169 articles from WEDNESDAY 8.6.2022

NASA's Webb telescope: Engineered to endure micrometeoroid impacts

Micrometeoroid strikes are an unavoidable aspect of operating any spacecraft, which routinely sustain many impacts over the course of long and productive science missions in space. Between May 23 and 25, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope sustained an impact to one of its primary mirror segments. After initial assessments, the team found the telescope is still performing at a level that exceeds all...

A bellwether for COVID-19

An analysis of data from university COVID-19 screening programs reveals omicron arrived earlier and took over more quickly than experts predicted. Data from university screening programs helped researchers alert hospitals about an imminent surge of omicron cases. The findings suggest university screening programs could be a valuable tool for surveillance of future infectious diseases.

Social isolation is directly associated with later dementia

Interdisciplinary study shows changes to brain structures associated with memory and cognitive function are directly linked to social isolation. The data shows that socially isolated people are 26% more likely to develop later dementia. The study has implications for health and social care policy, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Southern Ocean as never seen before

With the second version of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO v2), an international group of researchers recently presented the best and most detailed seafloor map of the Southern Ocean, which plays a pivotal role in the Earth system.

Walking towards healthier knees

A new study reveals that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain among people age 50 and older diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Additionally, findings from the study indicate that walking for exercise may be an effective treatment to slow the damage that occurs within the joint.