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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 3


Page 3 of 40

Low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to die from opioids than the rich

A new study found that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized and end up in emergency departments due to opioid use. The study also shows a significant gap in opioid-related deaths between low-income and high-income Canadians, with those living in lower-income areas still at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·DateJun 29, 2022

Iceland volcano eruption opens a rare window into the Earth beneath our feet

Scientists studied oxygen isotopes in lava samples from the Fagradalsfjall eruption to understand magma sources and mantle dynamics. The research revealed diverse mantle components with uniform oxygen isotope ratios, shedding light on Iceland's geology and refining mantle models.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Combatting unwanted sexual experiences in the first year of college

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that women in their first year of college can use friends-based strategies to reduce the risk of nonconsensual sexual acts. The most widely reported protective strategies included sticking together, checking on each other, and leaving social gatherings together.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

PSA-based endpoints should not be used as surrogate endpoints for overall survival in men with recurrent prostate cancer at this time

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that biochemical failure is not a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The researchers recommend considering metastasis-free survival (MFS) as the best surrogate endpoint for overall survival in this population.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 29, 2022

What makes a plant grow towards light?

Researchers have identified a family of proteins called PIN-FORMED as essential for auxin transport, guiding plant growth and development. The discovery provides the first structural basis of auxin transport by PIN proteins and sheds light on how herbicides can be recognized by these proteins.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Computational tools and new strategies make drug discovery more efficient

The use of computational tools and new strategies is transforming drug discovery, enabling researchers to navigate the vast chemical space more efficiently. Companies are leveraging virtual libraries of compounds and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize screens and identify promising leads.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 29, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH: Privatizing NHS services is associated with a decline in the quality of healthcare, increasing deaths from treatable causes, study suggests

A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Infectivity of airborne SARS-CoV-2 could decrease by 90% within 20 minutes of exhalation, new laboratory study finds

A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Population screening for fracture risk: A logical step in reducing the osteoporotic fracture burden

The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Helping babies to sleep more

A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Targeting a human protein to squash SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses

Researchers report that apratoxin S4, an anticancer drug candidate, can interfere with viral replication in human cells. The compound was effective against multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and Zika virus. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a broadly acting antiviral.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds women have more brain changes after menopause

A study published in Neurology found that postmenopausal women have more white matter hyperintensities than premenopausal women or men of the same age. Researchers also discovered that menopause accelerates the increase in brain biomarkers, which may be linked to an increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 29, 2022

Enzyme of bacterial origin promoted the evolution of longhorned beetles

Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that enabled the evolution of longhorned beetles to break down complex plant cell wall components. The study found that gene duplication played a key role in increasing the diversity and specificity of these enzymes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study: Robots driving U.S. co-workers to substance abuse, mental health issues

A study published in Labour Economics found that US workers who work alongside industrial robots are more likely to suffer from adverse mental health effects, including substance abuse and increased suicide rates. In contrast, German workers saw no significant mental-health change when exposed to robotics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLabour Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

RNA modifications in mitochondria promote invasive spread of cancer

Cancer cells with high mitochondrial RNA modifications have increased protein synthesis in mitochondria, supporting their invasive spread. A specific enzyme, NSUN3, is responsible for these modifications and serves as a biomarker for metastatic tumours.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NUS research brings new light to unsolved genetic diseases in children

A NUS study highlights the crucial role of maternal genes in genetic diseases in children, shedding new light on previously unsolved conditions. The researchers found that SMCHD1 protein from mothers controls gene expression in offspring, leading to skeletal defects.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

A new personalized treatment concept to prevent colitis in a mouse model

Researchers at Georgia State University developed a personalized treatment to prevent ulcerative colitis in mice by modifying gut microbiota. The study found that orally administering metabolites from treated microbiota provided strong protection against chronic inflammation.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Only 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has optimal heart health

A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 29, 2022

Researchers identify the microbes in 100-year-old snail guts

A team of ecologists from CU museum identified over 7,000 organisms, mostly bacteria, in the guts of Rocky Mountain snails collected between 1920 and 2018. The findings show that microbiomes can offer insights into how animals interacted with their environments centuries ago.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 29, 2022

Eligible younger Americans less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

Researchers found eligible younger Americans (45-54) are less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to work, family, insurance, and healthcare barriers. These disparities may worsen as the age group is expanded under new USPSTF recommendations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Risk of death surges when extreme heat and air pollution coincide

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

Monitoring COVID-19: Could medicine found in wastewater provide an early warning?

