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Science News for December 16, 2020


Study highlights stark inequality in survival after cardiac surgery between paying and NHS patients

A new study found that paying patients undergoing cardiac surgery in England have a 20% lower risk of death or complications compared to NHS patients. The researchers controlled for socioeconomic factors and concluded that a complex interaction between socioeconomic and health system-related factors exists for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateDec 16, 2020

Ensuring a proper body plan

The discovery sheds light on how a subtle deviation in the development process can be detrimental to individual survival and reproductive success. The study reveals that Kdm7a regulates Hox gene expression, which is crucial for embryonal morphogenesis and vertebrate body plan development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Flexible and powerful electronics

Researchers at University of Tsukuba develop a new carbon-based electrical device, π-ion gel transistors (PIGTs), with improved conductivity. The innovative technology may lead to the creation of flexible electronics and efficient photovoltaics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 16, 2020

Some neurons target tiny cerebral blood vessel dilation

A team of Penn State engineers found a connection between nitric oxide-expressing neurons and changes in arterial diameters in mice, shedding light on brain function and aging. The researchers discovered that approximately half of the dynamic range in blood vessel diameter is controlled by a small group of neurons.

Suicide mortality in Maryland during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study analyzed differences in suicide deaths by race/ethnicity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. The results showed a significant increase in suicide mortality among certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2020

Aroma diffuser and plastic bag offer inexpensive method to test fit of face masks at home

A team from the University of Cambridge has created an affordable solution for assessing the proper fit of N95 and similar sealing masks, utilizing a simple home aroma diffuser and large plastic bag. This setup can perform similarly to commercial qualitative fit-testing solutions without the high costs associated with them.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateDec 16, 2020

Extracting precious zinc from waste ash

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have created a unique method to extract valuable metals like zinc from fly ash produced by incinerating solid waste. This innovative approach can help reduce environmental pollution and increase the profitability of waste incineration, while also promoting a more circular economy.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·DateDec 16, 2020

Characterising cold fusion in 2D models

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding cold fusion through a new 2D modelling approach. By directly calculating the probabilities of fusion reactions involving muonic pairs of tritium atoms, the team found that these processes are 1 billion times more likely to occur than in 3D systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 16, 2020

Patients don't receive recommended follow-up care after weight loss surgery

A new study found that many weight loss surgery patients in the UK are not receiving annual nutritional monitoring and weight checks as recommended by clinical guidelines. This can lead to serious health consequences, including weight regain and nutrient deficiencies. The study's lead researcher calls for improved support for GPs and p...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 16, 2020

Suicide risk among patients with Parkinson disease

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2020

Teaching artificial intelligence to adapt

Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a computational model of brain activity that simulates how humans adapt to new situations. The model, which incorporates the concept of 'gating' to control information flow, outperforms previous models and mimics human mistakes seen in patients with prefrontal cortex damage. This breakthro...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Modulating cells' chloride channels

Scientists have discovered how a key protein channel regulates ion transport across cell membranes, with implications for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurological pain. The research found that the channel's function depends on its variant and is regulated by PIP2 binding and phosphorylation.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Rethinking health and human rights

Paul Farmer, a renowned global health expert, has been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, social inequality, and human rights. His impactful ideas have reshaped how we think about health and disease, particularly in resource-poor communities.

New guideline supports behavioral, psychological treatments for insomnia

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 16, 2020

Giving cells an appetite for viruses

Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.

Crowdfunding can affect consumer product choices -- especially when the products do good

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that crowdfunding activates an interdependent mindset in consumers, making them more responsive to social good options. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were offered products with different benefits, including social good and performance benefits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 16, 2020

COVID patterns

A team of researchers has found evidence that UV radiation from sunlight significantly affects COVID-19 transmission. By analyzing daily COVID-19 cases and environmental conditions, they discovered a correlation between UV exposure and the growth rate of new cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Proenkephalin (penKid®) included in the ADQI consensus statements publication as functional kidney biomarker for the management of AKI patients

The ADQI consensus statement recommends using a combination of damage and functional biomarkers to manage Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Proenkephalin penKid is proposed as a marker for assessing AKI progression and kidney recovery, with CE-IVD marked assay available for point-of-care usage.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 16, 2020

How the spread of the internet is changing migration

A study of over 150 countries links Internet penetration with migration intentions and behaviours, suggesting that digital connectivity plays a key role in shaping migration decisions. The association between Internet use and intention to migrate is stronger among women and those with less education, particularly for economic migrants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2020

Researchers identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder

Researchers analyzed Medicaid databases to identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid recipients. Prior overdose, alcohol use disorder, and back problems were associated with non-enrollment, while frequent emergency room visits or primary care provider visits were linked to timely enrol...

SourceBrown University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 16, 2020

Secret of Australia's volcanoes revealed

Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

Neuroregenerative gene therapy

A research team led by Prof. Gong Chen has developed a novel gene therapy approach to regenerate functional new neurons using local glial cells in the injured spinal cord. This method uses internal glial cells and directly converts them into neurons, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with spinal cord injury.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Do the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms?

The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Coral can acquire their symbiotic algae from giant clam poop!

