Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 16, 2021


Muslim comedy tackles popular misconceptions using humor and empathy, new Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia PhD student Lamiae Aidi examines how Muslim stand-up comedians use incongruity, performativity, and everydayness to demystify their community. By sharing personal experiences and poking fun at stereotypes, these comedians aim to create awareness around problems of discrimination and misunderstandings.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReligions·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Series of preclinical studies supports the Army’s pan-coronavirus vaccine development strategy

Recent preclinical study results demonstrate the Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle (SpFN) COVID-19 vaccine developed by WRAIR elicits potent immune responses and offers broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses. The SpFN vaccine uses a ferritin platform to present multiple copies of the coronavirus spike protein, i...

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Shark antibody-like proteins neutralize COVID-19 virus, help prepare for future coronaviruses

Researchers have discovered unique antibody-like proteins from sharks that can prevent the COVID-19 virus and its variants from infecting human cells. These shark-derived protein 'VNARs' are a promising new tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, with potential applications for future coronavirus outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Cough or fever first? Study analyzes order of COVID-19 symptoms

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that the order of COVID-19 symptoms varies depending on the SARS-CoV-2 variant. In the USA, cough was most likely to be the first symptom, while fever and diarrhea were more common third symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021

New research may identify infants who face high asthma risk after viral lung infections

Researchers found that the risk of developing asthma in infants depends on a complex interplay among the infecting virus, airway microbial composition and function, and the infant's immune response. Infants with distinct metatranscriptome profiles had unique risks of developing asthma by age five.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Omicron may cause 100,000 cancelled operations in England this winter

A new study warns that Omicron could lead to 100,273 fewer elective operations performed over the three winter months due to increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients. The model used NHS England data from September 2020 to July 2021 to project elective surgery activity based on the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

New study identifies most effective face-mask practices to reduce spread of infection

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control identified specific face mask combinations and modifications that can improve mask fit and performance, thereby reducing the spread of respiratory infectious pathogens. The study found that layering a three-ply cloth mask over a medical mask or securing a medical mask w...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Visceral surgery: Gut bacteria aggravate adhesions after abdominal surgery

Researchers have discovered that intestinal bacteria can lead to more severe adhesions after abdominal surgery. The study found that mesothelial cells and EGFR signaling play a crucial role in the formation of these adhesions. The findings suggest that targeting EGFR may be a potential approach to reducing adhesion risk.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

A quantum view of ‘combs’ of light

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a miniaturized frequency comb that can generate non-classical light, enabling the study of quantum entanglement and opening up new pathways for quantum computing. The microcomb's precise spacing allows for detailed measurement of its finer features.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 16, 2021

Color-sorting metalenses boost imaging sensitivity

Researchers have developed a new metalenses technology that enables filter-free color image sensors with enhanced signal levels. This innovation could improve low-light and fast imaging capabilities for smartphones and autonomous vehicles, leading to better night view capture and high-speed object detection.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System receive federal grant to expand addiction medicine education and training

The grant will fund a new curriculum focused on diagnosing and treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance on medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The program aims to train hundreds of medical students and residents to diagnose, treat, and care for individuals with substance use disorders.

Over 1kg of plastic waste is produced per patient anaesthetised, Spanish study finds

A Spanish study has found that each patient undergoing anaesthesia generates up to 1kg of plastic waste, with plastic wrappers being the most common item. The study suggests that up to 60% of this waste could be recycled and highlights the need for improved waste management strategies.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine found to be safe and effective in trial conducted by UM School of Medicine researchers

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be highly efficacious and safe, with a 90% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19 illness. The vaccine was also found to be 100% effective in preventing moderate and severe disease requiring hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in breastfeeding rates among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California. Breastfeeding education and support services were disrupted due to the pandemic, which may have contributed to the decline.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateDec 16, 2021

Snow drought research finds predictability in uncertainty

A Dartmouth team compiled a global-scale dataset to show how uncertainties over determining snow depth can actually improve predictions of water availability. The approach leverages observational and definitional uncertainties to make better assessments of snow droughts and their impacts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateDec 16, 2021

Building a better bat box: Temperature variation in rocket box designs

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

The origin of neuronal diversity

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2021

Poor women in rural India still denied safe hospital births, with maternal deaths at “alarmingly high” levels, study finds

A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Health Action·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Greater exposure to nitrogen dioxide linked to higher levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 16, 2021

How to successfully implement digital strategies

Research highlights the importance of individual entrepreneurial orientation, including proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovativeness, in digital strategy implementation. Employees' relational capital also plays a role, particularly when innovative-oriented employees score high in networking.

