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Science News Archive July 2022 - Page 30


Page 30 of 34

Artificial intelligence enables non-invasive, accurate screening for down syndrome in the first trimester

Researchers developed a convolutional neural network to identify fetuses with Down Syndrome from ultrasound images. The model achieved high accuracy, improving detection by over 15% compared to existing methods. Non-invasive screening could become a convenient and inexpensive tool for early pregnancy diagnosis.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 6, 2022

Physicists work to shrink microchips with first one-dimensional helium model system

Researchers at Indiana University and the University of Tennessee have developed a one-dimensional helium model system, which enables the creation of smaller and faster microchips. The new system is designed to explore the behavior of particles in a confined space, allowing for the study of previously unexplored physics.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Messenger RNA technology shows promise for developing infectious disease therapeutics

Researchers at USAMRIID have demonstrated the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) to develop treatments for infectious diseases. The study found that administering mRNAs encoding monoclonal antibodies targeting poxviruses resulted in significant systemic levels of functional antibodies, offering potential for rapid response to disease outbreaks.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Uncovering one of the driving forces of Alzheimer’s disease

A Flinders University study reveals how a protein called tau transforms into a disease state, providing hope for preventing this process and reducing toxic effects on brain cells. The researchers identified 'master sites' in tau that govern subsequent modifications, leading to a similar state seen in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Shedding new light on dark matter

Physicists have developed a method to predict the composition of dark matter by analyzing cosmological signatures. The research uses big bang nucleosynthesis and cosmic microwave background radiation to identify specific categories of dark matter with masses between those of the electron and proton.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2022

Frozen embryo transfers in IVF linked to greater risk of maternal hypertension in pregnancy

A large study analyzing over 4.5 million pregnancies found that frozen embryo transfers in IVF are associated with a substantially higher risk of hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was roughly doubled for FETs, while fresh embryo transfers had similar outcomes.

Students without disabilities achieve the same academic results with or without classmates with disabilities in Poland, with implications for the future development of inclusive education

A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2022

Prenatal exposure to chemicals in consumer and industrial products is associated with rising liver disease in children

A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.

Helping teens channel stress, grow in resilience

A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Photorhabdus luminescens – a true all-rounder: Insect pathogenic bacterium also helps to combat fungal infestation

Research at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals Photorhabdus luminescens can protect plants from fungal infection, colonizing the fungus's hyphae and breaking down its cell wall. This secondary cell form also promotes plant growth and offers new potential for biological crop protection.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2022

An appetite map in the brain

A recent study published in Nature has identified a complex neural network in the fruit-fly brain that shapes behavior and decision-making, particularly when it comes to food choice. The 'appetite map' created by the researchers reveals how internal states, such as nutrient deficiencies and pregnancy, interact to guide behavior.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Caught in the act: Key chemical intermediates in pollutant-to-fuel reaction identified

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have experimentally measured hydrogenation of copper-adsorbed formate, a crucial step in converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel. The study found that at temperatures above 200K, atomic hydrogen can catalyze the reaction, producing a product that decomposes back into gaseous formaldehyde.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 6, 2022

Quantitative phase imaging through an ultra-thin lensless fiber endoscope

Researchers have developed a new algorithm to reconstruct incident light field from far-field speckles, enabling three-dimensional quantitative phase imaging with nanoscale axial sensitivity and lateral resolution. This technology paves the way for in vivo label-free characterization of cells and tissue with minimal invasiveness.

How to find marker genes in cell clusters

A new statistical method called Association Plot facilitates the determination and analysis of marker genes in single-cell data. This allows researchers to trace back RNA molecules to their cell of origin, providing insights into cell-type specific genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2022

Gardening can cultivate better mental health

A study by University of Florida researchers found that gardening lowered stress, anxiety, and depression in healthy women attending twice-weekly gardening classes. The participants experienced similar improvements in mental health as those in art-making sessions, with gardeners reporting slightly less anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2022

Both heat and cold increase risk of death in England and Wales but rates vary across geographical areas and population groups

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

Fourth-generation vaping devices increase risk to immune cells

A new study published by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that fourth-generation vaping devices are associated with unique changes in markers of immune responses inside airways. The study compared the respiratory immune health effects of different types of devices, including third-generation and fourth-generation models.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2022

Inhalable COVID-19 vaccine shows promise in rodent model

Researchers developed an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine that targets the lungs specifically and effectively, allowing for self-administration via an inhaler. The vaccine prototype, RBD-Exo, elicited production of antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in rodent models, offering a promising solution to improve vaccine delivery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Eavesdropping on whales in the high Arctic

Researchers successfully used Distributed Acoustic Sensing to passively listen to whales, detecting over 830 vocalizations and locating their positions with unprecedented spatial resolution. The technique allows for real-time monitoring of whale behavior, as well as detection of other ocean sounds like storms and earthquakes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2022

Marital status likely key factor in predicting early stage gastric cancer survival

A study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database found that married individuals had better survival prospects than divorced or widowed people. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict 3-5 year survivals, with marital status being one of several independent prognostic factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2022

Why is it so hard for humans to have a baby?

A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that 'selfish chromosomes' may be the reason behind the high number of human embryo deaths. The research found that most fertilized eggs die early on due to chromosomal errors, and even those that survive may not reach term due to a process called centromeric drive. However, the study a...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 5, 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine is effective for recurrent respiratory infections in children, says pediatric investigation study

A multicenter study found that traditional Chinese medicine Yupingfeng was as effective as allopathic drugs in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. The study showed a substantially greater reduction in RRTI events and similar safety profiles across all three groups.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 5, 2022

With changing climate, global lake evaporation loss larger than previously thought

Researchers created a dataset quantifying trends of evaporative water loss from 1.4 million global lakes and artificial reservoirs, revealing a 15.4% increase in long-term lake evaporation volume. This finding highlights the importance of accurate information for water management decision-makers in addressing climate change impacts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 5, 2022

Low temperature nanoparticle ink

Researchers developed a simple and versatile nanoparticle ink made from tin oxide, which can be printed at relatively low temperatures using microwave technology. This ink enables the mass production of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with power-conversion efficiencies of up to 18%.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Fish feed is greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in China’s aquaculture industry

A recent study reveals that the production of fish feed is the greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in China's aquaculture industry. The research found that provinces such as Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangsu, and Shandong have the highest GHG emissions, accounting for approximately 46% of all emissions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

More dogs in the neighborhood often means less crime

A study by Ohio State University found that neighborhoods with high levels of trust and more dogs had lower rates of homicide, robbery, and aggravated assaults compared to areas with fewer dogs. The presence of dog walkers serves as a form of neighborhood surveillance, discouraging crime and deterring potential threats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Forces·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

Unrecognized qualifications thwart Australia’s skilled migrants

A new study by Flinders University and Charles Darwin University found that efforts to meet employer demands for Australian qualifications result in marginal returns for skilled migrants. Many experienced skills mismatches, especially among IT professionals and those in business and marketing fields, leading to underemployment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Migration·TypeCase study·DateJul 5, 2022

Study points to Armenian origins of ancient crop with aviation biofuel potential

Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that camelina, an ancient oilseed crop, may have been more important and widespread than previously thought, with origins in the Caucasus region near present-day Armenia. The study's findings support breeding programs to improve this crop for biofuels applications, highlighting i...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Fossils confirm early diversification of spiny plants in central Tibet

Researchers have discovered exceptionally rich assemblages of plant spine fossils in central Tibet, confirming an early diversification of spiny plants around 39 million years ago. The findings suggest that a drying and cooling climate may have driven the evolution of physical defense mechanisms against large herbivores.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2022