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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 44

Researchers reveal neuronal mechanism controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure

A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2022

New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

New tool to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 22, 2022

Study points to strategies for closing the participation gender gap in engineering courses

Researchers identified key factors contributing to the gender gap in engineering courses, including female instructors, peer participation, and icebreaker questions. The study suggests that these strategies can help increase women's participation and close the gap in STEM fields.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Transactions on Education·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

How sugar promotes inflammation

A study found that excessive sugar consumption can promote inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. Researchers identified GLUT3, a glucose transporter, as a key player in this process, and proposed blocking its activity to mitigate inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Changing beliefs is critical to sustaining high levels of vaccination

A new study by Santa Fe Institute researchers Katrin Schmelz and Samuel Bowles found that people's opposition to vaccines quadrupled when mandated, but many switched to pro-vaccination as they became more convinced of the vaccines' effectiveness. To increase vaccination rates, policymakers need to focus on building trust and changing h...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 2022

Quantum dots shine bright to help scientists see inflammatory cells in fat

Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Fundamental cancer metabolism dogma revisited

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that non-dividing colon cancer cells employ Warburg glycolysis to reduce toxic reactive oxygen species accumulation. This adaptation challenges the long-held dogma of the Warburg effect, highlighting the need for single-cell level analysis tools.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Study reconsiders early evolution of sea urchins

A genome-scale analysis of echinoids reveals modern species emerged 300 million years ago, survived mass extinction, and diversified rapidly. The findings also suggest sand dollars and sea biscuits originated earlier than thought, with possible fossil record gaps.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 22, 2022

Self-monitoring blood oxygen at home can help COVID patients spot early warning signs, study finds

A new study by Imperial College London found that home pulse oximetry can act as a safety net for COVID-19 patients, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions while spotting early signs of deterioration. The researchers recommend using a defined cutoff point in blood oxygen levels to determine when patients need medical attention.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 2022

Things are heating up for superconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that magnesium diboride becomes superconductive at higher temperatures when stretched. The study's findings offer a new approach to increasing critical temperatures without high pressure or complicated structures.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2022

Physicists elucidate connection between symmetry and Mott physics in step towards understanding high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at University of Illinois discover key connection between symmetry and Mott physics, providing new insight into high-temperature superconductivity. They found that breaking a hidden symmetry destroys Fermi liquids, implying that all models of Mott insulators must break this particle-hole symmetry.

One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes

According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Leveraging AI to work with cells

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Chronologically young, biologically old-- DNA linked to cancer survivors premature aging

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified two genes associated with accelerated aging in childhood cancer survivors. The study used genome-wide association studies to find variants that correlate with epigenetic age acceleration, a measure of the difference between biological and chronological age.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

How scientists simulated the decompression process of a Mars rover in the taking-off stage?

Researchers analyzed the effects of environmental pressure setting, time step, and mesh density on the pressure differential calculation results. The study used numerical simulation to improve the accuracy of calculations, with results showing that changes in ambient pressure are the primary factor affecting the pressure differential.

Study shows effectiveness of pill form of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 in mice

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new oral compound that is as effective as molnupiravir in reducing disease in mice, showing promise for treating COVID-19. The pill form of remdesivir could make it accessible for early treatment and reduce hospitalization rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Active video games provide alternative workout

A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMar 22, 2022

Switching social identities happens seamlessly

New research from the University of Exeter reveals that people can switch between multiple social identities with ease. The study found that rapidly activating different identities has no apparent difficulty and may even be beneficial for remote workers who struggle to separate their work and personal lives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

New sorbent removes maximum copper and zinc from water

Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 22, 2022

Early study shows that organ donation from dying patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 is safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2

Organ donation from dying COVID-19 patients appears to be safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2. The study found all 6 abdominal organs had stable graft function and no unexpected rejection occurred.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateMar 22, 2022

How the gut communicates with the brain

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered how enterochromaffin cells in the gut communicate with the brain and spinal cord, shedding light on the 'gut-brain axis'. The study reveals that these specialized cells release serotonin into the body, which acts on nerves to communicate with the brain.

SourceFlinders University·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

Investigators uncover small molecule to engineer intestinal cell types

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a tissue-modifying molecule that can target intestinal stem cells and signal them to create Paneth cells, a rare but important cell type. This could represent a new therapeutic pathway for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Our sleep shows how risk-seeking we are

Studies of 54 'good sleepers' revealed that lower slow-wave activity over the right prefrontal cortex is linked to a greater propensity for risk. The findings suggest that targeted interventions could modulate slow waves to influence risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022