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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

Prenatal exposure to phthalates may affect infants’ health

A recent study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates in maternal and cord blood may affect birth outcomes in infants, with potential estrogenic effects in females and anti-androgenic effects in males. Higher levels of phthalates were also associated with smaller head circumference in all infants.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2022

Environmental DNA analysis to manage fecal contamination

A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 24, 2022

Does severe COVID-19 affect pregnancy outcomes?

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateFeb 24, 2022

Deep learning poised to improve breast cancer imaging

Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that allows for real-time reconstruction of images combining optical and magnetic resonance imaging data. The algorithm, Z-Net, enables faster image generation and can be trained with simulated data, improving breast cancer detection.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2022

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: At least 5 million children have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19 since March 2020, updated figures suggest

A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers predict population trends of birds worldwide

A study published in Ibis used machine learning to predict population trends of 801 bird species worldwide, estimating nearly half are declining. Fragmented populations, particularly non-migratory birds in tropical forests, were found to be the top predictor of population declines globally.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers at the GIST develop design scheme for fiber reinforced composites

Researchers at GIST have developed a new approach for designing fiber reinforced composites, which can simultaneously optimize the macrostructure and microscale fiber densities. This method, based on multiscale topology optimization, enables the creation of functionally graded composites with improved strength-to-weight ratios, benefit...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

What factors might put older adults at higher risk of experiencing greater disability after major surgery?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 24, 2022

The algebra of neurons

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence discovered how a specific type of neuron can multiply two incoming signals in fruit flies. This finding provides insight into the algebra of neurons, which underlies various brain processes such as sound localization and visual motion detection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2022

The gatekeeper of the protein factory

An international research team found that the protein complex NAC acts as a 'gatekeeper' controlling protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. NAC prevents non-specific binding of SRP to ribosomes, ensuring only proteins with ER destination are transported. This sorting mechanism ensures cellular function and viability.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022

A decade of women’s heart health, reexamined

A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateFeb 24, 2022

The impacts from using genetic testing to track down relatives

Researchers surveyed over 26,000 genetic genealogy participants about their experiences discovering previously unknown relatives. Most reported learning the identity of at least one relative, with some finding close family ties and others experiencing life-changing discoveries.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

New study finds reporting entanglements of leatherback turtles is critical for survival

Researchers analyzed 280 confirmed sea turtle entanglements in Massachusetts waters and found that quickly reporting incidents can improve survival rates. The study highlights the importance of complete disentanglement to minimize injury and promote survival, with many turtles being alive weeks to years after being disentangled.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

How much energy does a dolphin use to swim?

A new study provides a reliable way to estimate energy costs in dolphins by using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), an integrated measure of all body motions during swimming. The study found significant correlation between oxygen consumption and body acceleration, suggesting ODBA can be a proxy for estimating cost of locomotion.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study examines use of palliative care for patients with COVID-19 and acute kidney injury

A new study found that palliative care for hospitalized patients with both COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) was often called later than expected, despite the high risk of death. Palliative care supports primary doctors in managing emotional and physical symptoms while assisting in advance care planning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study questions the role of vitamin D2 in human health but its sibling, vitamin D3, could be important for fighting infections

A new study has found that vitamin D3 can balance people's immune systems and strengthen defenses against viral infections like Covid-19. In contrast, vitamin D2 had a questionable impact on human health, with its effects differing from those of vitamin D3.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers call for a patient-centered approach to treating obesity

A recent commentary argues that treating obesity should prioritize compassionate care and focus on health rather than weight. The researchers aim to eliminate the false dichotomy between eating and weight disorders, promoting a patient-centered approach that screens for and addresses eating disorders throughout treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers examine intersectionality in cancer care

A systematic review found that intersectional identities are associated with lower diagnostic screening and reception of preventative services. Patients with these identities face increased distrust of the healthcare system and negative cancer outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Prize-winning work informs who is most at-risk from COVID-19, so physicians could tailor treatment

Researchers have identified a link between autoantibodies against type I interferon and increased risk of severe COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that screening for these autoantibodies could help identify patients at high risk of life-threatening complications, enabling early intervention and treatment.