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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

How does Airbnb contribute to projecting the image of tourist destinations?

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya reveals how Airbnb creates and projects the image of tourist destinations, reproducing stereotyped forms of tourism and contributing to overcrowding. The platform's user-generated guides aim to convince tourists to visit a city as if they were residents, but ignore the needs of local communities.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Voice screening App delivers rapid results for Parkinson’s and severe COVID

A new screening test App can produce accurate results using just people's voice recordings, improving the management of Parkinson's disease and severe COVID-19. The smartphone App takes just 10 seconds to reveal whether a person may have Parkinson’s disease and should be referred to a neurologist.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Particle radioactivity linked to pollution-associated heart attack and stroke death

Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 5, 2022

EURISCO – a pillar for documenting and making available the world's crop diversity

EURISCO is an international aggregated database documenting over 2 million plant genetic resources across 6,737 genera and 45,175 species. The catalogue provides a central entry point for information on crop diversity, facilitating access to data on crop improvement programmes.

Wild, edible, and nutritious! Research and recipes reveal the benefits of regional Turkish plants

Researchers identified 39 wild edible plant species in Türkiye with high mineral content, particularly iron, zinc, and calcium. These findings highlight the link between local biodiversity and food and nutrition security, informing policy platforms and promoting youth engagement in foraging traditions.

Care gap: Hospital readmission rate for younger women is higher than for younger men after a heart attack

A new study found that younger women hospitalized with heart attacks had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and comorbidities compared to younger men. This led to higher rehospitalization rates and all-cause readmission rates, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve prevention strategies.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Second stem cell type discovered in mouse brain

Scientists at Heidelberg University have identified a second stem cell population in the mouse brain, which is primarily involved in producing new neurons in the olfactory bulb. This discovery refutes the single stem cell type theory and suggests that both apical and basal stem cells are responsible for adult neurogenesis.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 5, 2022

BU study: removing GRE requirement does not undermine student success

A recent Boston University School of Public Health analysis reveals that eliminating the Graduate Record Examination as an admissions requirement increased applicant diversity, with notable increases in African American and Hispanic applicants. Student performance remained unchanged, with no declines in academic quality or graduate emp...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 5, 2022

Expanding LDCT eligibility guidelines would increase number of women and blacks who benefit from screening

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that expanding low-dose CT screening eligibility criteria can increase access to screening for women and Black persons. The research found that widening eligibility guidelines reduced smoking exposure criteria increased lung cancer diagnoses among these groups.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 5, 2022

Breaking the glass ceiling in science by looking at citations

Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute used AI to analyze citation patterns in scientific papers and found significant differences between male and female scientists. Women's networks were more tightly clustered, indicating a stronger support network, while men's networks were more diverse and widely connected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Novel, non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers

A team of scientists has discovered a novel non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The new approach analyzes genes in blood samples to determine the likelihood of cancer spread, allowing for early interventions to prevent relapse.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Grandparents who stopped caring for grandchildren during the pandemic had worse mental health

A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Your genes determine whether you get ADHD or autism

Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Time-restricted eating reduces cardiovascular health risks associated with shift work for firefighters

A randomized clinical trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) is safe and feasible for 24-hour shift workers, improving glucose levels and blood pressure in those with cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who followed a TRE pattern experienced improved quality of life and reduced bad cholesterol.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Method for detecting waves of COVID-19 infections can shape critical public health decisions during a pandemic

A method combining local health department data and hospital records identifies new COVID-19 outbreak waves, helping inform public health strategies. Researchers detected two large waves in Harris County, with the second taking longer to spread, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and community collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Harpoon heads, sweeping tails: How predatory mosquito larvae capture prey

Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Orthopedic surgery patients do fine without opioid painkillers

A McMaster University study found that switching to non-opioid painkillers after surgery can significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve patient outcomes. The six-week study enrolled 193 patients who received either standard opioid-based painkillers or a combination therapy of naproxen, acetaminophen, and pantoprazole.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Study: Decreased proteins, not amyloid plaques, tied to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Research brief: Identifying patients with sarcoidosis at risk for bad cardiac outcomes

Researchers have identified specific magnetic resonance imaging features that indicate cardiac sarcoidosis patients are at higher risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, including ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest that patients with certain cardiac MRI features may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022