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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense

A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Corals as climate archives

40-million-year-old tropical reef corals from Leipzig University's collection provide a unique climate archive. The coral skeletons reveal small seasonal temperature fluctuations of about half the current value, confirming expected small differences in the planet's warm periods.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateMay 20, 2022

Research reveals surprising inactivation mechanism for a voltage-gated ion channel

Scientists used cryogenic electron microscopy to capture multiple states of the Kv4 ion channel, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of inactivation that differs from other VGICs. This finding may help researchers identify therapeutic strategies for neurological and cardiac conditions linked to mutations in Kv4.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Scientists explain why meridional heat transport is underestimated

New research reveals that low model horizontal resolution leads to discrepancies in simulated surface heat fluxes over the North Atlantic. Increasing resolution improves surface heat flux simulations and inferred heat transport, helping the research community better interpret historical simulations and projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 20, 2022

Study finds higher excess deaths during Omicron period compared to Delta period in Massachusetts

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that excess deaths were higher during the Omicron variant period (2,294) compared to the Delta variant period (1,975) in Massachusetts. The researchers suggest that highly contagious variants like Omicron can lead to substantial excess mortality even in a highly vaccinated population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

'Traffic calming' boosts breeding on coral reefs

New research shows that motorboat noise disrupts parental behaviors in coral reef fish, but reducing noise levels improves breeding success. On quieter reefs, 65% of nests contained offspring, compared to 40% on busy reefs. The study suggests that acoustic sanctuaries can help build resilience on coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

Killer T vs. memory – DNA isn’t destiny for T cells

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a DNA-independent mechanism that allows CD8+ T cells to produce both effector and memory cells, enabling the immune system to mount an immediate and long-term response to infections. The study reveals how a specific protein complex guides translation of an important i...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Promoting diversity in forestry

Research reveals that multi-species forest plantations outperform monocultures in terms of tree height, width, and biomass production. This is attributed to functional complementarity between species, which enhances resource use efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 20, 2022

Collaboration reveals interplay between charge order and superconductivity at nanoscale

A large-scale collaboration has uncovered how charge order and superconductivity interact at the nanoscale, enabling new insights into high-temperature superconductor dynamics. The study aims to develop a framework for understanding how these materials emerge, with potential applications in energy and telecommunication systems.

New clues in fight against lethal bacteria

Researchers discovered that Clostridium septicum kills cells by releasing a toxin that acts like a hammer, triggering an overactive immune response. This can lead to sepsis and shock, resulting in rapid patient death. New therapies are being developed to neutralize the toxin and block the immune receptor.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

NACMI: International COVID-19 registry finds significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality for STEMI patients with COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic

A new analysis from the NACMI registry found that STEMI patients with COVID-19 have a significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to pre-pandemic levels. Clinical characteristics and treatment strategies differ between men and women, highlighting the need for continued research into cardiovascular health impacts of COV...

Executive narcissism inhibits inter-unit knowledge transfer

A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal found that executive narcissism inhibits inter-unit knowledge transfer. However, when there is a high level of environmental complexity or dynamism, the negative effects of narcissism are reduced. In contrast, high inter-unit competition enhances the negative impact of narcissism.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022

Music alleviates collective grief

Researchers analyze viral video of musicians covering Michael Jackson song to understand how it alleviated collective grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies key traits that allow empathy and resilience in the face of trauma, highlighting the value of music as a non-pharmacological strategy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeCase study·DateMay 19, 2022

The state of China's climate in 2021: A new temperature high and abnormal precipitation

In 2021, China experienced a new temperature high of 10.5℃, breaking the historical record since 1951. Annual precipitation was 672.1 mm, 6.7% above normal, with severe consequences including torrential rain, autumn floods, and heat waves. Despite some economic losses, crop area and human fatalities decreased significantly.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 19, 2022

Cancer death rates among Black people declined over time, but remain higher than other racial and ethnic groups

Cancer death rates among Black people decreased steadily between 1999 and 2019, yet they remained significantly higher compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for improved access to cancer screening, earlier detection, and quality care, as systemic barriers contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Disrupt PAD III trial demonstrates safety and effectiveness of intravascular lithotripsy for peripheral artery calcification

The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.

Upscale hotels benefit from EV charging stations, study shows

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University finds that upscale hotels in Texas benefit most from hosting Tesla charging stations between 2015-2018. The study suggests that the benefits are due to brand alignment and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, which attract customers seeking charging services.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Problems in the powerhouse: Excessive degradation of mitochondria found to be a tipping point from normal, beneficial alcohol metabolism to alcoholic liver disease

Research finds that excessive mitochondrial damage caused by alcohol exposure can lead to chronic liver disease. Mitochondrial depolarization triggers mitophagy, a process removing damaged mitochondria; however, constant removal causes additional liver tissue damage.

Dietary cholesterol worsens inflammation, sickness in mice with influenza

Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.

DAP array casts a wide net to fix mutations

A new genome-editing strategy called DAP array can correct dozens of errors at the same time with high precision and efficiency, avoiding off-target edits. The technique leverages tRNA to drive multiple guide RNAs on a single array, then released individually by cells to direct genome editors for edits at multiple human genomic sites.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Charging a green future: Latest advancement in lithium-ion batteries could make them ubiquitous

Researchers have developed a polymer composite binder that improves the performance of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The binder, consisting of P-BIAN and PAA polymers, stabilizes the silicon particles and maintains a thin solid-electrolyte interface layer, resulting in improved discharge capacity and structural integrity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMay 19, 2022

How have changes in anemia care affected patients with kidney failure?

A study found that changes in anemia care policies led to lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, mortality, and stroke among patients with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis. The policy changes resulted from a shift towards more conservative ESA dosing, which reduced acute myocardial infarction risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2022

The missing piece to faster, cheaper and more accurate 3D mapping

A new method for 3D mapping uses artificial intelligence to detect correspondences and correct gaps in laser-point clouds, eliminating the need for manual data corrections. This approach enables faster, cheaper, and more accurate maps, with potential applications in construction, climate change monitoring, and road safety.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

World’s largest islet transplant program celebrates 20 years of changing lives for people with diabetes

The Edmonton Protocol team has reported that islet transplantation is an effective therapy for patients with difficult-to-control Type 1 diabetes, with a high rate of graft survival and insulin independence. The procedure has been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 19, 2022

How Stockholm applied greening concepts and what we can learn from it

The study analyzed 574 articles on greening concepts in Sweden, finding that parks and semi-natural green spaces are the most common type of greening. The researchers derived recommendations for practice, emphasizing the need to harness scientific knowledge through translation and integration into decision support systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 19, 2022

UCalgary study finds probiotic supplement helps to form a mature microbiome in extremely preterm infants

A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2022