Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2022 - Page 8


Page 8 of 38

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Lost islands cited in Welsh folklore and poetry are plausible - new study of coastal geography and a medieval map

A new study of coastal geography and a medieval map proposes that two islands in Cardigan Bay, Wales, which are no longer exist, could have come into existence and disappeared due to erosion. The research, published in Atlantic Geosciences, suggests the islands may be remnants of a low-lying landscape underlain by soft glacial deposits.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAtlantic Geoscience·DateAug 25, 2022

A perfect trap for light

A team of researchers from TU Wien and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a 'light trap' that absorbs light perfectly in thin layers. This method uses mirrors and lenses to steer the light beam into a circle and then superimpose it on itself, preventing the light from escaping.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

These neurons have food on the brain

A study from MIT neuroscientists has identified a population of neurons in the visual cortex that respond to images of food. The researchers found four previously known populations and a fifth, more surprising population that appears to be selective for food images. This finding may reflect the special importance of food in human culture.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 25, 2022

Plants can measure the intensity of salt stress

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a specific group of cells in plant roots that react to salt stress, forming a 'sodium-sensing niche' and triggering a calcium signal. This signal is controlled by a calcium-binding protein (CBL8) that helps pump out salt from the plant under severe stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Droplet-array sandwiching technology: Making versatile biochemical tools out of droplets

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have created a technique to precisely control the concentration of chemicals in droplets using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). This allows for accurate drug screening and cell-based analysis, enabling the efficient handling of substances on a smaller scale than traditional pipettes.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Plants reprogram their cells to fight invaders. Here's how

Researchers have discovered the key components in plant cells that trigger 'wartime' protein production in response to pathogens. This mechanism allows plants to rapidly produce defense proteins while balancing resources between growth and defense, a delicate process that could inform strategies for creating disease-resistant crops.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Technique using light and artificial intelligence is effective in selecting immature soybean seeds

A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a novel technique using light and artificial intelligence to identify the maturity stages of soybean seeds. The method utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence and machine learning algorithms to classify commercial seeds with high accuracy. This innovation avoids destroying seeds, which are then c...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 25, 2022

Climate extremes: The energy required for adaptation calls for stronger mitigation efforts

A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022

Making bike-sharing work

A new optimization model aims to improve the efficiency of bike-sharing systems by predicting user demand and adjusting service operations accordingly. The model has shown promising results, reducing problems by 41% compared to no rebalancing.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022

Campus to cosmos: Illinois researchers 3D print carbon films

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have discovered an efficient and sustainable method for 3D-printing single-walled carbon nanotube films. The method uses powder, ink, and 3D printing to produce durable and conductive materials ideal for space exploration, wearable electronics, and more.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

ACC issues guidance to address new nonstatin therapies

The American College of Cardiology has published an expert consensus decision pathway on the role of nonstatin therapies for LDL-C lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction. The guidance provides recommendations for individuals at high-risk and those with familial hypercholesterolemia, ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 25, 2022

Powering an ‘arm’ with air could be mighty handy

Researchers at Rice University have developed a pneumatic robotic arm powered by compressed air that can grasp objects and go, using textile-based energy harvesting system. The device is designed for individuals with disabilities and can produce equivalent of 3 watts of power, outperforming other energy harvesting strategies.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Consortium to develop fully implantable brain-computer interface to enable communication for people with paralysis

A research consortium is developing a unique fully implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system for people with locked-in syndrome, enabling real-time speech decoding and communication. The BCI will be powered wirelessly and capable of decoding speech in real-time to restore communication in patients with ALS or brainstem stroke.

AMP recommends minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles to guide design, development, and validation of clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published consensus recommendations for clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays, promoting standardization across laboratories. The report identifies a minimum set of alleles to include in clinical tests, enabling healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 25, 2022

Distress leads to higher COVID vaccine rates, less adherence to distancing guidelines

A new study found that people experiencing anxiety or depression during the pandemic were more likely to get vaccinated, but less likely to follow distancing guidelines. The researchers suggest that a gentler approach may be warranted, focusing on the benefits of vaccination for others, to encourage behavior change.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2022