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Science News for July 13, 2020


Association of plant, animal protein with long-term mortality

A study of over 400,000 US adults found that higher long-term consumption of both plant and animal proteins was associated with increased risk of death. The researchers discovered a non-linear relationship between protein intake and mortality risk, suggesting that moderate levels of protein may be protective against mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

New theranostic agents show efficacy in prostate cancer treatment in preclinical studies

Researchers developed a novel radioiodinated PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceutical that can be produced in high yields without generating volatile byproducts. The agent shows exceptional effectiveness for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in preclinical studies, targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

Pencil-and-paper-based electronics

Flexible on-skin electronics made from pencil traces on paper can record various biomedical signals such as temperature, heart rate, and glucose levels. The technology has the potential to enable transdermal drug delivery and provides a cost-effective solution for monitoring vital signs in low-resource medical settings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Antilupus drug prevents low heartbeat condition in newborns

A new study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers shows that the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) in newborn babies, a rare and sometimes fatal condition. CHB affects as many as one in 15,000 live births and is strongly linked to immune proteins in mothers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2020

Black women often ignored by social justice movements

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that Black women are often viewed as more similar to Black men than to white women, leading to their exclusion from anti-racist and feminist movements. This 'intersectional invisibility' can result in Black women facing higher rates of police abuses and domestic violence.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·DateJul 13, 2020

Plant-based diets promote healthful aging, according to new editorial

A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJul 13, 2020

State-driven resettlement in southern Peru

A recent study using ancient DNA, archaeological artifacts, and written records confirms the existence of state-enforced resettlement in 15th century southern Peru. The research reveals that nonlocal people were forcibly relocated to support the economy and quell threats to authority, transforming the Andean sociopolitical landscape.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

KIST identified cause of external pressure-induced performance deterioration in solar cells

Researchers have identified the structural changes and metallization caused by external pressure in hybrid Perovskite solar cells. The study provides a theoretical explanation for phase transition and metallization, paving the way for high-performance solar cell materials that can withstand extreme environments.

COVID-19: Back to the future

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of innovative healthcare service delivery models. Healthcare providers are turning to digital platforms and remote care options to stay afloat.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

Dream on

Daydreaming can have significant upsides for creativity, particularly in professions where workers deeply care about their work. However, when professional identification is lacking, daydreaming compromises performance. The study's findings suggest that most businesses could benefit from removing the stigma around daydreaming at work.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 13, 2020

Breakthrough in deciphering birth of supermassive black holes

Astronomers have discovered one of the lowest-mass supermassive black holes (SMBHs) ever observed, weighing less than a million times the mass of our Sun. The finding provides a major step in understanding how SMBHs are formed and challenges the long-held assumption that they were born with extremely large masses.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 13, 2020

The new tattoo: Drawing electronics on skin

Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that pencils can conduct energy when drawing on paper, allowing for the creation of bioelectronic devices. The devices can be used for personal health monitoring, education, and remote research, offering a low-cost and simple alternative to existing commercial devices.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Well-off countries need trade to cut environmental woes

A new study in Nature Sustainability shows that international trade improved the sustainable development goals of 70% of developed countries but reduced them by over 60% for developing countries. The research found that trading with distant countries had more environmental benefits, as close neighbors often share similar constraints.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020

Racial disparities in COVID-19 are clear; better data, more targeted action needed

Racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths are clear, with African Americans disproportionately impacted by infection rates and death. The investigation calls for more complete surveillance data and targeted strategies to engage trusted community leaders and improve safer working and living conditions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 13, 2020

New bioink for cell bioprinting in 3D

A research group at Linköping University has developed a dynamic bioink that allows cells to survive and thrive during 3D printing. The bioink's properties can be modified as required, enabling the creation of tissue-mimicking materials with tailored functionalities.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBiofabrication·DateJul 13, 2020

For every COVID-19 death, 9 close family members are left to grieve

A new analysis reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in nearly 1.22 million Americans losing a close relation, with young people and Black Americans disproportionately affected. The study found that each death corresponds to approximately 9 bereaved individuals, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the crisis on families.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Electron cryo-microscopy: Using inexpensive technology to produce high-resolution images

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have successfully determined the structure of ferritin using an affordable electron cryo-microscope, achieving resolutions comparable to expensive equipment. This method enables collaboration on structural analysis of samples with medical and biotechnological potential.

Jumping course

Scientists have discovered three ways that deltas can respond to sea level rise, depending on the balance between sediment supply and rate of sea-level change. This understanding has significant implications for climate change and human interference, with potential impacts on river ecosystems and societal stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Significantly less addictive opioid may slow progression of osteoarthritis while easing pain

A novel study by Keck Medicine of USC researchers reveals a potential new opioid medication that can slow the progression of osteoarthritis while easing pain. The medication, which activates the kappa opioid receptor, has been shown to preserve cartilage in joints and alleviate pain with reduced risk of addiction.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJul 13, 2020

University research and the private sector

A University of Illinois study using neonatal pigs found that pectin at 0.2% in milk replacer was safe for infants, a breakthrough made possible by public-private partnerships. The research highlights the benefits of collaborations between universities and industry, enabling faster innovation and high-quality science.

