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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 38


Page 38 of 44

Mutant mice shed no tears

A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that modulating hormone levels can improve meibomian gland disorder, a common cause of dry eyes. Topical administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boosted NAD levels and rebooted 3-HSD activity in mutant mice, alleviating dryness.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Providing legal advocacy reduces hospital admissions by 38%

A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that medical-legal partnerships, which connect pediatric patients with advocates from Legal Aid Society, significantly reduce hospital admissions for children. The program, launched in 2008, has resulted in a 38% reduction in hospitalizations among referred cases.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Disadvantaged older adults face greater risk of function, cognition decline after ICU admission

A retrospective analysis found that socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults are at a higher risk of decline in function and cognition after an intensive care unit hospitalization. The study highlights the need to prioritize low-income seniors in rehabilitation and recovery efforts after critical illness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Novel enzyme catalyzing the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties characterized

Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Breaking down how “single-atom” catalysts help remove organic pollutants

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a simple synthesis method for iron-based single-atom catalysts that activate peroxymonosulfate to break down difficult-to-degrade pollutants. The team discovered two distinct chemical pathways involving 'high-spin' state iron sites, which interact with peroxymonosulfate to create r...

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 5, 2022

Convenient wireless charging for home use

Researchers at Aalto University developed a simple, low-cost wireless charging system that provides efficient charging regardless of device position or orientation. The new design uses a cylindrical power coil to create a donut-shaped charging field, increasing convenience and reliability for consumer devices.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateMar 4, 2022

Like bacteria firing spearguns

Researchers discovered two novel contractile injection systems (CISs) in cyanobacteria and a marine bacterium, revealing unique features and anchoring mechanisms. These systems provide insights into the evolutionary differences between various injection system classes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

During droughts, thirstier mountain forests could mean less water downstream

Higher elevation mountain forests are using more water on average during droughts, reducing water availability downstream for cities and wildlife. Researchers found that these forests tend to be located above 3,280 feet and have increased water use due to rising temperatures and changes in tree species composition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLandscape Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

Covert and overt political signaling online

A new study reveals that individuals use covert online signals to convey their political identity, especially in mixed groups. This allows them to communicate without risking negative reactions from those who disagree. The research found that people prefer overt signals in homogeneous groups.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

More alcohol, less brain: Penn-led study finds an association that begins with an average of just one drink a day

A new study using a dataset of over 36,000 adults found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with reductions in overall brain volume. The association grew stronger with increasing levels of alcohol consumption, comparable to aging two and three years, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2022

Producing ethylene from food waste without greenhouse gas emissions

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology has developed a process technology that removes toxic hydrogen sulfide during the production of ethylene from biogas. This allows for the direct production of ethylene from biogas with reduced energy consumption, enabling domestic chemical companies to achieve carbon neutrality.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateMar 4, 2022

Tomatoes of equal quality with less irrigation water

Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis·DateMar 4, 2022

Changing the standard of care for stage III melanoma surgery

Researchers found that patients with stage III melanoma who received immunotherapy alone had better rates of distant metastasis-free survival compared to those who underwent completion lymph node dissection. The study suggests that de-escalation of unnecessary therapies, such as CLND, may improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 4, 2022

Could a community-based approach to genetic testing help African Americans reduce risks of chronic kidney disease?

Researchers found that a community-based approach to reporting APOL1 genetic test results resulted in lower blood pressure readings among hypertensive patients. This trial suggests that involving communities in genetic testing could be beneficial for reducing the risks of chronic kidney disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2022

Affordability and access challenges among subscribers to non-group insurance plans

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines cost-related experiences of families with non-group health insurance plans. Despite lower out-of-pocket spending among subsidy-eligible enrollees, negative cost-related experiences persist, highlighting the need for expanded subsidies to address affordability challenges.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 4, 2022

Effectiveness of letters to increase health insurance enrollment

A randomized clinical trial found that low-cost letters encouraging individuals to complete the enrollment process resulted in a significant increase in health insurance enrollment. The study suggests that such letters could be an effective tool for promoting health insurance coverage, particularly among underserved populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 4, 2022

A new study relates liquid fructose intake to fatty liver disease

A new study reveals that liquid fructose intake, even in high-fat diets, can accelerate liver fat accumulation and hypertriglyceridemia. The study found that fructose induces an increase in the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver and inhibits lipid oxidation, leading to the emergence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022