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Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 4


Page 4 of 38

Bar-Ilan University researchers produce nanodiamonds capable of delivering medicinal and cosmetic remedies through the skin

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have produced nanodiamonds capable of delivering medicinal and cosmetic remedies through the skin, eliminating the need for biopsies. The nanodiamonds can be precisely monitored non-invasively using a laser-based optical method, enabling targeted drug delivery and cosmetics application.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 30, 2022

Studying the OCD cycle

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new model of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on principles of reinforcement learning. The model suggests that imbalanced learning between reinforcement and punishment can lead to disordered behavior in OCD. This work helps explain how OCD develops and may be used t...

Study of 300-million-year-old feces finds meat on the menu

Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.

SourceCurtin University·JournalBiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2022

Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to understand how self-renewal processes impact skin cell evolution

Moffitt researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate the impact of skin homeostasis on driver and passenger mutations. They found that larger subclones are likely due to persistence and older age, not selective sweeps.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2022

How COVID-19 may have reversed gains in maternal and child mortality

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in healthcare utilization, resulting in projected increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the pandemic reversed years of progress in women's and children's health, causing thousands of preventable deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022

Strength of results consistency and agreement

A team of scientists from Poland, Germany, the USA, and the UK collaborated to measure the intensities of carbon monoxide overtone lines with high accuracy. Their results showed that different measurement methods and laboratories agreed on a promille level for the first time, paving the way for precise spectroscopic analysis in atmosph...

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Majority of posts on extremist online forums made by “hyper” poster cliques, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism found that most posts in extremist online forums are made by a clique of highly committed members. The research, led by Professor Stephane Baele and Dr Lewys Brace, analyzed over 12 million unique posts across eight far-right, seven Salafi-jihadist, and ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Policing Intelligence and Counter Terrorism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022

Poor management the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying

A recent study found that poor management is the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying, with a new evidence-based screening tool developed to address the problem. The tool identifies nine major risk areas in day-to-day practices, highlighting the need for organisations to proactively assess and mitigate underlying risk factors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2022

Researchers visualize α-synuclein pathology in living patients with a neurodegenerative disorder

Researchers have successfully visualized α-synuclein aggregates in the brains of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) using a new positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. The agent, 18F-SPAL-T-06, shows high specificity and potential for MSA diagnosis.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 30, 2022

Entangled photons tailor-made

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully generated up to 14 entangled photons using a single atom, enabling efficient creation of quantum computer building blocks. This breakthrough could facilitate scalable measurement-based quantum computing and enable secure data transmission over greater distances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Archaeology and ecology combined sketch a fuller picture of past human-nature relationships

Archaeoecology examines the past 60,000 years of human-ecosystem interactions, revealing how humans impacted nature and ecosystems shaped human culture. By integrating data from archaeology, ecology, and palaeoecology, this emerging field can provide crucial insights to solve today's environmental challenges.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2022

Efficacy, cash and more will increase booster shot acceptance

The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 29, 2022

New research shows no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and higher risk of preterm birth or stillbirth

A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

How scientists designed centered error entropy-based sigma-point Kalman Filter

Researchers designed a centered error entropy-based sigma-point Kalman Filter to enhance the filtering algorithm's robustness in spacecraft attitude determination. The proposed CEEUKF outperformed classical methods and other robust algorithms in simulating non-Gaussian noise, achieving higher accuracy and faster convergence rates.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateAug 29, 2022

Driving simulations that look more life-like

A new method for generating realistic images in driving simulations uses machine learning to improve visual fidelity. This enables better testing of driverless cars and study of driver distraction, ultimately enhancing safety and interaction between humans and AI on the road.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

AI spurs scientists to advance materials research

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2022

New hafnium polyhydrides are discovered superconductivity above 80K

Researchers at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered new hafnium polyhydrides exhibiting superconductivity above 80K, a temperature threshold previously unattained by any 5d transition metal hydride. The study reveals these compounds display high critical fields and Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherent l...

SourceInstitute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMaterials Today Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

Chinese scientists reported the thermophysical properties of lunar farside regolith with the first in-situ temperature measurement by Chang’E-4 mission

The Chang'E-4 mission has provided the first in-situ temperature measurement of lunar regolith on the far side, revealing a particle size of ~15 μm and thermal conductivity values. The study's findings will aid in designing future in-situ temperature probes and provide crucial 'ground truth' for global temperature observations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 29, 2022

Ultra rapid lispro improves postprandial glucose control versus lispro in combination with insulin glargine/degludec in adults with type 2 diabetes: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial

The study found that ultra rapid lispro (URLi) provided superior control of postprandial glucose excursions compared to insulin lispro. URLi showed non-inferiority for HbA1c reduction and improved PPG excursion control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 29, 2022

Early onset of diabetes, hypertension can predict early glaucoma, UTSW ophthalmologists report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between early onset of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension and the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. The study suggests that these conditions may predispose individuals to POAG, highlighting the importance of early detection and screening protocols.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Ophthalmology·DateAug 29, 2022

Ancient landslide destroyed area size of Cincinnati

A massive landslide in Nevada's Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area flattened an area larger than downtown Cincinnati, covering over 7 square miles. Geologists studied the landslide to better understand its dynamics and predict future landslides, which are a growing concern in areas with significant topography.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Sedimentary Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2022

Deep brain stimulation shows promise against binge eating disorder, Penn Research finds

A pilot clinical trial found that implanted brain-stimulating devices dramatically reduced bingeing episodes and helped patients lose weight in two patients with loss-of-control binge eating disorder. The study used a device to monitor activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in processing pleasure and reward.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2022

Research reveals widespread use of ineffective COVID-19 treatments after FDA deauthorized their use

Physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that despite FDA deauthorization, a large number of doses of ineffective COVID-19 treatments were administered to patients in 2022, with wide variability by state. The study highlights the need for improved transparency and regulation of COVID-19 therapies.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 29, 2022

New therapeutic target identified for triple-negative breast cancer

A new study suggests that the nuclear receptor TLX can inhibit the growth and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. TLX+ cells showed lower tumor growth, migration, and invasion rates compared to those without TLX expression.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

RIPE researchers report faster screening of photoprotection in crops

The study developed a high-throughput method for screening non-photochemical quenching rates in field-grown plants using pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. This approach enables testing hundreds of genotypes within a day, paving the way for genome-wide association studies.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022