This defense mechanism is a first for the scientific community, as it highlights the importance of male genitalia in animal interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Twin brothers of spotted hyenas are often attracted to the same new group when they disperse from their birth group

Spotted hyenas show that twin brothers and buddies from the same birth group very often disperse together to breed. This coordination is likely due to similar preferences and social backgrounds. The frequent joint dispersal among twins and buddies has major consequences for understanding social dynamics and gene flow in wild populations.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Implicit bias prevents women from obtaining prompt treatment for health problems

A recent study found that implicit bias in healthcare leads to prolonged struggles for women to obtain emotional support, diagnosis, and treatment for chronic health conditions. The study highlights the negative impact of 'communicative disenfranchisement' on women's mental and physical well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2022

Producing fertilizer without carbon emissions

Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 19, 2022

How many free hot drinks and biscuits are excessive?

Healthcare workers surveyed found they would take an average of 3.32 free hot drinks before considering it excessive. Doctors consumed more free hot drinks than emergency department staff. Researchers estimate providing three hot drinks daily would cost £32,692,935 per year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2022

Casting light on, and through, your eyelids

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that closed-eye perception of brightness is remarkably stronger than previously reported, with values up to 10 times higher. The color of the light also affects perception, with red being perceived as brighter and blue as darker.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalColor Research & Application·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Seasonal changes in adolescent suicide explain controversial ‘13 Reasons Why’ findings

Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Education boosts entrepreneurship in high growth industries

A new study from Iowa State University finds that more education increases self-employment rates in the US, particularly in high-growth industries. For women, additional years of education also boosts entrepreneurship by increasing their confidence, according to economists John Winters and Kunwon Ahn.

SourceIowa State University·JournalSmall Business Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

COVID ‘motherhood penalty’ affects academic research productivity

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in research productivity across various fields, but women between the ages of 35 and 49 experienced no detectable gain. The study revealed that younger professors and those in top-ranked departments saw substantial increases in research output.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Differential response to corporate political advocacy and corporate social responsibility: implications for political polarization and radicalization

Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 19, 2022

Male genitalia as an anti-predator defense

Researchers found that male wasp genitalia serve as an effective anti-predator defense, deterring some tree frogs from eating them. Male genital spines are used to pierce and sting predators, preventing them from swallowing the wasps. This study highlights the significance of male genitalia in animal defense.

SourceKobe University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

A "muscular" response to regeneration

Researchers at the University of Montreal discovered a key mechanism in muscle regeneration, enabling targeted therapies for diseases like muscular dystrophy. By biasing the conformation of a protein called ELMO2, they improved muscle fusion and regeneration in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

Research in Japan suggests using built environment design to fight depression

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that improved perceptions of neighborhood walkability and enhanced access to public transport and safety from crime reduce depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest building environment design may influence mental health through behavioral and social pathways.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateDec 19, 2022

Four decades of NCI-funded NCTN trials: 14.2 million life-years, at $326 per year

The study estimated that the NCI-funded NCTN trials have added at least 14.2 million life-years to cancer patients in the US, representing a cost of $326 per year. The trials have had a significant impact on clinical care, with 87.7% of their findings cited as evidence in guidelines and package inserts.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Lucky find! How science behind epidemics helped Sussex physicists to develop state-of-the-art conductive paint

Researchers at the University of Sussex create a highly conductive paint coating that mimics the network spread of a virus through 'explosive percolation.' This serendipitous discovery enables the development of affordable, scalable nanomaterials with vast applications in Electric Vehicle materials and wearable health monitors.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Experts: active learning methods are best for addressing sustainability issues

Researchers from various universities conducted a systematic literature review on active learning methods, finding that challenge-based learning is the most suitable in sustainability education. This approach encourages students to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives and develop skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalSustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Concentration of surgery has improved operations for childhood cancer

Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center found that concentrating surgery for children with neuroblastoma resulted in shorter operation times and reduced blood loss. The study also showed a decrease in side effects, although further research is needed to confirm improved survival rates.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Previous brain injury may be associated with higher risk of FTD

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland suggests that previous traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly in individuals without a genetic mutation. Patients who suffered head injuries developed FTD earlier than others, on average.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

UL, Ireland research: Loneliness increases risk of premature death for those with cardiovascular disease

A new study from University of Limerick has found that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The research, which examined data from around the world, highlights the importance of addressing these factors in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Wastewater samples show the dramatic effects of tough love on codeine addicts as consumption plunges

A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Diving birds are more prone to extinction, says new study

A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

New findings on memory impairment in epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that people with chronic epilepsy may have impaired dendritic integration, leading to less specific place cell firing and reduced ability to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar places. Administering a sodium ion channel inhibitor improved memory in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBrain·DateDec 19, 2022