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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 31


Page 31 of 37

Electronic implant reactivates spinal-cord nerves of a patient with neurodegenerative disease

A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

National Parks Study: 'Every Kid Outdoors' program is increasing family hiking, but not for everyone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that the Every Kid Outdoors program is increasing family hiking, with a seven-fold jump in frequency among high-income and white families. However, minority and lower-income families have not seen a similar significant increase in hiking frequency.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Report: remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021

The COVID-19 treatment remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021, with total spending reaching $576.9 billion. Biosimilars usage increased, saving the healthcare system money, while new drugs like aducanumab and upcoming oncology approvals are expected to impact spending.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows flood risk for Iowa farmland

A new study from the University of Iowa has created comprehensive maps showing flood risk for farmland throughout Iowa. The researchers analyzed nearly 25 million acres of agricultural land to classify the flood risk according to eight scenarios, highlighting areas prone to chronic flooding and low productivity yields.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Mini-livers on a chip

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 6, 2022

Amazon Rainforest Foliage Gases Affect the Earth’s Atmosphere

A recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the Amazon rainforest, driven by plant-foliage-derived gases. These gases condense to form fine particles that cool the planet and seed clouds, affecting precipitation and the water cycle.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Digital training at home to beat lockdown frustration

A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

How does perennial grassland cover affect duck nest survival?

A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 6, 2022

CABI-led study creates first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval stages for Africa to help fight against devastating pest

A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows robust increases in atmospheric thirst across much of U.S. during past 40 years

A new study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

High performance microscopy for non-invasive conjunctival goblet cell examination

Conjunctival goblet cells play a crucial role in tear film stability, and their dysfunction is linked to various ocular surface diseases. A new microscopy system allows for non-invasive examination of CGCs in live animal models and humans, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 6, 2022

Diversity in U.S. medicine is not keeping pace with population changes, analysis finds

Despite increasing racial and ethnic diversity, US academic medical programs have underrepresented minority groups, with only modest increases in representation over the past four decades. Female representation has increased significantly, but progress in promoting diversity at leadership levels remains stagnant.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Biodegradable gel boosts immune system's attack on several cancers in mice

A new biodegradable gel has been developed to improve the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The gel releases drugs and special antibodies that target tumor cells, slowing their growth and increasing the lifespan of mice. This breakthrough could lead to new clinical trials for human patients in the coming years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

What are the motives behind cronyism?

A novel experimental design study reveals cronyism is profitable for those who engage in it, driven by beliefs in reciprocity and favoritism. Shared identity motivates even low-quality workers to reciprocate trust with greater effort.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateApr 6, 2022

An uncertain future for livestock production in the tropics

A study found that climate change could lead to significant economic losses of $15-40 billion annually for livestock farmers, especially in poor, tropical countries. Adaptation measures such as breeding heat-stress tolerant cattle and relocating animals to suitable regions can mitigate these losses.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

At a melting glacier, a landslide, then tsunami, signal climate-related threat

Scientists detected a seismic signal indicating a massive landslide triggered by the rapid recession of the West Grenville Glacier in British Columbia. The resulting tsunami devastated forest, salmon spawning habitats, and logging camps, killing hundreds of thousands of fish and potentially affecting bears and eagles.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Study reports potential target and compounds to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease

A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

New treatment removes radioactive barium from nuclear wastewater “rapidly and effectively”

A new process has been developed to remove radioactive barium ions from nuclear wastewater, achieving high adsorption capacity and fast equilibrium adsorption time. The adsorbent uses a sulfonic acid group and exhibits excellent capture ability for barium due to strong acid-base and electrostatic interactions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Virtual Behavioural Medicine program is a game changer for people living with dementia

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program successfully reduced the proportion of patients who needed admission to a specialized inpatient unit by 60%. This suggests that VBM is highly effective for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia without p...

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

As number of ICU survivors increase, study validates first tool to utilize caregiver input to assess post-ICU syndrome symptoms

A new study validates the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor as an accurate tool for monitoring post-intensive care unit (ICU) symptoms among ICU survivors through caregiver input. The tool assesses both patient and caregiver burden, providing clinically relevant information on physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateApr 6, 2022

Common Ground

Researchers found that a third of proposed decarbonization bills passed with bipartisan co-sponsors, while two-thirds passed in Democratic-controlled state legislatures. Bipartisan bills tended to focus on environmental social justice components and expand consumer choice.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 6, 2022