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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 34

New study shows novel crystal structure for hydrogen under high pressure

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a new crystal structure for hydrogen at low temperatures near 0 K and high pressures. The team used supercomputer simulations and data science to generate several candidate patterns, which were then validated through high-resolution simulations.

Telemedicine may increase surgical care for historically underrepresented patient groups

Researchers found that telemedicine usage increased among Black patients and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, disparities persisted, with older patients and those with lower education levels less likely to use video consultations. The study highlights the need for improved digital access and resources to bridge the gap.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 14, 2022

Systematically examining the way spatial structure influences the evolution of cancer

Researchers developed a computational model to simulate alternative spatial structures and types of cell dispersal in human tumors, finding that diverse spatial structures cause tumors to evolve differently. The model predictions are consistent with clinical data for cancer types with matching structures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

The free-energy principle explains the brain

Researchers at RIKEN CBS demonstrate that neural networks minimize energy cost and solve mazes efficiently, pointing to a set of universal mathematical rules. The findings will aid in analyzing impaired brain function and generating optimized neural networks for artificial intelligences.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 14, 2022

Stronger evidence for connection between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis

A new analysis of US military recruits data reveals a strong connection between Epstein-Bellum virus and multiple sclerosis, with a significant increase in MS cases following EBV infection. The study's findings suggest that EBV may be the leading cause of multiple sclerosis, offering potential advantages over current treatments

Researchers make important new findings about how to test cancer-fighting drugs

A team of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine has made significant breakthroughs in testing cancer-fighting drugs by simulating physiological oxygen levels. By exposing tumor tissues to different oxygen levels, the scientists found that drug sensitivity varies greatly, leading to more effective treatment options.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Oxytocin and autism: Study on a receptor variant provides new insights into the cellular origin of the disorder

Researchers have discovered how genetic variations of the oxytocin receptor affect hormone signaling inside brain cells. The mutated variant is more active and stable than the normal receptor, contradicting previous classifications. This finding provides new starting points for developing targeted therapies for autistic patients.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2022

First study to detect Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in maternal bloodstream and placenta in cases of stillbirth and pregnancy complications

Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

What we do and don’t know about the many ways COVID-19 can impact pregnant women and their babies

The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2022

New conservation tool calculates the optimal time to spend researching a habitat before protecting it

A new method developed by researchers predicts the optimal time to spend learning about a species' habitat before designating protected areas. This balance between knowledge acquisition and resource allocation can save species from extinction while minimizing unnecessary protection of incorrect habitats.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022

Super-Earths have longer shielding against cosmic radiation, new melting curve analysis suggests

Researchers used high-powered lasers to determine the melting temperature of iron at conditions similar to those in super-Earth exoplanet cores. The findings suggest that super-Earths are likely to have longer magnetically shielded habitability periods than Earth, potentially supporting life as we know it.

Face masks ‘make wearers look more attractive’, study suggests

Researchers at Cardiff University found that medical face masks increase facial attractiveness more than cloth masks, with blue masks being the most attractive. The study suggests that people associate masks with healthcare workers and find them reassuring, leading to a positive perception of the wearer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

​​​​​​​Greenspace outside prison walls has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing

Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWellbeing Space and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Blood markers of brain cell damage higher over short term in COVID-19 patients than in Alzheimer's patients

A new study found that COVID-19 patients exhibit higher levels of blood proteins indicating neurological damage compared to Alzheimer's disease patients, especially those with neurological symptoms. The study suggests a potential link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of future brain injury.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss

A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022

Discovery could hold the key to alleviating metabolic disease

Researchers found a key role for Tmem120a in promoting expression of fat genes and shutting off muscle genes in fat tissue. This mechanism may explain why metabolic diseases like diabetes appear under certain circumstances, such as high-calorie diets. The discovery has implications for other metabolic diseases and muscle disorders.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Influence of different scales of SST anomaly on large-scale atmospheric circulation over North Pacific in winter

Researchers found that mesoscale SST anomalies near Kuroshio Extension can cause positive geopotential height anomalies with strengthened poleward shift of westerly anomaly. Large-scale SST anomalyl warming causes weak baroclinic structure and clockwise secondary circulation, distinct from mesoscale influence.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJan 13, 2022