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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improves insurance coverage for pregnant people: Implications for the Build Back Better Act

The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.

First time genome editing made possible on cells lining blood vessel walls

Researchers have successfully genome-edited vascular endothelial cells using a novel nanoparticle delivery system, which could treat diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and coronary artery disease. The technology has the potential to correct gene mutations, promote vascular repair, and inhibit vascular injury.

Sleep disruption can vary depending on the respiratory event type and severity in OSA

Researchers found that EEG arousal intensity varies by respiratory event type and severity in OSA, affecting sleep disruption. The study reveals distinct patterns of gamma power during arousals from different types of respiratory events, such as obstructive apnoeas and hypopnoeas with varying degrees of blood oxygen desaturation.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 4, 2022

Speeding up atomic force microscopy

Kanazawa University scientists design a zero-latency amplitude detector for high-speed atomic force microscopy, significantly improving temporal resolution. The new detector enables faster recording of biological processes with higher video frame rates and reduced invasiveness.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 4, 2022

Ultrafast imaging of terahertz electric waveforms using quantum dots

Scientists have introduced a new microscope that uses quantum dots to image ultrafast electric waveforms encoded in the visible luminescence of nanocrystal probes. The technique, termed Quantum-Probe Field Microscopy (QFIM), enables the detection of terahertz near-field waveforms by microscopy of visible photons.

Development of rapid and simultaneous diagnosis of COVID-19/influenza diseases by manipulating microfluidic flow with a microfluidic chip

Researchers developed a microfluidic chip for rapid and simultaneous diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza diseases, achieving results within 30 minutes. The device uses the LAMP method for genetic amplification and has potential applications in various fields beyond human infectious diseases.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022

New study reinforces previous research that lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found no association between state-based vaccine lotteries and increased COVID-19 vaccination rates. The research expands on previous findings, suggesting that other strategies targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy may be more effective.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new research on cannabis and alcohol use, disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis, and more

The January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on the factors underlying alcohol and cannabis use, as well as their interactions with other psychiatric illnesses. The journals also address disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis and provide insights into mental health services delivery.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 4, 2022

How scientists designed the orbit of theChang'E 5 mission

The article discusses how scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd. used key orbit design technologies to achieve a 23-day journey of lunar sample return with the Chang'E 5 mission. The success relied on precise orbit designs for lunar orbit rendezvous and docking, precision landing, and inclination optimization.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

New GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in December

Researchers studied the Middle and Upper Devonian Horn River shale to understand organic matter accumulation patterns. They found that bioproductivity was the primary trigger for organic enrichment events during deposition of third-order transgressive systems tracts. Meanwhile, fluid evolution in the Nanpanjiang Basin in South China sh...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJan 4, 2022

Lottery-based incentives, COVID-19 vaccination rates

A recent analysis of 15 statewide vaccine lottery incentive programs found no significant association between the programs and increased COVID-19 vaccination rates. The study suggests that alternative strategies may be more effective in promoting vaccination uptake.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2022

Nationwide study finds no significant link between in-person schooling and COVID infection rates

A nationwide study by Binghamton University found that COVID-19 incidence rates were not statistically different in counties with in-person learning versus remote school modes in most regions of the US. The research analyzed data from over 895 districts and 459 counties, controlling for case rate trends and community activity levels.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 4, 2022

Drug combination reduces narcotic use, manages pain after surgery for teens with scoliosis

A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

Can a goldfish drive a car on land?

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully trained a goldfish to drive a robotic car in new research exploring animal navigation abilities. The study found that goldfish's innate navigational skills surpass their aquatic environment, demonstrating universal cognitive abilities.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022

Orion’s fireplace: ESO releases new image of the Flame Nebula

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has released a breathtaking new image of the Flame Nebula, located within the constellation Orion. The image was captured using the ESO-operated Atacama Pathfinder Experiment and reveals a vibrant emission nebula with its surroundings.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 4, 2022

Butterfly effect: Hyperchaos of mid-infrared lasers

Researchers from ShanghaiTech University create a mid-infrared hyperchaos source using interband cascade lasers with optical feedback, enabling secure free-space communication links and remote chaotic Lidar systems. The broadband chaos has a gigahertz frequency coverage, suitable for high-speed information processing and transmission.

Forensic researchers call for proactive efforts to address racism

The article highlights the importance of addressing systemic racism in forensic sciences by engaging with descendant communities and institutions. Forensic researchers advocate for repatriation and interment of remains collected without consent, emphasizing the need for uncomfortable conversations and criticism on issues related to race.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 4, 2022

Resolving the black hole ‘fuzzball or wormhole’ debate

A new study by Ohio State University researchers has confirmed that black holes are indeed giant fuzzballs, a concept first proposed in 2004. The study proved theorems showing that the fuzzball theory remains the most likely solution to Hawking's paradox, which had long plagued the string theory community. In contrast, the wormhole par...

SourceOhio State University·JournalTURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSICS·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2022

Study reveals more hostile conditions on Earth as life evolved

Researchers used a state-of-the-art climate model to find that the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface could have been underestimated, with UV levels being up to ten times higher. This challenges the long-held assumption that oxygen levels reached about one percent relative to present atmospheric levels.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 4, 2022

New study highlights need for prevention efforts to address causes of cardiovascular disease in African Americans in Minnesota

African American adults in Minnesota have nearly double the rate of death from cardiovascular disease compared to their white counterparts. The study found that basic health beliefs and demographics are associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 4, 2022

Children with chronic health conditions, and those with special education needs, should receive more help with online learning

Pediatric clinicians play a crucial role in ensuring access to critical resources for children with chronic medical conditions or special education needs. Clinicians should address school-related challenges and provide support to help these patients keep up academically with their peers.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 4, 2022

Story tips: Cooler vaccine transport, bioenergy boost and radiation-resistant sensors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a retrofitted commercial refrigeration container to keep COVID-19 vaccines at ultra-low temperatures during transport. They've also identified and improved the usability of data to accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy, and investigated piezoelectric materials for radiation-...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022

The link between electrical voltage and brain flexibility a new study by Tel Aviv university found, for the first time; a direct and significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and the brain’s ability to adapt to external changes

A Tel Aviv University study found a significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and brain adaptability. Disabling the voltage sensor of these proteins caused uncontrolled brain flexibility, leading to excessive habituation to odors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2022

Venom factories: A surprising molecular convergence, from wasps to snakes

A study led by SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics reveals a strong convergence in global gene expression levels of venom glands across diverse animals. The research found that different species, including fish, scorpions, and mammals, use similar molecular mechanisms to produce toxins.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

Autism screenings in early intervention services can increase diagnoses by 60 percent

A new study found that implementing a multi-stage screening protocol for autism spectrum disorder in early intervention services can lead to a significant increase in ASD detection, particularly among Spanish-speaking children. The increased rate of ASD detection was nearly twice as high for Spanish-speaking families as for non-Spanish...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022