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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 34


Page 34 of 38

New technology can help combat climate crisis

Scientists have developed a novel technology that uses bacteria grown on a synthetic semiconductor device to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into acetate and oxygen. This process produces high-value fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the global energy crisis.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Study pinpoints ‘win-win’ solutions to protect human health and conserve ecosystems

Researchers have pinpointed diverse 'win-win' solutions that simultaneously safeguard human health and ecosystem conservation, covering six continents and tackling major environmental problems. The study highlights potential interventions like vaccinating dogs to reduce rabies transmission and introducing prawns back into a dammed river.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2022

Children and teens getting spinal surgery don’t need so many opioids, study suggests

A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2022

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Are UK children with allergies receiving consistent and adequate care?

A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals a 4-fold increase in allergy clinics for children in the UK, but most are small and vary in services offered. The research highlights the need for standardized care through national networks and simulation training to ensure safe service provision.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateAug 3, 2022

UMass Amherst and Georgia Tech researchers 3D print first high-performance nanostructured alloy that’s both ultrastrong and ductile

Researchers created a dual-phase, nanostructured high-entropy alloy with unprecedented strength and ductility through 3D printing. The alloy's unique microstructure enables cooperative deformation of two phases, resulting in ultrahigh strength and enhanced ductility.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Effectiveness associated with Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against emergency department, urgent care encounters for SARS-CoV-2 infection among adolescents

The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high levels of protection against emergency department and urgent care encounters related to Delta and Omicron variants. A third dose improved protection against Omicron beyond initial two-dose efficacy, emphasizing the importance of boosters for adolescents aged 12-17.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 3, 2022

EHR interventions for contrast media shortage impact CT utilization

A study found that electronic health record (EHR) order entry-based interventions significantly reduced contrast-enhanced CT utilization within a large health system during the global iodinated contrast media shortage. The number of patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT examinations per day decreased by 12.0%, and the number of orde...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

New in The Permanente Journal: Expert panel discusses gun violence and mass shootings as a public health priority

The Permanente Journal's latest issue features an expert panel discussion on the factors leading to mass shootings in America and the importance of hospital preparedness. The conversation highlights warning behaviors, access to guns, and the need for a strong infrastructure to address gun violence.

SourceThe Permanente Federation·JournalThe Permanente Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 2022

After breakups, people feel less in-control – but only at first

A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 3, 2022

The "electric pill"

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully stimulated the auricular vagus nerve to reduce inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases, using a novel closed-loop control system. The therapy, dubbed an 'electric pill', has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Volcanic super eruptions are millions of years in the making – followed by swift surge, scientists find

Scientists have discovered that volcanic super eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth's crust move rapidly to the surface, disrupting pre-existing rock. This process takes place over millions of years, but the magma disrupts the crust and then erupts in just a few decades.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Kids’ noses can better fight COVID-19

A University of Queensland-led research found that children's noses have a more effective anti-viral response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 than adult noses. The study suggests that this may contribute to the lower infection rates and milder symptoms in children compared to adults.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 3, 2022

Future-proofing the Great Lakes region through climate research: Improved regional climate models will help the Great Lakes Region become more informed, ready and resilient

A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateAug 3, 2022

Sixty-third supplement to the AOS check-list of North American birds publishes today in ornithology

The Sixty-third Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds updates bird classifications, including meadowlark species splits, hummingbird recognitions, kite separations, and the addition of a giant-petrel. New subspecies are also recognized for some bird species, reflecting advances in genetic analysis.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithology·TypeNews article·DateAug 3, 2022

Does fraud victimization affect a person’s long-term blood pressure?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that fraud victimization is associated with increased blood pressure in older adults. Men were more likely to experience elevated post-fraud blood pressure, which may lead to poor health outcomes over time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 3, 2022

Nanoscale observations simplify how scientists describe earthquake movement

Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Understanding cooperation and conflict in plant symbionts

Researchers examine the genomic variations of 191 microbial strains paired with their host plants to understand cooperation and conflict. They found that 80% of symbiont genes align with the host's interest, often paying for them to be beneficial despite competing interests.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

JACC study makes case for expanding coverage for carotid artery stenting

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that carotid artery stenting can be just as effective as surgery in preventing long-term stroke and improving durability. The research recommends expanding insurance coverage for this minimally invasive procedure, which can improve blood flow to the brain.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2022

Neural networks and ‘ghost’ electrons accurately reconstruct behavior of quantum systems

Physicists have created a way to simulate quantum entanglement between interacting particles using neural networks and fictitious 'ghost' electrons. This approach enables accurate predictions of molecule behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical development and material design.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Perceived choice in music listening is linked to pain relief

A new study found that people who were given the impression of control over music experienced greater pain relief. Those who actively engage with music in their daily life showed even greater benefits. Music complexity was not linked to pain relief, but feeling in control was key.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

NUS scientists engineer probiotic to prevent infection of large intestine

Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Smells experienced in nature evoke positive wellbeing

A new study published in Ambio reveals that smells experienced in nature can evoke positive emotions, improve physical wellbeing, and reduce stress. Smells played a significant role in delivering benefits from interacting with nature, often tied to personal memories and ecological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAMBIO·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

How measuring blood pressure in both arms can help reduce cardiovascular risk and hypertension

A new study found that using the higher arm blood pressure reading reclassifies 12% of people as having hypertension, who would have fallen below the threshold for diagnosis if the lower reading arm was used. The study suggests that adopting the higher reading can improve diagnosis and management of hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHypertension·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

New York City switch to clean buses cut air pollution

A study by Columbia University and Drexel University found that the transition to cleaner fuels and engines in New York City's bus fleet led to declines in air pollution concentrations, including nitrogen oxides and black carbon. The findings suggest that similar changes can be realized in other cities to mitigate air pollution.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

All roads lead to big cities

A team of scientists developed a computational model that explains Italy's town distribution using only a small set of mathematical equations and a map of the landscape. The model simulates how population and road networks interact, demonstrating that landscape alone is insufficient to explain population distribution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022