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Science News Archive September 2022 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Game-changing new theory upends what we know about how charged macromolecules self-assemble

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that uniformly charged macromolecules can self-assemble into large structures through dipole-dipole interactions. This finding highlights the importance of dipoles in biological assembly processes and offers new insights into life's fundamental mysteries.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Emergence of a game changer in the field of medical microrobots

Researchers at DGIST have developed a mass production method for biodegradable microrobots that can disappear into the body after delivering cells and drugs. The microrobots were created using a high-speed manufacturing method and were able to move to a desired location by controlling an external magnetic field. The stem cell carrying ...

Study finds tactile impressions add product value

A study conducted by researchers at Hiroshima University found that smartphone users are willing to pay a premium for different surface textures on their phone covers. The study's findings suggest that the commercial viability of surface texture has not been empirically examined, but could be an important aspect of product design.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE Access·DateSep 26, 2022

New research provides employment figures of kidney transplant recipients

A recent study in the Netherlands provides an estimate of the proportion of working-aged kidney transplant recipients who are employed and identifies characteristics associated with lower work functioning. Despite side effects of immunosuppressive therapy and fatigue, stable kidney transplant recipients often function well at work.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 26, 2022

Tiny sea creature’s genes shed light on evolution of immunity

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Diagnosis of a genetic cause in hundreds of people with motor neuron disease could be missed due to “arbitrary age limits and rules” on genetic testing new study shows

A new study found that arbitrary age limits and rules on genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could be missed, leading to thousands of potential cases going undetected. The researchers argue that genetic testing should be open to all patients with ALS, regardless of age or family history.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

New understanding of the inner world of lysosomes

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a protein called Spns1 that transports broken-down phospholipids out of lysosomes and into the cytoplasm, where they can be recycled. This finding further understanding of the role of lysosomes in lipid metabolism and disease, particularly in rare genetic disorders.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

In pursuit of better batteries

A team of University of Missouri researchers is working to understand why solid-state lithium-ion batteries struggle with performance issues. They will use a specialized electron microscope and thin film polymer coatings to study the interface between the battery cathode and electrolyte, with the goal of developing an engineered interf...

Fermi’s ground-breaking figure

Fermi's simple sketch of a radial wave function led to the development of the pseudopotential concept, widely used in ultracold atom research and quantum computer studies. Gould explains how Fermi's intuition applied concepts to seemingly unrelated areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateSep 26, 2022

Fecal transplantation: an effective remedy for life-threatening intestinal infections

A new study conducted by researchers from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital shows that fecal transplantation is an effective cure for life-threatening intestinal infections, with a cure rate of over 90%. The treatment was found to be far superior to the standard treatment, which typically consists of antibiotics.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2022

Study finds increased risk of cancer in children to mothers with epilepsy using high-dose folic acid during pregnancy

A new study has found a potential link between high-dose folic acid use in pregnant women with epilepsy and an increased risk of childhood cancer. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that children born to mothers who took high-dose folic acid supplements during pregnancy may be at higher risk of developing cancer.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 26, 2022

Screening for pregnancy anxiety in the first and third trimesters can help reduce early births

A new UCLA study has found that anxiety specific to pregnancy and childbirth is associated with shorter gestation times and earlier births. Screening for depression in pregnancy and postpartum is now common, but adding an evaluation for anxiety could identify women who need interventions for healthier pregnancies and babies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Psychology·DateSep 26, 2022

What besides redox conditions? Impact of sea-level fluctuations on redox-sensitive trace-element enrichment patterns in marine sediments

This study found that sea-level fluctuations, rather than redox conditions, drive the enrichment of redox-sensitive trace elements in marine sediments. Sediment Mo and U concentrations are coupled with glacio-eustatic fluctuation, revealing a complex relationship between benthic redox history and seawater circulation model.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Collaborative home-based palliative care model helps people die at home rather than hospital

A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Life’s stresses can make people focus more on their romantic partner’s negative behavior

A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Improving workplace injury compensation requires input from vulnerable workers

A new study found that vulnerable workers react to unfair claims processes with confusion, anger, and disappointment, highlighting the need for improved communication and support. The research aims to inform worker compensation systems and policymakers to address procedural unfairness and promote better outcomes for injured workers.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·DateSep 26, 2022

Dozens of newly discovered gravitational lenses could reveal ancient galaxies and the nature of dark matter

Scientists have confirmed 68 strong gravitational lenses, transforming our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter. The discovery uses machine learning algorithms to identify thousands of potential lenses, opening a new window into studying mass distribution in distant galaxies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

What keeps plant roots growing toward gravity? Study identifies four genes

Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Study of veterans finds post-traumatic stress disorder and conditions such as substance misuse, are associated with a cellular marker for early death

A new study finds that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, are associated with a higher risk of premature death. The researchers discovered that a cellular marker called GrimAge, measured through DNA methylation patterns, is linked to adverse clinical outcomes ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2022

Molecular-level design strategy could hold the key to boosting commercial hydrogen production

Researchers develop a novel approach to increase proton transfer kinetics, enabling efficient industrial-scale water splitting. The new strategy, which integrates molecular-level proton acceptors into the catalyst, improves oxygen evolution reaction rates and achieves high current densities at low overpotential.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2022

Looking at light radiation to halt viruses in their track

A new study explores the use of light radiation to disrupt viral functionalities and eliminate viruses, including HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. The researchers reviewed rapid advances in physical irradiation methods for viral inactivation, showcasing recent validation experiments toward efficient viral elimination.