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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 27


Page 27 of 40

UC study: Journalists might want to nix the term ‘storyteller’ from their bios

A recent University of Cincinnati study found that the term 'storyteller' attached to a journalist's bio diminishes public confidence in media. Participants on both sides of the political spectrum associated the term with biased reporting and decreased credibility. Researchers urge journalists to be more mindful of their online presence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 9, 2022

Scientists develop new thermofluidic process for lab-on-a-chip applications

Researchers have created a new method to generate strong fluid flows in tiny channels by heating a metal film with a laser beam, allowing for the separation and transport of nano-objects. This innovation has potential for lab-on-a-chip applications and could lead to advancements in nanoscale manufacturing and sensor technologies.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Researchers restore function in a gene that can suppress liver cancer and enhance immunotherapy

A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Label-free multiplexed microtomography of endogenous subcellular dynamics using deep learning​

Researchers at KAIST developed an AI-powered microscope that can image live cells in 3D without exogenous labeling agents, achieving high accuracy and speed. The 'AI microscope' uses deep learning to predict fluorescence images from holographic images, confirming its potential for various biological research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Anisotropic supercurrent through twisted Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x van der Waals stacks: a step towards explaining high-temperature superconductivity

A Korean research team has demonstrated the anisotropic superconductivity of a high-temperature superconductor by stacking twisted pieces of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x using the microcleave-and-stack technique. This study confirms material properties and develops a new fabrication method for nanomaterials.

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Intracellular bacteria use sophisticated ‘hack’ to evade a host’s immune system

Researchers discovered a signaling mechanism allowing intracellular bacteria like Salmonella to outmaneuver host defenses. By triggering macrophage death and activating the complement system, these bacteria can safely deliver themselves into another macrophage. This 'hack' enables them to persist within infected hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Why do locusts form destructive swarms?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2022

NIST, collaborators uncover new details on the formation of ‘metal soaps’ in oil paint hindering the conservation of artworks

A team of scientists has discovered a range of metal carboxylates, known as 'metal soaps', that form in oil paintings and cause damage over time. These compounds are often composed of zinc and lead pigments, but other metals like aluminum and calcium can also be present.

‘Going virtual’ sees international conference cut carbon emissions by 425 tons and boost LMIC attendance

Researchers found that switching to virtual conferencing can significantly cut carbon emissions, doubling attendance from low-middle income countries, while eliminating travel-related emissions. However, the study highlights limitations, including reduced feedback survey responses and potential equity issues.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 9, 2022

Stargazing in the brain: “Star-like” cells display unique activity patterns

Researchers at OIST used advanced imaging to record signaling within single astrocytes, revealing ultra-fast signals on par with neurons and patterns of activity corresponding to different behaviors. The findings suggest that astrocytes may store memories as 'fingerprints' in specific areas, called hotspot maps.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms of initial orthostatic hypotension

Researchers discovered two simple physical maneuvers to effectively reduce blood pressure drops and alleviate symptoms of IOH in young women. Lower body muscle preactivation (thighs) and tensing improved cardiac output and stroke volume, respectively, leading to a reduction in symptoms upon standing.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Access to acute stroke care in US

A study found that approximately one-third of the US population lacks access to emergency departments with acute stroke capabilities and telestroke capacity. The research estimated these proportions to better understand healthcare disparities in stroke care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study reveals Ebola virus can hide in brain, persist even after treatment

A groundbreaking study reveals that Ebola virus can hide in the brain ventricular system and cause fatal disease even after treatment. Persistent infection was found in about 20% of monkeys treated with antibody therapeutics, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up of survivors.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Co-occurring droughts could threaten global food security

A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022

Advancing genome editing through studying DNA repair mechanisms

Researchers at CeMM Research Center discovered that the DNA mismatch repair process plays a crucial role in prime editing. By eliminating mismatch repair, they increased prime editing efficiency by 2-17-fold and improved its accuracy. This fundamental understanding brings the technology closer to clinical applications.

Research demonstrates importance of consistent branding in political television ads

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that slant and consistency of messages in national television ads significantly impact online word-of-mouth chatter and candidate preference. Consistency with the primary message is crucial, even for more partisan messages, suggesting that campaign strategies should focus on building ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Smoking cessation drugs prescribed over the internet are as safe and effective as in-person treatment

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

HKU Digital Citizenship Study reveals digital competence as a protective factor against gaming addiction in children and adolescents

A comprehensive study by HKU researchers found that digital competence is associated with reduced risk of gaming addiction and cyberbullying among children and adolescents. The study highlights the importance of equipping future generations with better digital skills to promote healthy media use and reduce addictive behaviors.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateFeb 9, 2022

UCI study reveals neurobiological processes occurring during puberty that trigger sex differences in learning and memory

Research finds prepubescent female rodents outperform males in hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial learning, reversing after puberty. The study proposes optimal teaching strategies should adapt to brain differences between sexes during this critical life stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

New insight into unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at PSI's Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy have discovered strong evidence of exotic charge order and orbital currents in a correlated kagome superconductor. The findings provide a new insight into unconventional superconductivity and its relationship with the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022