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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 11


Page 11 of 37

ACP says policies needed to improve environmental health

The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Significant number of seniors rely on failing public transit systems to get to medical appointments

A new study found that frail seniors often use public transportation to get to doctor appointments due to inadequate accessibility. The study highlights the pressing need to improve public transit infrastructure and services in cities to support an aging population.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Vivianne Tawfik, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award

Dr. Vivienne Tawfik has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists' James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award for her groundbreaking work on chronic and post-surgical pain mechanisms. Her research has led to a deeper understanding of peripheral and central immune cells in persistent pain responses.

Mild thyroid disorders can cause severe heart problems

Researchers discovered that mild thyroid dysfunctions can lead to serious heart issues, with elevated free T4 levels increasing cardiovascular mortality. A systematic review of 32 studies found a direct correlation between FT4 concentrations and cardiac death, paving the way for personalized preventive care.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children

A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2022

Arecibo Observatory scientists publish major study on near-earth asteroids

The study includes 191 asteroids' radar cross sections and Doppler-frequency broadening, offering clues to asteroids' spin periods and sizes. The research also discovered two metal-rich near-Earth asteroids and five possible enstatite-rich asteroids, shedding new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Evidence for new theory of genetic recombination

Researchers found evidence supporting a new theory on how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction. By manipulating protein expressions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they discovered that boosting HEI10 levels significantly increased crossovers, while disrupting ZYP1 expression had a similar effect.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories

Researchers used a neural network model to study how brain regions interact during sleep. They found that the hippocampus and neocortex work together to convert fleeting information into long-term memory. The findings suggest that alternating between REM and slow-wave sleep stages is crucial for strong memory formation.

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

Research finds that life-saving intervention is not risk-free in pediatric patients

Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

New potential from ‘one-pot-and-one-step’ polymer synthesis

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a one-pot-and-one-step synthesis procedure to create long and geometrically interlinked polymer molecules. This process can produce a wide range of advanced materials with applications in drug delivery, data storage, microelectronics, and nanolithography.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Study: Concerns over COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness, not general medical mistrust, slowed early uptake in Black, Latinx communities

A new study from DePaul University found that concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness and safety were a significant factor in delaying vaccination among Black and Latinx populations. The study used validated measures to understand vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the need for clear messaging on vaccine efficacy.

SourceDePaul University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateOct 24, 2022

Using carbon-carbon clumping to detect the signature of biotic hydrocarbons

Researchers have developed a novel approach to distinguish the sources of hydrocarbons by analyzing the relative abundance of carbon isotopes. The new method uses carbon-carbon clumping to identify biotic origins and has shown promising results in detecting hydrocarbons from microorganisms, thermogenic processes, and abiotic sources.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Insects contribute to atmospheric electricity

Researchers have discovered that insects can produce as much atmospheric electric charge as a thunderstorm cloud. Insect swarms alter the electric field force at ground level, affecting local weather patterns. The study, published in iScience, highlights the link between biology and physics.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Researchers develop laser that could ‘reshape the landscape of integrated photonics’ with applications in LiDAR, atomic physics, AR/VR

A new type of integrated semiconductor laser has been developed using the Pockels effect, integrating a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. This technology enables fast reconfigurability and narrow spectral window, paving the way for applications in LiDAR remote sensing, microwave photonics, atomic physics, and AR/VR.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Poor professional development may explain failure of push to promote physical health in schools

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 23, 2022

Government regulation and information presentation may determine palatability of the concept of gene-edited food

Researchers found that American participants had the most positive perception of gene-edited food, while German participants saw it as less beneficial and riskier. Japanese participants' perceptions were intermediate between Germans and Americans. The study suggests that public attitudes towards emerging science are influenced by regul...

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScience Technology & Human Values·DateOct 23, 2022

Radiation therapy for high-risk, asymptomatic bone metastases may prevent pain and prolong life

A phase II trial suggests that radiation can reduce painful complications and hospitalizations, and possibly extend overall survival in patients with advanced cancers. The study found that treating asymptomatic lesions with radiation reduced skeletal-related events and extended overall survival compared to those who received no radiation.