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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 11


Page 11 of 34

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs do not seem to protect people with rheumatoid arthritis against Parkinson’s disease

A new study found that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs do not protect people with rheumatoid arthritis from developing Parkinson's disease. However, using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine was associated with a lower risk of PD. The study controlled for various factors, including comorbidities and age.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNeurology·DateJan 24, 2022

Artificial intelligence identifies individuals at risk for heart disease complications

Researchers developed AI tools to precisely measure the synergistic effects of existing medical conditions on the heart and blood vessels. The study found that comorbidities significantly influenced transplant risks, with some adults facing 405 times higher risks than those without cardiomyopathy.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2022

Health-related quality-of-life differences in men and women with advanced kidney disease

Men and women with advanced kidney disease show differing health-related quality of life trajectories, with women experiencing lower scores initially but a more gradual decline over time. Factors such as kidney function decline, phosphate levels, and hemoglobin also influence physical and mental health scores in both men and women.

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

Cracking chimpanzee culture

Researchers found that wild chimpanzees do not independently invent complex tool use behaviors like nut cracking. Instead, they learn from observing and imitating others, similar to humans. This challenges the long-held assumption that chimpanzee culture is non-cumulative.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

How can body weight affect the mortality risk of excessive drinkers?

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define

SourcePenn State·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2022

Heat dome and other climate events have growing impact on mental health—study

A new study by the Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance found that climate change weather events, such as last summer's Western North American heat dome, significantly increased anxiety levels among British Columbians. The researchers used a validated measurement tool to explore the impacts of extreme heat on mental health in Canada.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Journal of Climate Change and Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2022

Medical experts call for a rethink on using minimally invasive surgery in cervical cancer

A 2018 clinical trial found that patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent open surgery had higher progression-free survival rates than those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Researchers now propose a series of steps to reevaluate the use of MIS in cervical cancer treatment.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 24, 2022

New, better coronavirus rapid test

The new test, developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute, uses a novel functional principle to provide reliable results on Covid-19 disease progression and its course. It can also detect other diseases and Covid variants, offering more predictive power than existing rapid antigen tests.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Tapirs and large peccaries are key to ecological balance in Neotropical forests, study shows

A study by Brazilian researchers found that these large mammals help regulate plant diversity, productivity, and biomass in understory areas. The spatial structure of plant communities is also influenced, with the Jussara palm playing a key role in attracting animals and dispersing seeds.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Scientific literature review confirms watermelon’s health potential

A comprehensive review of watermelon consumption has found evidence that eating watermelon regularly may promote cardiovascular and metabolic health. The fruit contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that support blood pressure regulation, lipid reduction, and glucose control.

SourceWild Hive·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 24, 2022

Access to vital health services fell during COVID, particularly for poorer Americans

A UCLA-led study found that Americans' use of common outpatient health services dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those with Medicaid or Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility insurance. The study suggests that patients may be missing treatments for acute illnesses and delaying preventive care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2022

Active ingredient in cannabis protects aging brain cells

Researchers found that CBN preserves mitochondrial function and prevents oxidative damage to nerve cells, suggesting potential for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The compound works independently of cannabinoid receptors, making it a promising therapeutic option.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateJan 24, 2022

Clearer distinction needed between GMOs and genome-edited organisms

Researchers from Hokkaido University have proposed a framework to clarify the distinction between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genome-edited organisms (GEOs). The framework considers scientific, ethical, and social factors to determine whether an organism is a GMO or GEO. The proposal aims to enhance regulatory reliability...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 24, 2022

Researchers of the University of Kent and Goethe-University Frankfurt find explanation why the Omicron variant causes less severe disease

A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Forest emissions scheme makes “tiny” contribution to Indonesia’s Paris targets

A deforestation emissions reduction scheme in Indonesia prevented over 70 million tons of carbon emissions, but this is a tiny contribution to the country's overall commitment under the Paris Agreement. The study found that dryland forests inside the moratorium area had higher forest cover compared to similar areas outside.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Sequencing the world’s biodiversity: “Earth BioGenome Project” enters new phase in cataloguing the DNA of 1.8 million species

The Earth BioGenome Project aims to generate reference genomes for all eukaryotic life, providing tools for preventing biodiversity loss and pathogen spread. With over 5,000 scientists involved, the project is entering a new phase with ambitious goals, including producing genomes for 9,400 taxonomic families.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Researchers report cognitive effects of aerobic exercise on persons with significant memory loss caused by traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that moderate aerobic cycling improved auditory verbal learning and processing speed, as well as increased volumes of the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. The study suggests exercise interventions may be an attractive option for improving cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeurocase·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 24, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Multi-ligands-tailored SnO2 QDs endow buried dual-interface binding in perovskite photovoltaics

Researchers developed novel SnO2 QDs that passivate the buried interface, control crystallization, and provide a favorable electronic and physical interfacial contact. These devices achieved high PCEs and record efficiencies in upscaling blade-coated perovskite systems.

Redefining alcohol use disorder

Researchers at MU developed a new framework to identify people previously overlooked for AUD, focusing on 13 risk factors such as impulsive behavior and reward sensitivity. The framework aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and connect individuals with tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 24, 2022

Antibody with engineered peptide targets bone metastasis

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

New study calls into question the importance of meat eating in shaping our evolution

A recent study challenges the idea that meat consumption drove major evolutionary changes in humans, suggesting instead that increased research attention may have skewed evidence. The research team analyzed data from nine sites across eastern Africa and found no sustained increase in carnivory after Homo erectus appeared.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Calf personality, feeding, and growth: When one style doesn’t fit all

A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that Norwegian Red calf personality is related to feeding behavior and growth, with calves displaying different traits affecting their milk and concentrate intake. Calves weaned based on individual concentrate intake had higher average daily gains postweaning.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Local policy matters when it comes to public health

A new study from Regenstrief Institute found that local mask policies have a strong impact on mask-wearing behavior in public places. The research team observed 76,000 people at various locations and found that most people wore masks even after the state lifted its mandate.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateJan 24, 2022

Social connectedness, sleep, and physical activity associated with better mental health among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

A longitudinal survey of over 3,000 adolescents aged 11-14 found that supportive relationships with family and friends, physical activity, and better sleep helped shield against the pandemic's negative impact on mental health. Girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 24, 2022

Genes are involved when children suffer febrile convulsions

A major international study identified seven new genes associated with an increased risk of febrile convulsions, which are seizures in children under five with a fever above 38.5C. The study found that children with more 'febrile convulsion genes' are younger at their first seizure and more likely to be hospitalised.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBrain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2022

7-step blueprint proposes new genetic and food security guidelines for aquaculture

A new 9-step blueprint has been developed to improve the use of genetics and breeding strategies in aquaculture species, aiming to strengthen food security and meet growing global demand for fish. The guidelines also aim to address concerns over fish stocks, mercury levels, and farmed fish nutritional value.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 24, 2022

Hope for present-day Martian groundwater dries up

A recent study led by the University of Texas at Austin has found that liquid water detected under Mars' ice-covered south pole is likely a dusty mirage. However, the researchers suggest that ancient lakes and riverbeds may still be present on the planet, offering clues about its wetter past.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2022