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Science News Archive October 2022 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Study sheds light on life cycle of tree roots

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method to study the life cycle of tree roots, shedding light on the decomposition process. They found that fine roots, which control nutrient uptake by trees, are discarded and decompose differently than leaf litter.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateOct 25, 2022

Superaerophobic polyethyleneimine hydrogels for improving electrochemical hydrogen production by promoting bubble detachment

Researchers at UNIST developed superaerophobic polyethyleneimine hydrogels to improve electrochemical hydrogen production by promoting bubble detachment. These hydrogels can be easily coated on electrodes, allowing for controlled pore size and porosity, leading to enhanced performance.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 25, 2022

Newly achievements and expectations of layered double hydroxides toward efficient, stable, fast oxygen evolution reaction

Researchers focus on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a crucial step in electrochemical water splitting. By summarizing four common strategies to improve OER performance, they aim to design more efficient electrocatalysts.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

UCLA researchers identify model for studying treatments targeting MS progression

Researchers at UCLA have identified an animal model that shares similarities with progressive multiple sclerosis, enabling studies of disability-improving treatments. The model reveals neurodegeneration features and effects on various parts of the brain and spinal cord, holding promise for future treatment discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2022

New enzyme inhibitor shows promise for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a small molecule capable of manipulating an immune process that plays a crucial role in cancers and autoimmune diseases. The newly identified enzyme inhibitor could enhance immune responses against tumors, increasing their visibility to T-cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

New study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado, and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than documented by CDC

A new study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than previously documented by the CDC. The study leverages citizen science data, revealing a critical need for increased tick surveillance and preventative measures against ticks.

SourceBay Area Lyme Foundation·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

HKUMed, University of Michigan and Johannes Kepler University Linz jointly discover the pan-coronavirus antiviral activity and mechanism of the molecularly engineered banana lectin H84T-BanLec

A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Ancient bacteria might lurk beneath Mars’ surface

A new study suggests that ancient sleeping bacteria could be found beneath Mars' surface, complicating efforts to search for life. The research team found that certain strains of bacteria can survive in Martian conditions, potentially contaminating future missions and posing biodefense risks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAstrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Study reveals soil moisture plays the biggest role in underground spread of natural gas leaking from pipelines

A new study has found that soil moisture content is the main factor controlling how far and at what concentration natural gas spreads from a leaked pipeline underground. The research team looked at over 300 soil samples and found that methane gas leaking from a pipeline does not spread as far when the soil moisture content increases.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2022

Carbonized polymer dots enhanced stability and flexibility of quasi-2D perovskite photodetector

Scientists developed a method to introduce carbonized polymer dots into quasi-2D perovskite photodetectors, improving their flexible stability without losing photo-response. The devices showed lower dark current and detectable light intensity, paving the way for high-performance flexible optoelectronic devices.

Liquid biopsies can detect which cancer patients may be at higher risk of developing additional blood cancers

Researchers found that liquid biopsies can detect clonal haematopoiesis, a condition placing patients at higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia. The study suggests that these patients should be referred for further evaluation to uncover actual risk and identify potential diagnostic pathways.

UCF researchers create lunar regolith bricks that could be used to construct Artemis base camp

Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Telehealth follow-up associated with increased returns and hospitalizations after emergency department visit

Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that telehealth consultations following an emergency department visit were associated with 28 more repeat ED encounters and nearly 11 more return hospital admissions per 1000 patients. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of when to use telemedicine for post-ED follow-ups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

New method to label proteins could help track disease

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute developed a new method to study proteins released by cells, which could lead to tracking diseases like cancer. The Bio-Orthogonal Cell line-specific Tagging of Glycoproteins (BOCTAG) method identifies proteins uniquely made by diseased or cancerous cells, even in complex environments.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Climate change is closing daily temperature gap, clouds could be the cause

Researchers found that climate change is closing the daily temperature range, with increased cloud cover being a key factor. The study used high-resolution modeling to simulate clouds and their impact on diurnal temperature variation, shedding light on how this will affect society and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2022

Common, usually harmless group of bacteria associated with higher death rates in kidney patients

Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 25, 2022

Predicting mortality risks using smartphones

Researchers used smartphone sensors to measure walking activity in 100,000 UK Biobank participants and developed predictive models of mortality risk. The study showed that just 6 minutes per day of steady walking measured by the sensor can accurately predict mortality risk, similar to physical measures.

Even good gene edits can go bad

Researchers at Rice University have developed a procedure to quantify unintended changes that accompany on-target CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, potentially threatening the efficacy and safety of therapies. The new method uses single-molecule sequencing with unique molecular identifiers to detect large deletions, insertions, and chromosomal...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Lower prostate cancer screening rates associated with subsequent increase in advanced cancers

A large-scale analysis of VA medical centers found that facilities with lower yearly PSA screening rates had higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer in subsequent years. The study supports the benefits of prostate cancer screening in reducing metastatic prostate cancer risk, particularly for high-risk groups like Black patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 24, 2022

Happily ever after? A new chapter for traditional fairy tales

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that fairy tales are a valid resource for teaching primary students about social justice and emotional intelligence. Experienced teacher Glenn Saxby suggests presenting fairy tales in a critical and inclusive manner to help explain complex issues to children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Australian Journal of Language and Literacy·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 24, 2022

NRG Oncology trial NRG-HN004 shows addition of durvalumab to radiation does not improve outcomes over cetuximab for head & neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with a contraindication to cisplatin, highlights need for further research

The NRG-HN004 trial found that radiotherapy with durvalumab did not improve progression-free survival or overall survival compared to cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a contraindication to cisplatin. The study highlighted the need for further research in this population.

Air pollution levels declined when US embassies installed monitors abroad and tweeted readings

The study found that fine particulate concentration levels decreased by 2-4 micrograms per cubic meter in host countries with embassy monitors. This reduction led to a significant decrease in premature mortality, resulting in annual health benefits of $127 million for the median city with an embassy monitor.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022