Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Risk of soil degradation and desertification in Europe’s Mediterranean may be more serious than realized

The Mediterranean region has the highest soil erosion rates in Europe, with severe salinisation problems and low levels of soil organic matter. The study recommends a coordinated network to investigate soil biodiversity and assess its trends to prevent future degradation.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022

A comprehensive review on heterogeneous photocatalysis for environmental remediation

Recent research has extensively reviewed heterogeneous photocatalysis, a technology that utilizes solar energy to efficiently remove various pollutants. The application of semiconductor modification strategies is crucial for overcoming challenges such as high cost and low solar energy utilization rate.

DNA design brings predictability to polymer gels

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a tuneable, elastic and temperature-sensitive gel by using complementary DNA strands to connect star-shaped polymer molecules together. The gel exhibits predictable behavior, self-healing properties and durability suitable for medical and engineering applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

CABI-led study ranks potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana

A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.

SourceCABI·JournalNeoBiota·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022

Heart attack survivors may be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found that heart attack survivors were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease over a 21-year follow-up period. The study adjusted for various factors and found an inverse relationship between heart attacks and Parkinson's risk, suggesting cardiac rehabilitation should focus on preventing other cardiovascular diseases.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 16, 2022

Orangutans instinctively use hammers to strike and sharp stones to cut

In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Dissolving oil in a sunlit sea

A team of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered that nearly 10% of the oil floating on the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon spill was dissolved into seawater by sunlight. The process, called photo-dissolution, has significant implications for understanding the fate and potential toxicity of these compounds.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

Embryonic development and cancer cell growth

Researchers from the University of Barcelona discovered that embryonic development signals can also control cancer cell growth, inhibiting proliferation and inducing differentiation in lung cancer cells. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to fight lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2022

Pushing past pancreatic tumors’ defenses

Researchers discovered that cancer cells use a combination of proteins to repel T cells and protect themselves from the immune system. By disabling this protection, scientists were able to allow T cells to infiltrate and attack pancreatic tumors, leading to shrinkage or disappearance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2022

Where wild honeybees survive

Researchers found that wild honeybee colonies can survive in Galicia, Spain, particularly in areas with semi-natural habitats. The study suggests that extensive forms of land use and restoration of near-natural landscape features are crucial for insect conservation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

‘Prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 only in large-scale randomized trials’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTherapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Creating universal blood-type organs for transplant

A study published in Science Translational Medicine has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation, eliminating the need for matching by blood type. This breakthrough could significantly improve fairness in organ allocation and decrease mortality for patients on the waitlist.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

URV researchers discover a way to predict the degradation of a neural network

A research team led by Professor Àlex Arenas from Universitat Rovira i Virgili has discovered a theoretical explanation for the degradation of neural networks, allowing for predictions on when they will stop functioning. This breakthrough can help in understanding neurological diseases and optimizing network systems.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

A possible cure for sickle cell?

A recent study suggests that gene therapy could be a possible cure for sickle cell disease, with the added benefit of preventing complications and extending lifespan. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of this treatment pose significant challenges for patients worldwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 16, 2022

Clean-energy discourse from energy giants not reflected in investments

A new study analyzed the clean energy discourse of four large oil and gas companies, finding that their business actions and investments do not align with their climate change pledges. Despite increased use of keywords like 'climate' and 'transition', the companies have made limited progress towards decarbonization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Singapore study using Alzheimer’s disease mouse model shows female brains have faster decline of connections between memory-making brain cells

A study using an Alzheimer's disease mouse model found that female brains experience a faster decay in information processing ability compared to male mice. This results in weaker memory formation and increased memory loss, contributing to the increased vulnerability of females to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

COVID-19 survivors face increased mental health risks up to a year later

Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

eDNA a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab

A new study published in Ecological Applications shows that eDNA-based detection can be a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab. The technique involves collecting water samples and analyzing DNA to detect the presence of the species, which can help wildlife managers contain future invasions and prevent new outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022