SourceCopenhagen Business School·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021

Ambulance call-outs for heart attacks rise when air pollution is high, German study finds

A German study finds that ambulance call-outs for heart attacks increase when air pollution is high, but decrease with warmer weather. The research highlights the need for better planning and resource allocation by hospitals to address climate change-related changes in weather conditions.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

Proton translocation pathways in a molecular machine of cellular energy metabolism

Researchers at Goethe University and the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics have gained new insights into how mitochondrial complex I facilitates proton transfer through water molecules. The study's high-resolution structure data enabled computer simulations that shed light on the protein's dynamics during its catalytic cycle.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Study in Biosphere 2 facility in Arizona reveals how tropical forests will respond to drought

A study in Biosphere 2's Arizona facility sheds light on tropical forest responses to drought, revealing diverse drought strategies among plant species. The research, which tracked carbon, water, and VOC fluxes during a 9.5-week drought, may help improve predictions of climate change impacts on these ecosystems.

Oropharyngeal cancer incidence and mortality rising in nearly all 50 states, reports new national study

A new national study found that oropharyngeal cancer incidence is increasing rapidly across the US, particularly among men and in the Midwest and Southeast. The study also reported a significant increase in large tumor diagnoses and mortality rates over the last decade.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateDec 16, 2021

Stem cells organize themselves into embryoid

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a method to generate embryo-like cell complexes from mouse stem cells. The resulting embryoids exhibit coordinated development similar to natural embryos, offering a promising alternative to animal testing for toxicology studies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Comparison of intimate partner violence injuries among sexes uncovers higher level of severity for male victims

Researchers compared injury patterns among men and women presenting to emergency departments with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries. The study found that male victims were more likely to have severe injuries, such as lacerations and gunshot wounds. In contrast, female victims were more likely to have facial bruises.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateDec 16, 2021

Muscles seem to grow, rather than shrink, in some critically ill Covid patients

Contrary to previous research, some Covid patients exhibit increased muscle mass, particularly those with a strong immune response, while others experience significant muscle wastage. This study suggests that immune response to Covid may exacerbate muscle damage, potentially impacting recovery and quality of life.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

Study questions widely used race-based formula to define lung disease

A long-term epidemiologic study found that a race-based formula for diagnosing lung disease is no better than a race-neutral equation, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. The study used data from thousands of patients and compared the two formulas, finding that the race-neutral equation yielded better predictions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

RNA molecules with no apparent function represent a new therapeutic approach against fungal infection by Candida

Researchers have identified fragments of genetic material in Candida fungus that do not encode proteins but are specifically expressed during distinct stages of the infection process. These long non-coding RNA molecules show high specificity and differ between species, making them a potential target for new treatments.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Delving into the pressures around penalty kicks

Professional footballers took penalty kicks under low and high-pressure conditions, revealing the impact of cognitive and somatic anxiety on performance. The study aimed to create a pressure protocol for penalty taking, assessing its effect on psychological and psychophysical responses.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Sports Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

Lack of access to affordable, nutritious food puts those with chronic liver disease at a higher risk of death

A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that food insecurity increases the risk of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 34,000 individuals, suggests that eradicating food insecurity could eliminate up to 7% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease d...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Danish researchers discover new hiding place for antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that resistant bacteria can hide resistance genes in inactive bacteria within biofilms, creating a reservoir of resistance that can be drawn upon when antibiotics are not present. This new understanding challenges the long-held assumption that resistant bacteria lose their res...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateDec 16, 2021

Pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis highlights need to assess outcomes of randomized controlled trials

A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.

SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Healthier tapioca starch is on the way

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a healthier form of tapioca starch by suppressing multiple genes that increase its resistance to digestion. The resulting starch is composed of longer chains with fewer branches, making it harder to digest and potentially improving intestinal function and blood sugar control.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Molecular Biology·DateDec 16, 2021

Race-based equations may lead to under-treatment of lung disease in black patients

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using race-based equations to evaluate lung disease can lead to under-treatment of Black patients. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California - San Francisco, used data from SPIROMICS, a multi-center cohort of ev...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 16, 2021

Study finds few pediatric providers discuss transportation with their autistic patients

A study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that only 8% of pediatric healthcare providers feel prepared to assess autistic patients' readiness to drive. The researchers suggest developing resources to prepare providers and families for transportation decisions, which could improve psychosocial, health, and employment outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021

New major discovery in the animal kingdom

Researchers at Louisiana State University have identified 14 new endemic species of shrews on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a significant milestone in understanding the island's extraordinary biodiversity. This discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and preserving life.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021

As the mercury rises, the urban heat penalty grows, especially at night

Residents in eastern US cities experience up to 4.9 degrees Celsius increase in nighttime urban heat stress index, with extra 30 minutes of uncomfortable weather per degree C temperature increase. This effect is more pronounced in the southeastern US, where residents face up to five extra hours of uncomfortable weather during summer.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Online menus should put healthy food first

A Flinders University study found that online menus placed with healthy food items at the top increase the likelihood of choosing them by 30-40%. The researchers investigated menu placement on both physical and digital menus to encourage healthier eating habits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Spot the difference

A full-scale model of the mouse hippocampus uncovers a new mechanism for pattern separation, where inhibition separates patterns and reduces activity makes it easier to distinguish differences. The study challenges historical views on pattern separation and suggests focal inhibition as an essential factor.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Computational Science·DateDec 16, 2021

Shifting conferences online cuts carbon footprint 94%

A new study by Cornell University found that moving professional conferences online reduces the global event industry's carbon footprint by 94%, and shifting to a hybrid model cuts it to 67%. The annual carbon footprint of the industry is comparable to the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of the entire US.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2021

Moral echo chambers on social media could boost radicalization, study finds

New research finds that social media echo chambers can create a strong bond and increase the likelihood of radicalization. In studies examining posts on Gab and Reddit's "Incels" community, researchers found that users who aligned with the group's morals were more likely to use hateful language toward outgroups.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Hate speech on social media is fueled by users’ shared moral concerns, USC study shows

A USC study found that people whose moral beliefs align closely with their online community are more prone to radicalization, posting hate-speech messages. The research also replicated findings in another extremist network on Reddit, highlighting the role of morality in fueling online radicalization.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Humans reached remote North Atlantic islands centuries earlier than thought

Researchers have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Faroe Islands dating back to around 500 AD, with signs of domestic sheep arrival at this time. The findings, based on lake sediments and DNA analysis, provide conclusive proof that humans inhabited the islands before the Vikings, who are thought to have arrived around 850 AD.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 16, 2021

The birth of stars

Researchers analyze water molecules around protostars to confirm the presence of UV radiation in low-mass star-forming regions. They find that HCN and CN molecules are good indicators of UV radiation, with HCN being more sensitive to photodamage.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

E-cigs with cigarette-like nicotine delivery may help smokers quit

A new study by Penn State College of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that e-cigarettes with cigarette-like nicotine delivery may help some people stop smoking cigarettes. Participants who received a device with 36mg/mL nicotine showed significantly higher quit rates and increased days without smoking com...

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 16, 2021

Climate change is intensifying extremes also in the oceans

Researchers found that climate change is causing a compound effect of extreme events in the oceans, including heatwaves, acidity, and low oxygen levels. This combination can be fatal to marine species, especially those already living at the upper end of their optimal temperature range.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021

Giving bug-like bots a boost

Researchers at MIT have developed a new fabrication technique that enables the creation of soft actuators with 75% lower voltage requirements and 80% more payload capacity than current versions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of flying microrobots with improved performance and payload capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 16, 2021