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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 24


Page 24 of 34

Upconversion-based luminescent sensors developed for highly-sensitive detection of semicarbazide and heparin

Researchers developed nanosensors for sensitive detection of semicarbazide and heparin, overcoming autofluorescence issues in traditional methods. The sensors have high sensitivity and visual response for semicarbazide detection, as well as a dual-response behavior for heparin.

The secret to DNA packing to one-millionth its size

A research team has successfully visualized the 3D structure of human chromosomes using coherent X-rays, revealing a fractal structure and providing insights into genetic information transmission. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding genetics and uncovering the structures of other materials like viruses.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2022

Chewing to stay slim: how to savor your food better and dodge weight gain, too!

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that chewing food thoroughly increases energy expenditure through diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), which helps prevent obesity. The study involved participants who chewed liquid food for varying durations, revealing that prolonged chewing and tasting increased DIT, gas exchange, pro...

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

UCLA researchers find that removing brain cells linked to wakefulness and addiction may lessen symptoms of opioid withdrawal

UCLA researchers found that removing brain cells linked to wakefulness and addiction reduces both physical and emotional symptoms of opioid withdrawal. The study suggests that drug therapies regulating hypocretin production may be an effective treatment for opiate addiction and withdrawal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Moffitt researchers unlock immune cell contributions that could lead to new therapies for endometrial cancer

Researchers discovered that IgA and IgG antibodies regulate immune responses against endometrial cancer, improving outcomes when tumor cells express the antibody receptor pIgR. The study suggests new therapies targeting B cells or combinations with T-cell immunotherapies for enhanced efficacy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Alzheimer’s research: inflammatory markers are conspicuous at an early stage

A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Beating the odds in mutation’s game of chance

Researchers found that plants have evolved a way to protect their most important genes from mutation, which has significant implications for understanding crop domestication and cancer. The study discovered non-random patterns in DNA mutations, with essential genes overrepresented in regions where mutations are rare.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

International collaboration offers new evidence of a gravitational wave background

An international team of astronomers has found strong evidence for an ultra-low frequency signal, consistent with the expected characteristics of a gravitational wave background. The discovery was made using data from 65 millisecond pulsars, combining independent data sets from around the world.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

Ecological tradeoff? Utility-scale solar energy impedes endangered Florida panthers

The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022

Pusan National University study “cracks” mystery of water-promoted fracture growth on glass

Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Dairy calves are social animals

Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.

SourceElsevier·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Trends in insurance coverage for acupuncture

A survey study analyzed changes in acupuncture insurance coverage in the US from 2010 to 2019, revealing a decline in coverage over the decade. The study found that insurance coverage for acupuncture decreased significantly during this period, with significant implications for access to alternative therapies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 12, 2022

Decoding inner language to treat speech disorders

A research team at UNIGE and HUG has identified signals produced by the brain when people speak to themselves, offering a breakthrough in treating speech disorders. The study found that low frequencies and coupling between certain frequencies contain essential information for decoding imagined speech.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Self-perceptions of aging and stress have significant impact on physical health, OSU study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging were less susceptible to the negative effects of stress on their physical health. This suggests that thought patterns and conversations reinforcing stereotypes of aging can have a measurable impact on one's life.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2022

Mouse study led by Bloomberg school researchers identifies bacterial protein associated with colorectal cancers

Researchers discovered a bacterial toxin that can accelerate colon cancer in mice, sharing similarities with human tumors. The study's findings suggest a potential link between transient food poisoning and colorectal cancer development, highlighting the need for further epidemiological studies.

HKU scientists discover activation mechanisms in soybean for adaptation to saline soil in hope of improving agriculture productivity

Researchers at HKU have identified the molecular mechanisms activating salt-induced adaptive changes in soybeans, which could provide solutions for saline agriculture. The study found that specific proteins and signaling pathways play a crucial role in helping plants cope with soil salinity.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 12, 2022

Largest study to date on delta-8-THC finds users say it's delta-9's 'nicer younger sibling'

A large-scale survey of over 500 delta-8-THC users found they experience fewer negative side effects and use it in safer modalities compared to delta-9. The study's findings have significant implications for lawmakers, public health officials, and consumers as more states legalize cannabis while prohibiting delta-8.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2022

Why we feel confident about decisions we make

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a computer model that can predict how individuals will choose between options and feel confident in their decisions. The model uses patterns of eye movements to determine the level of attentional effort invested in evaluating options, revealing that introspection is key to self-control ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022

Skin-related side effects indicate better prognosis for patients taking certain cancer drugs

Patients with skin-related side effects from immune checkpoint inhibitors tend to live longer, with a 22-50% decrease in mortality. These findings suggest that skin toxicities can be an indicator of treatment efficacy and may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from their current immunotherapy regimen.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Seeing the chemistry of vision

Researchers led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski create two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) to observe molecules supporting visual pigments in retinal cells in real-time. The device allows for non-invasive assessment of metabolic processes and biochemical markers, leading to new insights into eye diseases.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2022

The unexpected benefits of fat in type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UNIGE found that fat can aid pancreatic beta cells in adapting to excess sugar levels. The study reveals a dynamic cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to maintain near-normal insulin secretion. Regular physical activity may help give this beneficial cycle a chance to be active.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDiabetologia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022