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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Ecological imbalance: How plant diversity in Germany has changed in the past century

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

AGS releases framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare

The American Geriatrics Society has released a framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare. The framework highlights three fundamental changes: reflecting the population served, changing training and support for health professionals, and examining healthcare from an intersectional perspect...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 19, 2022

Acidic layer in single-walled carbon nanotubes facilitates confinement of anion impurities

Researchers at Okayama University found that an acidic adsorption layer in carbon nanotubes facilitates efficient adsorption of negatively charged nitrate anions, making the aqueous solution alkaline. This study provides a novel model for designing carbon nanotubes suitable for ion adsorption and purification.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Development of new technology for wastewater treatment for semiconductor production

A new photocatalysis-based technology has been developed to completely decompose low concentrations of alcohol in semiconductor wastewater. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and water resources required for wastewater treatment, making it a more sustainable solution for the industry.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 19, 2022

OCD on TV

A new study published in GigaScience has made available an enormous amount of behavioral data from an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), comprising over 2 years of continuous recording. The data set, which is the culmination of a 15-year study, provides insights into the mechanisms of OCD and potential treatments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

A difficult key factor

Researchers used excess mortality data to calculate a significantly lower R0 value of 1.34 for SARS-CoV-2 infections in March 2020, contrary to earlier estimates which ranged from 1.95 to 6.49.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study

A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

UCLA researchers identify a gene as a potential target in treatment-resistant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Semel Institute identified the gene P300 as a potential therapeutic target for treatment-resistant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme. By blocking P300, tumor cells can be prevented from recovering and growing under the hostile conditions created by radiation therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

In medieval Norway, high-class people had stronger bones

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high-status individuals in medieval Norway had higher bone mineral density and were taller than those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This suggests that socioeconomic status may have played a role in shaping health outcomes over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022

NIH-supported study finds racial disparities in advanced heart failure treatment

A recent NIH-supported study found that Black adults treated at advanced heart failure centers received potentially life-changing therapies, such as transplants and heart pumps, about half as often as white adults due to racial bias. The researchers also suggest that unconscious bias and overt racism may be driving these disparities.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalCirculation Heart Failure·DateOct 19, 2022

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

How groups best work together

Researchers Dr. Fabian Pels and Prof. Jens Kleinert developed an integrative group flow theory that explains the conditions for optimal group performance. The IGFT highlights the importance of interpersonal coordination, positive relationship quality, and continuous maintenance of primary and secondary fits to achieve group flow.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalGroup Dynamics Theory Research and Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 19, 2022

Study: new model for the transmission of cultural knowledge

A new study by Helena Miton and Simon DeDeo presents a model for the transmission of tacit knowledge, which is passed down with limited specification. The model captures how learners overcome constraints to succeed in complex practices, predicting stability over time with minimal information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

Changing the face of innovation

A new MUSC initiative aims to increase the number of women entrepreneurs by offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities. The program will pair trainees with successful biomedical entrepreneurs, providing valuable role models and guidance. By addressing gender inequity in STEM fields, STEM-CREW seeks to advance the careers ...

Do caffeine and alcohol affect fertility treatments?

A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2022

Discovery of 119-million-year-old selfish genes in yeast potentially alters our understanding of how parasitic DNA impacts genome evolution

Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022