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Science News Archive February 2022 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

Sensor breakthrough announced in Nature paves way for groundbreaking map of world under Earth surface

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

The future of work: What have we learned during the pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to accelerated change in the workplace, with flexible hybrids of the WFH mode emerging and evolving. Research studies have explored lessons learned about WFH, drawing conclusions about challenges and opportunities, and making recommendations for optimizing experiences and outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalWork·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Serious allergic reactions to food among children stabilize since guideline changes

A new study found that serious allergic reactions to food among children have flattened since changes to Australian infant feeding guidelines. The research showed a slowing rate of increase in hospital admissions for food anaphylaxis among young children and teenagers, but overall rates remain high. Experts emphasize the need for effec...

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2022

Extreme heat linked to increase in mental health emergency care

A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Princeton Chemistry reports method for direct “uphill” isomerization of numerous olefin classes

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to generate less-stable olefins from internal olefins catalytically, utilizing photocatalysis and chromium co-catalysis. This innovation allows for the conversion of internal olefins into terminal olefins, which are useful starting points in various chemical processes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Patients with rare skin cancer face 40% recurrence rate

Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma face a high risk of recurrence, with 95% of cases occurring within the first three years. The study found that advanced age, male sex, immunosuppression, and known primary lesions are associated with higher recurrence rates, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

Bringing out the best in wild birds on farms

A University of California, Davis study found that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from birds, including less crop damage and lower food-safety risks. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

From recession to pandemic, American optimism survives

A new study by Yale School of Medicine reveals that Americans' hopes for a better future have endured despite historical economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that people with a more optimistic orientation tend to do better during illnesses, adhere to healthier behaviors, and exhibit better psychological health.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study reveals strong demand for open-access science

A new study from Georgia Tech's School of Public Policy found that nearly half of the reports were downloaded for academic purposes, while even more were accessed by people outside educational settings. The analysis revealed strong demand among users for open-access scientific information to improve their lives, with downloads categori...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Scientists identify neural disruptions underlying feeding, swallowing disorders in children

A study published in Disease Models & Mechanisms reveals that premature differentiation of pain-sensing neurons and increased mechanosensory neuron production contribute to the development of pediatric dysphagia. The researchers found that disruptions in neural crest cell interactions lead to cranial nerve dysfunction.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Cognitive brain function in youth football players can be impaired by repetitive “subconcussive” head impacts

Research finds that subconcussive head impacts in youth football can impair cognitive brain function, particularly in attention and processing sensitivity. The study used brain vital signs to track changes in brain function over time, providing a predictive relationship between head impact exposure and cognitive impairment.

SourceHealthTech Connex Inc.·JournalBrain Communications·DateFeb 23, 2022

Colon cancer screening can erase disparities in outcomes

A regionwide, structured colorectal cancer screening program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white Kaiser Permanente members. Organized screening outreach markedly increased screening rates and led to significant decreases in incidence and death rates.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2022

CDI lab discovers novel mechanism of immune ‘memory,’ with vaccine implications

Scientists at Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation have discovered a novel mechanism of immune 'memory' that could improve vaccine effectiveness. The Tcf1 transcription factor plays a crucial role in recognizing threats the immune system has faced before, and researchers believe it may be possible to enhance this imm...

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2022

Digging deeper into cannabis research

LaTrice Montgomery, a University of Cincinnati researcher, emphasizes the need for more specific data on cannabis use among different racial and ethnic groups. Her research focuses on cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is listed in industry standard handbooks alongside other stimulants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Addiction Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2022

Public engagement benefits scientists: lessons from the initiative to bring science programs to the incarcerated

A survey of incarcerated individuals and scientists participating in the INSPIRE program found significant benefits for scientists, including increased interest in taking action on social justice. The experience also produced counterstereotypical effects, shifting negative preconceived notions into empathy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 2022

Brazilian babies born with Zika virus syndrome at greater risk of death in first three years of life than those born without

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2022

Analysis highlights role of Chile's feminist movement in push for social and political progress

A new analysis examines how Chile's feminist movement evolved in response to the country's enduring inequality, particularly gender inequality. The study highlights the movement's impact on mass protests and the writing of a new constitution, with key findings including increased feminist participation and intersectional perspectives.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Inclusion·DateFeb 23, 2022

Researchers identify a promising drug for treating serious COVID-19 complication in children

Researchers have identified larazotide acetate as a promising treatment for multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe condition. The study showed rapid improvement in symptoms and faster resolution of gastrointestinal issues among children treated with the drug, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2022

Perovskites used to make efficient artificial retina

KAUST researchers develop an artificial electronic retina that mimics human vision and recognizes handwritten numbers with high accuracy. The retina uses perovskite nanocrystals to detect light intensity via capacitive change, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to existing systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

Colorfully detecting stressed-out polymer films, gels before they break (video)

A team of researchers has designed a compound with 'wings' that makes polymers change color when stressed, allowing for the detection of stress before breakage. The new probe is more accurate in detecting mechanical stresses in both polymer gels and films, paving the way for tougher gel materials and nanoscale tension probes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 23, 2022

Black heart disease: Two elevated biomarkers distinguish Blacks with resistant hypertension from Whites

Researchers found elevated plasma xanthine oxidase activity and more fragments of damaged mitochondrial DNA in Black adults with resistant hypertension compared to white adults. These findings suggest an important underlying cause of increased cardiovascular risk in Blacks with difficult-to-treat hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalHypertension·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study shows impact of school closures on preschool children during Covid-19

A recent study published in Child Development found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted preschool children's educational development, particularly in motor, language, and logical-mathematical skills. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable children to mitigate the achievement gap.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Researchers discover when pollen comes of age

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that pollen begins expressing its own genome at a specific point in its life cycle. This discovery has significant implications for plant breeding, as it allows researchers to predict how plant species adapt to environmental changes and potentially speed up crop development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2022

A study finds that the success rate of vaginal delivery by mothers with prior C-sections declined during the early months of the pandemic

A new study by the University of Córdoba found that the success rate of vaginal deliveries in women with prior C-sections decreased during the first two waves of Covid-19 in Spain. Despite this decline, the overall success rate remained high at around 67%, suggesting that hospitals have adapted to the changing circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalWomen and Birth·DateFeb 22, 2022

Study looks at Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2022

Gold nanoparticle-based electrode efficiently co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, shows new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

New paper describes on-surface synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-substituted undecacenes

Researchers successfully synthesized nitrogen-substituted undecacenes using on-surface chemistry, retaining their electronic properties with modified orbital energies. The study offers a new method for investigating complex electronic correlation effects in acenes and developing organic electronics and spintronics.