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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 21


Page 21 of 38

Study suggests portable thermal imaging could help assess hand hygiene technique among healthcare professionals

A pilot study published in AJIC suggests that portable thermal imaging cameras can detect color changes reflecting drops in temperature after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The findings have promise for improving hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Infants, young children finally get relief from eczema’s terrible itch

A new biologic drug has been found to be highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and young children. The study showed that more than half of treated children experienced a 75% reduction in eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep and increased ability to lead normal lives.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2022

Researchers found novel topology-correlation interplay in toy-model system built from an iridate superlattice

Researchers have found a novel topology-correlation interplay in an iridate superlattice-based system, leading to anomalous Hall effects and giant magnon gaps. This discovery could provide valuable insights for investigating topology-related physics in other correlated materials.

Experimental test promises to predict side-effects and cancer’s return in patients treated with immunotherapy

A new study found that a single research test can predict which patients are likely to experience severe side effects or have their cancer recur after treatment with immunotherapies. The test uses autoantibody signatures to identify patients at risk of immune-related adverse effects.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

‘Digital mask’ could protect patients’ privacy in medical records

A team of scientists created a digital mask that can erase identifiable features from facial images while retaining disease-relevant information, allowing for precise diagnosis and reducing the risk of data breaches. The study found that patients are more willing to share their medical data if such a measure is implemented.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga reveal new data on the evolution of the hominid cranium

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga have found that humans uniquely combine increased brain size with a juvenile cranial shape. The analysis of four new hominid fossils and modern great ape samples shows changes in cranial development, including a negative growth of the neurocranium and a positive growth of the splanchnocranium.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

“Blanket-covered” single-molecules: a breakthrough in revealing the origin of life

Researchers at POSTECH have developed a method to observe single molecules at room temperature, revealing their structural dynamics and conformational heterogeneity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the origin of life, identifying causes of incurable diseases, and developing treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2022

High school students with disabilities achieve better outcomes in inclusive academic settings

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that high school students with disabilities who spend 80% of their time in general education classrooms score higher on state reading and math assessments. This is the second phase of a previous study that showed similar results for younger students with disabilities, highlighting ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Special Education·DateSep 15, 2022

Reverse-engineering the brain to decode input signals from output neuron firing

A team of researchers from Japan successfully reconstructed common brain input signals from the firing rates of neurons using a method called superposed recurrence plot. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and potential treatments for mental health disorders.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Pushing the boundaries of chemistry: Properties of heaviest element studied so far measured at GSI/FAIR

Researchers at GSI/FAIR have studied the chemical properties of flerovium, the heaviest element with known properties, and found it to be the most volatile metal in the periodic table. The new results show that flerovium is inert but capable of forming stronger chemical bonds than noble gases under suitable conditions.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination rates at NYC schools varied significantly by race/ethnicity and borough

A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates in NYC schools differed significantly by race and ethnicity, with majority Asian students having the highest rate at 66.2%. Vaccination rates also varied by borough, with Manhattan having the highest rate and Staten Island the lowest. The study suggests that understanding these diffe...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Fitness trackers reveal links between exercise, memory, and mental health

A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Popular sport fish are behaviorally impaired from exposure to crude oil, study finds

Researchers found that sublethal levels of crude oil exposure in popular sport fish like mahi-mahi leads to altered behavior, decreased survival and reduced spawning. The study also showed impacts on vision, olfaction and swimming performance in oil-exposed fish.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Byzantine solar eclipse records illuminate obscure history of Earth's rotation

Researchers in Japan analyzed Byzantine Empire texts to identify five total solar eclipses near Eastern Mediterranean. This study improves understanding of the Earth's rotation and sheds light on variations in day length over time. The new data refine models of global phenomena, such as sea-level and ice-volume variability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateSep 15, 2022

Chemical trends in the high thermoelectric performance proved in pyrite-type dichalcogenides

The study investigates three pyrite-type IIB-VIA2 dichalcogenides with promising thermoelectric performances. The researchers found that localized high-frequency optical phonons and soft phonon modes contribute to low thermal conductivities and excellent electrical transport properties, leading to enhanced thermoelectric performance.

How songbirds’ striking colors put them at risk

Researchers found that unique coloration makes songbirds more sought after as pets, threatening their populations and the aesthetic value of nature. The study identifies nearly 500 bird species at risk due to their colors, emphasizing the need for sustainable trade regulations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Second-hand smoke a possible asthma risk for future generations, study finds

Researchers found that children are more likely to develop asthma if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke as a child. The study also shows that the risk is higher for children whose fathers smoked themselves. Epigenetic changes may be responsible for passing on this increased risk through generations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

New mechanism extends life of immune system

Researchers discovered a telomere transfer reaction between immune cells that extends their lifespan and confers long-term protection. This 'anti-ageing' mechanism has potential clinical applications for diseases like cancer and dementia, and may enable people to live healthier and longer.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

The hemispheres are not equal: How the brain is not symmetrical

Research found that human brain hemispheres have distinct functional patterns, with regions on the left and right sides specialized for different tasks. Individual differences in these arrangements were heritable, suggesting genetic influence, while environmental factors also play a role. The study also compared humans to monkeys, find...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Electrically controlled exchange-bias effect discovered in magnetic van der Waals heterostructures

Researchers have discovered a way to electrically control the exchange bias effect in FePS3–Fe5GeTe2 van der Waals heterostructures. By introducing protons into the interface, they were able to switch the exchange bias effect on and off. The findings have significant implications for the development of spintronics devices.

NIH-funded team develops method to identify future SARS-CoV-2 mutations that could affect rapid antigen test performance

A NIH-funded team developed a method to evaluate how mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein affect recognition by antibodies used in rapid antigen tests. The study found that none of the major past and present variants of concern contain N protein mutations affecting diagnostic antibody performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Machine learning gives glimpse of how a dog's brain represents what it sees

Researchers at Emory University used machine learning and fMRI to analyze a dog's brain activity while watching videos. The results show that dogs are more attuned to actions in their environment than to who or what is performing the action. This study offers proof of concept for decoding canine visual perception.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Immunotherapy reduces lung and liver fibrosis in mice

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

T cells use force to destroy cancer cells

Researchers at UNSW Sydney discovered that T cells use mechanical forces to propel lytic granules towards cancer cell membranes. The study found that the shape of the target membrane plays a crucial role in T cell-mediated cancer cell killing, with a bias towards outwardly curved membranes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Catalytic membrane electrode with Co3O4 nanoarrays for simultaneous recovery of water and generation of hydrogen from wastewater

This study introduces a robust electrochemical strategy using Co3O4 nanoneedle arrays to simultaneously recover water and generate high-purity hydrogen from wastewater. The membrane electrode exhibits superior decontamination efficiency and stability, overcoming diffusion limitations of traditional plate electrodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateSep 15, 2022

Pediatric patients undergoing surgical stent removal report minimal amounts of postsurgical pain

Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2022