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Science News Archive 2022 - Page 9


Page 9 of 448

Trends in homicide rates for US children

A study of 38,000 child homicides from 1999 to 2020 found declining rates in some groups, but recent increases across several subpopulations. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted strategies to address firearm violence and racial disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 19, 2022

Kepler's first exoplanet is spiraling toward its doom

Researchers have observed an exoplanet whose orbit is decaying around an aging star, providing the first look at a solar system this late in its life cycle. The doomed world, Kepler-1658b, has less than 3 million years left before colliding with its expanding star.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Study shows how machine learning could predict rare disastrous events, like earthquakes or pandemics

Researchers from Brown and MIT developed a new framework that uses machine learning and sequential sampling to predict rare disasters like earthquakes and pandemics with less data. The framework, called DeepOnet, has been shown to outperform traditional modeling efforts in predicting scenarios, probabilities and timelines of rare events.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

More than the sum of its parts

Researchers found that simultaneously acting global change factors decrease grassland plant community diversity, regardless of individual factor quality. This effect is linked to increased biomass production due to the influence of highly influential factors like eutrophication.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

Mouse study suggests new therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that common cancer treatments cause long-term damage to heart tissue by activating a key inflammatory signaling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway may reduce the risk of cancer survivors developing heart disease later in life.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

New 3D live hologram technology to save lives in field hospitals

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have developed a miniaturized optical system that can be integrated on a chip, allowing for the creation of 3D holograms. This technology has the potential to replace current 2D imaging, enabling less invasive surgeries and better surgical outcomes.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Cosmological enigma of Milky Way’s satellite galaxies solved

Researchers used new data from the European Space Agency's GAIA space observatory to project the orbits of satellite galaxies into the past and future, revealing the plane form and dissolve in a few hundred million years. The findings remove one of the main objections to the validity of the standard model of cosmology.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

New study finds animals play key role in restoring forests

A new study published in The Royal Society journal found that animals play a crucial role in reforestation by dispersing seeds into previously deforested areas. This natural regeneration approach is less costly and labor-intensive than traditional methods, offering a promising solution for restoring biodiversity and capturing carbon.

SourceYale University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 19, 2022

A way to make asthma drugs last longer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a new compound that can be added to existing asthma medications to make them more potent and longer-lasting. This approach could lead to improved symptom relief and reduced side effects for patients who require frequent doses.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2022

York research: AI better than human eye at predicting brain metastasis outcomes

A new AI-based predictive method has been created to detect radiotherapy failure in brain metastasis, showing an 83% accuracy rate compared to the human eye's 65%. The technique uses deep learning and attention mechanisms to analyze MRI images and provide more informed treatment decisions.

SourceYork University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Toward net-zero emissions nitrogen fertilizers

Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

NTU Singapore doctors find mental health chatbots are effective in helping treat symptoms in people with depression

A study by NTU Singapore found that mental health chatbots engage users in empathetic conversations and offer support and guidance through psychotherapeutic exercises. The chatbots displayed a 'coach-like' personality, but were not able to deliver personalised advice.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Later brand reveal in advertisements leads to better sales

A University of Otago-led study found that television advertisements are more successful when the product is shown first and the brand is revealed later. This approach creates unresolved tension and attention, leading to prolonged processing and positive associations. The results contradict standard marketing theory and practice, highl...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Fermi kinetics transport program models high-speed semiconductor devices better, Journal of Applied Physics editor’s pick study says

Researchers compared two semiconductor simulation tools and found that the Fermi kinetics transport solver outperforms a commercial hydrodynamics software package in modeling electronic heat flow and electron temperature, particularly in high-speed applications. The custom-developed code converges faster and provides more consistent re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 19, 2022

Fossil CSI: Analysis of giant extinct marine reptile graveyard suggests mysterious site was ancient birthing grounds

A team of scientists found evidence that 37 ichthyosaurs died in the same location, suggesting they were migrating to give birth over hundreds of thousands of years. Geochemical tests revealed no signs of environmental disturbance or mass stranding events, pointing to a more plausible explanation for their demise.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Activity “Advent calendar” could help boost activity and cut sitting time

A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2022

People who practice consensual non-monogamy can face negative social stigma, new research finds

New research reveals that people in CNM relationships report experiencing a negative stigma that takes a toll on their psychological distress. A thematic analysis of survey responses identified four themes: discomfort/disapproval, loss of resources/threatening behavior, devaluation/diminishing of character/relationship.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2022

Daylong wastewater samples yield surprises

Composite wastewater samples taken over 24 hours reveal a more accurate representation of antibiotic-resistant genes, with levels 10 times higher than 'snapshots'. Chlorination can negatively impact water quality, highlighting the need for improved treatment protocols.

SourceRice University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Increased use of pharmaceuticals increased carbon emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic despite carbon footprint reduction efforts

A Nagoya University study found that increased use of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a 27% increase in hospital carbon emissions. Despite reduced electricity and gas consumption, the overall carbon footprint rose due to longer hospital stays and increased intensive care needs.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateDec 18, 2022

Of mice and men

Researchers from Complexity Science Hub and Medical University of Vienna found that high doses of cholesterol-lowering statins impair bone quality in mice, with a significant increase in osteoporosis risk. The study confirms previous findings on the correlation between statin use and osteoporosis diagnosis in humans.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2022

A new neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder and its genetic cause discovered

Researchers identified a novel neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder caused by alterations in the EIF4A2 gene, leading to intellectual disability, hypotonia, and epilepsy. The study used fruit flies to demonstrate the causal role of EIF4A2 mutations, providing insights into protein translation regulation and brain development.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Linking fossil climate proxies to living bacteria helps climate predictions

A new study reveals that certain types of lipids found in ancient fossils are produced by specific living bacteria. By identifying these microorganisms and understanding how they produce the lipids, scientists can create more accurate climate reconstructions. This discovery also sheds light on the early evolution of life on Earth.

ACMG publishes evidence-based clinical practice guideline recommending that noninvasive prenatal screening become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends that noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals. NIPS has been shown to have a high accuracy rate, with detection rates of 98.8% for Trisomy 21 and 99.6% for sex chromosome abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 16, 2022

Climate change played key role in dinosaur success story

New research shows climate change played a key role in dinosaurs' rise to success during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. The planet's warming after the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event allowed sauropod-like dinosaurs to thrive and expand across new territories, becoming the dominant species.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022