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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 24


Page 24 of 44

Midwestern US has lost 57.6 billion metric tons of soil due to agricultural practices, study finds

A new study led by UMass Amherst finds that human-caused erosion in the US Midwest has lost nearly double the average sustainable rate, with plowing identified as the major culprit. The team's research estimates that the region has lost approximately 57.6 billion metric tons of topsoil since farming began 160 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEarth s Future·DateMar 16, 2022

Trial testing cocoa flavanol supplement shows promise for reducing cardiovascular risk

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a cocoa flavanol supplement reduced cardiovascular death by 27% and total cardiovascular events by 10%. The study also showed no significant effect on cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to understand the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 16, 2022

A new “truth” about the rainforest: How Bolsonaro’s supporters misuse satellite data

A new study reveals how Bolsonaro's supporters are misusing satellite data to promote economic development at the expense of environmental protection. The researchers found that far-right groups are creating alternative 'truths' about deforestation, questioning the validity of scientific findings and sowing confusion among the public.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEarth System Governance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop novel “Trojan horse” drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets that can bypass the cell membrane and deliver biomacromolecules effectively. This breakthrough enables faster, safer, and more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2022

Largest ever psychedelics study maps changes of conscious awareness to neurotransmitter systems

A team of researchers from McGill University and other institutions analyzed 6,850 testimonials from psychedelic users, creating a 3D map of brain receptors linked to subjective experiences. The study found associations between serotonin receptors and ego-dissolution, suggesting potential new treatments for psychiatric conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

ACC issues clinical guidance on cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19

The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on the evaluation and management of adults with key cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19. The document provides recommendations for diagnosing and treating myocarditis and managing long COVID, including a framework for safe return to play for athletes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 16, 2022

ECOG-ACRIN opens a new NCI-MATCH treatment arm for dMMR and LAG-3-positive cancers as it continues to locate patients with BRAF mutations

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened a new treatment arm in the NCI-MATCH trial for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 expression. The trial is evaluating two immunotherapy combinations: relatlimab plus nivolumab and dabrafenib plus trametinib, both targeting BRAF mutations.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

U of M researchers finds that losartan is not effective in reducing COVID-19 lung injuries

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that losartan treatment did not reduce lung injury in patients admitted with COVID-19, but may be needed for blood pressure support. Researchers emphasize the need for repurposing inexpensive medications to contain healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 16, 2022

Computer simulation brings us closer to schools of fishlike underwater research drones

Researchers at Skoltech used a 3D simulation to show that small fish can sense the position and tail beat of their neighbors through water pressure variations, enabling efficient group swimming even in darkness. This mechanism could lead to more energy-efficient aquatic research robots and improved fish behavior studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 16, 2022

Study reveals how to activate the immune system’s natural killer cells to protect against cancer and other diseases

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that specific proteins surrounding organs and tissues can suppress natural killer cell function. Blocking these interactions could potentially reactivate the cells, providing a new strategy for treating various health conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflamm...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Small molecule targets Achilles' Heel of AML, kills cancer cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a protein crucial to AML cell survival and found a small molecule that blocks its function, killing cancer cells in lab dishes and mouse models. This potential breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for AML and other conditions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Health Equity is named the official journal of the National Collaborative for Health Equity

The National Collaborative for Health Equity has appointed Health Equity as its official journal, which will publish high-quality research on health disparities and health equity. The partnership aims to promote health equity by fostering racial healing, harnessing research, and catalyzing partnerships across various sectors.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2022

Even with statins, high triglycerides may increase risk of second stroke

A new study found that people who have atherothrombotic stroke and high triglyceride levels are at a higher risk of having another stroke or cardiovascular problems one year later. Statin medications can still be an effective treatment for high triglycerides, but diet modifications and exercise may also be necessary to reduce the risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2022

UCLA researcher says focused research and treatment guidelines are needed to ensure ‘behavioral psychedelics’ help patients make lasting, positive change

Researchers from UCLA Health and Harvard Medical School propose a new approach to studying and applying psychedelic compounds to foster intentional changes in habits and behaviors, potentially leading to improved health and resilience.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 16, 2022

Toxin-producing yeast strains in gut fuel IBD

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that certain Candida albicans yeast strains produce a potent toxin called candidalysin, which damages immune cells and triggers pro-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a possible way to personalize treatments for IBD patients by targeting these high-damaging strains.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022

Burst of rapid cell motion in 3D tumor model

A new phenomenon was discovered where increased pressure leads to a sudden burst of rapid and coordinated cellular motion, spraying outwards from the tumour. This fluid-like pushing mechanism can kill cancer cells but also enables them to survive and multiply in new environments.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Intensity control of projectors in parallel – a doorway to an augmented reality future

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel method to calculate pixel intensity in parallel, reducing latency and enabling efficient dynamic projection mapping. This breakthrough technology has the potential to advance spatial AR applications and bring us closer to a more immersive AR-centric future.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Those with facial scars rate their own appearance more critically than surgeons and strangers

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients who underwent facial surgery thought their surgical scars looked worse than surgeons and independent observers did. The researchers suggest that surgeons should counsel patients on what to expect their scars will look like in weeks following surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·DateMar 16, 2022

Catalyst for a greener future

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel catalytic technology that converts non-edible plants into renewable fuels, chemicals and plastics. By pulsing hydrogen gas on and off, they increase the population of active sites on catalysts, allowing reactions to occur up to 10 times faster.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

UTSW study finds cognitive decline key factor in predicting life expectancy in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that cognitive decline is the biggest factor in determining how long patients with Alzheimer's disease will live after diagnosis. The study, based on national data from autopsy-confirmed cases, identified seven factors that predict life expectancy variances among participants.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMar 15, 2022

Business models for CO2 mineralization

A study suggests that CO2 mineralization can reduce cement production emissions by 8-33% without additional costs, bringing in potential profits of up to €32 per tonne of cement. Governments and the industry must find ways to incentivize this reduction, including mechanisms like subsidy programs and investment in low-carbon plants.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2022