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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 24


Page 24 of 34

Shift work increases the severity of strokes later in life

A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms·TypeNews article·DateJul 12, 2022

First major dolphin DNA study

A comprehensive census of common dolphin populations along Australia's southern coastline has identified key pointers for future conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of preserving adaptive DNA diversity and promoting connectivity between dolphin groups to support long-term gene flow and adaptation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022

Sperm are masters of Tetris packing

Researchers discovered that the process of hypercondensation, where DNA is compressed, relies on a second type of protamine, PRM2, which may be crucial for fertility. The study sheds light on the complex mechanism behind sperm development and could lead to new treatments for male infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

Sources of transmission of monkeypox in Madrid and in Berlin: from private encounters to larger gatherings

A study in Madrid found that private encounters and parties contributed to the outbreak, while a German study showed a shift from travel-associated to local transmission with Berlin as the epicenter. Both studies highlight the importance of targeted information for populations at risk, especially MSM.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCase study·DateJul 11, 2022

The 4 bases of anti-science beliefs – and what to do about them

Researchers identify four bases of anti-science beliefs: distrust in scientific sources, group identity, conflicting messages, and cognitive style. Politicization and social media amplify these factors, making it harder for people to accept scientific evidence. Strategies like acknowledging valid concerns and finding common ground can ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 11, 2022

Addressing global disparities in Parkinson disease

The article discusses global disparities in Parkinson disease, identifying six key areas for improvement: disease burden, advocacy and awareness, prevention and risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment, and care, caregiver support, and research. These findings aim to inform policy decisions and drive action towards reducing health inequities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 11, 2022

Collaborative effort led by UMass Chan Medical School spotlights worms as model for personalized medicine

A team of researchers developed a model system to study individual differences in metabolism using C. elegans worms. They identified a novel metabolic condition linked to variation in the hphd-1 gene, which has implications for personalized medicine and tailoring dietary advice and disease treatment to an individual's genome sequence.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2022

Scientists map networks of disease-associated immune genes

Researchers created a detailed map of how immune genes function together, shedding light on the basic drivers of immune cell function and immune diseases. The study found interconnected regulatory networks that can help explain why mutations in different genes lead to the same disease or how drugs impact multiple immune proteins.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

Prenatal exposure to certain phthalates associated with slightly earlier onset of puberty

A study published in Environmental Research found that prenatal exposure to specific phthalates is associated with a slightly elevated risk of children starting puberty between 7 and 10 years old. Higher prenatal exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, was linked to an increased risk of puberty onset, particularly in normal-weigh...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

Flashing creates hard-to-get 2D boron nitride

Rice chemists adapt flashing process to synthesize pure boron nitride and boron carbon nitride flakes with varying degrees of carbon. The flakes show promise as an effective anticorrosive coating, protecting copper surfaces up to 92% better than traditional compounds.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Stress testing can help determine which patients are likely to benefit from heart procedures to improve survival

The study found that patients with severe stress-induced myocardial ischemia are likely to benefit from heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, while those with mild or no ischemia are not. Early revascularization was associated with a more than 30 percent reduction in mortality compared to patients treated with medication.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2022

Entombed together: Rare fossil flower and parasitic wasp make for amber artwork

A rare fossil flower of the Euphorbiaceae family has been discovered in 30-million-year-old amber, along with a parasitic wasp. The flower, named Plukenetia minima, is notable for its small size and lengthy stalk. The wasp, Hambletonia dominicana, was found to have an egg that hatches into a fly larva within the flower's seed pods.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHistorical Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 11, 2022

Hidden genes may be tapped for new antibiotics

Rice University bioscientists have developed a novel approach to control the expression of 'silent' genes in bacteria using CRISPR technology. This strategy could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and has potential applications in antifungal and anticancer agents, as well as agriculture.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Support for traffic cameras increases if used as a tool to limit interactions with police

A Rutgers study suggests that using automated traffic safety cameras as a tool to limit racially divisive interactions with the police can increase public support. The research found that emphasizing the technology's role in reducing racial profiling and minimizing police-driver interactions can broaden support for the cameras, particu...

SourceRutgers University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateJul 11, 2022

Do wolves sleep like dogs?

Researchers measured wolf sleep using non-invasive EEG, finding similarities with dog sleep but less REM time. The study offers a unique opportunity to understand the effects of domestication and cohabitation on wolf sleep phenotypes.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 11, 2022

Access to hep C treatment reducing morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs

A longitudinal cohort study found significant reductions in liver disease and mortality among people with HCV infection who received treatment. The study's findings suggest that continued testing, treatment, and community-based interventions could lead to the elimination of HCV infection within the next decade.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

Johns Hopkins researchers call for closing gap in collecting racial and ethnic data in studies of rare genetic condition

A systematic review of US-based studies on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) reveals a lack of racial and ethnic data, potentially impacting treatment and diagnosis. The study highlights the need for inclusive research designs to address growing concerns about racial disparities in HHT care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOrphanet Journal of Rare Diseases·DateJul 11, 2022

Face masks unsafe in MRI machines, study shows

New research by Cardiff University scientists has found that certain types of face masks are unsafe for wearing in and around MRI machines due to the presence of magnetic components. The study recommends a colour-coded system to distinguish between 'MRI safe' and 'MRI unsafe' masks to prevent complications during scans.

SourceCardiff University·JournalClinical Radiology·DateJul 11, 2022

Electrons in alcohol – concerted molecule and charge motions at terahertz frequencies

Researchers observed a novel type of excitation, called a polaron, where collective oscillations of the electron and its screening cloud arise at terahertz frequencies. These oscillations persist for tens of picoseconds and are impulsively triggered by ultrafast electron localization.

Multi-bubble math

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have developed a theoretical model to describe the motion of ultrasound waves in liquids containing multiple bubbles, which may enable advances in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ultrasound technology. The new equations can also be used to enhance microbubble-enhanced medical applicati...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateJul 11, 2022

Facial similarity influences perceptions of trustworthiness for same-sex interactions

Researchers from Osaka University found that facial similarity plays a crucial role in ratings of trustworthiness for observers of the same sex, but not for observers of opposite sex. The study suggests that facial similarity is an important factor affecting social judgments for same-sex interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Reverse engineering the heart: University of Toronto Engineering team creates bioartificial left ventricle

University of Toronto researchers develop a lab-grown model of the human left heart ventricle made with living heart cells. The bioartificial tissue construct beats strongly enough to pump fluid inside a bioreactor and offers new possibilities for studying heart diseases and testing potential therapies. Future work aims to increase the...

Changes in child, adolescent physical activity during pandemic

Pooled estimates from 22 international studies indicate a 20% reduction in total daily physical activity among children and adolescents during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need for bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning during pandemic recovery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 11, 2022

HKUST & HKUMed joint study reports broadly neutralizing antibody that protects Syrian hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants

A joint study by HKUST and HKUMed researchers has identified a broadly neutralizing antibody, ZCB11, that protects Syrian hamsters against all SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. The antibody demonstrates potent antiviral activities and can protect lung infection under both prophylactic and therapeutic conditions.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Racial disparities in care tied to differences in pulse oximeter performance

Researchers found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients treated in the ICU had greater discrepancies between SpO2 levels detected using pulse oximeters versus levels detected in blood samples. These discrepancies led to lower rates of supplemental oxygen being administered to these groups compared to white patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2022