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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

How severe is the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared with earlier variants?

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from March 2020 to June 2022 to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared to earlier variants. The study found that BA.2 was associated with lower mortality rates and reduced need for hospitalizations, invasive ventilation, and intensive care admissions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

Fighting tumors with magnetic bacteria

Researchers controlled magnetic bacteria to cross blood vessel walls and infiltrate tumor tissue, delivering liposomes with fluorescent dye to demonstrate their ability to carry therapeutic agents. This approach may revolutionize bacterial cancer therapy by increasing efficacy and reducing side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Hemophilia: Training the immune system to be tolerant

A study by the University of Bonn elucidated an important immune mechanism crucial for making hemophilia treatment effective. The researchers found that regulatory T cells can activate a self-destruct button on B cells against factor VIII, leading to its tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Urine could play key part in future biotech systems

Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Aluminous silica: A major water carrier in the lower mantle

Researchers have discovered that aluminous silicas play a significant role in transporting water into the Earth's deep interior. These minerals can hold large amounts of water even at high temperatures, challenging previous assumptions about the water cycle in the mantle.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Pressure chamber therapy has been found to be effective in the functional improvement of autism

A Tel Aviv University study shows that pressure chamber therapy can improve social skills and reduce neuroinflammation in the autistic brain. The treatment, which involves high-pressure chambers with oxygen enrichment, was found to increase blood and oxygen supply to the brain, leading to improved brain function and social behavior.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 26, 2022

Controlling gut flora can reduce mortality in critically ill patients on life support

A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

Assessing the environmental impact of future ‘Higgs factories’

Researchers assessing the environmental impact of future 'Higgs factories' propose a new figure of merit: carbon footprint per Higgs boson produced. Circular colliders emerge as a promising option due to their excellent physics capability and energy efficiency, which could significantly reduce the environmental cost.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateOct 26, 2022

Study published in Endocrinology by Heritage College researchers finds disruption of the growth hormone receptor gene in adipose tissue results in increased lifespan in mice

Researchers discovered that stopping GH activity in fat cells improves health and increases lifespan in mice. The study found approximately 23% lifespan extension due to GHR disruption, with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced frailty scores.

SourceOhio University·JournalEndocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

PACS, EHR tool identifies incomplete, clinically necessary follow-up imaging

A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that a PACS tool improved completion rates of clinically necessary follow-up imaging. The tool identified socioeconomically disadvantaged patients at increased risk of failure, and referrer agreements played a crucial role in improving recommendations.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

New gene editing strategy could lead to treatments for people born with inherited diseases of the immune system

Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

A pocket full of water molecules – how actin filaments drive the cell’s motion

Researchers used cryo-EM to obtain high-resolution images of actin filaments in three states, revealing the movement of hundreds of water molecules and their role in ATP hydrolysis. The study provides new insights into the assembly and aging of actin filaments, potentially leading to therapeutic applications.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Effects of low-carbohydrate dietary intervention on A1C

A 6-month randomized clinical trial found that a low-carbohydrate diet intervention resulted in larger reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to usual diet among adults with elevated untreated HbA1c. The study suggests that this dietary approach may be useful for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2022

Simple machine may pave the way for more powerful cell phones and WIFI

Scientists from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a machine that uses surface tension of water to grab and manipulate microscopic objects, enabling nanoscopic manufacturing. The device can braid micrometer-scale fibers of synthetic material Kevlar, opening doors for high-frequency conductors.

Contact tracing data sheds light on COVID-19 spread in New York City

A study using contract tracing data in New York City found the city's program was efficient, producing data that informs neighborhood-level interventions like vaccination and reactive restriction. The researchers also identified large heterogeneity in reported close contacts and secondary infections across neighborhoods.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

Automatic text simplification: efficacy in the foreign language classroom

A study by Professor Dennis Murphy Odo found that automatic text simplification (ATS) software makes authentic materials more comprehensible for L2 learners with high reading proficiency. However, the tool's effectiveness is limited for learners with lower reading proficiencies. The researcher suggests that ATS tools need to be further...

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Linguistics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

New research shows link between workplace bullying and conspiracy beliefs

A new study by the University of Nottingham reveals that people who experience workplace bullying are more likely to engage in conspiracy theorizing. The research found that both bullying and conspiracy theories share similar psychological factors, such as feelings of paranoia. This can lead to a vicious cycle where victims of bullying...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalSocial Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

New class of porous metal nanoparticles will give rise to new capabilities in biomolecular absorption, chemical sensing and separations

Researchers from Northwestern University have synthesized open-channel superlattices with pores ranging from 10 to 1,000 nanometers in size. The new findings will enable the use of these colloidal crystals in molecular absorption and storage, separations, chemical sensing, catalysis, and optical applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2022