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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

Stem cell-derived organoids mimic human parathyroid tissue

Researchers have successfully isolated parathyroid stem cells and maintained them in lab as organoids for an extended period. These patient-derived parathyroid organoids (PTOs) closely mimic human parathyroid tissue, enabling the study of parathyroid diseases and drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Wearable device study in 88,000 people shows the heart health benefits of more intense physical activity

A new study using wearable devices found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk, even when total physical activity volume is increased. Increasing the proportion of intense physical activity within overall activity levels has an additional substantial benefit.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

What if ceramics were ductile?

Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022

Crossword puzzles beat computer video games in slowing memory loss

A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that crossword puzzle training significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities, reducing brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that engaging with familiar activities like crossword puzzles may be more effective than computerized co...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Building a 3D brain atlas

Researchers will map developing brains, identifying cell types, activities, and locations as they differentiate during development and change throughout childhood and adolescence. The project aims to learn more about normal, healthy brain development and better understand how diseases like autism, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's emerge.

High-end hotels manipulate reviews when competing with Airbnb

Researchers found high-end hotels inflate their ratings on platforms like Tripadvisor and Expedia when facing greater competition from Airbnb. The study, published in MIS Quarterly, suggests that hotels use fake positive reviews to counter negative reviews from rival hotels., Low-end hotels remain unaffected by Airbnb's presence.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMIS Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Traces of ancient ocean discovered on Mars

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline with substantial sedimentary accumulation on Mars' northern hemisphere. The discovery provides key insights into the planet's ancient climate and its evolution, as well as the potential for life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Climate change hurts crops yet boosts community spirit

Research suggests that climate change can increase trust among Vietnamese rural households, particularly during periods of poor rice yields. As temperatures rise, communities come together to help each other, leading to increased social cohesion and trust.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalPeace Economics Peace Science and Public Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Unveiling the dimensionality of complex networks through hyperbolic geometry

The study infers the dimensionality of complex networks using hyperbolic geometry, which captures relational structures in real-world domains. It reveals extremely low dimensions for molecular networks and higher dimensions for social networks and the Internet, with implications for network characterization and predictive capability.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2022

Node-centric expression models (NCEMs): Graph-neural networks reveal communication between cells

Researchers developed a new method to represent cell communication using graph neural networks, which uncovers the effects of tissue niche composition on gene expression. The node-centric expression models (NCEMs) identify cell-cell dependencies and molecular processes underlying cell communication.

Microbiota-derived genotoxic metabolites discovered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that gut microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease produce genotoxic metabolites called indolimines, which may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. The study identified a previously unknown family of DNA-damaging compounds produced by the CRC-associated gut microbe Morganella morganii.

New era of two-dimensional ferroelectrics

Researchers review emerging field of 2D ferroelectric materials with layered van-der-Waals crystal structures, offering new properties and functionalities not found in conventional materials. These materials show easily stackable nature, making them attractive as building blocks for post-Moore's law electronics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Reviews Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 27, 2022

Surface waves help map Mars interior

Scientists have detected seismic surface waves on Mars for the first time, providing new insights into the planet's crust and structure. The study estimates the average properties of the Martian crust between 3 to 18.6 miles below the surface, revealing faster seismic velocities that suggest compositional differences or reduced porosity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2022

Discovery of endocannabinoid gene mutation leads to identification of new, rare pediatric neurological disease

Researchers identified a new clinical syndrome, Neuro-Ocular DAGLA-related Syndrome (NODRS), in children with termination variants in the diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) gene. The study found that enzymatic activity was preserved despite mis-localization of the truncated protein.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Autistic people are more likely to experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy

A new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic parents are three times more likely to report prenatal depression and anxiety compared to non-autistic parents. The research highlights the need for effective mental health screening and support for autistic individuals during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2022

Novel bioink capable of constructing physiological blood vessels

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a novel bioink capable of constructing functional and mechanically strong blood vessels. The bioink enables bioprinting of conduits with key physiological characteristics similar to native vessels, potentially serving as vascular models for grafts in surgeries and disease studies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Engineers light the way to nerve-operated prosthetics of the future

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed optrodes that can measure neural activity using light, potentially revolutionizing medical technologies like nerve-operated prosthetics. The new approach addresses long-standing issues with impedance mismatch and crosstalk, paving the way for more complex neural networks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022