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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 35


Page 35 of 40

Increase in home delivery service usage during COVID-19 pandemic unlikely to last

Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that over 90% of people who use online delivery services would likely revert back to their original way of shopping. Delivery service users access products in four categories: groceries, food, home goods, and other items, with grocery deliveries having the highest proportion of new ado...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Treasure in tree rings: Using untapped tree ring data to calculate carbon sequestration

A new research synthesis suggests using tree ring data from forest inventory plots to estimate carbon sequestration in forests. This approach could provide a direct record of the carbon gained by individual trees and forests, scaling up to estimate forest-wide and continent-wide carbon savings.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalBioScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Ten hospitals reduced opioid prescriptions for children who underwent appendectomy through a quality improvement initiative

A quality improvement initiative at 10 US children's hospitals has led to an almost 80% reduction in opioid prescribing for children after appendectomy, without harming patient outcomes. The study used a standardized prescribing protocol and ACS NSQIP Pediatric data to minimize opioid prescriptions.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 3, 2022

As the volume of social sciences journal articles increases, academic book publication is slowing

A study by Academic Analytics Research Center found a significant increase in journal article publications (64%) and decrease in book publications (34-54%) across 12 Social Sciences disciplines from 2010 to 2020. This shift may impact library acquisitions strategies and affect humanities-related fields.

SourceAcademic Analytics Research Center (AARC)·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Scientists test promising biosensor aimed for use in brain

Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Untangling mixed (neural) signals

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered how 'polyglot' neurons encode and decode sensorimotor chatter, enabling the differentiation between motor and sensory signals. This breakthrough has vital applications in brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, where accurate decoding is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 3, 2022

Aromatase inhibitors are better than tamoxifen at reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence in premenopausal as well as postmenopausal women

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that aromatase inhibitors are more effective than tamoxifen at reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors were shown to be particularly beneficial for younger women, reducing the risk of recurrence by 30%.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

NYUAD study offers new insights about urban traffic management

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have published a comprehensive review of 50 fundamental traffic models using an extensive data set of 2.3 billion vehicle observations from 25 cities worldwide. The study found that a non-parametric model outperformed other traffic flow models, regardless of road type and congestion level.

SourceNew York University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateFeb 3, 2022

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 during Tokyo 2020 via wastewater

A team of researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in more areas of the Olympic village than clinical testing indicated. The study found that daily screenings missed asymptomatic and post-quarantine patients, highlighting the need for alternative methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Little test, big impact: dipstick screening for hematuria

Researchers in Japan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of adding dipstick hematuria screening to a mass health check-up program. The study found that including routine testing for hematuria would promote early detection and treatment, leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This cost-effective approach has the potential t...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalClinical and Experimental Nephrology·DateFeb 3, 2022

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists identify germline signature that predicts side effects from anti-PD1/PDL1 checkpoint therapy

Researchers have identified a germline biomarker signature that can predict serious side effects in up to 3 in 10 patients undergoing anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy. The findings represent an important step toward personalizing checkpoint therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

For the uninsured, crowdfunding provides little help in paying for health care and deepens inequities

A new study found that crowdfunding has limited success in helping people pay their medical bills, particularly in low-income and under-insured communities. Despite raising over $650 million annually, 33.8% of campaigns remain unfunded, highlighting the need for better health insurance coverage and social assistance programs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Missing the bar: how people misinterpret data in bar graphs

Researchers at Wellesley College found that people frequently misinterpret bar graphs, with one in five graph readers categorically misunderstanding averages. The 'bar-tip limit error' occurs when viewers interpret the tip of the bar as the outer limit of the data, despite the average being the balanced center point.

SourceWellesley College·JournalJournal of Vision·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Switch to dry powder inhaler more than halves carbon footprint of asthma treatment

A study found that switching from a metered dose inhaler to a dry powder version for maintenance therapy reduces the carbon footprint of people with asthma by more than half. The researchers conclude that this substitution is an acceptable and worthwhile option for most patients who can safely manage their condition at home.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

Study indicates link between food insecurity and higher infant mortality rates in North Carolina

A new study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found a significant link between food insecurity and higher infant mortality rates in North Carolina. The study analyzed health data from all 100 counties in the state, finding that infants in North Carolina had a 36% higher mortality rate compared to national averages.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 3, 2022

Dose-finding trial paves way for new rotavirus vaccine to prevent a deadly diarrheal disease from birth

A phase 2 clinical trial found that the Australian-developed neonatal rotavirus vaccine RV3-BB was safe and produced a robust immune response in African babies. The reduced dose of the vaccine generated an equivalent immune response as the highest dose, offering opportunities to reduce vaccine manufacturing costs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

OSU study finds high levels of depression, anxiety among disabled people during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study from Oregon State University found that people with disabilities have been experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation was a major predictor for both conditions, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, including delayed or canceled medical appointments.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2022

Poor sleep and stress exacerbate each other among nurses who work night shift, OSU study finds

A recent study by Oregon State University found that night shift nurses are more likely to suffer from poor sleep, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. The researchers also discovered a significant disparity in sleep quality among Black nurses, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022