Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 30, 2021


Report: Autistic individuals have increased risk of COVID-19

Research from Drexel University's Autism Institute identifies higher odds of living in residential facilities, receiving outside caregiver services, and having high-risk health conditions among autistic adults, as well as those with intellectual disability and mental health diagnoses. These groups are more likely to contract COVID-19 a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalAutism·DateAug 30, 2021

Low-sodium salt prevents stroke

The Salt Substitute and Stroke Study found that replacing regular salt with low-sodium alternatives lowers the risk of stroke, cardiovascular events, and mortality. The study also showed no increased risk of serious adverse events related to hyperkalaemia, providing clear evidence for an effective and affordable intervention.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

Struggling to learn a new language? Blame it on your stable brain

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed light on why it's difficult to learn a second language as an adult. Researchers found that clusters of neurons in the speech cortex fine-tune themselves as listeners gain familiarity with foreign sounds, indicating a crucial step in language learning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021

Can devices that never wear out come into reality?

Scientists at Tsinghua University have successfully created micro-scale devices that can slide for up to 100 km without wear or friction. The devices use structural superlubricity, which enables near-zero friction and zero wear during sliding, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 30, 2021

Lattice softness: Key to the identification of metals with high

Researchers have discovered that lattice softness is the dominant factor affecting a metal's ability to hydrogenate, enabling the expedited development of hydrogen storage materials. This parameter can also be used to evaluate the hydrogenation ability of intermetallic compounds.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2021

‘Smart’ shirt keeps tabs on the heart

A Rice University lab developed a 'smart' shirt that gathers accurate EKGs and heart rates using conductive nanotube thread. The fibers, just as conductive as metal wires but washable and comfortable, provided better data than standard chest-strap monitors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Hidden in the seeds: Bacteria found to survive the harsh interior of passion fruit seeds

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiologyOpen·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Learning from a ‘living fossil’

A Spartan-led team has assembled the most complete picture of the bowfin genome to date, revealing striking similarities between bowfin gas bladder development and human lung development. This breakthrough provides a better model for studying human health and disease, with potential implications for understanding evolutionary history.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 30, 2021

Biofuel potential from wastewater ponds

Researchers at Flinders University have created a cost-effective way to harvest microalgal biomass from wastewater ponds, producing a sustainable source of biofuels. The high-rate algal pond model uses algae and bacteria to treat wastewater, reducing treatment time to 5-10 days and minimizing costs.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAlgal Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021

Convection-permitting Model Reveals New Features of Atmospheric Water Cycle over Asian Water Tower

A new study using convection-permitting models reveals improved simulations of precipitation and atmospheric circulation over the Tibetan Plateau. The models reduce the wet bias in simulated precipitation by 47% and improve the simulation of large-scale circulation, leading to better moisture transport into and out of the plateau.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateAug 30, 2021

Robot-assisted therapy can help treat stroke survivors, study finds

Researchers at UTHealth found that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial for stroke survivors, correcting impaired walking patterns and increasing motor coordination. The study used the Ekso 1.1 exoskeleton to guide patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis in a 10-15 session training program over thre...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 30, 2021

Has Hong Kong lost its luster? HKU Ecologists reconstructed Hong Kong's marine ecosystem over the last 100 years Worried that climate and metal pollution may have a negative impact on the biodiversity

Climate change and metal pollution have substantially altered Hong Kong's marine communities, particularly in eastern waters, according to a recent study published in Anthropocene. The researchers used small fossil shells to reconstruct the ecosystem over the last 50-100 years, revealing significant impacts on rare species.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAnthropocene·DateAug 30, 2021

Companion dogs may be a key to solving dementia

Research found a strong correlation between Aβ42 peptide levels in companion dog brains and cognitive decline, supporting the use of dogs as models for Alzheimer's disease. The study's results demonstrate the potential of canine cognitive dysfunction as a tool for understanding human aging and age-related diseases.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Artificial Intelligence approach helps to identify patients with heart failure that respond to beta-blocker treatment

A new AI approach has been developed to identify patients with heart failure who will benefit from beta-blocker treatment. The study found that the AI method could accurately predict response to beta-blockers in both normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Proning manoeuvre dramatically improves COVID-19 patients’ blood oxygen levels

A new protocol for prone positioning has been developed to improve oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients at high risk of dying. The technique, which involves turning patients on their front, shows dramatic improvements in oxygenation and is cost-effective, with studies suggesting longer periods may be more beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Journal of Frailty & Aging·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 30, 2021

