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Science News Archive March 2022 - Page 8


Page 8 of 44

How cells control their borders

A team of biochemists at the University of Groningen discovered that membrane thickness, lipid phase, and sterol type are key factors in determining permeability. This knowledge can help companies optimize microbial production and improve drug design.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Antipsychotic drug exposure in pregnancy

A large birth cohort study of 3.4 million children found that prenatal antipsychotic exposure is not the primary cause of increased risk of neurodevelopment disorders. Maternal characteristics appear to be a contributing factor, suggesting that antipsychotic drugs may have more subtle effects on fetal development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2022

Researchers use skull CT scans to estimate assigned sex at birth

A new study proposes a 'population-inclusive' method for estimating assigned sex at birth from 3D volume-rendered computed tomography (CT) scans of skulls, without relying on ancestry or population affinity. This approach shows statistically similar results to existing methods and can be used in cases where population affinity is unknown.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Antidepressants linked to lower suicide risk among 75+ in residential care

A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Watch out, ion thieves working in the crowd!

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that high concentrations of crowding molecules can hinder DNA hybridization and complexation of sodium ions. The study used polyethylene glycol and other chain-like molecules to mimic the crowded cellular environment, revealing a 1000-fold decrease in favorable complexation.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2022

May the odds be in your favor: Relatedness and size interact in shaping cannibal aggression

In a study on cannibalism in poison frog tadpoles, researchers found that relatedness affects aggression levels. Large tadpoles were less aggressive towards their smaller siblings than non-siblings, suggesting they can discriminate between relatives and change behavior accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

NUS-Monash University collaboration produces universal flu vaccine candidate

Researchers from NUS and Monash University develop a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells, triggering long-lasting immune responses against multiple flu strains. The single-shot vaccine approach enhances protective immunity in pre-existing flu immunity populations.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2022

Identifying risk factors following ICH strokes

A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers analyzed outcome data from a large cohort of patients and found correlations between different risk factors, including age, hemorrhage size, location, and cognitive impairment, which were associated with poor outcomes. The results also showed that Black and Hispanic populations were m...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Growing quantum dots in a regular arrangement

Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum have improved the manufacturing process for quantum dots by creating a targeted arrangement on a wafer. The team discovered that the density of quantum dots was distributed concentrically due to the coating process, resulting in high-quality structures.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Paternal metformin use associated with major birth defects if used during period of sperm development

A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

Prediabetes among US youths

The study found that nearly 30% of US youth aged 12-19 now have prediabetes, up from 11.6% in 1999-2002. The increasing trend is attributed to growing obesity rates and poor diet habits among young people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 28, 2022

Quantum information theory: Quantum complexity grows linearly for an exponentially long time

Researchers proved a conjecture on quantum complexity growth, contradicting the Brown-Susskind intuition that complexity increases linearly for astronomically long times and then remains maximum. Instead, complexity grows linearly with time until it saturates at an exponential point related to system size.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Chaos to control: Scientists use a ‘butterfly attractor’ to control and change the weather

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Computational Science used computer simulations to show that extreme weather phenomena can be controlled by making small adjustments to variables in the weather system. The study's findings promise multiple applications, including preventing and mitigating extreme windstorms.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalNonlinear Processes in Geophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a low-cost hydrocarbon membrane that enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. The membrane's high stability and conductivity enabled the creation of an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery stack with high energy efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

Methane could be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth

Methane may be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth, according to a new study that establishes conditions for biological activity. The researchers found that atmospheric methane is more likely to be considered a strong indication of life if it co-exists with carbon dioxide and lacks carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2022

Dixon GRE technique outperforms clinical standard for unenhanced coronary MRA

A prospective study found that the 3-T Dixon gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence performed better than the current standard of 1.5-T SSFP for unenhanced coronary MRA, particularly in distal and branch segments. The technique demonstrated higher image quality, visible segments, sensitivity, and specificity for significant stenoses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Impact Journals at AACR Annual Meeting 2022

Impact Journals will participate as an exhibitor at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2022 annual meeting, showcasing their prominent journals Oncotarget and Aging (Aging-US). The conference focuses on Decoding Cancer Complexity | Integrating Science | Transforming Patient Outcomes.

Building new sea turtle populations in a biodiversity crisis

A study led by University of Barcelona experts confirms the success of a green turtle reintroduction program in the Cayman Islands, establishing new populations without affecting the fitness of wild turtles. The results highlight the potential of assisted colonisation as a conservation measure for species threatened by habitat degradat...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Metaphotonics gains intelligence

Recent advances in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized the field of metaphotonics. The integration of ML with photonics enables the creation of intelligent systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Self-adapting systems, such as cloaks that adjust themselves to changes in freque...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateMar 28, 2022

Chaos theory provides hints for controlling the weather

Researchers have used computer simulations to show that small adjustments to certain variables can modify weather systems, mimicking the 'butterfly attractor' phenomenon in chaos theory. This approach could lead to weather control technology and prevent extreme windstorms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNonlinear Processes in Geophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Here CRISPR Kitty?

Researchers at InBio have made progress in developing a hypoallergenic cat by targeting the Fel d 1 protein using CRISPR-Cas9. The study suggests that Fel d 1 is nonessential for cats, paving the way for further experiments exploring genetic therapy to reduce cat allergens.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·TypeCase study·DateMar 28, 2022

Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues offer new treatment protocol for advanced head and neck cancer

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a potential treatment combination for advanced head and neck cancer, which shows promise in pre-clinical models. The therapy involves blocking a specific signaling pathway and sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy, resulting in the disappearance of tumors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Digitalisation and sustainability: how do DAX companies measure up?

A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 28, 2022

Warmer nights may lead to more cardiovascular deaths among men

A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 28, 2022

Chen to receive NSF CAREER award

Xiang Chen at George Mason University is developing a modularized deep neural network generation and deployment framework for heterogeneous edge devices. The project aims to reduce edge AI design and optimization cost, with applications in connected autonomous driving systems.

Nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems using van der Waals heterostructures as a platform

Researchers developed a universal method to fabricate van der Waals heterostructures into nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems. The team demonstrated various functionalities, including nano-mechanical resonators, vacuum channel diodes, and ultra-fast thermo-radiators.