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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 30


Page 30 of 40

Blocking spike captors to counter COVID

A team of researchers at Université catholique de Louvain has discovered a way to block the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing infection and offering potential long-term protection against COVID. The breakthrough involves using multivalent glycoclusters that bind strongly to the virus's surface, effectively 'locking' it out of cells.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

AI predicts infant age, gender based on temperament

A new study uses machine learning to analyze temperament data from 4,438 babies to classify their age and gender. While algorithms struggle to distinguish between infants under 48 weeks old, accuracy improves as they age, suggesting that gender differences in infancy become more apparent around this time.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Children grow faster during school year than during summer holidays

A new study reveals that children experience faster growth in height over the school year compared to the summer, resulting in a higher BMI. This seasonality in growth affects the probability of becoming overweight or obese during the summer, highlighting the need for obesity prevention efforts throughout the year.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Artificial intelligence model can predict whether Crohn disease will recur after surgery

An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Medication that lowers risk of overdose underused

Less than half of Americans with opioid use disorder received a potentially lifesaving medication over a five-year period. Buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risk, was prescribed even less often for those with polysubstance use disorder, highlighting the underutilization of this effective treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

At home, do-it-yourself fluid mechanics

Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2022

Study identifies potential target for treating childhood blood cancer

Researchers have pinpointed a possible new target for treating patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a highly aggressive blood cancer. Treatment using anti-inflammatories showed promise in rescuing JMML-like symptoms in zebrafish, suggesting a potential new approach to combating the disease.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

More coronary disease among COPD patients

A new study from Norway found that COPD patients have a higher degree of coronary artery calcification and narrower coronary arteries. The researchers discovered an increased risk of coronary disease in COPD patients, independent of disease severity, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2022

Nonlethal parasites reduce how much their wild hosts eat, leading to ecosystem effects

A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2022

Multi-tasking wearable continuously monitors glucose, alcohol, and lactate

A new wearable device can simultaneously monitor glucose, alcohol, and lactate levels, providing users with a comprehensive picture of their health. This technology has the potential to improve disease management for individuals with diabetes and other conditions, as well as enhance overall wellness through real-time tracking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 9, 2022

Failed eruptions are at the origin of copper deposits

Scientists from the University of Geneva discover that copper deposits are formed by mechanisms similar to those causing large volcanic eruptions. The 'porphyry' deposits, containing copper, form when hot fluids release from cooling magmas and develop under the earth's surface.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateMay 9, 2022

How do water mould spores swim?

Researchers have developed a theoretical model explaining how water mould spores move and change direction, revealing a breaststroke-like motion for turning. The study provides insights into the biophysical nature of these microorganisms, which could lead to new avenues in physics research.

SourceCNRS·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic led to increase in loneliness around the world

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found a small but significant increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 5% rise in loneliness prevalence across individual studies. However, not all groups experienced this increase, highlighting the need for further research on risk and protective factors.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 9, 2022

Step toward a circular economy?

Researchers have discovered a zirconium-based metal–organic framework material that catalyzes the degradation of PET into its monomers. This process can be reused to make high-value PET products, enabling the development of a circular economy. The catalyst breaks down PET waste at 260°C with yields up to 98%

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Genetic options ensure rust resistance is toast

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have identified a stem rust resistance gene in Aegilops sharonensis and transferred it to common wheat. The new transgenic wheat lines show high levels of resistance to the stem rust pathogen, providing hope for mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

A better diet helps beat depression in young men

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a healthy Mediterranean diet can significantly improve symptoms of depression in young men. The 12-week randomized control trial showed that nearly all participants stayed with the program and reported positive results.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2022

Study sheds light on treatment of hyperkalaemia

A new study at Stellenbosch University identified significant knowledge gaps among medical specialists regarding the emergency management of hyperkalaemia. The researchers recommend starting therapy when potassium levels reach 6 mmol/L or higher, performing an ECG on all patients, and monitoring for hypoglycaemia.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalAfrican Journal of Nephrology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 9, 2022

Unprecedented cyclone activity potentially clouds future forecasts

A recent analysis reveals a unprecedented increase in Atlantic tropical cyclones and a decrease in Western North Pacific storms, with greenhouse gas-induced global warming potentially playing a role. The study suggests that climate models need to be evaluated to predict future changes in tropical cyclone numbers between the two basins.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 9, 2022

Quantifying cognitive decline in dogs could help humans with Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed a multi-dimensional approach to quantify cognitive decline in aging dogs, which may also inform human Alzheimer's disease treatment. The method combines physical exams, lab tests, and cognitive assessments to provide a more complete picture of canine cognitive function.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2022

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Stopping lung damage before it turns deadly

Researchers found that hypoxia can activate immune cells called ILC2s, which respond to harmless environmental allergens and drive mucus production and inflammation in the lungs. The study identifies adrenomedullin as a new target for treating inflammatory and allergic lung diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

“New and improved” supermarkets trim childhood obesity in NYC

A new study found that access to modernized supermarkets with fresh foods in NYC's poorest neighborhoods led to a 1% decline in obesity rates and reductions of 4-10% in BMI-z scores. The results suggest that supermarket subsidies could play an effective role in addressing childhood obesity, especially among Hispanic and Black children.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022

Recurring brain tumor growth is halted with new drug

A new drug called abemaciclib has been shown to halt the growth of recurring brain tumors in patients with aggressive meningiomas. The treatment targets a common molecular pathway that enables cells to divide rapidly and come back after surgery, allowing researchers to predict recurrence more accurately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Spider can hide underwater for 30 minutes

A tropical spider species uses a thin layer of air to hide underwater from predators for up to 30 minutes, according to Binghamton University researchers. This unique adaptation allows the spider to prevent thermal loss and maintain respiratory function while submerged.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEthology·DateMay 9, 2022