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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 19


Page 19 of 40

Diamonds are for quantum sensing

A team of researchers at the University of Tsukuba has developed a new method for measuring tiny changes in magnetic fields using nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamonds. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate quantum sensors and spintronic computers, enabling precise monitoring of temperature, magnetic, and electric fields.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAPL Photonics·DateJun 16, 2022

CABI-led research prioritizes Invasive Alien Species threat to Kenya

The study identified 21 arthropods, 9 nematodes, and 20 pathogenetic species that pose a threat to Kenya's crops and biodiversity. The prioritized species include silverleaf whitefly, peace fruit fly, and yellow crazy ant, which require further monitoring and mitigating action.

SourceCABI·JournalBiological Invasions·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

Up to 80% of athletes who die suddenly had no symptoms or family history of heart disease

The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJun 16, 2022

Red meat consumption may remain high in Finland despite consumer support for plant-based diets

A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Primary hyperparathyroidism linked to bone fracture, stroke, and heart attack

Untreated primary hyperparathyroidism increases the risk of hip fracture by 51% and heart attack or stroke risk by 45%. Surgical removal of parathyroid glands significantly reduces these risks. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients with this hormonal disease and considering cardiovascular risk in surgery decisions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome at risk of heart complications during delivery, study finds

A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 16, 2022

Martian meteorite upsets planet formation theory

Researchers found that a Martian meteorite shows evidence of delivering chondritic volatiles to the forming planet before nebular gases, contradicting current thinking. This suggests that Mars' growth was completed before the solar nebula was dissipated, and raises questions about the origin and composition of Mars' early atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

*Free* The vast majority of global marine oil pollution is due to human activity

A recent study using satellite images identified over 450,000 ocean oil slicks worldwide, finding that the overwhelming majority (94%) are caused by human activity. The remaining 6% can be attributed to natural sources, highlighting the need for better understanding of global oil pollution and its impacts on marine ecology.

Can a parasitic wasp save your fruit crops?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have created a genetic toolkit to investigate the molecular mechanisms of a parasitic wasp, Asobara japonica. By analyzing its genome and using RNA interference, they identified key genes involved in venom production and found that suppressing these genes can lead to phenotypic changes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateJun 16, 2022

Successful development of pentacene derivative that has 100 times more light durability than conventional products

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a pentacene derivative with significantly improved photostability, exceeding 100 times that of existing products. The molecule's planarity and π-electron conjugation are strengthened through the addition of a radical substituent.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

University of Houston biochemistry researchers repair and regenerate heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Cardiovascular Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Understanding learning by inference

A study from the University of California, Davis, shows how humans use cognitive maps to infer indirect outcomes, allowing for accelerated learning and faster decision-making. The researchers found activity linked to inferential learning in the prefrontal cortex and midbrain, implicating dopamine in updating beliefs through inference.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Experiment results confirm anomaly suggesting new physics possibility

The Baksan Experiment on Sterile Transitions (BEST) has confirmed an anomaly in previous experiments, which may point to the existence of a sterile neutrino or indicate a need for reworking fundamental nuclear physics. The results were recently published in Physical Review Letters and Physical Review C, sparking debate among scientists.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal Review shines a light on the overlooked virus, hepatitis D

Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

US infertility rate plateaus

A new study found that women over 40, non-Hispanic Black women, and those with lower education levels are more likely to experience infertility. The US fertility rate has plateaued, but access to healthcare services is a significant factor in preventing infertility.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 16, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Rice lab’s quantum simulator delivers new insight

Physicists at Rice University have created a quantum simulator that reveals the behavior of electrons in one-dimensional wires, shedding light on spin-charge separation. The study's findings have implications for quantum computing and electronics with atom-scale wires.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022