Researchers have discovered that corals can acquire their symbiotic algae from the fecal pellets of giant clams. This finding suggests a novel route for the transportation of Symbiodiniaceae to corals, which could have significant implications for our understanding of coral-algae interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

A pair of lonely planet-like objects born like stars

Researchers have discovered a binary system of brown dwarfs, orbiting each other at an unprecedented distance, with one object being similar in mass to Jupiter and the other about 8 times less massive. This rare find suggests that star formation processes can create binary systems like those found in our solar system on smaller scales.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 16, 2020

African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group may perform better in school

A new longitudinal study published in Child Development found that African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group in school achieve better grades one to two years later. The study suggests that a positive sense of community and interdependence is key to success for these students.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 16, 2020

Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

A recent study by Brazilian researcher Emmanuel Albuquerque de Souza shows that maresin and resolvin produced from omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation. This finding has significant implications for regenerative therapy in treating periodontal disease.

Carbon capture's next top model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMembranes·DateDec 16, 2020

New viral detection technique uses smartphone camera to diagnose various infections

Scientists developed a novel smartphone-based technique to diagnose viral infections using a deep learning algorithm that identifies viruses in metal nanoparticle-labeled samples with 98.97% sensitivity. The system correctly identified clinically relevant concentrations of Zika, hepatitis B and C in patient samples.

Patients with COVID-19 and obesity have poor outcomes not driven by inflammation

A new study suggests that COVID-19 patients with obesity have poor outcomes, but this is not due to increased inflammation. Instead, respiratory issues and other factors may play a role. The researchers found that patients with obesity had lower inflammatory markers on hospital days, which could contribute to their poor clinical outcomes.

Low-intensity exercise during adolescence may prevent schizophrenia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that low-intensity exercise during adolescence can significantly reduce abnormal behaviors in a mouse model of schizophrenia. The study suggests that mild exercise habits during development could have a powerful preventative effect in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 16, 2020

Cells resistant to treatment already present before diagnosis of adult leukaemia

Researchers discovered that cancer cells resistant to adult leukemia treatment are already present in tumors before diagnosis, according to a new study published by IRB Barcelona. The study analyzed genome sequencing data from 19 adult patients and found that these resistant cells were undetectable at the time of diagnosis.

Pandemic fears driving firearm purchases

A Rutgers study found that people intending to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months are less tolerant of uncertainty and experience more severe COVID-19 specific fears. Essential workers and those who have worked in law enforcement are more likely to consider purchasing firearms as a means of safety during uncertain times.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 16, 2020

Training methods based on punishment compromise dog welfare

Dogs trained with aversive methods showed increased cortisol levels and stress-related behaviors compared to those trained with reward-based methods. The study suggests that aversive training techniques may have a negative impact on dog welfare, especially when used at high frequency.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Pregnant women excluded from three-quarters of COVID-19 treatment trials

A review of international trial registry data reveals that pregnant women are routinely excluded from most clinical treatment trials for COVID-19, despite being at increased risk of severe illness. The authors argue that this exclusion poses a significant risk to the potential effectiveness and safety of treatments for pregnant women.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 16, 2020

Energy transition at the crossroads: New topical issue inRussian Journal of Economics

The Russian Journal of Economics' new issue explores the complexities of energy transition amid global crises, including health, economic, environmental, political, and humanitarian crises. Researchers examine emerging trends in global energy markets, renewable energy sources, and geopolitical implications of energy policy changes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalRussian Journal of Economics·DateDec 16, 2020

Towards circular economy: European manufacturers tend not to report on their actions

A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology found that large European manufacturing companies prioritize environmental impact reports over circular economy principles. The researchers analyzed 226 companies' GRI reports and discovered a lack of disclosure on product lifecycle extension, material reuse, and recycling technologies.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateDec 16, 2020

How much greenhouse gas emission comes from tropical deforestation and peatland loss?

Studies in Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru found that forest conversion to agriculture and degradation slows carbon and nitrogen cycles, affecting greenhouse gas flows. Methane removals decreased by up to 47% and nitrous oxide emissions dropped by 52%, but results are equivocal for peatland degradation.

What lessons can medicine learn from Father Christmas?

Doctors suggest Father Christmas's skills can inform medical practice, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and empowering team members to raise concerns. They also emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness in high-pressure situations like Christmas Eve deliveries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

UC Study: Suicide watch more important now than ever

Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal behaviors, including ideation, planning, and attempts, between 2015-2018. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues and developing effective coping skills to prevent suicide. Key risk factors include African Americans, younger adults, sexual min...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCrisis·DateDec 16, 2020

One in five doctors in Sweden has a doctor parent

A Swedish study reveals that one in five doctors has at least one parent who is also a trained medical professional. The finding suggests that the profession may be increasingly hereditary, which could impact patient outcomes and the diversity of the healthcare workforce.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

A well-rooted study

A recent study led by UC Santa Barbara's Marc Mayes investigates how patterns in tree water loss to the atmosphere relates to groundwater supplies. The results validate at landscape-wide scales ideas that scientists have proposed based on decades of research.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalHydrological Processes·DateDec 16, 2020