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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 26


Page 26 of 40

Skipping tiny stones into a quantum whirlpool

Scientists confirm observations of quantized vortices in superfluid helium by simulating quantum vortex dynamics with silicon nanoparticles, revealing new possibilities for optical research. The study enables visualization of quantized vortex reconnection, a key feature of superfluid helium at macroscopic scales.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

A metasurface-based light-to-microwave transmitter for hybrid wireless communications

Researchers have created a light-to-microwave transmitter using an optically programmed time-varying metasurface, enabling direct conversion of light signals to microwave signals. The system can transmit two different videos simultaneously over a single platform, paving the way for low-cost and low-complexity hybrid communication systems.

Peaks identified in time of year, day of week for assault-related injury visits to emergency departments

Researchers identified peaks in assault-related injury visits to emergency departments, with Saturday and Sunday being the most common days of the week. The study found higher rates of injuries during spring and winter months, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies and resource planning.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalChronobiology International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Cardiac progenitor cells generate healthy tissue after a heart attack

A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Presenting the most comprehensive, cross-tissue cell atlases to date: New findings from the Human Cell Atlas consortium

The Human Cell Atlas consortium has created the most comprehensive cross-tissue cell atlases to date, mapping over 1 million individual cells across 33 organs. These detailed maps hold therapeutic implications for understanding common and rare diseases, vaccine development, anti-tumor immunology, and regenerative medicine.

Microbial juggling

Researchers discovered a soil microbe's enzyme that converts CO2 into carbon compounds 20 times faster than plant enzymes during photosynthesis. The enzyme uses pairs of molecules working in sync like jugglers, with a spot of molecular glue and twisting motion facilitating the reaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

First image of the beastly black hole at the heart of our galaxy

The Event Horizon Telescope captured the first image of Sagittarius A*, a hot and dense black hole surrounded by superheated gas, improving our understanding of black holes. The Frontera supercomputer supported this achievement through innovative data-driven astronomy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Unique binding of Delta variant may explain high transmissibility

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can attach to copies of itself, forming larger clumps of viral particles. This unique binding property may have contributed to its rapid spread. The study found that the Delta spike protein enables the virus to bind to cells and form aggregations, increasing the chances of infection.

Study finds realism a key factor in driving engagement with virtual reality videos

A recent study at North Carolina State University found that realism is a key factor in determining viewer engagement with virtual reality (VR) videos. The researchers discovered that viewers who enjoyed their VR experiences were more likely to want to watch additional VR videos in the future.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Understanding the biology and possible biological treatments of cartilage for osteoarthritis of the knee, using computational modelling

Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2022

A gene in tuberculosis bacteria is found essential for siderophore secretion and virulence

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a gene essential for siderophore secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key process for acquiring iron. The discovery validates siderophore secretion as a drug target for tuberculosis treatment and reveals a new mechanism for putative drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Sugar aversion hampers cockroach coupling

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that female German cockroaches averse to glucose reject male offers of body secretions containing sugars and fats. The study shows that glucose-averse females sense a bitter taste when mixing their saliva with the male secretions, ending the courtship ritual.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Healthy diet in pregnancy might not impact risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations, according to new meta-analysis

A new meta-analysis suggests that a healthy diet during pregnancy does not significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations. The study analyzed data from various ethnic groups and found no significant association between dietary habits and the incidence of gestational diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMay 11, 2022

Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation

A study published in Stroke journal found robot therapy to be as effective as traditional therapy in improving motor function and daily tasks for chronic stroke patients. The robotic device provided repetitive exercises and real-time analysis, leading to significant improvements in shoulder, elbow, and forearm use.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStroke·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2022

Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data

Researchers have developed a refined tool to identify potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors using epigenetic data. The new methodology improves the characterization of somatic copy number alterations up to 20% with high accuracy, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding

Researchers found glatiramer acetate to be compatible with breastfeeding, reducing the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The study's results indicate no negative effects on infant development, leading to updates in the drug's label and approval for treatment during the breastfeeding period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

How do genomes evolve between species? The key role of 3D structure in male germ cells

A study by UAB and University of Kent researchers found that the 3D structure of male germ cells plays a key role in determining genome evolution. Genome rearrangements were associated with DNA damage locations in spermatids, suggesting that males have a unique impact on genome evolution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022

Large study in Botswana finds daily micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy reduces complications at birth

A six-year study of nearly 100,000 women in Botswana found daily iron, folic acid, and vitamin supplementation can reduce birth complications, including low birthweight. The study also showed benefits for HIV-positive pregnant women, with rates of adverse outcomes significantly lower than those taking iron or folic acid alone.

Should you give your child opioids for post-operative pain management?

A new study found that most caregivers are unsure about giving their child opioids post-operatively due to concerns about addiction. The survey, which assessed demographic information and attitudes towards opioid use, revealed that caregivers who had taken opioids in the past were more likely to feel comfortable using them.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Opioid Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022

Laser bursts drive fastest-ever logic gates

Scientists at Rochester and Erlangen develop logic gates that operate at femtosecond timescales, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and information processing. The breakthrough involves harnessing and independently controlling real and virtual charge carriers in gold-graphene-gold junctions with laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022