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Science News for May 4, 2020


Time to re-define sex-specific symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, say researchers

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women and men experience overlapping and distinct symptoms when presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Women are more likely to present with fatigue, pain between the shoulder blades, and shortness of breath, while both sexes often experience chest pain.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2020

Different kinds of white fat are important in disease

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered two subtypes of human white subcutaneous fat cells with distinct patterns of gene expression, which may help control whether cells become mature fat cells. This study highlights the potential of bringing together biology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to better understa...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2020

Rethinking tsunami defense

A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that park-like tsunami defenses, featuring strategically arranged green hills along coastlines, can provide an effective alternative to towering seawalls. These designs prioritize coastal access, ecological function, and community well-being while offering improved risk mitigation benefits.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020

Ophthalmology after COVID-19

Changes in ophthalmology practices and procedures have been reported following the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for adjustments to ensure patient safety and well-being. The study examines the impact of the pandemic on eye care services and provides insights into future directions for ophthalmology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 4, 2020

PCSK9 inhibitor with statin does not cause loss in memory, mental skills in high-risk patients

A study of 22,655 patients found that taking a PCSK9 inhibitor with a statin to achieve very low LDL-C levels did not cause increased incidence of neurocognitive impairments, including memory loss or reduction in executive functions. This confirms the safety of intensive LDL-C reduction for high-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2020

Eleven human genomes in nine days

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed an efficient de novo human genome assembly algorithm using the Shasta toolkit, achieving high accuracy and scalability. The algorithm can assemble a complete human genome in under six hours and costs around $70, paving the way for pangenome research to represent true human diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 4, 2020

Evolution of lions

Researchers analyzed genomic data of 20 lion specimens, including extinct cave lions from Siberia and India, finding a shared ancestor 500,000 years ago. The study suggests limited gene flow between modern lions' lineages after their divergence 70,000 years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020

TACC COVID-19 Twitter dataset enables social science research about pandemic

The TACC COVID-19 Twitter dataset enables researchers to analyze social media communications and identify trends in pandemic responses. The dataset, which contains over 40 million tweets, can be used for topic modeling, entity analysis, and event detection, facilitating discoveries about the spread of misinformation and racist messaging.

'Loss of pleasure' in teen sleep study

A global study of over 350,000 teens reveals that lack of sleep can lead to anhedonia, or loss of pleasure, as well as anxiety, anger, and significantly increased risk of depression. Easy interventions such as regulating screen time, delayed school starting times, and monitoring academic pressures can improve mental health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Medicine·DateMay 4, 2020

Software flaws often first reported on social media networks, PNNL researchers find

Research shows that software vulnerabilities are more likely to be discussed on social media before being reported on official databases, highlighting the potential for early warning systems. The study also found that nearly all commercial codebases contain at least one vulnerability, with an average of 64 vulnerabilities per codebase.

Study shows biocell collagen ingestion reduced signs of UVB-induced photoaging

A new study published in Journal of Functional Foods finds that daily BioCell Collagen ingestion reduces wrinkles, increases skin elasticity, and maintains hyaluronic acid content in humans. The supplement's unique matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid helps combat UVB-induced photoaging.

SourceMWWPR·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateMay 4, 2020

Public health training in climate change: What are prospective employers thinking?

Researchers found that 92% of employers believe public health professionals with climate change training will be in high demand in the next 5-10 years. Employers value skills such as knowledge of climate mitigation, health equity, and risk assessment. The study analyzed 16 years' worth of job postings to project future workforce needs.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 4, 2020

Study finds meditation and aerobic exercise relieves stress in medical school students

A study by Rutgers professor and medical student found that combining meditation with aerobic exercise reduces stress and rumination while enhancing the quality of life for medical students. The intervention, MAP Train My Brain, was developed by Shors and has shown positive outcomes in reducing stress and improving overall health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 4, 2020

Water-splitting module a source of perpetual energy

Rice University researchers have created a self-sustaining system that splits water to produce hydrogen fuel using solar power, with an efficiency of up to 6.7%. The device uses perovskite solar cells and catalytic electrodes to convert sunlight into electricity, which drives the electrochemical reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 4, 2020

Societies issue guide to safely resume cardiovascular procedures, diagnostic tests

The American College of Cardiology has issued a framework for safely reintroducing invasive cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The document highlights the need to prioritize patients with untreated cardiovascular disease and ensure fair access to care, while also protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2020

Activating an estrogen receptor can stop pancreatic cancer cells from growing

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania activate G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in human and mouse pancreatic cancer models, inhibiting growth and making tumors more sensitive to immunotherapy. This approach may improve efficacy of existing treatments in a type where PD-1 inhibitors have been ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 4, 2020

Study to determine incidence of novel coronavirus infection in US children begins

A NIH-funded study aims to measure the rate of novel coronavirus infection in US children and their family members, as well as the percentage of infected children who develop COVID-19. The study also explores whether asthma or other allergic conditions affect SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 4, 2020

How to put neurons into cages

Researchers at TU Wien and Stanford University have created tiny neuronal networks by printing 3D cages with microscale openings using two-photon polymerization and acoustic bioprinting. This allows for the growth of multicellular nerve tissue and the creation of connections between neurons, enabling targeted study of neural networks.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 4, 2020

Electrocardiogram shows value in college athletes' screens

A new study published in Heart Rhythm found that incorporating electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings into college athletes' pre-participation physical exams can detect cardiac conditions six times more effectively than physical exams alone. The study also showed improved cost efficiency per diagnosis, reducing costs by five-fold.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateMay 4, 2020

Labels on alcohol bottles increase awareness of drinking harms, guidelines

A series of Canadian studies found that conspicuous alcohol labels can increase awareness of drinking harms and guidelines, leading to a 6.9% decrease in total sales of alcohol. The labels provided information on the risks of alcohol consumption or drinking guidelines, improving knowledge of alcohol-related health risks such as cancer.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMay 4, 2020

Lipid biomarkers key to cardiac repair differences in blacks and whites after heart attack

A new study found that black patients have higher concentrations of activated fatty acids after a heart attack than white patients, indicating potential targets for personalized diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Researchers discovered distinct lipid biomarkers may offer new approaches to delay or prevent cardiac failure.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateMay 4, 2020

Crystal power

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 4, 2020

Viruses from poo can help combat obesity and diabetes

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that transplanted intestinal contents could be effective against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that obese mice with unhealthy lifestyles gained significantly less weight and avoided type 2 diabetes when they received viruses transplanted from the stool of lean mice.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGut·DateMay 4, 2020

User research at BESSY II: How new materials increase the efficiency of direct ethanol fuel cells

Researchers found that composite membranes with nanoparticles can increase proton conductivity in direct ethanol fuel cells, leading to higher efficiency and potential industrial scalability. This breakthrough has great implications for the use of renewable ethanol as a sustainable energy source.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMay 4, 2020