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Science News for May 6, 2020


Intel from an outpatient COVID-19 clinic

A new analysis of outpatient COVID-19 clinic data provides clues to distinguish between patients with COVID-19 and those with other conditions mimicking its symptoms. Key findings include fever not being a reliable indicator, COVID-19 often presenting with various permutations of cough without fever, and loss of the sense of smell as a...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 6, 2020

Green tea may help with weight loss efforts

A study of randomized controlled trials found that consuming green tea led to a significant decline in body weight and body mass index. However, the analysis did not reveal any notable changes in waist circumference after supplementation.

SourceWiley·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateMay 6, 2020

A new biomarker for the aging brain

A study published in Brain found that a lag in blood drainage from the deep region of the brain is associated with ventriculomegaly and can be detected with MRI. The researchers identified this biomarker as a potential predictor for dementia and ventriculomegaly, which can be reversed by removing excess fluid.

SourceRIKEN·JournalBrain·DateMay 6, 2020

Examining health insurance nondiscrimination policies with mental health among gender minority individuals

Researchers analyzed a large private health insurance database to investigate the association between health insurance nondiscrimination policies and mental health outcomes in gender minority individuals. The study found significant disparities in access to mental health care and treatment, highlighting the need for policy changes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2020

Trial questions benefits of organic nitrates for bone health

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that organic nitrates do not have a clinically relevant effect on bone mineral density or bone turnover in postmenopausal women. The treatment caused significant side effects, casting doubt on previous research reporting large positive effects of nitrates on bone health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 6, 2020

Regularly attending religious services associated with lower risk of deaths of despair

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regularly attending religious services is associated with a lower risk of deaths from despair, including suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning. The study showed significant associations between service attendance and reduced risk for both women and men.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2020

Indicators of cancer may also be markers of heart failure

A new study discovered that tumor markers for various cancers also predict heart failure severity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The study found strong correlations between cancer markers and known heart failure indicators, suggesting a relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2020

Research found a new way to make functional materials based on polymers of metal clusters

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla and Xiamen University have discovered a novel method for creating functional macroscopic crystalline materials. The material exhibits highly anisotropic electrical conductivity, with significant differences in behavior along its polymer direction versus perpendicular directions. Theoretical mo...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2020

Work-related PTSD in nurses

A recent analysis of published studies found PTSD is a global issue affecting nurses, with varying prevalence rates. Workplace factors such as exposure and organization support, as well as relationships at work and home, were identified as contributing to PTSD symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateMay 6, 2020

Use of emergency contraceptive pills among Scandinavian women

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that one-third of Scandinavian women have used emergency contraceptive pills at least once. The study identified higher education, smoking, and age at first intercourse as factors associated with ECP use.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMay 6, 2020

Researchers present a microbial strain capable of massive succinic acid production

A research team has developed a microbial strain capable of producing succinic acid with the highest production efficiency to date. The strain, isolated from a Korean cow's rumen, was engineered through systems metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering to produce 134 g per liter of succinic acid.

Unveiling the structure of SARS-CoV-2

Structural biologists successfully modeled the novel coronavirus' vital proteins, which could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs. Advances in technology and expertise from similar coronaviruses enabled rapid progress in determining protein structures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 6, 2020

Cholesterol lowering drugs linked to improved gut bacteria composition in obese people

Research finds that statin drugs may modulate disrupted gut microbiota and inflammation in obesity, with improved Bact2 enterotype composition in treated individuals compared to non-treated counterparts. Statin therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects via improvement of an aberrant gut microbiota.

Using AI to map marine environments

Researchers developed an AI algorithm using Probabilistic Generative Modelling to classify underwater environments from simulated sonar measurements. The technique achieved an average accuracy of 93% and has potential applications for climate change monitoring and sustainability of human activities in fragile environments.

What influences adolescents to continuously use e-cigarettes?

A study of 1,556 Korean adolescents found that those who used e-cigarettes for longer periods reported being influenced by the belief they were less harmful than cigarettes. Frequent users were also more likely to have higher weekly allowances and be exposed to second-hand smoke at home.

SourceWiley·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateMay 6, 2020

Living in a rural environment enhances mental well-being among the elderly

A recent study conducted by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona discovered a direct link between the rurality of an environment and improved mental well-being in older adults. The study found that individuals living in rural areas had significantly better levels of mental well-being compared to those residing in urban o...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 6, 2020

Programming with the light switch

A research team has created a system that uses light-reactive photo switches to control the formation and degradation of DNA building blocks. This allows for the creation of self-assembling structures with adaptable properties, opening up new possibilities for developing synthetic materials inspired by living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2020

Marketing claims for infant formula should be banned, argue experts

Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 6, 2020

Unique 3D-images reveal the architecture of nerve fibers

Researchers at Lund University have used synchrotron light to create high-resolution 3D images of nerve fibers in diabetes. The study reveals that damaged nerve fibers grow back in a spiral pattern, leading to regenerative clusters. Understanding this process could lead to new treatment principles for diabetes-related nerve damage.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 6, 2020

Going against the trend

Researchers discovered that sea-ice changes are the most probable cause for the cooling of surface waters in the Southern Ocean. Simulations show that stronger winds propelled sea ice into the open ocean, enhancing freshwater transport and creating a stratified seawater layer with reduced heat exchange.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 6, 2020

Prime time for lower extremity artery disease

A recent trial demonstrated that an intensified antithrombotic regimen comprising rivaroxaban and aspirin reduces major adverse limb events by 46% compared to aspirin alone. The review highlights the need for better evidence on antithrombotic treatment in peripheral vascular interventions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateMay 6, 2020

Children don't know how to get proper nutrition information online

A new study found that children's lack of digital health literacy can lead to misinterpretation of nutrition information and adoption of adult recommendations. Researchers recruited 25 children aged 9-11 who struggled to find credible sources and accurately determine portion sizes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 6, 2020

Graphene sets sail in microgravity

Researchers demonstrate laser-propulsion of graphene sails in microgravity, accelerating prototypes up to 1 m/s². The scalable design minimizes sail mass, paving the way for human lifespans to reach other star systems.

SourceSCALE Nanotech·JournalActa Astronautica·DateMay 6, 2020

Day services benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease

A study of 161 Japanese adults with Alzheimer's disease found that day service users experienced significant improvements in cognitive function over six months. The Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed notable enhancements in orientation, attention, memory, language, and visual-spatial skills.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychogeriatrics·DateMay 6, 2020

High reliance on urgent care centers may disrupt primary care in children

A study of over 4 million children found that those relying on urgent care centers for more than a third of their outpatient needs had fewer visits to primary care providers, potentially missing preventative services like vaccinations. This may lead to concerning health impacts down the road if regular primary care is displaced.