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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

Same same but different

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to detect intraspecies genomic diversity, or microdiversity, of uncultivated bacteria. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology and evolution, as previously overlooked variations are now being studied.

SourceKyoto University·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

New guideline may help improve testing for penicillin allergies

A new guideline published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy aims to improve the testing process for penicillin allergies among patients. The guidelines provide recommendations on patient selection, risk stratification, and drug provocation testing, aiming to reduce errors and ensure accurate diagnosis.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateSep 21, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

Patients experiencing virtual reality immersion during hand surgery required less anesthetic to keep pain at bay, indicating the potential of this non- pharmacologic distraction technique

Patients undergoing virtual reality immersion during hand surgery required significantly less anesthetic to manage pain, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacologic distraction method. The study compared VR immersion to monitored anesthesia care and found no significant differences in post-operative pain or anxiety levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 2022

Rooftop solar cells can be a boon for water conservation too

A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

How old is that fingerprint?

Researchers have identified two new unique molecular trends in fingerprint oils that can help estimate the age of a fingerprint. The presence of epoxides and an increase in medium-length fatty acids were found to be indicative of fingerprint aging.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 21, 2022

Lenabasum, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, is an effective and safe treatment for amyopathic dermatomyositis

Lenabasum has been shown to improve skin symptoms in patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammation and disease severity. The study's findings suggest that lenabasum is a well-tolerated treatment option for refractory skin disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

New research shows children exposed to natural disasters in the womb have higher rates of developmental psychopathology in a sex-specific manner

Researchers found that children prenatally exposed to Superstorm Sandy had substantially increased risks for depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorders. Male children had elevated risks for attention deficit and disruptive behavioral disorders, while female children had elevated risks for anxiety disorders.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

Hair finds new roots as urban farming growth medium

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a sustainable hydroponic substrate using keratin extracted from human hair. The substrate has been tested with microgreens, leafy vegetables, and seedlings of Arabidopsis and bok choy, showing promising results in terms of water retention and nutrient delivery.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 21, 2022

Scientists find evidence for food insecurity driving international conflict two thousand years ago

A new study reveals that declining agricultural yields due to climate change led to the rise of social shifts, militarization, and conflict in Palmyra around the middle of the third century. The research team used computer simulations to analyze ancient data, providing a new perspective on the city's history.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2022

The super-fast MRI scan that could revolutionise heart failure diagnosis

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a super-fast MRI scan that can diagnose patients with heart failure in record time. The new 4D heart MRI scan takes just eight minutes to produce detailed images of the heart valves and blood flow, helping doctors determine the best course of treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Radiology Experimental·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Artificial intelligence tools quickly detect signs of injection drug use in patients’ health records

Researchers developed an AI tool using natural language processing and machine learning to identify people who inject drugs in electronic health records. The model accurately identified PWIDs in 1,000 records from 2003-2014, significantly improving clinical decision making and resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

Heart attack risk increased among people with HIV and hepatitis C as they aged

Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 21, 2022

How does what we eat affect our healthspan and longevity? It’s a complex dynamic system

A recent study published in BMC Biology found that normal variation in dietary patterns affects the aging process. The researchers identified key patterns of specific nutrients associated with minimal biological aging, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to nutrition and aging. The findings suggest that balanced nutrient intak...

How white consumers helped drive discrimination by businesses

A new study from Ohio State University finds that white consumers' preferences played a significant role in driving discriminatory practices by private businesses against Black customers before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The study analyzed data from the Negro Motorist Green Book and found that counties with more Confederate monument...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeNews article·DateSep 21, 2022

Now you don't have to wait for smoke to know where fires are likely to occur

A new model developed by US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and the University of Montana forecasts which areas in the Great Basin have the highest probability of a large rangeland fire. The model combines measures of accumulated annual and perennial grass vegetation with recent weather and climate data.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022