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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2022

A novel drug suppresses muscle inflammation and restores muscle weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found a novel GLP-1R agonist, PF1801, that can suppress muscle inflammation and restore muscle strength in patients with polymyositis. The study suggests PF1801 could be used to treat patients with muscle wasting disease and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory myopathies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·DateAug 18, 2022

New method enables long-lasting imaging of rapid brain activity in individual cells deep in the cortex

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new sensor that allows neuroscientists to image brain activity without missing signals, for an extended time and deeper in the brain than previously possible. The sensor uses genetically-encoded voltage indicators to capture fast brain signals while identifying specific cell types.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Dentists should give antibiotics to high-risk patients to help prevent life-threatening heart infection

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that giving antibiotics to those at high risk of developing a life-threatening heart infection significantly reduces their risk. Current UK guidelines against routine use of antibiotics for these patients may be putting them at unnecessary extra risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status

A study at University of Jyväskylä found that recreational runners who trained based on their recovery status improved their 10 km running time by twice as much as those in a traditional program. This approach reduced the risk of low training response and showed better performance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 18, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Scientists thought they knew how the nose ‘knows,’ new research suggests otherwise

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022

To bee or not to bee

A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2022

Climate change threatens food supply chains with cascading impacts on diet quality, income – new modelling shows

New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022

Key mechanisms of airway relaxation in asthma revealed in new study

A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.

A warming planet could mess with our sleep – and make us more vulnerable to infectious disease

Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Study of more than 150,000 people identifies genes strongly linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study of over 150,000 participants has identified more than 70 genes strongly associated with autism and over 250 with strong links to the condition. The analysis provides insights into the molecular roots of brain development and neurodiversity.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Early use of oral tecovirimat successfully eases pain in two patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis

Researchers report two cases of successful treatment with oral tecovirimat for patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis. The medication rapidly alleviated rectal pain with no serious adverse effects. Early use of tecovirimat may be a promising treatment option until randomized controlled trials can be conducted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2022

Building blocks of the future for photovoltaics

A research team from the University of Göttingen has observed the build-up of dark Moiré interlayer excitons for the first time using femtosecond photoemission momentum microscopy. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the optoelectronic properties of new materials in unprecedented detail.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Sharpest image ever of universe’s most massive known star

Researchers use Gemini Observatory's Zorro instrument to observe R136a1, finding it may be less massive than previously thought, potentially altering understanding of element formation. This breakthrough pushes the capabilities of ground-based telescopes, rivaling those of Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New study links the decline of alpine bees to climate change

A new study by Webster University researchers found that alpine bumble bees are losing ground due to warming temperatures, as colonizing bees from lower elevations thrive and displace them. The study predicts the local extinction of alpine bee populations in areas where they can't migrate further upslope.

SourceWebster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

First-ever dietary study for tigers and clouded leopards in southeast Asia's evergreen forests

A study published by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that both tigers and clouded leopards in Laos prefer to feed on serow, which may indicate adaptations for larger prey consumption. The findings highlight the need for increased protection and management of serow populations, including possible reintroductions.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New pediatric investigation study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress

A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022