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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 27


Page 27 of 37

Thirdhand smoke can trigger skin diseases

A UC Riverside-led study found that acute THS exposure initiates mechanisms of inflammatory skin disease and elevates urinary biomarkers of oxidative harm. The researchers discovered elevated molecular biomarkers in blood associated with early-stage activation of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Team uses digital cameras, machine learning to predict neurological disease

A team of researchers used digital cameras and machine learning algorithms to develop a system that can predict gait dysfunctions in people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The study revealed that several algorithms were over 75% accurate at detecting differences between those with the conditions and those without.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

James Webb Space Telescope reveals new surprises on galaxy organic molecules near black holes

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can survive in the vicinity of supermassive black holes at the centers of active galaxies. This challenges previous studies that predicted their destruction, and reveals new insights into galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

Mental health issues in quarantined cruisers

The study found anxiety, insomnia, and depression were prevalent mental health issues among quarantined individuals. Around 70% of mental health issues resolved with brief counseling sessions, highlighting the need for targeted support in disaster responses.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 11, 2022

Properties of ‘baby talk’ similar across many languages

Research finds that certain features of 'baby talk' such as pitch, melody, and articulation rates have consistent properties across most world languages. However, the exaggeration of vowel sound differences varies significantly between languages. As infants develop language skills, IDS gradually becomes more similar to adult speech style.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

New characterization methods developed to identify light elements

Physicists have introduced a new technique for 3D nanoscale elemental analysis using ion-electron microscope systems, improving resolution to 15 nanometres and detecting hard-to-characterise elements like hydrogen and lithium. This device can be retrofitted to existing focused ion beam systems, optimizing the characterisation workflow.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Old drugs offer new ways of treating bowel cancer

Researchers at the University of Auckland have found that combining older drugs can greatly enhance effectiveness in treating bowel cancer. The study identifies two existing drugs, axitinib and pyrvinium, which target different pathways involved in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

The new compound that destroys the MRSA superbug

Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

New way to make new species

Researchers from University of Konstanz discovered a new species of cichlid fishes in Nicaraguan crater lake Xiloá through genetic hybridization. The hybrids exhibit transgressive traits and occupy a unique ecological niche, outcompeting parental species for food resources.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Chromosome-scale genome of a gentle giant

Researchers have completed and released a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the Aldabra giant tortoise, providing a much-needed genetic resource for rescue efforts. The data will aid in breeding efforts, comparative studies with other tortoise species, and understanding the species' remarkable size.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

New insights on the genetic underpinnings of the vocal tract

A study using 3D MRI in 632 monozygotic and dizygotic twins found that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape the vocal tract, with some structures having low heritability. The results provide new evidence on the relative contributions of genetics and environment to anatomical differences among people.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalHuman Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2022

Medical history may help predict autism in young children, researchers find

A new study developed machine learning models to assess connections among hundreds of clinical variables and predict the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in young children. The models used de-identified insurance claim data to identify risk factors and quantify their association with autism. This approach has promising potential ...

SourcePenn State·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

Researchers discover new multicellular bacteria species

Researchers have isolated a novel bacterial species, HS-3, that displays complex multicellular behavior and a reversible two-phase life cycle. The discovery reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the emergence of multicellularity in bacteria, suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 11, 2022

Topological materials become switchable

Researchers have successfully switched on and off topological states in a material, exploiting the interaction of electrons to manipulate their behavior. The discovery opens up new possibilities for technical applications, including quantum computers and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Tracking down satiety mechanisms in the stomach

Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

AI that can learn patterns of human language

Researchers from McGill University and MIT developed an AI system that can learn the rules and patterns of human languages on its own. The model automatically generates higher-level language patterns that can be applied to different languages, achieving better results.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

STTR Award to LSU Health New Orleans spin-out company to develop new class of anticancer drugs for glioblastoma

WayPath Pharma has been awarded a $225,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award to develop new metabolic drugs targeting tumor stem cells and crossing the blood-brain barrier. The funding aims to advance treatment options for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering monitoring tumor photodynamic therapy

Scientists developed a new method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor the effects of photodynamic therapy on tumor cells. The method, which involves Au@CDs cascade nanozymes, enables real-time monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the tumor microenvironment.

Not just an Arkansas thing: Study shows that one-party monopolies dominate state politics

A new study by University of Arkansas professors Janine Parry and Andrew Dowdle documents the resurgence of one-party monopolies in American states. Most states have heavily favored one of the two major parties for at least a century, with some experiencing dramatic shifts in party affiliation over time.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalState Politics & Policy Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

How genetics influences our body weight beyond the genes

Researchers have identified microRNA-7 as a non-classic genetic risk factor for hereditary obesity. The molecule affects energy balance and appetite regulation in humans and mice, highlighting the need to examine non-genetic factors in gene-based studies. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating obesity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Research on how cells respond to stimuli offers insight into disease mechanisms, treatment

Scientists discover that temporal signals play a crucial role in regulating multicellular information networks, allowing cells to sense and respond to environmental changes. The study's findings offer insight into how coordinated responses among cells enable multicellular organisms to survive in complex surroundings.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022