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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 80


Page 80 of 448

Researchers confirm stress link in the brain

University of Iowa researchers confirmed a neural circuit linking two brain regions that governs how animals react to stressful situations. The study showed that activating this pathway can revive active coping behaviors and reduce stress hormone release in rats.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

COVID-19: life expectancy mostly continued to decline in 2021

A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Research shows care from an allergist results in lower health care costs for children with peanut allergy

Researchers used big datasets to show that annual health care costs were significantly higher among children without allergist care for peanut allergy compared to those who received care. Care from an allergist resulted in lower total health care costs, saving $1,923 per child.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists manufacture ‘living blood vessel’

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to manufacture materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with promising implications for future surgery. The technology allows the body to accept and transform the implanted material into a functional 'living' blood vessel.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Study looks inside the brain during sleep to show how memory is stored

Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves memory storage by triggering electrical activity in the brain. The study, led by Northwestern University, used implanted electrodes to record brain activity in five patients while they slept and presented sounds associated with learned objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Laying geological groundwork for life on Earth

A new Harvard-led study has found evidence of early plate tectonics and the flipping of Earth's magnetic poles, which may have created a more conducive environment for life. The research suggests that the planet's surface was moving at a rate of 6.1 centimeters per year, consistent with modern plate tectonics.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

A revolutionary method to observe cell transport

Researchers developed a new method to study membrane proteins in their native environment, the cell, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for precise determination of protein properties and could lead to better understanding and targeting of membrane proteins involved in anti-cancer drug resistance.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 24, 2022

Three week hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy for patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer

A Phase III trial found that hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy in patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study showed comparable effectiveness and toxicity outcomes between the two treatment options.

ACP says policies needed to improve environmental health

The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Significant number of seniors rely on failing public transit systems to get to medical appointments

A new study found that frail seniors often use public transportation to get to doctor appointments due to inadequate accessibility. The study highlights the pressing need to improve public transit infrastructure and services in cities to support an aging population.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Vivianne Tawfik, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award

Dr. Vivienne Tawfik has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists' James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award for her groundbreaking work on chronic and post-surgical pain mechanisms. Her research has led to a deeper understanding of peripheral and central immune cells in persistent pain responses.

Mild thyroid disorders can cause severe heart problems

Researchers discovered that mild thyroid dysfunctions can lead to serious heart issues, with elevated free T4 levels increasing cardiovascular mortality. A systematic review of 32 studies found a direct correlation between FT4 concentrations and cardiac death, paving the way for personalized preventive care.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children

A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2022

Arecibo Observatory scientists publish major study on near-earth asteroids

The study includes 191 asteroids' radar cross sections and Doppler-frequency broadening, offering clues to asteroids' spin periods and sizes. The research also discovered two metal-rich near-Earth asteroids and five possible enstatite-rich asteroids, shedding new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Evidence for new theory of genetic recombination

Researchers found evidence supporting a new theory on how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction. By manipulating protein expressions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they discovered that boosting HEI10 levels significantly increased crossovers, while disrupting ZYP1 expression had a similar effect.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories

Researchers used a neural network model to study how brain regions interact during sleep. They found that the hippocampus and neocortex work together to convert fleeting information into long-term memory. The findings suggest that alternating between REM and slow-wave sleep stages is crucial for strong memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022