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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 23


Page 23 of 34

ETH researchers remeasure gravitational constant

Researchers from ETH Zurich conducted a new experiment to redetermine the gravitational constant G, obtaining a value 2.2% higher than the current official figure. The team used a dynamic measurement method involving resonating beams, allowing for real-time data analysis and minimization of interference.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

People from low socioeconomic backgrounds could reduce chronic kidney disease risk with regular exercise, study suggests

A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Experience required: A role for vision in the development of inhibitory networks

Inhibitory and excitatory neuronal circuits develop through different processes, with inhibitory neurons requiring visual experience to form mature functional maps. This discovery sheds light on the importance of continued study of inhibitory neural development and its connection to neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Economic inequality and instability impacts long-term decision-making around the world: Study

A global study involving 60 countries found that individuals across income groups prefer immediate gains, but those in stable economies with lower inequality are less likely to do so. The study also reveals inconsistent decision-making between immediate and future financial options.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Predicting the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men using blood markers

Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Costs for emergency allergy injectors still high for some?

A new study found that while the availability of lower-priced epinephrine auto-injector competitors has improved affordability for many patients, a significant minority still pay significantly more for life-saving medication. High-deductible health plans are a major contributing factor to these high costs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Mount Polley mine tailings present in Quesnel Lake water eight years after big spill

Research has found that some metal-rich suspended sediment from the disaster remains in circulation, causing ongoing impacts on water quality and aquatic life. The study estimates it will take about a decade for the lake to substantially flush out the finest fraction of these tailings solids.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022

Cleveland Clinic research suggests tumors with specific genetic mutations are sensitive to immunotherapy

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic discovered that pathogenic POLE/POLD1 genetic mutations in tumors lead to a high level of immune cell infiltration and improved response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The study's findings contribute to the growing list of discoveries that prove certain classes of drugs are more effective based o...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 12, 2022

Two different white blood cell types play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after heart attack

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that two white blood cell types, neutrophils and macrophages, play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after a heart attack. Neutrophils promote ventricular tachycardia (VT), while macrophages protect against it.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Source of ancient Martian rocks found using Perth supercomputer

A global team led by researchers from Curtin University used a supercomputer-powered technology to explore the geology of Mars without leaving home. They found that the ancient Martian meteorite NWA 7034 was ejected 5-10 million years ago from the north-east of the Terra Cimmeria - Sirenum province, in the southern hemisphere of Mars.

SourcePawsey Supercomputing Research Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Research shows investigational drug fosters nerve repair after injury

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating candidate drug can promote regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma. The research demonstrated that the drug, AZD1390, blocks the response to DNA damage in nerve cells and restores sensory and motor function after spinal injury.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Haiti’s 1860 Jour de Pâques earthquakes may have released strain in key fault zone

Seismologists analyzed historical accounts of the 1860 Jour de Pâques earthquake sequence, which may have released strain in a key fault zone. The analysis suggests that two large events occurred in 1860, one magnitude 6.0-6.4 and another 6.6-6.9, releasing built-up stress before recent earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans develops new human cell line to study blinding eye disorders

The new human cell line, ABC, was developed from retinal pigment epithelial cells and retains their properties, allowing for the study of events relevant to normal repair processes. The research may lead to discoveries in senescence gene programming, neuroprotection, and cellular replacement therapies for blinding eye diseases

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that incorporating spirituality into care can lead to healthier lives, including greater longevity and quality of life. The researchers recommend increasing awareness among clinicians about the protective benefits of spiritual community particip...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Tiny motors take a big step forward

Researchers have successfully created the first solid-state optical nanomotor, overcoming previous limitations in real-world applications. The new motor can rotate on a solid substrate under light illumination, enabling it to serve as a fuel-free engine for various micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 12, 2022

Intensive telephone-based cessation counseling results in improved smoking quit rates

A national, randomized trial found that intensive telephone-based cessation counseling resulted in a two-fold greater cigarette quit rate than minimal counseling and nicotine replacement. The study also showed significant benefits for people with higher nicotine dependence and those who engaged more with the counseling.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

p53 in liver cancer: The ultimate betrayal?

A study published in Cancer Research found that constitutively activated p53 in hepatocytes of chronic liver disease patients creates a microenvironment supportive of tumor formation from hepatic progenitor cells. This novel mechanism challenges the traditional role of p53 as a cancer suppressor.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

First cryo-EM structures of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) pave the way for better drugs to treat heart disease

Researchers at the University of Cape Town have determined the first full-length structures of ACE using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals the protein's highly dynamic nature and mechanisms behind dimerization, potentially leading to novel site-selective inhibitors for hypertension treatment.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

UW study strengthens evidence of link between air pollution and child brain development

A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022