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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 32


Page 32 of 44

Baycrest-led audiology study finds that screening memory clinic patients for hearing loss helps in physicians’ management of important risk factor for dementia

A Baycrest-led study found that point-of-care screening for hearing loss in memory clinic patients increased physicians' awareness and led to more frequent referrals for hearing help. The study demonstrated the feasibility and value of hearing screening for older adults at risk for dementia.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

The miracle of mucins

New research from University of Utah biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer reveals that human mucus and saliva may prevent the spread of coronaviruses when dry on a surface. Mucins in mucus form a barrier around live virus, preventing infection by binding to sugars on viruses instead of cells.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Backward over forward: eccentric cycling offers more benefits and requires less effort than concentric cycling

A study by Dr. Ryoichi Ema found that eccentric cycling has higher neuromuscular activation of the rectus femoris muscle and can be performed with less effort. This suggests that eccentric cycling exercise is beneficial for improving athletic performance and preventing muscle damage.

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Treatment length reduced for children with tuberculosis

Researchers found that four-month treatment is as effective as six months in non-severe TB cases, allowing for savings on screening and training healthcare workers. The study's results led to a change in the World Health Organisation's global guidelines, recommending a shorter treatment course for children with non-severe TB.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

New paper offers innovative solution for thermal energy storage

Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve thermal energy storage by decoupling energy density and power density using pressure-enhanced close contact melting. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving high power and energy density, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and data centers.

Overcoming resistance to breast cancer treatment

A team from UNIGE has identified a potential target for restoring the efficacy of standard breast cancer treatment. The loss of SPRED2 protein leads to tumor proliferation even with tamoxifen treatment. Combining tamoxifen with an inhibitor of estrogen-independent cell activation may be promising for resistant patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 2022

COVID-19: Tannic acid targets key stages in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers found that tannic acid targets the RBD protein and enzymes involved in viral entry and replication, suggesting its potential as a preventative or therapeutic agent. The polyphenol's low toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive alternative to existing antivirals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 9, 2022

Novel radioligand therapy proven superior for metastatic prostate cancer patients

A novel radioligand therapy has been shown to increase progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Ninety-one percent of patients experienced a greater than 50% reduction in PSA values after treatment, with a median PFS of 22 months.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 9, 2022

Researchers unravel the inner workings of heat conduction in galaxy clusters

A team of researchers used the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to create a laboratory replica of galaxy-cluster plasmas, discovering strong suppression of heat conduction in these turbulent environments. The experiments provide insight into complex physics processes and raise additional questions that may be answered in future studies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

A text-reading robot with heart

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 9, 2022

New research from Pusan National University sheds light on nature of friction in multi-layered graphene

A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Promoting transparency and sharing in transportation research - data and code disclosure and sharing policy of Communications in Transportation Research

Communications in Transportation Research enforces Data and Code Disclosure and Sharing Policy to ensure replicability and research resource sharing. Authors must provide necessary materials for reproducing published works, contributing to the community's rigor and transparency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateMar 9, 2022

Heatwave hotspots linked to urban agglomerations in Africa

Research in Africa identified heatwave hotspot regions linked to urban areas, affecting 36% of Northern Hemisphere and 57% of Southern Hemisphere populations in 2019. Climate change likely contributed to these hotspots, with significant implications for human health, energy consumption, and water security.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 9, 2022

Half century of protection pays off for sea turtles

Researchers have tracked green turtle populations at Aldabra Atoll and found a significant increase in clutches laid since the species was protected in 1968. The study reveals an overall 2.6% annual rise in clutch numbers, offering hope for marine conservation success stories.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Anchoring strategy helps to set new record of efficient ideal bandgap perovskite solar cells

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science reported a novel solution to tackle bimetallic traps in high-efficiency perovskite solar cells by applying an anchoring strategy. The strategy led to a record power conversion efficiency of 22.51% and improved open-circuit voltage, addressing a major issue in ideal bandgap perovskite ...

Women want to work, despite workforce precarity

A new study by Cornell University's Landon Schnabel found that women are now as likely as men to report working because they want to, not just out of necessity. The gender gap in preferring to work is closing, except for pockets of the most religiously active Americans.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociological Science·DateMar 9, 2022

Genetic mechanisms of coral metamorphosis identified

Researchers have identified key molecular mechanisms driving coral metamorphosis, a radical transformation from free-swimming larvae to sedentary adult reef-builders. Alterations in gene expression and receptor signaling regulate the irreversibility of this process, enabling corals to adapt to their environment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalZoological Letters·DateMar 9, 2022

Cerebral palsy rates are dropping in Australia

Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology shows a decline in cerebral palsy rates among Australian babies, with the largest decrease seen in premature births. The study found a 32% reduction in prevalence over two decades.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateMar 9, 2022

Large mammals can help climate change mitigation and adaptation

A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 9, 2022