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Science News for October 1, 2020


Study: Sleep apnea treatment reduces heart problems in patients with prediabetes

A new study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can lower daytime resting heart rates in patients with prediabetes who have obstructive sleep apnea, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Optimal CPAP treatment also lowers heart rates during the day, similar to regular exercise.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2020

Pathogens in the mouth induce oral cancer

Research finds that oral cancer is promoted by periodontal pathogens and can be inhibited by a bacteriocin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. The study offers new insights into the development of oral cancer and suggests potential therapeutic applications for nisin, a commonly used food preservative.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 1, 2020

Two molecular handshakes for hearing

Researchers create detailed models of tip links, crucial components of the inner ear, to shed light on how hearing works. The study reveals key dynamics and interactions between proteins that form tip links, providing new insights into hearing loss and balance disorders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2020

Decent living for all does not have to cost the Earth

A new study estimates that the energy needed to provide decent living standards in 2050 could be met with less than 40% of today's global energy, roughly equivalent to levels in the 1960s. The research suggests that sweeping changes in consumption and widespread deployment of advanced technologies are necessary for achieving this goal.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateOct 1, 2020

Men predominate in 85%+ COVID-19 decision-making/advisory bodies globally

A global analysis found that men predominate in over 85% of expert groups and task forces, with women making up just 11.5%. This 'disturbingly accepted pattern' of health governance underpins ineffective responses and costs lives. To combat this, experts advocate for truly representative membership, open communication, and inclusive da...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateOct 1, 2020

Novel treatment method

A new treatment method for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) has been patented by East Carolina University associate professor Stefan Clemens. The method targets the increased D1 receptor levels in RLS patients suffering from augmentation, leading to reduced activation and improved long-term efficacy.

Marketing study investigates impact of Viagra TV ads on birth rates

A marketing study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers found that Viagra TV ads contributed to higher birth rates in areas with more ED drug ads. The study used a quasi field experiment design and considered factors such as weather, socioeconomic status, and advertising quality. The results suggest a 0.04-0.08% increase in tota...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateOct 1, 2020

COVID-19 infects majority of bad dreams -- study

Researchers analyzed crowdsourced data from over 800 people during COVID-19 lockdown and found that 55% of bad dreams had pandemic-specific content. AI-assisted analytics identified recurring themes, including failures in social distancing, coronavirus contagion, and dystopia.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 1, 2020

Black lives also matter in cancer care

Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center found that disparities in cancer outcomes for Black patients are largely caused by unequal access to healthcare. The study examined Medicare data for individuals with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, controlling for factors such as stage of diagnosis and treatment receiv...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 1, 2020

Research: COVID-19 is echoed in dreams

A study analyzing nearly a thousand individuals' nightmares during the COVID-19 pandemic found that more than half featured pandemic-related themes. The study used AI-based analysis to identify recurring word associations in dreams, revealing 'dream clusters' that echoed the apocalyptic atmosphere of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 1, 2020

Risk of heart disease in breast cancer patients can be predicted from routine scans

Researchers used computer analysis of CT scans to identify women at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with those having the highest CAC score showing a 3.7 times greater risk. The study showed that treating breast cancer means finding a balance between tackling tumors and minimizing side effects, including cardiovascular disease.

Would menthol cigarettes be banned if the typical consumer was young, white and upper-middle class?

A new study suggests that banning menthol cigarettes could avert over 630,000 deaths and benefit communities of color. The research highlights the disproportionate preference for menthol among young smokers, Black smokers, lesbian and gay smokers, bisexual smokers, and those with mental health problems.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateOct 1, 2020

Researchers hear more crickets and katydids 'singing in the suburbs'

A study by Penn State researchers found that suburban areas support the highest number of cricket and katydid species due to intermediate levels of urbanization. The use of aural point count surveys offers a simple and efficient method for monitoring and mapping insect populations, providing vital insights for conservation efforts.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateOct 1, 2020

Noble metal clusters can enhance performance of catalysts and save resources

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have discovered that noble metal clusters are more reactive than individual atoms, allowing for improved removal of exhaust gases. The clusters exhibit optimal structure for high activity, enabling the development of catalysts with enhanced stability and long-term performance.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateOct 1, 2020

Study: Unnecessary stress testing performed prior to knee and hip replacement surgeries

A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that 30,000 out of every 100,000 stress tests performed each year were unnecessary for patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgeries. Despite a decrease in overall stress testing since 2006, the study highlights the need for educational initiatives to improve the utilization of me...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 1, 2020

Are organ transplant recipients at greater risk of death from COVID-19?

A new study published in Transplantation found that organ transplant recipients are at a higher risk of death from COVID-19 due to the use of hydroxychloroquine treatment. The study examined data from COVID-19 positive adult solid organ transplant recipients and non-transplant patients matched by age, race, and hospital admission status.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTransplantation·DateOct 1, 2020

How cells build organisms

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Long-term care after Medicaid expansion

A recent study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly reduced long-term home health care and nursing home use among newly eligible low-income adults and older adults. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better management of chronic conditions, resulting in lower rates of institutional care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 1, 2020

Sticking together

Researchers find that cell adhesion proteins and a gradient of signaling molecule Sonic Hedgehog work together to create precise sorting of cells into domains. By combining experiments from biophysics, genetics, and developmental biology, the team successfully solves the puzzle of how patterns are created in developing organisms.

Internet gaming youth not more prone to psychiatric disorders

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found no connection between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychiatric problems in children. In contrast, children with IGD symptoms showed lower anxiety levels two years later, potentially due to social interactions or gaming as a distraction.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2020

TGen and HonorHealth study suggests alternative method of diagnosing lung infection

Researchers propose endotracheal aspirates as an attractive alternative to invasive bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study revealed that ETA is functionally diverse and highly enriched in proteins involved in immunity, suggesting its potential to detect lung infection earlier and more accurately.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 1, 2020

Clinician survey reveals significant variation in ultrasound-guided PIV insertion

A new survey among vascular access and emergency department clinicians reveals clinically meaningful differences in ultrasound-guided peripheral IV (UGPIV) procedures and supplies. The study highlights the urgent need for standardized and consistent UGPIV practices to minimize contamination and promote patient safety.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of the Association for Vascular Access·DateOct 1, 2020

Pattern in whale songs predicts migration

Researchers at Stanford University have identified patterns in blue whale songs that indicate migration from feeding grounds to breeding grounds. The study uses advanced recording technologies to analyze whale song wavelengths, revealing a distinct change over several months.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 1, 2020

Dementia caregivers' stress leads to sleep deprivation

A recent study by Edith Cowan University found that 94% of Australian dementia caregivers are sleep-deprived, which can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, were common among participants.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateOct 1, 2020