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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 34

Tomatoes, but not farm workers, gardeners, safe from soil lead

A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.

Asthma medication not working? Try another

Researchers found that patients who switched to a different medication experienced a significant reduction in exacerbations, with 89% continuing treatment. The study suggests that different medications work for different people, making it essential to try alternative options.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

How do galaxies evolve? A UMass Amherst undergrad may have provided the missing link

A UMass Amherst undergraduate student's work has provided key insight into how galaxies evolve, linking supermassive black hole growth to star formation. The study uses mid-infrared spectra to quantify the connection between these phenomena, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 21, 2022

A new method to detect exoplanets

Researchers have discovered a new technique for detecting dim bodies, including planets, orbiting Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The method analyzes changes in brightness caused by perturbations of a third body orbiting the inner two stars. Two out of four studied CV systems show signs of planetary mass objects in orbit around them.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

New insights on pest fruit fly species across oceanic islands

Researchers used phylogenomics to evaluate relationships among species in the B. frauenfeldi complex, concluding there are five distinct species and a continuum between B. frauenfeldi and B. albistrigata pests. The study's findings provide essential data for pest management and international agricultural trade.

SourceWiley·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateJul 20, 2022

Ochsner study shows that social circumstances have outsized impact on hypertension control

A large clinical trial conducted at Ochsner Health found that social determinants of health, including financial stress and lack of health literacy, have a significant impact on blood pressure control rates among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that these barriers can eliminate racial disparities in hyperten...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 20, 2022

New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate

Neuroscientists have uncovered the step-by-step process of how calcium channels accumulate at active zones in neurons, a critical component of synaptic transmission. The study reveals that alpha2delta plays a key role in regulating Cac levels, and its function has important clinical effects on conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Molecular breast imaging lexicon informs interpretation

A retrospective study of molecular breast imaging (MBI) findings suggests that the MBI lexicon's lesion descriptors can inform interpretation and guide the incorporation into the BI-RADS Atlas. The study found high positivity rates for malignancy among mass lesions, those with marked uptake intensity, and certain distribution patterns.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

A new measure of psychological safety for patients

Researchers created a new scale to assess how safe patients feel, dividing it into three sub-scales: Social Engagement, Compassion, and Bodily Sensations. The Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) has potential applications in tracking progress in psychological therapy or assessing hospital outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

Psychological resilience linked to better walking capacity after hip surgery

A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with high psychological resilience can walk faster and longer after hip surgery than those with low resilience. Researchers measured resilience through a questionnaire and assessed walking capacity at baseline and 16 weeks later.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 20, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022

Idea of ice age 'species pump' in the Philippines boosted by new way of drawing evolutionary trees

A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

Ultrasonic detectors reveal the detrimental effect of wind turbines at forest sites on bats

A team of scientists from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that forest specialist bats avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss. The researchers recommend that wind turbines should not be sited inside forests, but rather in open landscapes with compensatory measures.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Digitalize hip and knee replacement surveys to save time and improve compliance, research finds

Research found that modernizing patient-reported outcome measures with computerized adaptive testing can significantly reduce data collection time and improve completion rates. The new method uses algorithms to select relevant questions for individual patients, reducing the number of questions from 12 to just four at 90% precision.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2022

Improving serious illness communication for patients with advanced cancer

A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2022

Professional athletes perform better against former clubs, according to research

Research found professional athletes show better individual attacking performance in matches against their former clubs. Emotions, rather than knowledge of opponents' tactics, contribute significantly to their success. Coaches and sports managers can benefit from this understanding, while bookmakers may adjust betting odds.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJul 20, 2022

Better outcomes when police, ambulance and mental health services attend 111 mental health emergencies together, NZ study finds

A New Zealand study found that emergency services working together to attend mental health emergencies results in faster resolution and better outcomes. The co-response team model improved the likelihood of receiving community support and reduced wait times in emergency departments.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Zooming across the political divide

A UCLA study found that conversations between liberals and conservatives over Zoom can be meaningful and congenial, with participants reporting less conflict and stress. The presence of an ideological ingroup's audience can make conversations more conflicted, but even then, participants still find them more enjoyable.

Study debunks rise of conspiracy theories

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that the number of people believing in conspiracy theories has not increased over time. The research, conducted by University of Miami academics and supported by a U-LINK grant, analyzed data from polls dating back to the 1960s and found no significant increase in belief in these theories. Des...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

New Jersey Health Foundation awards three grants to Kessler Foundation to advance cognitive and mobility research in neurological disabilities

Kessler Foundation researchers will conduct studies on brain injury, knee osteoarthritis, and pediatric cerebral palsy using mixed-reality technology, robotic exoskeletons, and cycling feedback systems. The grants aim to improve safety and mobility for elderly individuals with cognitive impairments and those with neurological disorders.

Home and hospital healthcare could be in 'hot water'

A new study by Flinders University experts warns that some drinking water treatment methods may be ineffective against certain waterborne pathogens, posing a threat to immune-compromised individuals. Regular maintenance checks and cleaning of shower and tap faucets can help reduce the risk of waterborne infections in home care.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022