Childhood maltreatment may be linked to heart disease in adulthood

Research published in the journal Heart found that adults who experienced childhood maltreatment are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with women being particularly vulnerable. The study analyzed data from 157,311 participants and found associations between all types of maltreatment and increased risk of CVD in both sexes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateJul 13, 2020

Examine narratives to end policy deadlock, boost agricultural development in Africa, economists say

Researchers argue that one-sided narratives shape the dichotomy between state-led and market-led approaches to promote agricultural development. A combination of state-led initiatives, donor-funded or market-led approaches, and input subsidy programs can work if there is evidence-based policy learning between both camps.

Green is more than skin-deep for hundreds of frog species

Hundreds of frog species have a green coloration due to a biochemical workaround that combines a virus-fighting protein with a toxic bile pigment, not relying on traditional skin chromatophores. This adaptation ensures good camouflage in leafy environments and has evolved over 40 times across different families of treefrogs.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

More lonely deaths in hospitals and nursing homes from COVID

A Northwestern University study found that COVID-19 patients are 12 times more likely to die in a medical facility than patients who died from any cause in 2018. The high rate of deaths in hospitals and nursing homes highlights the need for improved end-of-life care, including access to virtual communication with families.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 13, 2020

Severely damaged human lungs can now be successfully recovered

A multidisciplinary team from Columbia Engineering and Vanderbilt University has successfully recovered severely injured donor lungs using a cross-circulation platform. This method provides intrinsic biological repair mechanisms over long periods, enabling the recovery of lungs that cannot be saved by standard clinical EVLP.

Consumer-created social media visuals capture consumer brand perceptions

Consumer-created social media visuals are reflective of consumer brand perceptions, according to researchers who developed a new model called BrandImageNet. This model maps images to perceptual attributes of a brand, allowing firms to automatically monitor consumers' brand perceptions and evaluate their positioning strategies.

Study shows humans are optimists for most of life

Researchers found that people tend to become more optimistic as they age, with a significant increase during young adulthood. Despite major life events, such as divorce or illness, people generally remain positive about their future, finding ways to maintain emotional balance and focus on happiness.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 13, 2020

Researchers present concept for a new technique to study superheavy elements

The new LRC approach enables the investigation of superheavy elements with extreme sensitivity, even at low production quantities. By combining laser spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry, researchers can unveil element-specific emission spectra, providing valuable insights into the electronic structure of these exotic atoms.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2020

New solar material could clean drinking water

Researchers developed a new aluminum panel that concentrates solar energy to evaporate and purify contaminated water, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses a burst of laser pulses to etch the surface of aluminum, creating a super-wicking and light-absorbing surface that can efficiently purify water.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020

Patients overestimate the success of CPR

Research found patients significantly overestimating CPR success and understating its negative impact. Clinicians should discuss CPR with patients to clarify success rates and risks before consent is given. The study highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in end-of-life care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 13, 2020

Study finds weight loss surgery cost disparity

A new study from the University of Georgia finds that bariatric weight loss surgery is more expensive for public insurance patients compared to private insurance. The study analyzed a national dataset and found that Medicare patients paid the highest average cost per surgery, while publicly insured patients paid more overall.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalClinical Obesity·DateJul 13, 2020

Study links attraction to 'tyrannical' leaders to dysfunctional family dynamics

A recent study by San Francisco State University found a correlation between adolescents who reported high conflict at home and those who later identified socially undesirable traits as ideal leadership qualities. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced high conflict in their childhood were more likely to prefer tyranni...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Leadership & Organizational Studies·DateJul 13, 2020

About nine family members to suffer grief from every COVID-19 fatality

A study by Penn State researchers found that every COVID-19 death will impact around nine surviving close family members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The multiplier effect may help raise awareness about the disease's ripple effects and inform policies on family leave and paid leave.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Modelling study predicts surge in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths due to COVID-19 pandemic

A modelling study predicts that COVID-19 could lead to a significant increase in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The study suggests that prioritizing antiretroviral therapy, timely diagnosis and treatment of TB, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets could mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 13, 2020

Better vaccines are in our blood

A new vaccine platform technology called Erythrocyte-Driven Immune Targeting (EDIT) successfully slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice by delivering antigens to antigen-presenting cells in the spleen. The approach uses red blood cells as delivery vehicles, generating an immune response without the need for adjuvants.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Bird droppings carry risk of antibiotic resistance

A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2020

Researchers find the worst reason to give a gift

Researchers found that gifts intended to save time are seen as compliments, while those meant to save money are perceived as a reflection of the recipient's lower status. In real-world situations, people who received money-saving gift cards reported feeling embarrassed and believed the giver thought they were incompetent.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJul 13, 2020

Power of DNA to store information gets an upgrade

Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Partnerships with health systems can provide support to nursing homes during pandemic

Nursing homes face extreme challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, but partnerships with health systems can support better staffing, virus testing, and data sharing. This collaboration can facilitate reduced hospital readmissions, improved safety of transitions of care, and ultimately improve care for vulnerable populations.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 13, 2020

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2020

Turning off 'junk DNA' may free stem cells to become neurons

A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020