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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

Dog-assisted interventions lead to lower stress levels in children

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dog-assisted interventions can significantly reduce stress levels in elementary school children, both with and without special needs. The research used salivary cortisol levels to track the effects of dog interactions on stress levels, revealing a decrease in cortisol levels after dog sessions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

New material paves the way for remote-controlled medication and electronic pills

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have invented a material that uses electrical signals to separate biomolecules, paving the way for efficient production of biomedicines. The material's ability to function in biological fluids with buffering capacity enables remote-controlled drug release and reduces energy consumption.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Air pollution and climate change take a growing toll on children's health

Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

Nordic walking improves functional capacity in people with heart disease

A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

Preadolescents exposed to high levels of air pollution in their first years of life display changes in brain connectivity

A recent study found that higher exposure to air pollution is associated with increased functional brain connectivity among several brain regions in preadolescents. The findings also identify the first years of life as the most sensitive period for exposure to air pollution, with black carbon particles being the most associated polluta...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

All-optical switching on a nanometer scale

Scientists at Max Born Institute demonstrate ultrafast emergence of all-optical switching by generating a nanometer-scale grating through interference of two pulses in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The researchers identify an intensity ratio as a fingerprint observable for AOS in diffraction experiments.

Poor sleep among African Americans associated with diminished cognitive function

A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that poor sleep among African Americans is associated with lower cognitive function, including attention and executive function. The study suggests that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Going platinum: A non-toxic catalyst for clean, re-usable water

USC Viterbi School of Engineering researchers introduce platinum as a non-toxic catalyst to transform toxic aldehydes into harmless carboxylic acids in wastewater. The breakthrough enables the production of clean and reusable water, addressing growing concerns about water shortages and regulatory requirements.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

COVID-19 on the brain: Neurological symptoms persist in majority of long-haulers

A UC San Diego longitudinal study found that most COVID-19 long-haulers continue to suffer from neurological symptoms six months after infection, with memory impairment and decreased concentration being the most prevalent. Researchers identified a new subgroup with advanced symptoms, including tremor and difficulty balancing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 15, 2022

Institutional racism linked to worse asthma outcomes for Black Pittsburghers

A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh scientists demonstrates that institutional racism, rather than race-based biology, worsens asthma severity in Black people. The study links discriminatory lending practices from the 1930s to long-term environmental and health inequities, particularly in historically redlined neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

Mapping the foundation for new life

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) have gained new insights into how totipotency is programmed in germline cells. They found that DNA methyl groups are removed and DNA strands are unwound to create a 'clean slate' for embryo development, while also building insulation to prevent earl...

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Stanford researcher discusses climate change and air pollution impacts on children’s health

Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.

SourceStanford University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

New Super-Pulsed thulium fiber laser improves treatment results in pediatric patients with urinary stones

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a super-pulsed thulium fiber laser system improved stone-free rates and reduced residual fragments in pediatric patients with urinary stones compared to standard low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. The study, which evaluated 125 procedures in 109 patients, showed ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJun 15, 2022

A large predator from the Pyrenees

A new species of large carnivore, Tartarocyon, has been discovered in the Pyrenees with a fossilized lower jaw weighing around 200 kg. The discovery provides insights into the development of European 'bear dogs' during the late Miocene period.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 15, 2022

Researchers advance development of potential Epstein-Barr virus vaccines

Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have made encouraging progress in developing a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is linked to various diseases. The new concept uses nanoparticles displaying dummy copies of gH/gL proteins, stimulating antibody production that can disrupt EBV's ability to infect healthy cells.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022