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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Post-pandemic, urban planners are seeking a return to ‘old normal’ in downtown areas

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that urban planners are focusing on restoring pre-pandemic downtown functions, with increased use of outdoor spaces and mixed-use development. However, government intervention is seen as a challenge to revitalization efforts due to reduced public investment in mid-sized cities.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPlanning Practice and Research·DateFeb 2, 2022

Not living the dream: Millennials locked out of housing market by older generations

A new research paper from the University of South Australia reveals that older generations hold a significant portion of housing properties, locking out younger Millennials. The study highlights how government policies designed to protect one generation can hinder another, creating severe housing tenure inequalities.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalProperty Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

Research advances technology of AI assistance for anesthesiologists

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to automate propofol dosing for unconscious patients, matching human performance in sophisticated simulations. The 'dose penalty' model improved upon traditional software, but limitations remain, highlighting challenges in AI system accuracy and real-world application.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

How machine learning can improve food insecurity predictions

Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

Researchers set record by preserving quantum states for more than 5 seconds

Researchers have achieved a record breakthrough by preserving quantum states for over 5 seconds, utilizing silicon carbide, a widely available material. This advancement enables the development of scalable and cost-effective quantum innovation, including potential applications in quantum communication networks and quantum computers.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Lighting up tough pancreatic cancers

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle system that can deliver fluorescent dyes to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer tumors. The system overcomes the challenge of reaching cells deep within dense tumor masses, enabling detailed images of tumor structures and potentially targeted therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJACS Au·DateFeb 2, 2022

Optimizing indoor light conditions to mimic the natural light-dark cycle could help mitigate adverse metabolic effects of extended periods of exposure to indoor lighting

A study found that bright light during daylight hours and dim light in the evening improves glucose metabolism, thermoregulation, and energy expenditure. In contrast, a dim day with bright evening led to reduced postprandial glucose levels despite unchanged insulin levels.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 2, 2022

UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause

A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

New study estimates prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in children in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study by CUNY SPH researchers estimates that nearly 40% of children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are undiagnosed, highlighting the urgent need for improved pediatric testing coverage. The study found that only 55% of children on ART had suppressed viral loads, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

More spice could help seniors avoid salt

Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Study finds concerning variations in care between physicians of the same specialty and in the same city, delivering care in the same clinical scenarios

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found significant variations in care delivery among physicians with the same specialty and city, despite delivering care in the same clinical scenarios. The researchers analyzed medical insurance records from 2016 to 2019 and found that top-performing physicians were five to 10 times more like...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

Tackling an epidemic

The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 2, 2022

An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

Researchers have developed a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek, offering a less invasive way to manage blood sugar levels. The patch, activated by heat, releases insulin into the bloodstream several times faster than through skin, showing promise for diabetes treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022

What is your dog’s lifespan? You might be surprised

The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has enrolled over 32,000 dogs to understand the aging process. Researchers are using this dataset to identify biomarkers of canine aging and potential genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity, which they hope will translate to human health.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Study of Penn patients with decade-long leukemia remissions after Car T cell therapy reveals new details about persistence of personalized “living drug” cells

Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

The Lancet: Over 1.2 million additional opioid overdose deaths expected in North America by 2029, with epidemic set to expand globally, experts warn

The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

The key to a powerful antibiotic’s formation now clear

Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

A new, nanoscale, 3D structure to control light

Researchers at Penn State developed a computational optimizer to design a 3D unit cell with cube-shaped cavities that enables asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light across a wide frequency range. The optimized design was successfully fabricated and tested, demonstrating robust optical properties.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022

Study links lead in childhood well water to teen delinquency

A new study found that children who drank well water with lead have a 21% higher risk of delinquency and 38% increased risk of serious complaints. Researchers analyzed a 20-year dataset linking blood lead measurements to reported juvenile delinquency records after age 14.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022