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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 23


Page 23 of 38

Using mathematical modelling to fight malaria

Researchers developed a statistical mapping tool to predict genetic markers of resistance to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The model uses data from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and fills in gaps by making continuous predictions in space and time.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Feasibility study of novel core-strengthening intervention shows promise for maximizing trunk and balance rehabilitation outcomes after stroke

Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Betamethasone could improve outcomes for prostate cancer radiation therapy

A new study suggests that betamethasone could improve outcomes for prostate cancer radiation therapy by protecting normal cells from injury and making cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. The research found that betamethasone increases hydrogen peroxide levels, activating a protective protein in non-cancerous cells.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

More than 1 in 4 children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C have lingering complications more than two months later

A national follow-up study found that over a quarter of children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children had persistent symptoms or activity impairment two to four months later. The study identified risk factors for prolonged recovery, including MIS-C and activity impairment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 12, 2022

A new way to control pain after knee replacement surgery

Researchers at Houston Methodist found that injecting morphine into the tibia during knee replacement surgery reduces postoperative pain and the need for pain medication. This method, known as intraosseous infusion, may also facilitate a swifter recovery of the knee joint.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 12, 2022

Rotator cuff regeneration: potential breakthrough treatment

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a potential breakthrough treatment for rotator cuff tears, using an advanced polymer to stimulate regeneration of both the tendon and muscle. This approach addresses the real problem of muscle degeneration and fat accumulation that often leads to re-injury after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

A step towards quantum gravity

Researchers build on Peter Bergmann and Arthur Komar's work using Hamilton-Jacobi techniques to resolve the ambiguity in time development, a key challenge in reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics. This approach deserves more recognition for its potential to lead to an eventual theory of quantum gravity.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateAug 12, 2022

Humour used in English-language terrorist propaganda magazines to reinforce identity, study shows

The study found that Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and TTP use situational comedy to galvanize curious individuals and emphasize an 'us versus them' mentality. In contrast, ISIS uses dehumanising humour to mock rivals and create a shared identity among followers. This humour helps foster internal cohesion and creates social bonding.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2022

Increased health care use among patients after COVID-19

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 250,000 patients found that those infected with COVID-19 used more healthcare services in the 6 months following their infection. The study revealed a 4% increase in encounters, including virtual visits and emergency department visits, resulting in over 27,000 extra encounters.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 12, 2022

Researchers fabricate cobalt copper catalysts for methane on metal-organic framework Contributes to goal of methane production from carbon dioxide emissions

A Soochow University team has developed cobalt copper alloy catalysts that deliver outstanding methane activity and selectivity in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. By modulating the cobalt doping concentration, they achieved a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 60% to methane at high operating current densities.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateAug 12, 2022

When light is the switch: nanometric photodiodes to study the activity of neurons

Researchers developed nanometric photodiodes that can bind to nerve cell surfaces and activate them with infrared light, allowing for selective stimulation of individual neurons. This technology has the potential to study the nervous system in-depth and develop targeted therapies for neurological diseases.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Researchers develop new faster charging hydrogen fuel cell

A new method to improve solid-state hydrogen fuel cell charging times has been developed by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. The study used a semi-cylindrical coil heat exchanger, which significantly improved heat transfer performance and reduced charging time by 59%. This innovation has the potential to revolution...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Vanilla cultivation on fallow land promotes biodiversity

A study by the University of Göttingen and Malagasy universities found that vanilla plantations on fallow land have similar yields to those in forests while increasing biodiversity. This sustainable approach helps smallholder farmers secure their income, highlighting a win-win opportunity for both economy and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

CDI laboratory identifies critical regulators controlling T-cell homeostasis which could improve cancer therapies, vaccines of the future

The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation's CDI laboratory has identified critical regulators controlling T-cell homeostasis. The findings could lead to improved cancer therapies and vaccines of the future by modulating the human immune system.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Why thinking hard makes you tired

A study found that prolonged mental labor leads to glutamate accumulation in the prefrontal cortex, causing cognitive fatigue and altering control over decisions. Researchers suggest taking rest and sleep as a solution to overcome this limitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Hubble sees red supergiant star Betelgeuse slowly recovering after blowing its top

Astronomers have concluded that Betelgeuse blew its top in 2019, losing a substantial part of its visible surface and producing a gigantic Surface Mass Ejection (SME). The star is now slowly recovering from this catastrophic upheaval. The mass loss event is not necessarily the signal of an imminent explosion.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2022

Simplified voice box enriches human speech

Researchers found that human larynx evolution led to stable voices and controlled pitch without adding new structures. This simplification allowed for the development of complex vocal information, enabling humans to communicate effectively.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

New insights on how some individuals with obesity can lose weight – and keep it off

A new study suggests that exercise training is crucial for individuals with diet-resistant obesity, improving skeletal muscle metabolism and enhancing weight loss capacity. The research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity and has the potential to help reshape the science of weight-loss programs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2022

Ohio University chemistry lab students predict spread of COVID-19 with kinetics models

Undergraduate students at Ohio University applied kinetic techniques learned in physical chemistry to analyze the COVID-19 spread data from the CDC. They developed a model that considers the effect of vaccination and made predictions for the following months, correctly predicting the surge in cases in Ohio.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Study finds that sound plus electrical body stimulation has potential to treat chronic pain

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that combining sound with electrical body stimulation activates the brain's somatosensory cortex, increasing its potential to treat chronic pain. This non-invasive technique has been tested on animals and is planned for human clinical trials in the near future.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Breakthrough in search for tinnitus cure

A new mobile-phone-based therapy has shown clinically significant improvements in patients with tinnitus, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments. The therapy involves a personalized approach combining digital tools and audiologist assessment, with 65% of participants reporting an improvement in just 12 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Elephant tweets highlight divide on conservation issues

A recent study found that social media platforms like Twitter do not accurately reflect the most pressing threats to wild elephant populations, such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Local communities that live with elephants often face resentment due to their safety and livelihoods being at risk.

SourceGriffith University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Building the best zeolite

Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Synthesis·DateAug 11, 2022