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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Real-time air quality data ‘life saving’

Sharing real-time air quality readings can reduce fine particulate concentration levels by 2-4 micrograms per cubic metre each year, leading to significant health benefits. The research estimates annual health benefits of $171 million AUD for the median city.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists map water in molecular crystals, aiding drug development

Researchers developed a computational protocol called MACH that can quickly determine whether a given compound will form a crystal hydrate. The tool uses rules to systematically determine where water would likely be inserted into a crystal, providing essential knowledge for drug development and formulation.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2022

Special anti-Black racism issues of CMAJ focus on patient health and health professionals

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) publishes special issues on the impact of anti-Black racism on patient health and healthcare professionals. Research by Black health scholars and practitioners sheds light on systemic inequities, including cancer care disparities and gaslighting in academic medicine.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 24, 2022

One of the crowd or one of a kind? New artificial intelligence research indicates we're a bit of both

A new study published in iScience found that humans tend to follow a two-step process when in a crowd, with an initial reflexive imitation followed by a more deliberate strategic decision. The research suggests this influence affects not only social norms but also immediate actions and underlies behaviors such as rioting and mass panic.

SourceAston University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Huge unveiling of schizophrenia brain cells show new treatment targets

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Plant-based diet leads to greater reduction in harmful dietary advanced glycation end-products than diet with meat and dairy

A plant-based diet significantly reduced advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 79%, associated with weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. The reduction in AGEs was largely attributed to decreased meat and dairy consumption, leading to a 14-pound weight loss.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalObesity Science & Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2022

Three-week course of radiation safe and effective for patients with early-stage breast cancer and elevated risk of recurrence

A randomized phase III trial found that hypofractionated whole-breast radiation with concurrent boost is comparable to six weeks of treatment for patients with higher-risk disease, reducing tumor recurrence by 20-30%. The three-week course was non-inferior to the longer treatment in terms of tumor recurrence and cosmetic outcomes.

More yield, fewer species: How human nutrient inputs alter grasslands

Researchers found that high nutrient inputs result in a decline of plant species, with more species getting lost and fewer new species arriving. This study provides valuable information for practical nature conservation by understanding the effects of unnatural nutrient inputs on biodiversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

α-Ketoglutarate (AKG) as a nutritional supplement to enhance health and exercise performance

Research reveals that α-Ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation promotes skeletal muscle mass, improves exercise endurance, and increases blood flow, making it a potential nutritional supplement for enhancing health and exercise performance. AKG also relaxes vascular smooth muscle, allowing tissues to receive abundant oxygen and nutrients.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

How heart failure disrupts the cell’s powerhouse

Researchers from Hokkaido University have identified a link between succinyl-CoA levels and energy metabolism in heart cells affected by chronic heart failure. Supplementation with 5-aminolevulinate acid improved heart function and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in mice with surgically blocked blood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Unintended consequences: analyzing interventions on mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining

Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Researchers confirm stress link in the brain

University of Iowa researchers confirmed a neural circuit linking two brain regions that governs how animals react to stressful situations. The study showed that activating this pathway can revive active coping behaviors and reduce stress hormone release in rats.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

COVID-19: life expectancy mostly continued to decline in 2021

A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Research shows care from an allergist results in lower health care costs for children with peanut allergy

Researchers used big datasets to show that annual health care costs were significantly higher among children without allergist care for peanut allergy compared to those who received care. Care from an allergist resulted in lower total health care costs, saving $1,923 per child.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists manufacture ‘living blood vessel’

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to manufacture materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with promising implications for future surgery. The technology allows the body to accept and transform the implanted material into a functional 'living' blood vessel.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Study looks inside the brain during sleep to show how memory is stored

Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves memory storage by triggering electrical activity in the brain. The study, led by Northwestern University, used implanted electrodes to record brain activity in five patients while they slept and presented sounds associated with learned objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Laying geological groundwork for life on Earth

A new Harvard-led study has found evidence of early plate tectonics and the flipping of Earth's magnetic poles, which may have created a more conducive environment for life. The research suggests that the planet's surface was moving at a rate of 6.1 centimeters per year, consistent with modern plate tectonics.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

A revolutionary method to observe cell transport

Researchers developed a new method to study membrane proteins in their native environment, the cell, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for precise determination of protein properties and could lead to better understanding and targeting of membrane proteins involved in anti-cancer drug resistance.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 24, 2022

Three week hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy for patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer

A Phase III trial found that hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy in patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study showed comparable effectiveness and toxicity outcomes between the two treatment options.