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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

Preventing pandemics costs far less than controlling them

A new study suggests that preventing pandemics could save around 1.6 million lives and reduce mortality costs by $10 trillion annually by investing just 5% of the estimated annual economic losses associated with human deaths from COVID into environmental protection and early-stage disease surveillance.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2022

Study shows discrepancy in 'hookup culture' sexual activity on dates

A recent study from the University of Kansas found that college students' self-reported attitudes towards sex on dates do not match their actual behavior. When men initiated dates, sex was more restricted than when women asked for a date. In contrast, female-initiated dates saw genital contact occurring on 63% of occasions, while tradi...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSexuality & Culture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

NRG oncology trial results indicate trametinib should represent the new standard of care for women with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer

The NRG-GOG 0281/LOGS trial demonstrated that trametinib significantly reduces disease progression and improves response rates in women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary/peritoneum. The study found a trend towards higher overall survival rates when compared to standard of care options.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 3, 2022

People prefer interacting with female robots in hotels

A study by Washington State University researcher Soobin Seo found that people are more comfortable talking to female robots working in service roles in hotels. The preference is stronger when the robots are described as having more human features, with participants rating female robot interactions as more pleasant and satisfying.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2022

Immunotherapy with house dust mite extract reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Researchers found sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The treatment, administered over 18 months, resulted in significant improvements in pruritus and lesions, with rare side effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

An NICU quality-improvement program reduced death or severe brain bleeding in extremely premature infants

A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Physicists unify sociological theories that explain social stability

Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna propose that homophily, or interacting with like-minded individuals, automatically leads to social balance and stability. They demonstrate this using data from the Massive Multiplayer Online Game Pardus, where players tend to form friendships with those who share similar characteristics.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Origin of supermassive black hole flares identified: largest-ever simulations suggest flickering powered by magnetic ‘reconnection’

A new simulation suggests that energy released near a black hole's event horizon during magnetic field line reconnection powers the intense flares. The process involves interactions between the magnetic field and material falling into the black hole, releasing hot plasma particles that radiate away as photons.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

First U.S. peer-reviewed study on omicron patient outcomes reveals rapid spread and significant differences in infection behavior

The first US peer-reviewed study on omicron patient outcomes found significant differences in infection behavior. Ominron patients are significantly younger, have increased vaccine breakthrough rates, and are less likely to be hospitalized compared to patients with alpha or delta variants.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Love of nature is partially heritable, study of twins shows

A large-scale study of UK twins found that identical twins shared a greater affinity for nature and frequent visits to natural spaces compared to fraternal twins. Heritability estimates ranged from 46% for nature orientation to 34% for garden visits, suggesting a moderate genetic influence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2022

Study uncovers new features of genome organization

Researchers identified two classes of DNA elements: tethering and insulators, which work together to regulate gene expression. Tethering elements facilitate timely activation by bringing enhancers close to target genes, while insulators prevent interference between neighboring genetic loci.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

New research finds that having a care manager during pregnancy reduces likelihood of delivering a baby prematurely for individuals most at risk

A new study found that pregnant people on Medicaid who received intensive care management had lower preterm birth rates compared to those who did not. This initiative, known as Pregnancy Medical Home (PMH), provided comprehensive care from a team of professionals, including social and economic support.

Exploring the strategies of categorization

Researchers explored pigeons' categorization strategies using computer-generated stimuli and machine learning analysis. The study found that pigeons attach importance to specific characteristics of stimuli, leading to individualized categorization preferences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

New study suggests automated, interactive video content could improve hand-washing practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections

A new study found that automated smart technology, including video engagement, can increase mean hand-washing duration and the number of users who achieve recommended 20 seconds of hand washing. However, researchers suggest that video content should be refreshed every 3 months to sustain engagement.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

February issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new research on disparities in the opioid crisis, new practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors, more

The February issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services highlight new research on the opioid crisis, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the latest issue of Focus features articles on novel neurotherapeutics and practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2022

How to get chloride ions into the cell

A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Strong corporate inclusion and diversity practice can help bring along employees reticent about supporting transgender and non-binary (‘trans’) people

Research from the University of Bath finds that companies with strong diversity and inclusion climates can spur support for trans staff, even among those initially hesitant. The study emphasizes the importance of practical frameworks, leadership, and authentic allyship initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe International Journal of Human Resource Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Earth’s water was around before Earth

Researchers found two gas reservoirs, one containing solar gas and the other with terrestrial water signature, in the earliest stages of our solar system. This discovery suggests that Earth's water was present before the accretion of its constituent blocks.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 3, 2022

Improving air quality associated with slower cognitive decline in women

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing air pollution exposure can slow cognitive decline in older women, with benefits seen across various demographics. The research followed 2,232 women for up to 20 years, revealing a significant association between improved air quality and reduced cognitive decline.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

“Inflaming” cold tumors

Scientists at Technical University of Munich discovered a promising combination therapy for mesenchymal PDAC subtype, showing improved T-cell infiltration and cell cycle arrest when using nintedanib with trametinib. The treatment significantly improves the response of highly aggressive mesenchymal PDAC subtypes in mice.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Study predicts that routine immunisation with the first typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) could avert 46-74% of typhoid fever cases

A mathematical modeling study predicts that routine immunization with TCV could avert 46-74% of all typhoid fever cases in 73 countries. Vaccination is also expected to reduce the relative prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid by 16%, preventing millions of cases and deaths.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022