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Science News for August 4, 2021


Study finds improvement for those receiving medication for opioid use disorder with contingency management used

Contingency management has been shown to be efficacious in addressing key clinical problems among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder. The study found that CM improved outcomes on psychomotor stimulant use, polysubstance use, illicit-opioid use, cigarette smoking, therapy attendance, and medication adherence.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 4, 2021

Up in smoke

Researchers developed a method combining meteorological models with NASA satellite data to estimate smoke height and predict its downward spread. This can help forecasters issue accurate warnings for nearby residents, protecting those with lung and heart conditions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateAug 4, 2021

Study links high lipid levels in early pregnancy with congenital heart disease in children

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that pregnant women with elevated blood lipids, particularly triglycerides and Apolipoprotein-B, were more than twice as likely to deliver children with congenital heart disease. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good health during pregnancy an...

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 4, 2021

Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021

A new way to treat PTSD?

Researchers discovered a new way to treat PTSD by targeting epigenetic modifications. Combining two natural products, SAMe and vitamin A, reversed PTSD-like behaviors in animals. This approach offers hope for a non-toxic treatment that addresses the underlying genetic cause of the disease.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2021

Researchers discover new strategy for developing human-integrated electronics

Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed a new approach called click-to-polymer (CLIP) to attach functional units to polymer semiconductors, overcoming limitations in their functionality. The CLIP method enables the creation of multifunctional conjugated polymers for human-integrated electronics, including disease detecto...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

When vibrations increase on cooling: Anti-freezing observed

Researchers have observed a unique phenomenon where vibrations in a nickel oxide material increase with cooling, leading to the formation of faster fluctuations and ordered regions. This behavior is unusual and differs from the expected trend, which is that less thermal energy leads to more fluctuations freezing and order growing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 4, 2021

Do cancer survivors experience accelerated aging?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that cancer survivors, especially older individuals, are more likely to experience accelerated functional decline. Cancer survivors had lower physical performance scores, steeper declines in grip strength and gait speed compared to non-cancer survivors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 4, 2021

Debt crises: Politics determine how developing countries borrow

A new study by researchers at Princeton University found that developing countries tend to borrow in domestic currencies when issuing sovereign bonds, allowing them to act on their domestic policy preferences. This choice affects the types of pressures creditors put on governments and the ease or difficulty in paying off debts.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalInternational Organization·DateAug 4, 2021

Pandemic job search anxiety is common; how you channel it may make the difference

Researchers found that job seekers who channel their anxiety through problem-solving pondering are more likely to exert effort in productive ways, such as focusing on reevaluating and improving their job search behaviors. In contrast, those who engage in affect-focused rumination, feeling afraid or upset about their job search, are les...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 4, 2021

New study exposes big differences amongst Amazonian countries in their rates of forest recovery as well as deforestation

A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.

SourceBangor University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Observatories assemble: NASA's Juno spacecraft joins w. M. Keck observatory and Japan's Hisaki satellite to solve “energy crisis” on Jupiter

A team of scientists assembled observations from NASA's Juno spacecraft, W.M. Keck Observatory, and Japan's Hisaki satellite to discover the source of Jupiter's thermal boost. They found that Jupiter's intense aurora is responsible for heating the entire planet's upper atmosphere, contrary to previous models.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

Study reveals how smell receptors work

Olfactory receptors respond to a variety of odors by binding to large numbers of different molecules, rather than specific chemical features. The team discovered that the amino acids lining the pocket don't form strong chemical bonds with odorants, but instead recognize their general chemical nature.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

Visualizing stress in plastics

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Michael Sommer has developed a new dye molecule that can visualize stress in plastics by changing color, allowing for the differentiation between stresses of different magnitude. This technology has great advantages for monitoring material integrity and could lead to improved mechanical properties.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Scientists show a single catalyst can perform the first step of turning CO2 into fuel in two very different ways

Researchers at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a new catalyst that accelerates the first step in turning carbon dioxide into fuel in two different ways: with heat and electricity. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of chemicals and fuels by reducing greenh...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Increase in extreme precipitation in the northeast caused by Atlantic variability and climate change

A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2021

’Til the cows come home

New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

A recent study discovered that brain cells cannot maintain the myelin sheath in the absence of the TDP-43 protein. Restoring cholesterol levels has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43. The research found that oligodendrocytes, responsible for producing myelin, have def...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Study links economic mobility to racial mortality gaps

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found a strong association between economic mobility and racial disparities in mortality in the US. The study suggests that structural racism has persisted with similar magnitude across generations, leading to increased death rates among Black individuals compared to their White counterparts.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Fine particulate air pollution associated with higher risk of dementia

Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Arctic narwhals and beluga whales can be detected and monitored from space, using satellite orbiting 617km high

Researchers successfully detected and monitored Arctic narwhals and beluga whales using satellite orbiting 617km high, a breakthrough in cetacean tracking. This achievement demonstrates the potential of space-based monitoring for conservation efforts, providing valuable insights into these endangered species' habitats and behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

“Where does it hurt?” predicts chronic pain outcomes, study shows

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that analyzing pain distribution can predict chronic pain outcomes. Researchers identified 9 distinct groupings of pain distribution, which varied significantly across subgroups in terms of demographic and medical characteristics, pain intensity, impact, and neuropathic pain quality. The study...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2021

New study shows diabetes is associated with a significant increase in the risk of hospitalisation and mortality caused by infections

A new study found that individuals with diabetes are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and have a greater risk of dying from infections. The research showed that the risk was more pronounced in younger adults with diabetes and black people, with an increased likelihood of both common and rare infections. This association bet...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateAug 4, 2021

Reducing antibiotic use in primary care may be insufficient alone to curtail antimicrobial resistance

Strategies to reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care have been found to be insufficient on their own to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Despite a modest reduction in antibiotic-resistant infections from E. coli, the study highlights the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address this substantial health ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 4, 2021

Building blocks: New evidence-based system predicts element combination forming high entropy alloy

Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Illuminating tissue formation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2021

Research may lead to new insights on the genetics of height

A recent study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has identified genes and gene pathways that influence the genetic regulation of human height. The research examined genome-wide association studies and assessed the expression of these genetic regions in different layers of the growth plate during childhood.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 4, 2021

CHOP researchers develop coating for endotracheal tubes that releases antimicrobial peptides

Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Laryngoscope·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Breakthrough in understanding genesis of fibroids

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have made a significant advance in fibroids research by identifying a new mechanism of tumorigenesis. Multiple tumors carried mutations in genes involved in histone trafficking, which affected gene expression levels and led to hereditary predisposition to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

New 10-year patient safety analysis highlights areas for improvement in acute medical units

A new study analyzes 377 severe harm and death incidents in acute medical units across England and Wales between 2005-2015. The most common incident types were diagnostic errors, medication-related errors, and failures in monitoring patients. Implementing electronic prescribing systems and checklists can reduce diagnostic errors, while...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021