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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 30


Page 30 of 37

Landmark study reveals clearest genetic signals yet for schizophrenia risk

A landmark genetic study of over 121,000 people has identified 10 protein-disrupting mutations in genes strongly increasing schizophrenia risk by up to 20-fold. A second study in a larger group of 320,400 people brings the total number of genome regions associated with schizophrenia risk to 287, including genes previously identified.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Not all dietary fiber is created equal: cereal fiber but not fruit or vegetable fibers are linked with lower inflammation

Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.

Steroid injections may provide longer lasting benefits for hip pain than current best care

Steroid injections have been shown to lead to greater pain relief and improved movement in adults with hip osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received steroid injections along with advice and education experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, physical function, and pain self-efficacy over six months compar...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Researchers find a new way to measure flying baseballs

A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Scientists discover gene mutation that signals aggressive melanoma

Researchers have identified a gene mutation in ARID2 that signals the development of aggressively metastatic melanoma. The study suggests patients with this mutation may require different treatment approaches to manage their cancer effectively. Further research is underway to refine this understanding and improve patient outcomes.

The cacao tree enigma

A recent study in Peru's tropical rainforests investigated cacao flower visitation, finding a wide variety of insects attracted to the small flowers. However, pollen transfer and fruit set remain poor, with only two percent of pollinated flowers setting fruit.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Multicenter study of ultrasound LI-RADS suggests switch for HCC surveillance

A multicenter study found that only 42% of patients with a visualization score C on surveillance exams maintain the same score on follow-up exams. The study suggests that alternative surveillance strategies may be necessary for patients at risk for HCC, particularly those with severe steatosis and advanced cirrhosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Brain charts map the rapid growth and slow decline of the human brain over our lifetime

Researchers created brain charts spanning human lifespan, revealing rapid brain growth in early life and slow decline with age. The charts use aggregated MRI datasets, covering a range of ages from fetus to 100-year-old adult, and aim to create a common language for describing brain development and maturation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients in COVID-19 monitoring program

A randomized trial by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in a remote monitoring program. The study enrolled over 2,000 patients and found no statistical difference in the average number of days patients spent alive and out of the hospital.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Injured dinosaur left behind unusual footprints

Researchers analyzed an abnormal trackway of six theropod dinosaur footprints in Spain, dating to around 129 million years ago. The tracks show evidence of an injured innermost toe and abnormal gait as the dinosaur compensated for its injury.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Firearm retailers and law enforcement show support for providing safe storage options

A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 6, 2022

First large-scale study of COVID-era birth data finds significant drop in cesarian, induced deliveries

A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Latino/a adolescents who took on childcare duties during the pandemic at risk of depression, anxiety and school failure

A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that Latino/a adolescents who took on greater childcare responsibilities due to COVID-19 experienced significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acting out behaviors. They also saw a drop in their grade point average.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateApr 6, 2022

Research team from Goethe University discovers Achilles’ heel of dangerous hospital pathogen

A team from Goethe University has identified the spatial structure of the mannitol-synthesizing enzyme MtlD in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is crucial for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of customized substances to inhibit the enzyme and combat this hospital pathogen.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Simulations explain Greenland’s slower summer warming

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cooler summer temperatures across Greenland are triggered by changes in the El Niño climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery will help improve future predictions of Arctic ice sheet and sea ice melting.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

For vaccine text-message campaigns, Brown researchers confirm success is all about timing

A new study from Brown University's Policy Lab found that text-message vaccination campaigns work better when sent early, as all state residents ages 16 and up had been eligible for a shot four weeks before the campaign. Despite this, the messages' ineffectiveness was due to poor timing rather than the content.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him...

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees exhibit a preference for faces and skulls of their own species, similar to previous studies with African elephants. This suggests the presence of a face module in chimpanzee brains that detects and processes facial cues.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022