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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Risk of second allergic reaction to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2022

Sequencing puts carnivore chromosomes in context

Researchers used Hi-C sequencing to identify three-dimensional chromosome structures in 11 carnivore species, showing conserved chromatin structures across families despite millions of years of evolution. This approach could facilitate identifying related genes and placing them in context.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Newly developed radio-labeled molecule enables real-time imaging of innate immune activity

Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Over two-thirds of UK social scientists warn their academic freedom is under threat, new study shows

A new study found that over two-thirds of UK social scientists believe their academic freedom is at risk, with internationalisation and the rise of authoritarian states like China being major concerns. The survey also showed that academics are reluctant to self-censor when teaching students from autocratic states in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International Journal of Human Rights·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2022

Perfecting the EV battery recycling process

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Peace has led to more deforestation in Colombia

A new study reveals that Colombia's peace agreement has led to more forest loss, primarily due to increased coca farming and cattle ranching in the Andes and Amazon respectively. The research highlights the importance of considering local factors such as land use, politics, and socioeconomics in conservation efforts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Study identifies key regulator of cell differentiation

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified BEND3 as a critical regulator of cell differentiation, discovering that it represses genes associated with cell fate. This finding has implications for understanding normal development and potentially improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Metal mix and match: An unexpected discovery could improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a method to improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets by mixing two metal ion solutions. This approach results in higher crystallinity and improved performance in devices such as electronics and batteries. The findings open a new pathway for tuning the functional pro...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

A type of virus present in the gut microbiota is associated with better cognitive ability in humans, mice and flies

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that individuals with more Caudovirales in their gut microbiota performed better at executive processes and verbal memory, while those with higher levels of Microviridae deteriorated in brain's executive abilities. Dairy products may be a possible means of acquiring Caudovirales.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Xue Sherry Gao wins CAREER Award

Xue Sherry Gao has won a prestigious CAREER Award to create versatile toolkits for controlling gene expression. Her research aims to develop broadly applicable platforms for gene regulation, with a focus on precision dosing and safety features.

ZIP codes matter when it comes to severe COVID-19

A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Accelerating melt rate makes Greenland Ice Sheet world’s largest ‘dam’

Researchers have found that the Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate due to the conversion of gravitational energy from meltwater into heat. The ice sheet's basal melting rates are comparable to those measured on the surface, but without solar energy input, producing a significant source of hydropower.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2022

A unique study finds that tick saliva may offer a path to new therapies for inflammatory diseases

A recent study by Monash University found that tick saliva proteins, called evasins, can be modified to block the activity of important proteins in human inflammatory diseases. The study identified the structural basis of chemokine recognition and establishes a foundation for engineering evasins.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

New technology fused with photosynthetic life offers path to green energy

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2022

Are shared electric scooters energy efficient?

Researchers found that shared e-scooters waste significant energy in idle status, with up to 41.9% of energy loss on weekends. The study suggests e-scooters could be a competitive transport mode against walking and cycling in urban systems, but highlights the need for better operations and regulation.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateFeb 20, 2022

Wide-temperature-window hydrogel electrolyte developed for aqueous zinc-ion battery

Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that enables aqueous zinc-ion batteries to operate within a wider temperature range (-20 °C to 60 °C), improving device flexibility. The new electrolyte also shows improved mechanical properties and electrochemical performance, with a high capacity retention rate of 88%.

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

Hepatitis C patients cured with antiviral medicines are less likely to be hospitalized, need ER care for liver, other health-related issues

A study by Henry Ford Health System found that hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals are less likely to be hospitalized or seek emergency care for related health issues. The study's lead author notes that curing the virus improves overall patient health and reduces the risk of developing other conditions.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022