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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 14


Page 14 of 44

Researchers call for Federal and State policy changes to make naloxone widely available

Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers map the movement of white dwarfs of the Milky Way

A recent study from Lund University reveals new information about the movement patterns of white dwarfs in the Milky Way. The researchers mapped the three-dimensional velocity distribution for the largest catalogue of white dwarfs to date, providing a detailed picture of their velocity structure.

SourceLund University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2022

Wildlife survival after rehabilitation depends on many factors, study finds

A comprehensive study analyzing international literature on wildlife rehabilitation found that human activity is a significant factor influencing outcomes. The study identified five key categories of factors impacting survival outcomes for rescued wildlife, highlighting the need for rehabilitators to mitigate threats and address these ...

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

A new way to enter the cell using superchaotropic properties of boron clusters

A new class of membrane carriers, based on halogenated dodecaborate cluster anions, has been discovered to facilitate the cell entry of impermeable molecules. These superchaotropic boron clusters interact with hydrophilic cargos without encapsulating or forming aggregates, allowing for efficient transport across biological membranes.

Researchers find humans have given wild animals their diseases nearly 100 times

A study by Georgetown University researchers found that humans have transmitted diseases to wild animals nearly 100 times, with most cases occurring in captive settings like zoos. The study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and better understanding of wildlife disease to mitigate risks for human health and conservation.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 23, 2022

Firefighters’ risk of irregular heartbeat linked to number of on-the-job fire exposures

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found a direct and significant relationship between the number of fires fought by firefighters and the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, specifically atrial fibrillation. The analysis revealed that for every additional 5 fires fought annually, the r...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 23, 2022

New paper reveals impact of first lockdown on depression and anxiety diagnosis

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Psychology·DateMar 23, 2022

Globins - on the hunt to protect your liver

Researchers at Osaka City University found that globin family members can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The proteins' antioxidant capacity was greater than glutathione and vitamin C, suggesting a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Road traffic in european cities exposes 60 million people to noise levels harmful to health

A study of 749 European cities found nearly 60 million adults subjected to unhealthy vehicle-generated noise, with compliance to WHO guidelines potentially preventing 3,600 annual deaths from ischaemic heart disease. Over 11 million adults were highly annoyed by road traffic noise, leading to increased stress and health problems.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Predatory bacteria

Researchers have identified Velamenicoccus archaeovorus, an ultramicrobacterium that devours Methanosaeta cells in sewage treatment plants, leading to a new understanding of biomass conversion and recycling in deep sediments. The giant protein encoded by the gene enables it to dissolve cells.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Older wildfire smoke plumes can affect climate

A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that aerosols carried in older wildfire smoke plumes can still affect climate. The research, led by Qi Zhang, discovered that particulate matter concentrations were low but oxidized organic aerosols from burning biomass were detected throughout the samples.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Restricted internet access could be key to academic gains, says study

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that giving Malawi high school students limited internet access to quality online sources improved their English and biology scores. The intervention provided smartphones with restricted online access to Wikipedia, leading to significant gains among lower-achieving students.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater

Researchers found that Spinosaurus and its close relative Baryonyx had dense bones that would have allowed them to submerge underwater to hunt. In contrast, Suchomimus had lighter bones that made swimming difficult, leading the team to conclude that these dinosaurs likely waded instead.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

Only 1 in 4 people needing treatment received medication for opioid use disorder in past year

Medication for opioid use disorder was lowest among adolescents and adults ages 50 or older, with only 13% of adults in this age group receiving treatment. The study highlights substantial gaps in access to medication treatment, particularly among people of color and those with at least some college education.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Quantum sensors: Measuring even more precisely

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a programmable quantum sensor that can measure with even greater precision, using tailored entanglement to optimize performance. The sensor autonomously finds its optimal settings through free parameters, promising a significant advantage over classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

How does COVID-19 affect people’s ability to smell

Researchers found a nearly 16-fold higher prevalence of olfactory cleft abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction compared to controls. The blockages are expected to resolve with time, but nerve damage may be more difficult to recover from.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateMar 23, 2022

A stretchy display for shapable electronics

Scientists at Stanford University have created a stretchy display that can change shape in response to user interaction. The display uses elastic light-emitting polymers and has a maximum brightness two times that of a typical cellphone, allowing it to be stretched up to twice its original length without tearing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

Near-chirp-free pulses in normal-dispersion fiber lasers: birefringence-managed solitons

Scientists report a new class of chirp-free pulse in normal-dispersion fiber lasers containing a section of polarization-maintaining fiber. Simulation results reproduce experimental observations, demonstrating the formation mechanism and unique vector soliton property of birefringence-managed solitons.

Menstrual equity and the pandemic: Study shows it’s time to take the gendered experience into account

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 23, 2022

Avoiding commoditisation trap: Lithuanian researchers' insights into companies’ success

Modern manufacturing companies can avoid commoditisation by complementing products with services that offer additional value. Digitalisation enables companies to develop intelligence, connection, and analytic capabilities, making it time for customer support service innovation. By doing so, companies like ADAX have successfully differe...

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Business and Industrial Marketing·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Teen internet usage associated with stress and suicidal ideation

A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

In-vitro fertilization clinics offering money-back guarantees achieve better outcomes with less aggressive treatments

Research found that IVF clinics offering money-back guarantees have a higher live-birth success rate and lower multiple birth risks compared to those without MBGs. The study suggests that these programs serve as signals of high-quality care in the field of IVF and other healthcare services.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 23, 2022

3D printing technology could change the optical fiber industry

Researchers successfully fabricated centimeter-scale optical fiber preforms using DLP 3D printing technology, enabling the creation of single-mode and multi-mode fibers. The team also explored doping elements to enhance luminescence properties, reducing fiber loss by controlling temperature and pressure during fabrication.

Recognition for Liggins Institute research into newborns with low blood sugars

Two papers from the Liggins Institute have been published in JAMA, providing important new data on managing babies at risk of low blood sugar levels. The research found that regular screening and treatment can help achieve similar outcomes for children affected by hypoglycaemia compared to those not exposed.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2022