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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Reducing screen time increases physical activity in children

A family-based randomized controlled trial by University of Southern Denmark researchers found that reducing recreational screen media use increases daily physical activity in children. Children in the intervention group showed an average of 45 minutes more physical activity per day compared to those in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 23, 2022

Noisy jackdaw birds reach “consensus” before taking off

Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Easy as an inkjet, a new soft printing technique has opened the way for pixelated elastics

Researchers at Princeton University developed a new pixel-by-pixel printing method that creates composite shapes, colors, and mechanical abilities using curable elastic polymers. The technique, inspired by inkjet printers, uses age-old fluid dynamics to fabricate precise and robust structures without complicated machinery.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

CSIC researchers develop photocontrollable drugs that enable the control of the heart rate by light

Researchers developed photocontrolable drugs that can increase and decrease heart rate by using light of different colors, similar to approved beta-blockers. This study demonstrates the potential of photopharmacology in future therapies with reduced side effects.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

'Democracy' governs mass jackdaw take-offs

A team of researchers found that jackdaws use a form of 'consensus decision-making' to decide when to leave their roosts en masse. By combining recorded calls with tests in which pre-recorded calls were played, the team discovered that birds effectively 'cast a vote' through calling out to reach a consensus.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2022

BU researchers develop a novel AI algorithm for digital pathology analysis

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel AI algorithm, Graph Transformer (GTP), to classify lung cancer subtypes based on whole slide images. The framework outperforms current state-of-the-art methods and has implications beyond digital pathology for computer vision applications.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2022

Microbes can degrade the toughest PFAS

Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Genetic test can diagnose certain immune system disorders

Researchers developed a genetic test that diagnoses primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), revealing inherited genetic defects in nearly half of patients. The test uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific gene variants associated with PID, enabling targeted treatment and earlier intervention for family members.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Men with prostate cancer have higher risk of serious blood clots

A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2022

Further insights into SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield

A recent study published in Frontiers in Microbiology reveals the correlation between sugar identity and flexibility in SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. The researchers used high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and computer simulation to understand the impact of glycans on antibody recognition and protein shielding.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Association of race, socioeconomic disadvantage with missed telemedicine visits for pediatric patients during COVID-19

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examines the association between patient race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantage with missed telemedicine visits for pediatric patients during COVID-19. The findings suggest that these factors disproportionately contribute to higher no-show rates among disadvantaged populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 23, 2022

New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Life-Threatening Bacterial Disease in Dogs

Veterinarians at UC Davis have developed an AI model that can predict Leptospirosis in dogs with high accuracy, outperforming traditional testing methods. The model uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical data and provide timely predictions, which can be an online resource for veterinarians.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2022

A family of termites has been traversing the world’s oceans for millions of years

Researchers mapped out the natural history of drywood termites, revealing oceanic voyages that accelerated their evolution and confirmed recent dispersals via humans. The study also challenged the common assumption of primitive lifestyles, highlighting the diversity and complexity of termite social behavior.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

Microparticles with feeling

A new method called sensPIV has been developed to measure both flow and oxygen concentrations simultaneously at the smallest scales. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how corals generate flows, increasing oxygen transport, and has potential applications in life sciences, microfluidics, and medicine.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Reducing TV viewing to less than one hour a day could help prevent more than one in ten cases of coronary heart disease

A study published in BMC Medicine found that watching less than an hour of TV per day can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by up to 16%. The research suggests that limiting TV viewing could be a useful lifestyle change for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to the condition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

Researchers use national study to enhance understanding of late-life disability and care

The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) has provided insights into the trajectory of late-life functioning, accommodation needs, and consequences of disability for individuals, families, and society. The study's findings have implications for reducing disability and enhancing quality of life for older Americans.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·DateMay 23, 2022

A subtle genetic change gives new clues about epilepsy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Contraceptive counseling and provision in clinical practice increases its use and reduces unintended pregnancy

A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

Foreign fishing fleets and trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished people

A new study reveals that foreign fishing fleets and international seafood trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished populations, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. The research found that over 60% of countries receive net gains in fish-derived nutrients through international trade, while a third have net losses.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

Gene-edited tomatoes could be a new source of vitamin D

Researchers have developed gene-edited tomatoes that can produce vitamin D3 through exposure to UVB light. The tomato leaves naturally contain provitamin D3, which accumulates in the fruit after editing. This breakthrough could help millions of people with vitamin D insufficiency and provide a plant-based source of vitamin D3.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

New dimensions of cryo-electron microscopy uncover ‘multiverse’ of cancer targets for enabling drug discovery

A research team led by Professor Youdong Mao has developed a new method using time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy and machine learning-based 4D reconstruction to visualize the USP14-proteasome system in atomic detail. This reveals a 'multiverse' of parallel reality pathways, allowing for targeted inhibition of cancer cells.

SourcePeking University-College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2022

Price noise proves the key to high performing ‘bets against beta’ investment strategies

A study by Thorsten Lehnert reveals that price noise from trading activities of mutual funds explains the success of 'bets against beta' strategies. These strategies, which involve taking short positions in assets with higher betas and long positions in those with lower betas, result in significant positive returns.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2022

Human-made iron inputs to the Southern Ocean ten times higher than previously estimated

A recent study led by Nagoya University found that human-made iron in the Southern Ocean may be up to ten times higher than previously thought, with a 60% contribution from fossil fuel combustion. This could lead to decreased photosynthesis and increased CO2 levels, exacerbating global warming.

SourceNagoya University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 22, 2022

Ingestible sensor-enabled Truvada®, taken as pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection, identifies patterns of medication taking that may lead to risk of prophylactic failure in near real-time.

A new study reveals that ingestible sensor-enabled Truvada can identify patterns of medication taking behavior that may put individuals at risk of prophylactic failure. The system captures individual adherence patterns in real-time, allowing for tailored guidance and support.

SourceSpecialists in Global Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 22, 2022

Stopping C9orf72-linked Dementia in Mutant Mice with Antibiotic Rifampicin

Researchers found that rifampicin improved cognitive function and memory in mice with C9orf72-linked dementia. The antibiotic also reduced formation of protein aggregates, neuronal loss, and microglial activation in brain tissue. This study suggests rifampicin may be a widely effective drug for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBiomedicines·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2022