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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 40


Page 40 of 40

Cover crops help squash squash their pathogens

A recent study found that cover cropping can reduce the population of Pseudomonas syringae, a common bacterial pathogen affecting agricultural crops. The researchers also discovered an increase in beneficial microbes such as Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, which have been used as biocontrol agents against pathogens.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Even dying stars can still give birth to planets

Researchers discovered that a large cavity in the discs surrounding evolved binary stars could be evidence of planet formation. The presence of heavy elements on the surface of dying stars suggests that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by planets, supporting this hypothesis.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 1, 2022

Solar energy means the sun’ll come out tomorrow for cost-effective decarbonization, Surrey expert demonstrates

A University of Surrey expert emphasizes the economic case for solar energy, citing IRENA data that shows 61% of US coal capacity costs more to operate than building new renewables. Retiring uneconomic coal plants and replacing them with renewables can save significant costs and reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy & Environmental Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 1, 2022

Early childhood exposure to lead in drinking water associated with increased teen delinquency risk

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that children exposed to lead in drinking water before age 6 have a higher risk of being reported for delinquency after age 14. The study highlights the need for recognition of risks to children relying on private well water and access to clean drinking water.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2022

Did you hear what he did?

A new study by Arizona State University and Columbia University reveals that people are more likely to divulge another person's secret when they consider the behavior immoral, often driven by a desire to punish. This phenomenon is specific to secrets, whereas public information is driven by gossiping motivations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Exercise may boost impact of pre-surgical chemo in patients with food pipe (oesophageal) cancer

A comparative trial found that exercise 'prehab' significantly enhanced tumour shrinkage and downstaging in patients with operable oesophageal cancer. The study showed improved skeletal muscle mass, reduced visceral fat, and a stronger immune response in the prehab group compared to conventional care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2022

How Omicron escapes from antibodies

A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Obesity may increase risk of some female reproductive disorders

A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between obesity and various female reproductive conditions. Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and risk of conditions like uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy linked to childhood trauma

Research suggests a strong link between childhood trauma and vaccine hesitancy, with 3 times higher rates among those who experienced 4 or more trauma types. This is associated with lower trust in health services and increased likelihood of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Historic buildings could be protected from rising energy bills by solar panels

A new study by University of Bath researchers suggests that installing solar panels on historic buildings like Bath Abbey could significantly reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. The proposed system would generate around 45 Mega-Watt hours per year, saving approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEnergy Science & Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Story tips: DNA in a drop, printing in the wind, drier air, revealing hidden biology and calculating better batteries

Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

Treatment keeps alcoholic monkeys from drinking as much

Researchers discovered that a hormone called FGF21 suppresses alcohol consumption in primates by altering neural transmission in the brain. This finding provides a mechanism for a liver-to-brain endocrine feedback loop to protect the liver from damage and may lead to potential treatment options for alcohol use disorder.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Brown researchers develop new model to investigate fibrosis treatments without use of animals

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new laboratory test model to investigate fibrosis treatments without the use of animals. The model uses human cells and replicates not only the structure of human tissue but also its mechanics, enabling scientists to study the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis and test potential treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

OSU finds little genetic basis for some sea stars staying healthy amid deadly wasting syndrome

Healthy-looking ochre sea stars have minimal genetic difference from those displaying symptoms of sea star wasting syndrome. The scientists found no significant genetic variation between healthy and sick individuals, raising concerns about the species' resilience in the face of future outbreaks. However, they identified some genomic re...

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Mass customization can make fashion more sustainable if customers are willing to wait for it

A new study suggests that mass customization can generate higher profits and reduce environmental waste considerably when overproduction is a problem. Customers willing to wait for bespoke clothing can make the fashion industry more environmentally sustainable.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

CHOP researchers use deep learning to find genetic causes of mental health disorders in frequently understudied African American population

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used deep learning to analyze whole genome sequencing data from African American patients with mental disorders. The model demonstrated over 70% accuracy in distinguishing between disorders and identifying multiple disorders.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

The genetics of flower power: Hidden link between genes and flower formation revealed

A team of researchers at UMass Amherst identified the specific genes responsible for growth suppression in maize flowers, including GRASSY TILLERS1 and RAMOSA3. These findings provide insights into the evolution of life on earth and have implications for plant breeding, benefiting humans from apples to corn.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2022

Pictorial warnings could reduce purchases of sugary drinks

A trial found that parents bought fewer sugary drinks when products displayed pictorial warnings about type 2 diabetes or heart damage. Pictorial warnings are being explored as a strategy to reduce children's intake of sugary drinks and related health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2022

Geography affects mental health care

A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateFeb 1, 2022

Study finds higher risk in families of Black patients with inherited heart muscle disease

A study led by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that Black patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have a higher risk of family members being affected. The research analyzed data from 1,220 patients and their relatives, revealing that 39% of Black patients had at least one first-degree family member with the condition.

C-Path and the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases to expand global impact and partnership

The collaboration aims to create an interoperable global data ecosystem for rare diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. This partnership benefits patients, regulators, advocacy stakeholders, researchers, and industry, while expanding C-Path's global capabilities in collaborating on methodologies and technologies.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022