Researchers explore how people respond to wildfire smoke

Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2021

Researchers take step toward using cellular motion to help wound healing

Scientists at Princeton University have created a novel approach to directing skin cells using an electrical field. By breaking molecular connections between cells and applying an electric field, researchers were able to improve the controllability of tissues and potentially optimize wound healing through electrical stimulation.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

New tool can predict risk of death, hospitalization for patients awaiting cardiac surgery; New series on artificial intelligence in medicine

Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2021

Study shows how a racing heart may alter decision-making brain circuits

A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers discovered that certain neurons in the brain's decision-making centers monitor body-state dynamics and hijack the decision-making process during intense states of arousal. This suggests that changes in heart rate and other bodily responses can impact the brain's ability to make rational decisions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

UMass Amherst research finds ‘very low rates’ of dental fluoride varnish treatment for young children

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that fewer than 5% of well-child visits for privately insured young children included a recommended dental fluoride varnish application. This is concerning given the importance of this service in reducing tooth decay among children, which affects nearly 25% of 2- to 5-year-old...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine elicits antibodies in 90% taking immunosuppressants

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

Tropical coral species at extreme risk from climate change, new study finds

A new study found that tropical coral species in Western Australia's Kimberley region and offshore reefs are at risk of disappearing or moving south due to climate change. The research predicts a significant decline in coral biodiversity across the entire WA coastline, with many species likely to be driven to local extinction.

SourceCurtin University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

New archaeological discoveries highlight lack of protections for submerged Indigenous sites

A new study highlights the need for a national policy to protect submerged Indigenous sites, which are at risk due to climate change, dredging, and seabed mining. Archaeological discoveries off the Pilbara coastline in Western Australia have uncovered ancient stone tools, rock art, and engravings dating back over 7,000 years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2021

CHOP researchers find bystander CPR with rescue breathing leads to better outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that bystander CPR using only chest compression has similar outcomes to not using CPR at all for infants experiencing cardiac arrest. In contrast, children who received CPR with rescue breathing had nearly 1.5 times better neurological outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2021

Dragged along by micro-swimmers

Researchers have developed a new model for micro-swimmer-based transport, which shows that a swarm of micro-swimmers can transport particles more efficiently than traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that this phenomenon could be useful in biological applications, such as delivering drugs to specific locations in the body.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Novel assessment of platelet-rich plasma treatment shows efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis

A pilot study found that a single injection of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (PRP) significantly improved functional mobility, pain, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study supports the use of this combined approach to evaluate emerging biological therapies for musculoskeletal disorders.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalRegenerative Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

COVID-19 antibody study shows downside of not receiving second shot

A recent Northwestern University study reveals that receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine significantly boosts immunity against COVID-19. The research found that even prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 does not guarantee high antibody levels or robust response to the first vaccine dose, contradicting common assumptions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

Dual-action breast cancer compounds aim to overcome common drug-resistance issues

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a set of compounds that target estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells in two different ways, potentially overcoming common drug-resistance issues. The compounds work by distorting the shape of the estrogen receptor and binding with two different molecular side chains, offering a n...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

How can I avoid heart disease or stroke?

The European Society of Cardiology's new guidelines emphasize the importance of individualized risk estimation and tailored treatment approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation as key measures to reduce CVD risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2021

Hobit turns immune cells into killers

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have found that innate lymphoid cells can specialize into killer cells that recognize and kill tumour cells. The study reveals a new transcription factor, Hobit, drives this specialization process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

New mathematical solutions to an old problem in astronomy

Theoretical astrophysicist Kevin Heng has discovered an entire family of new mathematical solutions for calculating phase curves, enabling the analysis of data in seconds. These solutions have major implications for interpreting data, such as analyzing the Cassini spacecraft's Jupiter phase curves to infer a cloudy atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Houston Methodist researchers identify over 50 long-term effects of COVID-19

A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that over 50 long-term effects of COVID-19 have been identified, ranging from mild to debilitating symptoms. The research team analyzed data from 47,910 patients and found a substantial burden of Long COVID, with neurological symptoms and cardiovascular issues being notable findings.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Both sucrose and high fructose corn syrup linked to increased health risks

A University of California, Davis study found that consuming sucrose and high fructose corn syrup can increase liver fat and decrease insulin sensitivity, highlighting the need for consumers to read labels carefully. The study also found no significant differences between the effects of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination elicits antibody response in vast majority of immunocompromised patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy

A prospective cohort study found that nearly 90% of immunocompromised patients developed an antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, suggesting potential protection against severe illness. The response was weaker than in healthy participants but still encouraging for immunocompromised individuals.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

A multi-site, multi-disorder, resting-state magnetic resonance image database

A multi-site, multi-disorder resting-state magnetic resonance image database was compiled to harmonize data from patients with various diseases, measured at 14 sites. The dataset comprises over 2,400 samples and includes 'traveling-subject' data to minimize inter-site differences.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalScientific Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Trial does not support early coronary angiography in cardiac arrest without ST elevation

The study found that immediate coronary angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation is not superior to a delayed/selective approach. The composite secondary endpoint of all-cause death or severe neurological deficit at 30 days occurred more frequently in the immediate angiography group.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

A drug costing less than €2 a day helps in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients

A study by researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III found that metoprolol significantly reduced lung infiltration and improved oxygenation in severely ill COVID-19 patients. The treatment also led to a shorter stay in the ICU and fewer days on mechanical ventilation.

Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Ablation and biventricular pacing boosts survival in selected atrial fibrillation patients

The APAF-CRT trial shows that ablation plus cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in severely symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with narrow QRS. The therapy is superior to pharmacological rate control, supporting it as a first-line t...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2021

Recreational marijuana legalization and co-use with alcohol among adolescents

A new study found that recreational marijuana legalization may increase the risk of alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents in California. The study suggests that restricting access to retail outlets, hours of operation, advertising, and imposing higher taxes on products may help reduce this negative public health effect.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Tracking genetically modified animals

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develop methods to enhance mechanical properties of hydrogels, including toughness, stretchiness, and adhesive strength. By introducing dopamine and alkaline conditions, they create gel-like materials with improved biocompatibility and regenerative capabilities.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Beavers are well established and moving through the Oregon Coast Range, study finds

A new study from Oregon State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center found that beavers in the Coast Range of western Oregon exhibit relatively strong genetic differentiation, shaped by watershed boundaries and past relocations. The researchers recommend relocating beavers within watershed...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 30, 2021

Mouth-to-mouth bystander CPR preferable method for pediatric cardiac arrest

New study finds that rescue breathing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is preferable to compression-only CPR for infants, children, and adolescents in case of cardiac arrest. Rescue breathing CPR was associated with higher odds of favorable neurological outcomes and overall survival compared to compression-only CPR.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Cu researcher and colleagues offer standards for studies using machine learning

Researchers offer standards for machine learning studies in life sciences to promote reproducibility and advance knowledge. The bronze standard requires data, code, and models to be publicly available, while the silver and gold standards add more information to facilitate duplication of training processes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Methods·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2021

High cod catches could have been sustained in Eastern Canada for decades, simple stock assessment method shows

A simple stock assessment model applied to 500 years of catch data shows that northern Atlantic cod biomass is currently around 2% of its earlier level. Annual catches could have been sustained at around 200,000 tonnes if authorities had allowed rebuilding in the 1980s.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Want to play college sports? A wealthy family helps

A new study found that U.S. high-school athletes from higher-income families with well-educated parents were more likely to play sports in college. The research contradicts the traditional story of how sports often help underprivileged kids succeed in American society. Athletic merit was still a strong predictor of participating in col...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSociology of Sport Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Increased survival with eye melanoma in clinical trial

A new combination treatment has shown significant tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The treatment, which targets HDAC and PD-1 proteins, was found to work better in tumors with active BAP1 genes, a key discovery that may lead to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

Preparation versus relief: Understanding public support for natural disaster spending

A new study reveals that public opposition to disaster spending is driven by a lack of knowledge about the benefits of preparedness rather than personal experience with natural disasters. The study found that investing in disaster preparedness yields significant cost savings compared to relief efforts, but many Americans remain unaware...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2021

The flower clock: How a small protein helps flowers to develop right and on time

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Nanjing University discovered a small protein, KNUCKLES, that plays multiple roles in ensuring the correct timing of floral development. This discovery reveals a regulatory pathway where KNUCKLES supports the completion of floral meristem development within a short time window.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021

Remote learning shown to be effective for preparing clinicians as wheelchair-skills trainers

A new study by Spinal Cord Injury Model System investigators found that remote wheelchair-skills training increases clinician confidence in teaching peers. The training program improved trainees' ability to navigate real-world spaces, empowering them to engage with their communities. This innovative approach has the potential to expand...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021

1-month dual antiplatelet therapy post-stent implant benefits high bleeding risk patients

The MASTER DAPT trial found that one month of dual antiplatelet therapy preserves ischemic benefits and reduces bleeding risk in high bleeding risk patients. Abbreviated DAPT was noninferior to standard DAPT in terms of net adverse clinical events, but superior in reducing major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

‘Stop prescribing hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine review recent randomized trials, concluding that hydroxychloroquine poses significant harm in treating COVID-19. The study suggests a halt on prescribing the medication, recommending vaccination and masking instead as effective public health strategies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2021