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found a spike in acetaminophen concentrations in wastewater preceded a surge in COVID-19 cases. The detection of pharmaceuticals could complement existing efforts to monitor viral RNA, providing a more comprehensive understanding of disease outbreaks.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 29, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Underwater jars reveal Roman period winemaking practices

A multidisciplinary study of Roman period wine jars reveals the use of native grapes for wine production and foreign pine for waterproofing tar pitch. The analysis provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient winemakers in coastal Italy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

‘Safety in numbers’ tactic keeps Pacific salmon safe from predators

A University of Washington study found that Pacific salmon in larger groups have lower predation risk, but may trade safety for food. The researchers analyzed historical data on fish catches and predator wounds to estimate group size and predation risk, revealing the benefits and costs of schooling in marine fish.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 study on mechanisms involved in alveolar infection

A study by Charité researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 causes limited direct tissue damage, instead triggering an inflammatory response through alveolar macrophages. This suggests that most cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection show relatively moderate disease severity.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 29, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Skin’s protective chains uncovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified over 1,300 types of ceramides in the top layer of human skin, including their chain lengths and fatty acid compositions. The discovery could improve understanding of skin barrier function and disease pathology.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Post-operative atrial fibrillation associated with higher risk for heart failure

A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 29, 2022

A cat friendly approach to the inappetent feline patient

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of a 'cat-friendly' approach to care, reducing stress and creating positive associations through gentle handling, comfortable bedding, and calm interactions. Regular offering of food and careful feeding techniques are also crucial for managing inappetence and promoting recovery.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure

A large multicenter trial found no difference in intubation requirement between awake prone positioning and standard positioning for COVID-19 patients. The study included 400 patients who required oxygen therapy, but the prone positioning strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of intubation or mortality.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·DateJun 29, 2022

Study reveals the job problems contributing to physician suicide

A UC San Diego study reveals six overarching themes contributing to physician job stress and suicide, including physical health deterioration and financial stress. The research calls for short-term solutions like improved access to primary care and long-term changes to address workplace culture and self-care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateJun 29, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Ice Age wolf DNA reveals dogs trace ancestry to two separate wolf populations

Researchers found that dogs derive ancestry from at least two separate wolf populations, an eastern source and a more westerly source. The study, published in Nature, analyzed 72 ancient wolf genomes spanning the last 100,000 years and suggests that domestication occurred in multiple places.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Researchers measure atmospheric water vapor using open-air spectroscopy

A new open-path mid-infrared spectrometer can precisely measure isotopologue ratios in atmospheric water vapor in under 15 minutes, offering improved accuracy for climate change modeling and air quality monitoring. The instrument's dual-comb technique enables spatially resolved studies of water vapor transport over natural ecosystems.

SourceOptica·DateJun 29, 2022

Music is key to converting consumers’ good intentions to actual purchases in ethical and sustainable markets

Research finds that up-tempo major mode music can increase purchase intentions for green products, bridging the gap between consumers' words and deeds. Major mode music is effective in reducing the attitude-behaviour gap by 40-50%, regardless of consumer background or product type.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Journal of Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

New single-mode semiconductor laser delivers power with scalability

Researchers at UC Berkeley created a new type of semiconductor laser that maintains a single mode while scaling up in size and power. This breakthrough enables more powerful and coherent lasers for various applications, including fiber optic communications and biometric identification systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Life in the Earth’s interior as productive as in some ocean waters

Researchers have discovered microbes in groundwater that can produce carbon at rates similar to those found in some ocean waters. These microorganisms thrive in the absence of light and use oxidizing compounds from surrounding rocks for energy.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The offspring share the centenarians' unique genetic footprint

A study by CIBER Consortium found that centenarians' offspring share a unique genetic footprint, exhibiting lower rates of age-related pathologies and frailty. The research used genetic analysis to compare the offspring of centenarians with those of non-centenarians, revealing similarities in gene expression patterns.

SourceConsorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeCase study·DateJun 29, 2022

Off-shelf glucose monitors prove accurate for dialysis patients

Researchers found that factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors are sufficiently accurate for estimating blood-sugar levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The devices showed 'clinical reliability', with almost 99% of readings accurate enough to be used without confirmatory fingerstick blood sugar readings.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 29, 2022

Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers

A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Clashes of inference and perspective explain why children sometimes lose the plot in conversation

Research by University of Cambridge academics found that children as old as five or six struggle to reconcile inference and perspective, leading to difficulties in conversations. Combining these skills is crucial for understanding 'implicatures' - inferences made in conversation when people mean more than they say.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateJun 29, 2022

CT algorithm for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma in small solid masses

A 5-tiered CT scoring algorithm, including mass-to-cortex corticomedullary attenuation ratio and heterogeneity score, showed substantial inter-observer agreement and moderate diagnostic accuracy for clear-cell RCC. The algorithm may represent a clinically useful tool for diagnosis in small solid renal masses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

Eligible younger U.S. adults less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

A study found that younger U.S. adults are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer despite being eligible under new guidelines, with greater disparities observed across race, ethnicity, income, education, and insurance coverage. Screening participation increased over time but was smallest among individuals age 50-54.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Judges announced for the 2022 Climate Investigation Grant

The European Federation for Science Journalism announces the judging panel for its 2022 Climate Investigation Grant, comprising journalist and scientist experts in climate change and storytelling. The grant aims to support ambitious field investigations on climate topics across eight European countries.

SourceEuropean Conference of Science Journalism (ECSJ)·DateJun 29, 2022

Moffitt study shows adaptive therapy improves outcomes, reduces care costs for prostate cancer patients

A Moffitt study shows that adaptive therapy using abiraterone improves patient outcomes and reduces care costs. The approach delays treatment withdrawal to prevent resistant cells from proliferating, leading to longer median time to progression and overall survival.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournaleLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2022