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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 37


Page 37 of 38

Recycling greenhouse gases

The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

COVID radar: Genetic sequencing can help predict severity of next variant

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a computer model that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze the genetic sequence of the COVID-19 virus and predict the severity of new variants. The model provides an early warning system for public health officials, allowing them to prepare accordingly.

SourceDrexel University·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2022

YouTube more likely to direct election-fraud videos to users already skeptical about 2020 election’s legitimacy

A new study by New York University found that YouTube's recommendation algorithm prioritized election-fraud-related videos for users already skeptical about the 2020 presidential election's legitimacy. This highlights the dangers of opaque algorithms perpetuating misinformation and disinformation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Less risk, less costs: Portable spectroscopy devices could soon become real

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new method for detecting alcohols using zero- to ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with the SABRE-Relay hyperpolarization technique. This innovative approach enables measurements without strong magnetic fields, reducing device size and potential ...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 1, 2022

The American Association of Feline Practitioners and EveryCat Health Foundation Announce Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Diagnosis Guidelines

The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines provide essential information for veterinarians to diagnose FIP, a fatal viral disease affecting young cats. The guidelines offer helpful tips, images, and tables to assist clinicians in recognizing FIP symptoms.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateSep 1, 2022

Combing light with sharper teeth

The study reveals that noise sources in the micro resonator can cause the lines to be narrower than previously thought, enabling more precise measurements. By understanding this phenomenon, researchers can develop even more accurate devices, such as instruments measuring signals at light-years distances.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Less is more: dimensionality reduction as a general strategy for more precise luminescence thermometry

Researchers have developed a method to increase precision in luminescent nanothermometers using dimensionality reduction. By automating the selection of a thermometric parameter, they achieve thermometric approaches with precision below 0.1 degrees Celsius.

Cannabis users no less likely to be motivated or able to enjoy life’s pleasure

A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found no difference in motivation or enjoyment between adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis use was not linked to apathy, anhedonia, or brain response to rewards. The findings contradict common stereotypes portrayed in media.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2022

Variation matters: Genetic effects in interacting species jointly determine ecological outcomes

A recent study published in PNAS found that genetic effects in interacting species jointly determine ecological outcomes. The research, led by Utah State University geneticist Zach Gompert, reveals that individual variation matters and has consistent effects on caterpillar growth across multiple butterfly populations and species.

SourceUtah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

People who were most physically active fared worse during the pandemic

A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that physically active adults experienced worsened mental health during the pandemic, with increased anxiety symptoms in men and depression symptoms across both sexes. Those who reduced physical activity had fewer depression symptoms.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 1, 2022

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals evolutionary innovations in reptile and amphibian brains

Researchers used single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to investigate cell type evolution in reptiles and amphibians, revealing diverse cell types and regions that evolved independently. The studies also highlighted the importance of data sharing and the power of accumulating single-cell data from multiple species for evolutionary co...

Will Paris succeed? Research assesses if governments will make pledges a reality

A new study from the University of California San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that countries with bold pledges are more likely to achieve their goals. Europe takes the lead, while the US is not expected to meet its commitments. The study suggests that better systems for checking on country compliance are needed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeSurvey·DateSep 1, 2022

Death from space

Research team analyzes impact craters to understand environmental effects of small asteroid collisions. They found distinctive charcoal assemblages, suggesting that fragments of trees shattered by impacts were intermixed with local material ejected from the crater.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 1, 2022

Global analysis identifies at-risk forests

Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2022

Microbial communities stay healthy by swapping knowledge

Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that high levels of horizontal gene transfer help keep microbiomes stable and efficient, allowing for the creation of bespoke systems for environmental cleanup and biofuel production. The study suggests a dynamic division of labor among microorganisms enables robustness and flexibility.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Review suggests ‘parent-centred’ approach to medical imaging can enhance emotional connection to the unborn baby during pregnancy

A systematic review of twenty-three studies suggests that sonographers can positively enhance parents' feelings towards their unborn baby by making imaging examinations a truly parent-centred experience. This approach can allay feelings of anxiety and stress in parents, helping them feel more informed and reassured about the health and...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 1, 2022

New study in Earth Science Frontiers suggests lacustrine shale reserves can bolster China’s energy independence

A new study published in Earth Science Frontiers reveals that lacustrine shale oil reserves in China have significant potential to shape energy security and geopolitics. The research identifies optimal conditions for shale oil accumulation, including high organic content and thermal maturity, as well as characteristics of these deposits.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2022

Insufficient insulin processing leads to overweight

A study by University of Basel researchers found that insufficient insulin production contributes to overweight, challenging the long-held belief that poor nutrition and lack of exercise cause weight gain. The research revealed a key enzyme's role in hormone activation, leading to severe hunger and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2022

New in the Hastings Center Report

The current Medicaid sterilization waiting period for females is clinically unjustifiable, according to the authors, who argue for its revision. The US healthcare industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with a data-driven action plan proposed for carbon reduction.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2022

Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops

Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 1, 2022

Researchers expand and upgrade the 1000 Genomes Project resource using high-coverage whole-genome sequencing and improved analytic approaches

The expanded 1000 Genomes Project resource now includes nearly all parent-child trios alongside the original samples, sequenced at high coverage using Illumina NovaSeq instruments. This comprehensive analysis presents significant improvements in variant calls, especially among rare SNVs, INDELs, and SVs.

SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2022