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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 31


Page 31 of 34

CVIA journal publishes new issue

A new issue of the CVIA journal has been published, featuring research on the clinical significance of angiographically detectable neovascularity in patients with cardiac myxoma. Studies found that ADN was present in 42.4% of patients and was associated with higher levels of eosinophils and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Dog brains can distinguish between languages

A new study by researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found that dog brains can differentiate between two languages, with distinct activity patterns in primary and secondary auditory cortices. The study used brain imaging to compare dogs' responses to speech and non-speech stimuli in Spanish and Hungarian.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 6, 2022

Archaeological dig reveals participants in California’s Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod

Researchers have discovered that participants in California's Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod, highlighting the importance of global maritime trade. The findings were made possible through genetic analysis of 18 cod bones recovered from Thompson's Cove, which confirmed the importation of Atlantic cod during the late 1850s.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJan 6, 2022

The Lancet Public Health: Global dementia cases set to triple by 2050 unless countries address risk factors

The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Healthful food for children is the same as for adults

A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2022

Gold solution to catalysis grand challenge

Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated the suitability of gold as a catalyst to produce methanol and acetic acid from methane in natural gas. The novel method uses gold nanoparticles, which exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to larger material counterparts.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Sending life to the stars

Researchers Philip Lubin and Joel Rothman propose using light as a propellant to propel small probes up to 20-30% of the speed of light, potentially enabling human missions to Mars in under a month. The project aims to develop a roadmap for relativistic flight via directed energy propulsion, supported by NASA and private foundations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 6, 2022

Youths report negative interactions amid police response to their mental-health crises: study

A qualitative study of 40 youths and young adults with mental health challenges reported mostly negative perceptions and experiences when faced with police involvement in crisis intervention. The researchers found that officer involvement contributed to 'inappropriately punitive' responses, further stigmatizing young people.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeSurvey·DateJan 6, 2022

Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected 68% of US West in one day

A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Addressing jointly air pollution and climate change to reduce health-economic impacts

A new modelling framework internalizes air pollution's economic impacts on human mortality, considering climate constraints and aerosol feedback. The study finds that optimized air pollution interventions generate considerable health benefits, avoiding 1.62 million premature deaths by mid-century.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 5, 2022

High levels of PFAS found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths

Researchers found high levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in anti-fogging sprays and cloths sold on Amazon. The products contained fluorotelomer alcohols and fluorotelomer ethoxylates, which are associated with impaired immune function, cancer, and other health disorders. The study highlights the need for more r...

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists develop a novel strategy for sustainable post-lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed high-performance sodium and potassium ion batteries using sustainably sourced cellulose. The new battery technology outperforms comparable systems and uses a sustainable material, offering great potential for large-scale applications in electric vehicles and energy storage grids.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer

A large-scale Finnish trial found that taking high doses of vitamin D (1600-3200 IU/day) for five years did not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer. The study's findings support the recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for adult Finns, but do not suggest using large doses as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 5, 2022

California mice eat monarch butterflies

Researchers discovered that California mice consume monarch butterflies, which could disrupt ecosystems due to declining western monarch populations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native animals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Findings open the way to more precise diagnoses and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease

A research team led by Case Western Reserve University has discovered a link between misshapen tau protein and accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to more accurate prognoses. The study found distinct populations of highly potent TAU seed conformers in rapidly progressing cases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2022

Chemical reactions enhance efficiency of key energy storage method, OSU research shows

A study by Oregon State University has discovered a method to enhance the round-trip efficiency of compressed air energy storage, which could be crucial for renewable energy. The researchers developed a thermochemical energy storage scheme that captures heat in chemical bonds, resulting in a higher energy density and improved performance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

The Lancet Planetary Health: 1.8 million excess deaths attributable to urban air pollution in 2019, modelling study suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2022

The 2021 year in chemistry

In 2021, researchers made notable discoveries, such as the identification of pain-causing proteins in snake venom and the development of bite-sized protein structures that can be felt with the tongue. The year also saw significant progress in plastics recycling and molecular editing, which holds promise for medicinal chemists.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 5, 2022