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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 34

Disruptions in brain sphingolipid metabolism reveal new insights into cause of Gaucher disease

A study found that disruptions in brain sphingolipid metabolism lead to neuronal damage and neurodegeneration in animal models, revealing a new molecular perspective on Gaucher's disease. The research also shows that neuronal activity triggers the production of glucosylceramide, a key factor in the development of this disorder.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Virtual Reality App trial shown to reduce common phobias

A virtual reality app called oVRcome has been shown to reduce symptoms of five common phobias, including fear of flying and needles, by 75% in a six-week trial. The app uses exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients build up their tolerance to their phobias.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Top-tier research institutions form alliance to explore equitable career advancement in higher education

Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and New York University team up with a $3 million NSF grant to develop Project ELEVATE, promoting equitable STEM career advancement for underrepresented faculty. The alliance aims to create a collaborative community for institutional change at private research institutions.

Fewer relapses in MS with off-label drug

A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Key differences in presentation, outcomes for distal versus proximal deep vein thrombosis uncovered

Researchers found that patients with isolated distal DVT had lower co-morbidity burden, lower risk of mortality, and fewer pulmonary embolism cases compared to those with proximal DVT. Despite less severe outcomes, these patients were still at risk for developing post-thrombotic syndrome after treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

A cutting-edge "turning waste into treasure" technology for Municipal solid waste

Researchers assessed popular MSW pre-treatment technologies and cement kiln co-processing techniques in China, highlighting environmental risks and opportunities. The study revealed characteristics of mainstream MSW pre-treatment technologies and provided important reference data for optimization design.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Novel compounds discovered in marine sponge can kill drug-resistant bacteria

Brazilian researchers have identified bioactive compounds in a marine sponge that killed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, paving the way to develop new drugs. The substances proved capable of eliminating bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are responsible for many hospital-acquired infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateJul 13, 2022

SARS-Arena reveals hidden hooks in virus

The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Researchers capture the first example of an extremely bright, and fast-evolving astronomical event in the distant universe

Researchers have discovered a new type of transient phenomenon, the Fast Blue Ultraluminous Transient (FBUT), which is as bright as a superluminous supernova but evolves much faster. The team used the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam to capture the event for the first time and analyzed its multiband light curve data.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 13, 2022

CREATE CARES and NTU Singapore’s NTUitive launch the Accelerated, Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE)

The CREATE CARES and NTUitive initiative aims to accelerate the development of nanomaterials for various industries, reducing experimental workload and improving quality. The Accelerated Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE) project will utilize Industry 4.0 practices to scale up nanotechnology production.

Study finds risk disparity for Black children who have stroke after heart transplant

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Black children who have stroke after heart transplant are more than three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 8,224 children who received cardiac transplants between 1994 and 2019.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 13, 2022

SFU researchers develop new chemical biological tools to monitor Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at SFU have developed new chemical biological tools to monitor Parkinson’s disease progression, measuring the activity of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzyme. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnostics and treatment, as well as a better understanding of other neurodegenerative diseases linked to GCase.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2022

Longer lasting sodium-ion batteries on the horizon

Researchers at PNNL have developed a sodium-ion battery with greatly extended longevity in laboratory tests. The new electrolyte recipe stabilizes the protective film on the anode and generates an ultra-thin protective layer, providing long cycle life and stability. This technology has potential for applications in light-duty electric ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Scientists pinpoint reason why women may not respond to depression treatments the same as men

Researchers found that a gene called Rgs2 plays a crucial role in depression-related behavior, particularly in women. Increasing this gene's expression in the nucleus accumbens reversed stress effects and improved motivation in female mice, suggesting a potential molecular mechanism contributing to the lack of response to depression tr...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Sugar code in protein

Researchers at Nagoya City University have identified a specific amino acid sequence that induces Lewis X glycan structure, controlling glycosylation in proteins. This discovery could pave the way for controlling glycosylation of biopharmaceuticals, critical for their efficacy and safety.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Researchers use quantum-inspired approach to increase lidar resolution

Researchers develop a new technique that uses quantum-inspired interferometry to capture high-resolution 3D images with micron-scale resolution, potentially useful for facial recognition and tracking applications. The approach overcomes limitations of conventional lidar by reducing light loss and enhancing depth resolution.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

New report underscores importance of health insurance status and cancer stage at diagnosis and survival

A new report by the American Cancer Society shows individuals without health insurance coverage were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer and have worse survival rates. Uninsured individuals diagnosed with Stage I disease had worse survival rates for six cancers compared to those with private health insurance.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2022

Oregon State researchers develop computer model to predict whether a pesticide will harm bees

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a computer model using artificial intelligence to predict whether a proposed new pesticide will harm honey bees. The model, trained on nearly 400 different pesticide molecules, can quickly screen proposed pesticides for their toxicity, helping protect the vital pollinators.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2022

Genetic discovery to improve lung cancer treatment

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Baycrest study reveals whether you’re 18 or 80, lifestyle may be more important than age in determining dementia risk

A new Baycrest study found that individuals with no dementia risk factors have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger. Lifestyle factors such as managing diabetes, addressing hearing loss, and quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline by up to three years of aging.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Geoscientists confirm millions-year-old dripping of Earth’s lithosphere beneath Andes Mountains

A team of researchers has confirmed that regions in the central Andes Mountains were formed through a process called lithospheric dripping, where parts of the planet's outer shell sink into the mantle over millions of years. This discovery may have implications for other terrestrial planets with non-Earth-like plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022