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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 22


Page 22 of 34

Urban environments with more vegetation are associated with better health behaviours in children

A study of 1,581 children aged 6-11 from six European countries found that exposure to more green spaces is associated with healthier habits, including increased physical activity, reduced sedentary activities, and better sleep. Urban design plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors in children.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Delaying gratification: How do children react to waiting in different cultures?

A study by UC Davis researchers found that cultural habits around waiting to eat (emphasized in Japan) and waiting to open gifts (emphasized in the US) shape distinct profiles of delaying gratification. Japanese children waited three times longer for food, while U.S. children waited nearly four times longer for gifts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Wayne State University study provides framework for prioritizing investment in drinking water systems

A new framework developed by researchers at Wayne State University aims to help state and local water authorities prioritize funding for infrastructure improvements on drinking water lead service line replacement programs. The study incorporates drinking water quality characteristics with community and environmental quality attributes,...

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

New AI model for the accurate diagnosis of neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers developed an AI system that classifies IBDN lesions accurately, displaying image-based diagnostic ability with 64.5% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. The correct diagnosis rate of the AI system was 79.0, surpassing that of endoscopists, who achieved a 77.8% accuracy rate.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2022

Assaults with paintball guns cause more serious eye injuries than previously known, new study reports

A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that paintball gun assaults can cause vision-threatening emergencies, including ruptured globes and permanent blindness. The research revealed a significantly higher rate of severe eye injuries than previously known, with some patients requiring multiple surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJul 13, 2022

Phase-boundary regulation boosting electrochemical reactivity of tin-based anodes for magnesium-ion batteries

Researchers introduced a strategy to regulate the electrochemical reactivity and performance of Sn-based anodes for Mg storage by introducing a second phase and phase boundary. The introduction of Al enhanced the electrochemical reaction with Mg in both nanoscale and bulk phases, leading to superior long-term stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2022

New material for surgical dressings shown to prevent recurrence of melanoma and enhance healing

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new dressing that can prevent the recurrence of melanoma by killing cancer cells while promoting healthy cell growth. The dressing is made with graphene oxide, elastin, and ethanol, and requires only 15 seconds of Near Infrared light every 48 hours to be effective.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

New $4M NIH grant awarded to researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University to fund groundbreaking research on disparities in hepatitis B and liver disease in Asian-Americans

The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.

How an internal body clock keeps roundworms free from constipation

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have identified the key mechanism behind roundworms' precise bowel movements, revealing a synchronized nerve impulse between the brain and gut. The study found that the AVL nerve cell in the head regulates the defecation rhythm by relaying and modulating pacemaker signals from the gut.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Discovered a mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues and organs

An international team of scientists has discovered a new mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues. The finding reveals important properties of cellular connectivity, including the relationship between cell geometry and energy consumption.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell Systems·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Enhancing foreign language learning with humor: What does and does not work

A study by Prof. Peter Neff from Doshisha University found that students prefer spontaneous verbal humor, cartoons, and memes, while visual humor is the least preferred. The study also revealed that students who appreciate humor in language classes accept the view that language learning should not be dry or humorless.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalInnovation in Language Learning and Teaching·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2022

Oncotarget | Role of germline variants in the metastasis of breast carcinomas

Researchers analyzed germline variants in breast cancer patients to identify their role in metastasis development. The study found that host genetic makeup contributes to metastasis through dysregulation of gene expression, promoting the dispersion of metastatic seeds and establishing a conducive environment for their growth.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Atomically-smooth gold crystals help to compress light for nanophotonic applications

Researchers demonstrate a new platform for guiding compressed mid-infrared light waves in ultra-thin van der Waals crystals, enabling strong light-matter interactions and improved detection limits. The use of atomically-smooth gold crystals provides a low-loss environment for the propagation of phonon-polaritons.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Examining for possible injuries from seat belt

Researchers analyzed data from trauma centers to determine if patients with seat belt injuries and negative CT scans can be safely discharged. The study found that some patients with abdominal bruising from a seat belt following a car crash may not need hospital admission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 13, 2022

New structure found in cells

A research team, led by Rohit Pappu and Anthony Hyman, found that protein molecules form dynamic clusters at low concentrations, which have structures that encode function. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that there is no further structure underlying biomolecular condensates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Scientists at the University of Malaga inquire into the biogeography of yellow fever transmission

Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Congenital syphilis linked to socioeconomic factors in small/medium California counties

Congenital syphilis cases are on the rise in California's small and medium-sized counties. A new study found that poverty and low education levels contribute to the spread of the disease. The researchers call for improved access to prenatal services to address this growing public health crisis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Perinatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Evolve… innovate… repeat: Scientists peel back the layers of virus-host evolution and innovation

Researchers track changes in fitness landscapes as viruses and hosts undergo ongoing survival competition. The study reveals that coevolution propels adaptations, with viruses innovating to overcome host resistance. This new understanding provides a quantitative framework for predicting evolution in coevolving ecological communities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

3D printing nickel single crystals using laser additive manufacturing technology

Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University successfully fabricate nickel single crystals with minimal crystalline defects, paving the way for widespread use in heat-resistant jet engine components. The technique eliminates grain boundaries, resulting in stronger high-temperature materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdditive Manufacturing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Environmental impact of perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules lower than silicon alone

A recent study found that perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules have 6-18% less environmental impact than traditional silicon modules over their 25-year lifetime. The tandem technology's higher power conversion efficiency compensates for its additional material and production costs.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Machine learning ‘phones home’ for famous Martian rock

Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to identify the specific Mars crater that ejected the oldest and most famous Martian meteorite, offering critical geological clues about the earliest origins of Mars. The discovery provides insights into the region's unique rock formations and their similarities with Earth's continents.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2022

Patients with lupus benefit from COVID-19 vaccine booster

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine boosters significantly reduce the risk of breakthrough infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The research showed that those who received a booster dose had an immediate rise in antibody levels, but still required additional protection against severe disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Study shows personalized fonts speed up reading, maintain comprehension

A study published in ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction found that individuals who read text in a font better suited to their needs experienced a significant increase in reading speed, with an average gain of 35%. The research highlights the importance of personalization in improving reading efficiency and comprehension.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Study examines pandemic’s impact on volunteer health care workers

A new study found that volunteer healthcare workers who served in field hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress, but those with higher compassion satisfaction showed milder symptoms. The researchers also found that avoidant emotional coping tactics significantly increased burnout and...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTraumatology An International Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022

A look inside ancient fish heads

A study comparing ancient lungfish fossils to modern brain structures reveals the evolutionary history of these ancient fish. The research suggests that lungfish relied on their sense of smell to navigate environments, unlike other fish that use sight more powerfully.

SourceFlinders University·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022

Universal UK school-based mindfulness training to boost teen mental health probably not warranted

A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Is organic farming always good for the environment? – Researchers create strategy to help decide

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Children in low-income countries 16 times more likely to die from most common eye cancer

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals stark differences in survival rates for children with retinoblastoma between high- and low-income countries. In low-income countries, the risk of death from retinoblastoma within three years of diagnosis is significantly higher, with over two-fifths of children dying within t...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 12, 2022