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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 40

Using light and sound to reveal rapid brain activity in unprecedented detail

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created a method to scan and image the blood flow and oxygen levels inside a mouse brain in real-time. The new imaging approach breaks long-standing speed and resolution barriers, enabling researchers to uncover insights into neurovascular diseases like stroke, dementia, and acute brain injury.

SourceDuke University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

SCAI issues official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale (PFO), addressing five clinical scenarios. The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for PFO closure in various situations, aligning with stroke neurology principles.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateMay 19, 2022

Better keep the instructions

Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about human problem-solving abilities, revealing that many people fail to adapt a sophisticated strategy. A new study suggests that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to rely on an inefficient approach, even when faced with complex problems.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Human behavior is key to building a better long-term COVID forecast

Researchers applied simple but nuanced variables to enhance modeling capabilities, resulting in improved mid- to long-term predictions. Human behavior, particularly the endogenous feedback loop of reduced mobility and social distancing after increased death rates, was found to be key to accurate forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

International study identifies most important vascular risk factors for dementia

A new international study has identified the most critical vascular risk factors for dementia, highlighting the importance of controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. The research, led by Professor Emer McGrath, found that individuals with these conditions are four times more likely to develop dementia than those without them.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Within U.S., exporting electricity imports about 700 premature deaths annually, Stanford study finda

A new Stanford University study reveals that US power plants generating electricity for export account for approximately 700 premature deaths in 2019. The majority of these health damages occur within the states where the power is both generated and used, but large discrepancies exist across regions.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022

How to break up with your phone

McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateMay 19, 2022

First intermediate to long-term study of the harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve system validates safety and efficacy

A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.

Satellite monitoring of biodiversity moves within reach

Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

How fast-growing algae could enhance growth of food crops

Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

Ocean seafloor identified as the ultimate sink for marine plastics

Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2022

Sparking sustainable new chemical catalysts

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 18, 2022

Conservationists find high DDT and PCB contamination risk for critically endangered California coastal condors

A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022

Study chronicles presence of chronic frames of race, gender, and wealth inequality

New research finds that journalists and laypersons describe racial and gender inequalities in terms of disadvantage, while wealth inequality is described in terms of advantage. The framing of inequalities is linked to their perceived legitimacy, with illegitimate inequalities being framed more strongly as disadvantages.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

400 GW wind, solar power per year to meet 1.5 C Paris Agreement

To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2022

Remote teaching during the pandemic disadvantages students in New Jersey’s lower-income school districts

A Rutgers study finds that remote teaching during the pandemic contributed to teacher and student stress, particularly in lower-income school districts where students faced inequities in online learning opportunities. The study highlights the need for targeted e-learning solutions and retrospective audits to address digital inequality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateMay 18, 2022

Study in mice suggests that COVID-19 increases risk of developing Parkinson’s disease

A recent study published in Movement Disorders suggests that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by making brain cells more susceptible to damage. Researchers found that mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to exhibit characteristic features of Parkinson's disease after exposure to a toxin.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Scientists reveal different water isotope concentrations in both monthly and daily precipitation observations across Brazil’s diverse climate

The study found different isotopic compositions of water in continental and coastal areas, with varying seasonal patterns. Daily measurements revealed the influence of moisture source, transport, and convective activity on rainfall type, providing insights into regional atmospheric controls.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2022

Are microplastics pervasive in Nigerian drinking water?

A recent study found that microplastics are abundant in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria. Areas with high industrial activity had higher levels of microplastics than areas with less industrial activity and lower population densities.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2022