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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

Bull ant evolves new way to target pain

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a venom molecule in bull ants that targets the echidna's pain pathway, potentially leading to new treatments for long-term pain. The molecule exploits an EGF signalling pathway, similar to those used in anti-cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Magneto-electrodeposition technique offers new solution for supercapacitors

Researchers developed a new magneto-electrodeposition technique to improve the electrochemical performance of layered materials, resulting in high energy density and outstanding cycling stability. The technique allows for scalable production and construction of flexible hybrid supercapacitors suitable for portable electronics.

Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.

Marine plastic pollution could contribute to the introduction of invasive species

A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Nature Medicine publishes full results from axial therapeutics’ phase 1b/2a clinical trial in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.

SourceDigital Mantra Group·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 2, 2022

BU study: Having assets may protect people from persistent depression during COVID

A new BU study found that individuals with physical, social, and financial assets, particularly higher incomes and fewer savings, were less likely to experience sustained depression during the first year of the pandemic. Persistent depression was highest among people in low-income households and those with fewer savings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

“Closest black hole” system found to contain no black hole

Astronomers have found that the HR 6819 system, once thought to be the closest black hole to Earth, is actually a binary system without a black hole. The discovery was made using new data from ESO's Very Large Telescope and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer instruments.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 2, 2022

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Study maps stress changes around fault activated by hydraulic fracturing

Researchers mapped stress changes before and during an earthquake induced by hydraulic fracturing in Alberta, Canada. The study used seismic anisotropy to monitor the processes that occur when hydraulic fracturing causes induced earthquakes, revealing a network of tensile fractures created during fluid injection.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Using two different elements creates new possibilities in hybrid atomic quantum computers

University of Chicago researchers create hybrid array of neutral atoms from two different elements, allowing for easier measurement and manipulation of individual atoms. The hybrid design also enables the creation of a larger quantum computer with more qubits, which could lead to new insights into large-system quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Developing different hydrometeor spectra parameterizations for simulating convective clouds

Researchers develop relative dispersion parameterizations to accurately describe hydrometeor spectra in convective clouds, improving atmospheric radiation transfer and water cycle models. The study finds negative correlations between ice crystal spectra and volume-mean diameter, and positive correlations for other hydrometeors.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 2, 2022

Researchers identify the role of three key molecules in the pig immune system against one of the viruses most dangerous to the swine industry

A study by the University of Córdoba has identified three key molecules that play a crucial role in the pig immune system against the pathogen PRRSV. These molecules, T-BET, FOXP3, and EOMES, regulate different aspects of the immune response, including cell activation and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 2, 2022

Invasive alien species? Isn't there an app for that?

A review of invasive alien species reporting apps for citizen science identified key features and areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly apps with gamification, AI-powered photo identification, and coordination among developers to enhance public participation and data management.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMar 2, 2022

In one cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship as well as to mentor others

In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMar 2, 2022

Scientists discover excimer laser-induced damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered the damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal caused by excimer laser exposure. The study found that different crystal planes exhibit distinct damage morphologies, with plane (111) showing lamellar stripping and planes (110) and (100) experiencing burst-like damage.

Sewer treasure

Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022

Who is taking care of the kids?

A comprehensive analysis of 1,800 bird species found that adult sex ratios are the main driving force behind differences in sex roles. Climate, life histories, and social environment were not significant factors. The study provides new insights into the evolution of sex roles in birds.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 2, 2022

Female chimpanzees avoid humans

Research shows female chimpanzees tend to avoid villages and farmland, while males are more likely to encounter humans, leading to smaller social gatherings for females. This sex difference in risk perception could have significant consequences for the survival of chimpanzees.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Are urban railways in Tokyo on the right track? Researchers from Japan attempt to answer

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Mammoths, meet the metaverse

Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and USC have created over a dozen scientifically accurate virtual models of Ice Age animals using augmented reality. The team hopes this will lead to better paleoart and more accurate reconstructions of extinct species, bringing respect to the field of paleoart.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 2, 2022