Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 25


Page 25 of 38

Minorities bore disproportionate mental health impact of pandemic

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2022

TV series Snowpiercer’s ‘eternal engine’ inspires the next generation of ultraprecise atomic clocks

Researchers at the University of Sussex have created an 'eternal engine' to keep next-generation atomic clocks ticking, enabling portable versions that can replace existing satellite navigation systems. The breakthrough uses microcombs and self-emergence technology to ensure stable operation in various conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

PET scan visualization can measure effects of STING-activating drugs

Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

There’s a better way to detect high-risk medications in older adults with cancer according to new study in JNCCN

A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateAug 10, 2022

Children infected with a mild case of COVID-19 can still develop long COVID symptoms

A new study by researchers at UTHealth Houston found that children infected with COVID-19, but not hospitalized, can still develop long COVID symptoms up to three months past infection. The study also identified risk factors for long COVID in children, including unvaccination and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateAug 10, 2022

Finding order using chaos: Synchronization of spiking oscillators helps build physical reservoirs

The study demonstrates the creation of physical reservoirs using chaotic dynamics, enabling alternative approach to AI-based pattern detection. The researchers exploited emergence and pattern formation phenomena under incomplete synchronization in chaotic dynamics, revealing a rich variety of ways in which the network synchronizes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

AI may come to the rescue of future firefighters

Researchers developed a Flashover Prediction Neural Network (FlashNet) model to forecast deadly fire events, beating other AI-based tools with up to 92.1% accuracy across various building floorplans. The model's performance improved when given real-world data, highlighting its potential for saving firefighter lives.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 10, 2022

More than meets the eye: How patterns in nature arise and inspire everything from scientific theory to biodegradable materials

A University of Arizona-led study uses bacteria to understand how natural patterns form through mechanical interactions. The findings suggest that just four different adhesive molecules are sufficient to create any possible tiling pattern, with implications for understanding complex multicellular life and creating biodegradable materials.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Sponge ‘sneezes’ waste

A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2022

Johns Hopkins researchers find link between dementia and atrial cardiopathy

Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 10, 2022

On the way to quantum sensors

The IQ-Sense project brings together researchers from two German universities to develop and demonstrate integrated quantum sensors for spectroscopic and imaging applications. The project will enable precise measurements of temperature, pressure, magnetic or electric fields, crucial in various scientific and medical fields.

Birds on island time

The study found that island size and location have a significant impact on seasonal bird species richness. Islands in the Northern Hemisphere at mid-latitudes during migration periods host the highest number of species, while tropical islands peak with species numbers during the non-breeding season.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2022

By studying the wing properties of a 150-year-old holotype, scientists discover that a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies which could travel larger distances, advancing our understanding of ancient soundscapes

Researchers discovered a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies, enabling them to travel longer distances. This finding advances our understanding of ancient soundscapes and highlights the importance of bioacoustics in understanding insect behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2022

How bacteria defuse hypothiocyanite, an antimicrobial weapon of the innate immune system

Researchers discovered a novel role for an E. coli enzyme in reducing the toxic effects of hypothiocyanite, a key antimicrobial released by the human immune system. This finding has implications for diseases like cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease, as it suggests that various bacteria can evade this powerful oxidant.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

New UCI-led research reveals the circadian clock influences cell growth, metabolism and tumor progression

A new UCI-led study reveals that the circadian clock's disruption can drive colorectal cancer progression through genetic mutations and increased tumor growth. The study found that both environmental and genetic disruptions of the circadian clock contribute to APC loss of heterozygosity, a critical factor in CRC development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Sponges “sneeze” to dispose of waste

Researchers found that sponges release mucus to unclog their internal filter systems, which also serves as a food source for fish. The study published in Current Biology highlights the unique adaptation of sponges to manage their waste and environment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 2022