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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 4


Page 4 of 44

Researchers identify new paraelectric phase prototypes for use in computational engineering of functional materials

Researchers at NCCR MARVEL identified two new cubic prototypes that exhibit energetically and dynamically stable paraelectric behavior, providing a microscopic representation of the material's properties. The discovery has significant implications for the study of ferroelectricity, superconductivity, and other functional materials.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2022

Artificial modification of Earth’s radiation belts by ground-based very-low-frequency (VLF) transmitters

Researchers found that ground-based VLF transmitter waves can significantly contribute to electron losses in the near-Earth space, leading to the bifurcation of the inner energetic electron belt. This phenomenon can be controlled by human VLF wave generation, which may help mitigate natural space radiation environments.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 30, 2022

Developing student learning in the ever-changing landscape of higher education

The special issue of the ECNU Review of Education examines how digital shift, international student mobility, and assessment methods impact student learning in higher education. Research reveals that offline interaction generates more desirable academic outcomes, while online education fosters student autonomy and thesis completion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2022

Pinpointing the sound of failure

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a unique sound signature produced by rocks as they crack and break. This discovery was made using a combination of supervised machine learning, causal discovery, and rapid simulations. The team found that an unusual pattern of positive and negative measurements in sound wave-transmiss...

SourceTexas A&M University·TypeNews article·DateMar 30, 2022

A “perfect storm” of genetic mutations is behind rare sporadic brain malformations that cause stroke, seizures

A new study by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine has identified a set of sporadic genetic mutations that make it more likely a person will develop cavernous angiomas, which can lead to stroke and seizures. Understanding these underlying causes is key to identifying patients at risk and finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 30, 2022

New study assesses the health impacts of the 2020 lockdowns in three European cities

A new study found that the health impacts of 2020 lockdowns varied across three European cities, with physical activity levels declining by up to 95% and resulting in increased diagnoses of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, decreases in air pollution and noise had positive effects on health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Orb-weaver spider uses web to capture sounds

Orb-weaver spiders have been found to use their massive webs as auditory arrays, capturing sounds and giving them advanced warning of prey or predators. The researchers used a special quiet room and placed a mini-speaker near the web, causing the spider to detect and respond.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2022

Sea turtles’ loyalty to their nesting sites conditions the sex of the offspring

Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that sea turtles consistently choose the same nesting sites each season, affecting the sex of their offspring. The temperature-dependent sex determination of turtles means males are produced at lower temperatures, and nesting beneath trees may increase male births in warmer temperatures.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

We need to increase MMR uptake urgently

Low MMR vaccine uptake is being blamed for a decline in protective immunity, with only 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts urge parents and healthcare professionals to improve awareness and uptake of the vaccine.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 30, 2022

New research highlights “significant gap” in evidence about effectiveness of relationship education programmes

A systematic review of 20 relationship education programmes found a lack of high-quality evaluations, with only three programmes following participants for over a year. Experts recommend co-created programmes integrated into mental health-informed curricula and evaluated over the long-term to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPastoral Care in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022

Improving predictions of bacteria in Ala Wai Canal, Hawai‘i

Researchers have developed a model to predict Vibrio vulnificus abundance in the canal by analyzing rainfall, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and organic matter. The study found that warmer waters due to climate change may lead to an increase of twice or three times current levels of bacteria by the end of the century.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Researchers find topological phenomena at high, technologically relevant frequencies

A collaborative study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates topological control capabilities in an acoustic system at technologically relevant frequencies. The researchers have successfully shown that topological phenomena occur at higher frequency ranges, enabling unique signal propagation properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Those who ogle also more likely to have harmful attitudes

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that excessive body gaze is linked with harmful attitudes towards sexual assault. Men who showed strong preferences for gazing at women's bodies were more likely to assume women invite or tolerate rough sexual conduct, while women did not show body gaze preferences.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Dressing up RNA molecules to last

A new mechanism has been discovered that decorates the end tails of RNA molecules in a parasite causing sleeping sickness, preventing their degradation and potentially increasing virulence. This fundamental discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies for this disease, as well as other RNA-based infections/diseases.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

The politics of Uber

Platform firms like Uber have adapted to regulations to provide different services and accumulate power, mediating between producers and consumers. The study shows that these companies' power stems from their position in the economy and strategic response to existing regulations.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalRegulation & Governance·TypeCase study·DateMar 30, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Global disparities persist in opioid painkiller access

A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2022

Sri Lankan twin study finds one-third of variation in depressive symptoms is genetic; two-thirds is environmentally influenced - and symptoms are strongly associated with health-related quality of life

A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2022

Disparities in diabetic eye care

A new University of Houston study finds racial and ethnic disparities in diabetic eye care, with Whites more likely to receive regular exams than minorities. The study also reveals that Hispanics have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye complications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalDiabetes Epidemiology and Management·DateMar 30, 2022