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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

COVID-19: Small study suggests maternal psychological distress during the pandemic may be associated with altered fetal brain development

A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMay 26, 2022

Producers and consumers must share burden of global plastic packaging waste

The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Navigating the shallows

A team of researchers from the University of Tsukuba has developed a new approach for accurate underwater acoustic positioning in multipath environments. By using a database of signals and selectively removing reflected waves, they achieve centimeter-scale accuracy in object location, even in shallow waters.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateMay 26, 2022

Wealthiest homeowners most at risk of wildfire hazard

A recent study reveals that high-income homes are disproportionately exposed to wildfire hazards in the western United States. The research found that these communities also bear a disproportionate burden in terms of costs and impacts from wildfires.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Hummingbirds may struggle to go any further uphill

Researchers found that hummingbirds experience a 37% drop in metabolic rate and become torpid for longer periods at high elevations, making it unlikely they can relocate to higher altitudes. The birds' physiological response suggests lower oxygen availability and low air pressure may be difficult challenges to overcome.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Large multi-hospital study: Adolescent females were especially vulnerable to mental health impact of pandemic-related school closings

A large retrospective study examines the impact of pandemic-related school closures on children's mental health, finding that adolescent females were disproportionately affected. The study reveals a substantial rise in hospitalizations for suicide, psychosis, and eating disorders after statewide school closure orders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 2022

Rate or tip first? This corporate decision can decrease or boost worker tips

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing finds that requesting customers to rate service professionals first can lead to smaller tips, whereas asking customers to tip first does not influence subsequent rating scores. This research has important implications for firms and managers, suggesting that they should consider asking c...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 26, 2022

Cars could get a ‘flashy’ upgrade

Researchers turn mixed plastic waste from F-150 trucks into graphene, then reuse it to create enhanced polyurethane foam with increased tensile strength and noise absorption. The circular recycling process has potential to reduce weight and increase fuel economy in the automotive industry.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Archaeology: First Pompeiian human genome sequenced

Scientists have successfully sequenced the first human genome from an individual who died in Pompeii, Italy, after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The study provides new insights into the genetic history and lives of the population, including evidence of high levels of genetic diversity across the Italian Peninsula.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2022

A unique catalyst paves the way for plastic upcycling

A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

New research questions previous link between diabetes drugs and bone fractures

A recent study published in CJASN found that SGLT-2 inhibitors were not associated with an increased risk of fractures in adults with chronic kidney disease, regardless of their kidney function. The study included over 38,000 new users of the medications and compared them to those prescribed a different diabetes medication.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 26, 2022

Cedars-Sinai May research highlights

Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai have shed light on the importance of a gene in embryo development and its potential link to physical abnormalities. Additionally, research has shown that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can strengthen immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The institution is also working on ne...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2022

Critical global water questions

A new study has identified 100 crucial global water questions facing the planet today, including water scarcity, sanitation, and climate dynamics. The research emphasizes the need for concerted efforts in interdisciplinary research and action to address the consequences of human governance failure on water resources.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOne Earth·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

All-optical computation of a group of transformations using a polarization-encoded diffractive network

A new optical architecture enables high-speed, low-power computation of multiple linear transformations using light diffraction. The design allows for scalable parallel processing and can perform complex tasks such as image classification and encryption with enhanced multifunctionality.