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Science News for July 22, 2022


Electronic cigarette use among adults in US

A study of 994,000 US adults found a slight decrease in current e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020, mainly among young adults aged 18-20. Daily e-cigarette use increased, particularly among those aged 21-24, indicating greater nicotine dependence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 22, 2022

A ‘weak spot’ discovered that potentially makes multi-drug resistant tumors vulnerable

A team of researchers has discovered a link between the FBXW7 gene and multidrug resistance in tumors, suggesting that targeting this vulnerability could lead to new treatment options. The study found that FBXW7-deficient cells are more susceptible to certain types of drugs that activate the integrated stress response.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 22, 2022

New method can improve explosion detection

A new method can improve explosion detection by training computers to recognize synthetic infrasound signals, which reflect regional and global atmospheric changes. This approach broadens the usefulness of single-element infrasound microphones for detecting subtle explosion signals in near real-time.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 22, 2022

Finding the right memory strategy to slow cognitive decline

A new study led by researchers from the University of Michigan and Penn State College of Medicine compared two approaches for people with early form of memory loss: mnemonic strategy training and spaced retrieval training. Mnemonic strategy training showed increased brain activity in areas often affected by Alzheimer's disease, while s...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2022

Preterm birth is more likely with exposure to phthalates

A Rutgers researcher contributed to a National Institutes of Health study confirming a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of preterm birth. The study examined data from 6,045 pregnant women in the U.S., finding that higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2022

Nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation in presence of alloy catalysts

Researchers from Tokyo Tech investigated nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation on Pd2Ga/SiO2 catalysts, revealing a more than two-fold increase in CO2 conversion compared to thermal methods. The study provides mechanistic insights into the NTP-activated species and metallic catalyst interaction.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Scientists find molecular clues behind acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered molecular signatures associated with acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to address current limitations in TBI diagnosis and treatment by identifying biomarkers and understanding the blood-brain barrier's role in drug delivery.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Making sense of socially enhanced aggression in the brain

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2022

A more balanced public health approach is needed for e-cigarette use

A recent study on adult e-cigarette use highlights the need for a more nuanced public health approach. While e-cigarettes pose risks, they also offer potential benefits for cessation of combustible cigarette smoking. Researchers suggest balancing concerns with evidence-based strategies to promote e-cigarette use as a tool for quitting.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 22, 2022

Dynamic mental illness indicators caught by advanced AI in brain imaging

Researchers from Georgia State University developed an AI model that can analyze large amounts of brain imaging data to identify novel patterns linked to mental health conditions. The model was trained on datasets of over 10,000 individuals and showed promise in predicting Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism risk.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2022

SWEET RESEARCH: CHEMISTS UNLOCK SECRETS OF MOLTEN SALTS

Researchers have developed a novel simulation method to calculate free energy using deep learning artificial intelligence, providing accurate models of molten salts' thermodynamic properties. The study could help examine corrosion in metal containers and improve the design of next-generation nuclear reactors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Human activities increase likelihood of more extreme heatwaves, researchers find

A recent study found that greenhouse gases are the primary reason for increased temperatures and will likely continue to be the main contributing factor. Simulations show that extreme heatwave events will increase by over 30 percentage points in coming years, primarily due to human-caused emissions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 22, 2022

Prevalence of mental health problems in transgender children

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of transgender and gender diverse children experience mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. The study evaluated over 7,200 children aged 9-10 and highlights the need for increased support and resources for this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 22, 2022