Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 2


Page 2 of 34

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Adults with disabilities in hospital for COVID-19 have worse outcomes

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2022

THE LANCET: Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalization of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people

The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

The variant within us

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology studied new coronavirus variants at the individual level, discovering mutations that reduce adhesion capacity and impair antibody effectiveness. The study sheds light on possible weaknesses in the virus's ability to infect, potentially leading to new measures to combat infection.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Open-label placebo offers new treatment for disorders of gut-brain interaction in children

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that open-label placebo treatment significantly reduces pain scores in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome. The study also showed no side effects, making it a promising non-pharmacologic therapy for these difficult-to-treat conditions.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Safeguarding the cell nucleus

A study has found that shuttle proteins form an escape-proof mechanism to fortify the nuclear pore and regulate transport of substances. The number of shuttle proteins occupying the pore depends on their concentrations, allowing cells to compensate for one protein's loss with another.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 31, 2022

Unveiling the secrets of biofilms at lightsource BESSY II

Researchers studied Bacillus subtilis biofilms using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, finding that calcium ions accumulate in the matrix while zinc, manganese, and iron ions accumulate along wrinkles. These findings suggest a link between structure, nutrients, water, and bacterial behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

CNIO researchers identify drugs potentially capable of reducing the mortality of COVID-19

Researchers have identified potential anti-inflammatory compounds to combat the cytokine storm, a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases. The study found that glucocorticoids and MEK protein inhibitors may be effective in reducing mortality, while female hormones could also play a role.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2022

Perceived fragile masculinity stifles sexual satisfaction and honest communication, study finds

A new study finds that when women perceive their partner's sense of masculinity as fragile, they are more likely to fake orgasms and experience lower sexual satisfaction. This phenomenon is linked to anxiety and poorer communication in relationships. Women may prioritize protecting their partners' manhood over their own needs.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Urgent investment needed in deadly disease

A global systematic review found serious complications and a 15% fatality ratio among patients with non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease. The study highlights the need for urgent investment in vaccine development and research into prevention methods to tackle this emerging neglected infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

Despite genetic makeup, following heart health guidelines can decrease risk of heart disease

Researchers found that adhering to Life's Simple 7 guidelines significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease regardless of genetic predisposition. Individuals with high polygenic risk saw the greatest benefits from a healthy lifestyle, with a reduced lifetime risk and extended years lived free of coronary heart disease.

Activated protein C can protect against age-related cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury, preclinical study finds

A new study from USF Health reveals that activated protein C may help improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury, a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from APC may limit ischemia and reperfusion-induced heart damage.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

U of M researchers show promising results of Phase 1 drug trial for HIV patients

A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Gene-environment interactions that drives autism

Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2022

Two centuries and 500 studies later, more research needed on urban climate and weather

A review of over 500 studies on urban climate and weather reveals significant gaps in current understanding and modeling. The researchers emphasize the need for better observation-model integration, improved communication between scientists and end users, and standardized meteorological stations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 30, 2022

A Map for the sense of smell

Scientists have identified a peripheral mechanism that allows fruit flies to quickly assess complex odors without costly synaptic computation. The fly's olfactory receptor neurons communicate through electrical interactions, enabling an energy-saving way to process meaningful odor blends.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2022

New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Extremely harsh volcanic lake shows how life might have existed on Mars

A recent study discovered that a hydrothermal crater lake in Costa Rica's Poás volcano is home to a diverse range of microorganisms, including the single 'extremophile' genus Acidiphilium. These bacteria have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and toxic metals, which may be similar to those found on Mars.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

Leafy greens first dished up 3,500 years ago

Researchers from Goethe University and the University of Bristol analyzed prehistoric pots and found complex distributions of plant lipids, indicating the processing of various plant species. The study reveals that leafy greens were first used in West African cuisine around 3,500 years ago.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 28, 2022