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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 37


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Women’s Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women

The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022

When heart-assisting implants could save a life, patients who are Black or female don’t get them as often

A new study reveals racial and gender disparities in access to life-saving heart-assisting implants, with Black patients and women facing lower rates of surgery. Despite similar survival rates, the findings suggest that unconscious bias may be influencing healthcare provider decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022

Using smartphones could help improve memory skills

A new study published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that using digital devices as external memory can improve memory skills. Participants who used digital devices to store information showed improved memory for both saved and unsaved information, with a notable increase in recall of less important details.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

New CABI-led study highlights institutional and policy bottlenecks to Integrated Pest Management in Africa

A new CABI-led study identifies key institutional and policy barriers to the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Africa. Despite its potential for economic and environmental benefits, IPM's uptake is patchy due to regional and national agricultural policies prioritizing production over sustainability.

SourceCABI·JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 1, 2022

Research links red meat intake, gut microbiome, and cardiovascular disease in older adults

A new study found that higher red meat consumption is linked to a 22% increased risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults, with gut bacterial metabolites like TMAO playing a key role. The study also suggests that traditional ASCVD risk pathways like blood cholesterol and blood pressure may be less important than previously thought.

SourceTufts University·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2022

Fiddler crab eye view inspires Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers to develop novel artificial vision

Researchers from GIST have developed an amphibious artificial vision system with a panoramic field-of-view based on the Fiddler crab's eye structure. The system overcomes limitations of current artificial visions, enabling imaging in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Destroying tumor cells: Targeted immunotherapy using injectable materials

Researchers at TIBI developed a minimally invasive method for targeted delivery of immunotherapeutic treatments, resulting in slower tumor growth and higher activation of T-cells. The injectable gelatin biomaterial containing silicate nanoplatelets showed sustained drug release and controlled ICI delivery.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Junk food advertising restrictions prevent almost 100,000 obesity cases and is expected to save the NHS £200m

New research finds junk food advertising restrictions have prevented 94,867 fewer obesity cases, 2,857 fewer diabetes cases, and 1,915 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. The policy is estimated to save the NHS £218 million over its lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2022

HSE researchers identified the age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in auditory cortex in children

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in the auditory cortex of typically developing children. The results showed that power increased with age and cortical localization changed, indicating an age-related shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition.

Signaling ‘stressed-out’ plants

Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

Research Brief: The role of behavioral medicine in addressing climate-change related health inequities

The article highlights six strategies for addressing climate-related health inequities, including adopting standards for sociopolitical constructs and centering marginalized community voices. Researchers emphasize the importance of dismantling structural racism, environmental justice efforts, and effective communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022

VegSense makes sense for forest studies

Researchers developed VegSense, an open-source application that uses a Microsoft HoloLens to quantify mature trees in the wild. The device excels at detecting relatively healthy forests by capturing vegetation patterns with a holograph-like grid pattern.

SourceRice University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Largest international effort to improve mental health and wellbeing of health professionals and patient safety

The Magnet4Europe project, a 4 million Euro initiative, aims to transform hospital work environments to improve clinician and patient wellbeing. The randomized trial in 130 hospitals across 7 countries found that burnout is an individual manifestation of organizational flaws, which can be addressed through evidence-based interventions.

Increased heart disease risk from red meat may stem from gut microbe response to digestion

Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

Engineers repurpose 19th-century photography technique to make stretchy, color-changing films

Researchers developed a new printing technique that applies a 19th-century color photography method to modern holographic materials, producing large-scale images on elastic materials with structural color. The team's results enable the creation of pressure-monitoring bandages, shade-shifting fabrics, or touch-sensing robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 1, 2022

A molecule of light and matter

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have measured the binding state of light and matter for the first time, creating an attractive force between ultracold atoms. This effect can be used to control and manipulate extreme temperatures and may also play a role in the formation of molecules in space.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

3D model of brain tumor environment could aid personalized treatment

Virginia Tech scientists have developed a novel 3D tissue-engineered model of the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment to learn why tumors return and what treatments will be most effective. The model accounts for cell types, fluid flow, and other aspects of the actual tumor environment, allowing for easy testing of drug therapies.

SourceVirginia Tech·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2022

Story tips: Drought-resistant crops, hydropower, AI for atomic measurement, controlling refrigerants and recycling e-waste

Researchers at ORNL developed a theory that thylakoids help plants tolerate harsh conditions, while a digital platform informs on hydropower development. AI-powered neutron scattering can also accelerate experiments, and e-waste recycling is being explored.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Pain, pain go away, help our children run and play

A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeCase study·DateAug 1, 2022

New egg recipe to boost fertility research

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology have developed a new method to culture human fetal immature germ cells into oocytes. The study found that essential controlling mechanisms are similar across mouse, monkey, and human species, while certain genes are expressed only in humans and monkeys.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

‘A mystery across the centuries’ solved

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have proposed a two-step regulatory mechanism that shapes centromere distribution, revealing its role in maintaining genome integrity. The study found that precise control of centromere spatial arrangement is required for organ growth in response to DNA damage stress.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 1, 2022

Study finds nickelate superconductors are intrinsically magnetic

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have discovered that nickelate superconductors are always magnetized, whether in their normal or superconducting state. This finding highlights the fundamental properties of these materials and provides insight into how unconventional superconductors carry electric current with no loss.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Quantum control for advanced technology: Past and present

A new review paper assesses recent progress in controlling quantum systems and applies it to emerging technologies, highlighting the need for a unified theoretical framework. The authors identify roadblocks that must be overcome to manifest a future quantum technological landscape.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Quantum Technology·DateAug 1, 2022

Large-scale study of disordered eating in children explores role of weight, sex and puberty

A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022

Coaching patients to advocate for themselves can offset the effects of doctors’ racial bias

A University of Michigan-led analysis found that training patients to voice their concerns and advocate for themselves can reduce the impact of physicians' racial biases on care. The study showed that 'patient activation' creates more equitable interactions between patients and physicians.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Successful women make the best advocates to help other women rise up in the ranks

A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management found that referrals and recommendations can act as a gatekeeping process in elite occupational contexts. Female candidates recommended by highly tenured female sponsors are most likely to be hired, contrary to initial findings suggesting male sponsors are more persuasive.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022

Cloud study demystifies impact of aerosols

Aerosol particles in the atmosphere have a bigger impact on cloud cover than previously thought, increasing it by approximately 10%. Clouds hold more water before rainfall occurs due to smaller and more numerous droplets, leading to reduced precipitation. The study uses satellite data and machine learning to improve climate models.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022

The environment for permafrost in Japan is projected to decrease significantly in the future

A study predicts Japan's permafrost area will significantly decrease in the future due to global warming. The research used climate projection data to estimate areas that can sustain permafrost, revealing a broader distribution than previously thought.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2022

New molecule developed at Hebrew U. may prevent age-related diseases and increase life expectancy and wellness

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified a group of molecules that enable cells to repair damaged components, making it possible for those tissues to retain proper function. These molecules were found to protect human cells from damage and may significantly delay the development of age-related diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAutophagy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022