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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

Cell groups push, rather than pull, themselves into place as organs form and cancers spread

Researchers discovered that cells in moving group push the front of their group, contrary to previous findings that they pull with their front edges. The discovery sheds light on how tissues apply force in groups to generate motion in living organisms, which could have implications for cancer spread.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Federally funded sex education programs linked to decline in teen birth rates, new study shows

A new study finds that federally funded comprehensive sex education programs led to a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates, with an average reduction of over 3 percent. The research analyzed data from 55 counties that received funding and compared them to over 2,800 unfunded counties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Decline of vultures and rise of dogs carries disease risks

A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Follow-up costs can add up if a free cancer screening shows a potential problem

New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Businesses run by minorities, women and vets disproportionately affected by pandemic, NIST, NOAA study finds

A new study found that businesses run by minorities, women, and veterans were more likely to experience negative effects from the pandemic than non-HUGO businesses. The researchers analyzed responses from over 1,350 businesses and found that demographic factors played a significant role in determining a business's resilience during the...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateFeb 14, 2022

Numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics

A team of researchers from Shinshu University has developed a precise numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics, revealing the intricate relationship between wing movement and air flow. The study's findings have significant implications for designing micro air vehicles (MAVs), which could lead to breakthroughs in aerospace engineering.

SourceShinshu University·JournalBiology Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

What lies beneath: Roots as drivers of South African landscape pattern

A new study reveals that roots are the true engine of terrestrial nutrient cycling, driving biodiversity in South Africa's Fynbos and Afrotemperate Forest biomes. The research found that Fynbos plants use thinnest roots to limit nutrient availability for trees, allowing them to outcompete forest species.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Volume 11, Issue 12 publishes

This issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B presents several studies on drug-induced liver injury, including the role of p62/SQSTM1 in acetaminophen-induced liver injury and the importance of gut barrier function in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatotoxicity. The journal also explores mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateFeb 14, 2022

Sustainable bioeconomy: Development of environmentally friendly bio-shampoos and plant protection agent technologies

A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Trauma centers expand care to treat patients beyond physical injury

Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 14, 2022

Decolonize research to save heritage threatened by climate change

New research from the University of East Anglia and partner institutions highlights the need for locally led research and equitable funding to address the loss and damage of heritage from climate change. The study suggests that decolonial approaches can strengthen adaptation action globally and recognize the breadth of heritage.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

'Math neurons' identified in the brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Tübingen discovered specific brain cells that fire during mathematical operations. The study found unique neurons for addition and subtraction tasks, suggesting a complex coding system in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2022 issue

The Hastings Center Report examines four key considerations for assessing risk-trade-offs in the pandemic, including education, economies, healthcare, travel, social engagement, and medical countermeasures. The report also challenges traditional notions of advance directives in end-of-life care, proposing a new principle of patient aut...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2022

High levels of hazardous chemicals found in Canadian nail salons

A University of Toronto study found high levels of hazardous chemicals in Canadian nail salons, with exposures up to 30 times higher than in homes and 10 times higher than in e-waste handling facilities. The study urges government and product manufacturers to make safer personal care products and safer spaces for workers and customers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Estimating reward & risk with machine learning improves portfolio performance by up to 28%

A study published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science found that using machine learning to estimate reward and risk improves portfolio performance. Machine learning helps provide accurate estimates by taking advantage of complex non-linear relationships between market variables, outperforming linear methods.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Researchers train neural network to recognize chemical formulas from research papers

A team of researchers from Skoltech and universities developed a neural network-based solution for automated recognition of chemical formulas on research paper scans. The algorithm combines molecules, functional groups, fonts, styles, and printing defects to mimic existing molecular template depiction styles.

Researchers use supercomputers for largest-ever turbulence simulations of its kind

Researchers at TU Darmstadt and Universitat Politècnica de València used HPC resources to develop a new symmetry-based turbulence theory, resolving the closure problem of turbulence. This approach allows for reduced computational grid size and direct access to mean values like air pressure and speed.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2022

Intervention reduces disparities in timing of lung cancer surgery between Black and white patients

A multi-faceted intervention resulted in timelier lung cancer surgery for Black patients, with median times of 23 days compared to 43 days for historical groups. The ACCURE trial improved treatment rates and reduced treatment delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of addressing racial inequities in care.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Progress in reproductive biology - new insights into the binding behaviour of the porcine sperm protein 'AWN'

Researchers from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research discovered a previously unknown localisation of the porcine sperm protein 'AWN', strengthening its involvement in sperm-egg fusion. The findings are crucial for improving assisted reproduction methods, including artificial insemination.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Type 1 diabetes in children: Only 22 euros for an early diagnosis before symptoms arise

A recent study found that early detection of type 1 diabetes in children can effectively monitor and treat the disease. The cost analysis shows that standard screening could reduce costs from 28 euros to 22 euros per child, while also preventing metabolic derailments and their consequences.

Trust clinical COVID-19 signs over a negative RT-PCR test

A Rutgers study found that hospital patients with repeated negative RT-PCR tests but exhibiting COVID-19 signs and/or symptoms were half as likely to receive treatment as those who tested positive. The study suggests that clinicians should not solely rely on RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 diagnosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Mental health crisis follows COVID-19 wake

A recent study found that Australian international border restrictions had a negative impact on mental health, with participants reporting high levels of psychological distress. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the toll of pandemic policies on people's mental health and wellbeing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGlobalization and Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 14, 2022