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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Global contrast media shortage means urgent changes in interventional radiology practices

The article provides guidance on alternative imaging methods for interventional radiology procedures, including the use of intravascular ultrasound, alternative contrast agents such as gadolinium and carbon dioxide, and case prioritization strategies to optimize available supplies. The authors recommend creating a priority matrix and h...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 22, 2022

Precision in iterative modulation enhanced single-molecule localization microscopy

Researchers from Delft University of Technology demonstrate that iterative modulation enhanced single-molecule localization microscopy has fundamental limitations, predicting a maximum improvement of five times compared to standard techniques. The study provides a method for informed choices and sheds light on the underlying science.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 22, 2022

Uncovering links between grit and cognitive function

Researchers found that people with higher grit scores showed different patterns of cognitive performance, characterized as cautious control, but not necessarily enhanced cognitive ability. Grit was linked to low impulsivity and high mindfulness, related to self-regulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2022

Reducing air pollution can support healthy brain development: Study

A new study reveals that using portable HEPA filter air cleaners during pregnancy can improve cognitive development in children. The UGAAR randomized controlled trial found that children born to mothers with air cleaner use had higher intelligence quotients and verbal comprehension scores, indicating a potential benefit of reducing exp...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2022

Baby’s kick in the womb may be key to treating disease and training robots

A new model from researchers at the University of Southern California and Lund University suggests that spontaneous movements made by a fetus in the womb are key to getting the body's nervous system 'wired up.' This discovery has implications for treating neuromuscular disorders and designing better robots.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022

Breast cancer spreads at night

Researchers found that circulating cancer cells form metastases mainly during sleep phases, with higher cell division rates at night, suggesting a link between hormone regulation and tumor growth. This discovery highlights the need for healthcare professionals to record the time of biopsies to ensure comparable data.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

UCLA surgeons develop new technique to reduce Adam’s apple without neck scar

A new study by UCLA surgeons has developed a technique to remove the Adam's apple with minimal scarring, offering a welcome solution for transgender women and nonbinary people who often face stigma due to neck scars. The procedure, called 'scarless' tracheal shave, is effective and can be performed in 90 minutes with minimal equipment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·DateJun 22, 2022

How is pharmaceutical pollution affecting the world’s rivers?

A recent study found that approximately 43.5% of rivers worldwide have concerning concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients, including antidepressants and painkillers. The research highlights the need to reduce emissions of these substances into the environment to mitigate their impact on river health.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2022

The effects of Long COVID

A recent study published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International found that Long COVID affects a significant proportion of people, with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, physical exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating. The study suggests that reducing the number of infections and changing attitudes are key to alleviating the sequela...

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2022

New study highlights challenges to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda

A new study highlights the main constraints to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda, including pests, diseases, and drought. The research provides recommendations for improving yields and increasing farmers' income, such as training on integrated pest management and establishing certified seed systems.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Researchers find medical industry funded studies more likely to find new treatments cost effective

Researchers found that medical industry-funded studies are more likely to conclude new treatments are cost-effective than independent research. This can lead to biased cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) and potentially higher prices for new drugs and technologies in insurance plans, affecting low- and middle-income countries.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe BMJ·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 22, 2022

Can robotics help us achieve sustainable development?

The study highlights opportunities for robotics to support human activities, foster innovation, and enhance monitoring. However, it also identifies potential threats such as exacerbating inequalities and diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification of negative impacts and ...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 22, 2022

New treatment option shows promise in clearing HPV infection

A Phase II study published in Frontiers in Oncology found that daily use of AHCC supplementation may help most patients eliminate their HPV infection and decrease the risk of HPV-related cancers. The study showed that 14 of 22 patients (63.6%) became HPV-negative, suggesting a potential treatment option for persistent HPV infections.

UVA researchers harness the power of a new solid-state thermal technology

Researchers at UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a way to make a versatile thermal conductor that can be controlled on demand. This advancement has promise for managing heating and cooling in electronic devices, green buildings and space exploration, with potential applications including the Mars Rover.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Policies regarding police involvement in the care of students in mental distress at Ontario universities differ widely

A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalCMAJ Open·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Females far likelier to suffer with Long COVID, a new review of studies shows, underscoring a critical need for sex-disaggregated research

Researchers analyzed data from over 1.3 million patients and found females experience ear, nose, and throat issues, mood disorders, and fatigue, while males are more likely to suffer from renal disorders. Sex-disaggregated research is crucial for effective therapies and public health interventions.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 21, 2022

SeqScreen can reveal ‘concerning’ DNA

SeqScreen, an open-source software toolkit, accurately characterizes short DNA sequences to detect pathogenic sequences. The program uses a curated database of thousands of gene sequences representing 32 types of virulence functions.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

New study from Indiana University shows patients with chronic kidney disease who have heart attacks should be offered invasive therapy, countering dominant practices

Researchers found that invasive therapy for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with CKD is associated with lower mortality and reduced risk of cardiac events. The study challenges the dominant practice of offering medical management instead of invasive therapy for this population.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 21, 2022

Children who had bronchitis linked to adult lung problem

Research from the University of Melbourne found that children who had bronchitis at least once before age seven were more likely to develop lung diseases like asthma and pneumonia in later life. The study followed 8,583 people for 46 years, establishing a long-term link between childhood bronchitis and adult lung health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 21, 2022

The secret lives of mites in the skin of our faces

Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022

It’s not just diamonds that shine, so shine bright like nitrogen-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences propose nitrogen-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as potential OLED emitters, offering improved energy efficiency and color purity. The new compounds achieve high external quantum efficiencies, outperforming existing donor-acceptor emitters.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 21, 2022

How the brain interprets motion while in motion

Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a novel neural mechanism involved in causal inference that helps the brain detect object motion during self-motion. This discovery may have applications in designing artificial intelligence devices and developing treatments for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 2022

How the pandemic limited access to opioid addiction treatment for racial and ethnic minority groups

A Rutgers study reveals that racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to obtain prescriptions to treat opioid addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is particularly concerning, as minority groups face more barriers to healthcare and are already disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Pre-clinical screening technology could increase cancer test numbers by 50 times

A screening tool developed at the University of Strathclyde has increased the number of tests on solid tumour samples by up to 50 times. The technology enables large-scale testing of immunotherapies like CAR-T cell therapy, which is effective against many haematological cancers but faces challenges when treating solid tumours.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2022

SwRI researcher shows how elliptical craters could shed light on age of Saturn’s moons

A SwRI study examines elliptical craters on Saturn's moons Tethys and Dione, finding unique patterns that indicate the satellites' age and formation conditions. The research suggests a planetocentric impactor population, pointing to the importance of considering gravity-driven impacts when studying object ages.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022