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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Anesthetic drastically diverts the travels of brain waves

A new study by MIT scientists reveals that propofol anesthesia significantly alters the state of brain waves, with lower frequency delta waves dominating. Higher frequency beta waves decrease in structure and power, with their traveling nature disrupted by the surging delta waves. The findings suggest a profound impact on consciousness.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Student research solves an icy dwarf planet mystery

A team of researchers from Brigham Young University has solved the mystery of Haumea's origin by re-evaluating assumptions about its formation. By considering the dwarf planet in the context of the broader solar system creation, they proposed a new explanation that explains why Haumea is one of the fastest spinning objects and covered ...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2022

Hitting new heights

A UC Santa Barbara-designed mechanical jumper has achieved a record-breaking 100-foot height, thanks to the innovative application of 'work multiplication' and a novel hybrid spring design. The device overcomes biological limitations, enabling efficient locomotion in challenging environments.

Moffitt researchers develop model to predict patients with poor lung cancer outcomes

Researchers developed a model using radiomic features from screening images to identify high-risk lung cancer patients. The model divided patients into groups according to their risk of having poor outcomes, with low-risk patients having an 83.3% five-year overall survival and high-risk patients having a 25% five-year overall survival.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Biomarkers·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Study shows importance of ensuring participant and provider follow-up after a genetic screening result

A study from the Healthy Nevada Project found that only 10% of patients with electronic health records containing genetic diagnosis experienced a change in care, emphasizing the need for follow-up education and conversations. The study also highlights the importance of including genetic diagnoses into electronic health records to maxim...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

“Keto” molecule may be useful in preventing and treating colorectal cancer, Penn study suggests

Researchers found that a molecule called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) produced in the liver during low-carb diets can suppress colorectal tumor growth. BHB's anti-tumor effects were replicated by giving mice the molecule directly, indicating its potential as a preventive and treatment for colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

A refined microbiome “fingerprint” method tracks sub-strain variants of a single gut microbe strain

Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Language that belittles or blames patients is overdue for change

Using positive language in clinical practice can alter attitudes of both patients and physicians, fostering a relationship focused on shared understanding and collective goals. Language that casts doubt, belittles, or blames patients affects therapeutic relationships by altering patient behaviors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Physical activity – double edged sword in long COVID recovery

A UK study found that physical activity can improve mental health and wellbeing for some with long COVID, but excessive exercise can exacerbate symptoms. Researchers recommend a 'paced' approach to return to exercise, prioritizing individualized programs to mitigate negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

A new guide to extremely powerful light pulses

Researchers have demonstrated a new method for guiding light in an energy-scalable manner using two refocusing mirrors and thin nonlinear glass windows. This approach enables the compression of laser pulses to tens of femtosecond duration with gigawatt peak power.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers discover how early-stage breast cancer can become a silent killer in some patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which not-yet-malignant breast cancer cells can travel to other organs and 'turn on' to become metastatic. The study identified potential diagnostic biomarkers, including the transcription factor NR2F1, that could help predict relapse.

A blood test allows to differentiate severe COVID-19 from preeclampsia in pregnant women

A blood test can differentiate between severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia in pregnant women by analyzing indicators of endothelial dysfunction, blood clotting, and immune function. The study also highlights similarities between the two conditions, including activation of the complement system.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

New modelling shows that ‘shielding’ strategies instead of lockdowns would have led to tens of thousands more deaths

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that shielding vulnerable populations while allowing the virus to spread through the rest of the population would have failed. The research reveals that even with perfect shielding, healthcare capacity would have been overwhelmed, and tens of thousands more deaths would have occu...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 26, 2022

Reforming coral reefs using 3D printing

Researchers developed a 3D printing method to preserve coral reefs, using natural structure data and environmental DNA sampling. The process creates customizable structures that can be tailored to specific reef environments, promoting biodiversity and supporting regrowth.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2022

New research finds developing personalized disease screenings for patients with chronic diseases saves lives and money

A new study published in Management Science journal found that considering chronic conditions when developing screening guidelines can significantly alter disease screening recommendations. This approach has been shown to reduce the misuse of limited screening resources, particularly for patients at risk of developing chronic conditions.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeCase study·DateApr 26, 2022

Micronutrients (vitamins + minerals) show benefit for children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation

A randomized clinical trial found that micronutrient supplementation improved attention and mood in children with ADHD, with a 54% response rate compared to 18% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant growth benefits in children taking the supplement.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2022