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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 29


Page 29 of 40

What benefits nutrition in Africa the most

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improving market access has a positive impact on nutritional status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, increasing crop diversity had little effect on children's growth and nutrition. Diversifying animal production, however, showed positive effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Study finds psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Seeing members of minority groups everywhere? It's an illusion

A study by Hebrew University researchers reveals that individuals overestimate the presence of minority groups in social settings. This 'diversity illusion' can hinder policies promoting diversity and leads to less support for related initiatives. The research team suggests that awareness and education are key to addressing this bias.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

The double-edged sword of clinical texting: Study explores improving patient care via more effective clinician communication

A new study from the Regenstrief Institute examines the effects of clinical texting on hospitalist and nurse communication, highlighting both benefits and challenges. The study suggests that clinical texting can improve communication, but also raises concerns about user buy-in and shared understanding.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateMay 10, 2022

Micro- and nanoplastic from the atmosphere is polluting the ocean

Researchers estimate that by 2040, up to 80 million metric tons of plastic will be annually released into the ocean. The study reveals that wind transport contributes significantly to plastic particle distribution in remote regions. Integrating microplastic into air pollution measurements is crucial for better understanding its effects.

Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Researchers use computational detective work to verify the existence of a 3D quantum spin liquid in cerium zirconium pyrochlore, overcoming decades-long challenge. The material exhibits fractionalized spin excitations, where electrons do not arrange their spins in relation to neighbors.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Involving patients with Parkinson’s disease in research benefits everyone

The authors of a Call to Action emphasize the value of incorporating patient perspectives in clinical Parkinson's disease studies and recommend how to include patient researchers effectively. Patient involvement can help design better studies, ensure tolerable protocols, and improve research outcomes. However, specific challenges must ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 10, 2022

Diets high in fiber associated with less antibiotic resistance in gut bacteria

A study published in mBio found that healthy adults with diets rich in soluble fiber and lower animal protein consumption had fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts. This suggests that modifying the diet through increased fiber intake may help reduce antimicrobial resistance by shaping the gut microbiome.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Gametophytes are ready for their close up: Methods used to study obscure sexual portion of plant life cycle focus of Applications in Plant Sciences special issue

A new special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences explores techniques for studying gametophytes, essential for understanding biodiversity and conservation. The study reveals the complexity of gametophyte biology, including their limited size and invisibility in some plants.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMay 10, 2022

Frozen testicular tissue still viable after two decades

Researchers found that frozen testicular tissue from rats can be reimplanted and produce viable sperm after over 20 years, but with reduced fertility. The study has important implications for treatment of boys with cancer and may provide a method to recover lost fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

4D composite printing can improve the wings of drones, according to new Concordia research

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a method to manufacture adaptive compliant trailing edge morphing wings using 4D printing of composites. This technology can make UAV wings cheaper to manufacture and more efficient in flight, supporting good amounts of load for small or medium-sized vehicles.

SourceConcordia University·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Common gene variant in three seemingly unrelated gynecologic disorders suggests new options for personalized screening and surveillance for cardiovascular disease and cancers

Researchers found a common genetic variant that may protect women with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome from future heart disease. The variant also appears to lower the risk of breast and other cancers in women who experience preeclampsia.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

A new approach to medical guidelines, taking inspiration from Wikipedia

Researchers developed a novel 'Wikiguideline' approach to establish medical guidelines, leveraging online collaboration and high-quality data. The method was tested using osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, and found sufficient data for only two recommendations: increasing oral antibiotic therapy and limiting therapy duration.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 10, 2022

New study describes multi-agent systems for optimization and decision-making through games

Researchers used game theory to create models of cooperative and competitive behaviors in multi-agent systems, focusing on distributed online optimization, federated optimization, and static/dynamic games. The findings have potential applications in smart cities, market competition, information security, and drug development.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 10, 2022

What makes some more afraid of change than others?

Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022