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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 19


Page 19 of 37

Going beyond the limit: WVU researcher develops novel exposure assessment statistical methods for Deepwater Horizon oil spill study

A WVU researcher has developed new statistical methods for assessing airborne exposure to oil spill workers, allowing for more accurate estimates and consideration of undetectable levels. This research has significant implications for understanding the health effects of oil spills on workers.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalAnnals of Work Exposures and Health·DateApr 14, 2022

HIV: The antibodies of "post-treatment controllers"

Researchers identified two types of humoral immune responses in PTCs, one effective in controlling short episodes of viral activity and another lacking strong response. This discovery sheds light on HIV control mechanisms and could inspire novel therapeutic or vaccine strategies.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2022

Drug reduced frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea

A new University of Gothenburg study has found that a drug treatment can reduce the frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea by an average of over 20 per hour. The treatment, which involves carbonic anhydrase inhibition, showed promising results with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022

The link between transit use and early Covid cases

Researchers found a significant association between high public transportation usage and higher per capita Covid incidence in the US. The study controlled for factors like education, poverty levels, and household crowding, suggesting that transit could have been an important factor in early pandemic spread.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

How to make health research more relevant to patients and veterans? Make them partners in the research process

The special issue suggests that involving patients and stakeholders in all aspects of clinical research can make studies more relevant and useful to those who need the evidence. The supplement highlights the benefits of engagement, including improved study feasibility, relevance, and quality. It also explores barriers and facilitators ...

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 14, 2022

Chlorinated water supplies don’t disturb healthy gut microbiomes in young children

A recent study published in Nature Microbiology found that chlorine water treatment does not disrupt the normal population of beneficial bacteria in children's developing gut microbiomes. The study suggests that chlorination can actually help reduce disease incidence and limit antibiotic use while keeping microbiomes healthy.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022

How mechanical stimuli trigger cellular signalling

Scientists have discovered that mechanical stimuli play a crucial role in activating adhesion GPCRs, which transmit signals via G proteins. The study provides insight into the functional nature of mechanosensitive receptors and has implications for developing future forms of therapy.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Data from new CDC study reveal key trends in US healthcare personnel COVID-19 exposures

A CDC study published in AJIC found that healthcare personnel (HCPs) diagnosed with COVID-19 were most likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in their workplaces as cases increased in their communities. The study suggests improved infection prevention and control measures are needed in occupational settings.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2022

Food insecurity doubled likelihood of foregoing or delaying medical care during first year of COVID-19 pandemic in U.S.

A survey found that individuals experiencing food insecurity were twice as likely to delay or forego medical care due to cost concerns. Food insecurity disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income individuals, and those who lost their jobs or income.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2022

Racial and ethnic disparities in telemedicine usage persist during pandemic

A new study led by the University of Houston College of Medicine found that racial and ethnic disparities persisted in telemedicine usage during the pandemic. African Americans were 35% less likely to use telemedicine compared to whites, while Hispanics were 51% less likely. The digital divide was a major factor, with limited access to...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

Moving away from genetic continental ancestry categories in research and medicine

The article highlights the need to move beyond continental ancestry categories in research and medicine, as they can perpetuate medical stereotypes and exacerbate health disparities. Instead, researchers are adopting a multidimensional approach to genetic ancestry, one that reflects continuous variation and historical depth.

Seafloor spreading has been slowing down

Researchers found that seafloor spreading rates have slowed down globally over the past 19 million years, with an average slowdown of 40%. This decrease is linked to increased friction between colliding tectonic plates and may be driven by subduction zones. The study's findings could help contextualize long-term changes in the atmosphere.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 14, 2022

Open sharing of biotechnology research – transparency versus security

A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores the intersection of open science practices and biosecurity risks, proposing solutions to mitigate catastrophic misuse. The authors argue that controlling access to research materials and software is necessary to prevent the spread of risky information.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 14, 2022

The opportunity cost of conservation

Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateApr 14, 2022