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Science News for December 20, 2021


Can a dangerous microbe offer a new way to silence pain?

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that a deadly anthrax toxin can block multiple types of pain in mice by altering signaling in pain-sensing neurons. This approach offers a novel precision-targeted pain treatment strategy without the widespread systemic effects of current pain-relief drugs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Family members of children with life-threatening conditions 50% to 70% more likely than peers to suffer mental, physical issues

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Gains in HPV vaccination coverage after interventions sustainable for several years

A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Racial discrimination may affect whether people respond to email

Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Science fiction revisited: Ramjet propulsion

Calculations at TU Wien show that Ramjet propulsion, which involves capturing protons and using them for a nuclear fusion reactor, cannot work as proposed. The analysis revealed huge dimensions required to achieve even minimal thrust, making it impossible for current technology to achieve.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Is it possible to detect and assess neuromuscular functions via wearable, soft yet durable strain sensors?

A team of researchers developed a new graphene-based strain sensor that can detect and assess subtle and fast neuromuscular functions, enabling the monitoring of movement disorders such as Parkinson's and tremors. The sensors showed high sensitivity and consistency with traditional electromyography (EMG) techniques.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 20, 2021

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center study details chromosome-level changes that allow melanomas to develop drug resistance

Researchers developed a model of drug resistance in melanoma, revealing mechanisms involving extrachromosomal DNA amplifications and intrachromosomal chromosomal rearrangements. The study found that different forms of DNA offer 'fitness' advantages to tumor cells under varying therapeutic conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Prescribe fewer antidepressants, and for shorter periods, doctors advised

A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2021

Fetal MRI is a valuable adjunct to ultrasound in detecting abnormal extracardiac development in fetuses with congenital heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 20, 2021

Exposure of pre-adolescent children to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices is not associated with sleep disturbances

A new study by ISGlobal found no association between overall mobile device exposure and sleep disturbances in pre-adolescents, but suggested an effect on sleep when exposure occurs in the evening. The study of over 1,500 children aged 9-12 years old found that those making phone calls in the evening had reduced sleep time.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Diabetes drug from the group of SGLT2 inhibitors normalizes insulin action in the brain

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin can improve insulin sensitivity in the brain, leading to better glucose control and reduced liver fat content. This breakthrough discovery positions SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential treatment for insulin resistance in the brain.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

A new muscle layer has been discovered on the jaw, contradicting traditional anatomy descriptions. The masseter muscle was found to have an additional third layer, which is involved in stabilizing the lower jaw and pulling it backwards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateDec 20, 2021

Fast and durable batteries to come: A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 20, 2021

CHOP researchers publish most comprehensive clinical description of WAGR syndrome to date

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several new clinical considerations in WAGR syndrome, including kidney issues, cardiometabolic health problems, and variations in eye issues. The study provides guidance for proper diagnosis, management, and potential treatment options, highlighting the need for individual...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

People with high-risk prediabetes benefit from intensive lifestyle intervention

Individuals with high-risk prediabetes significantly improved their blood glucose levels through more exercise and healthy eating behavior, while those at low risk showed limited benefits from conventional lifestyle intervention. The study's findings support personalized interventions tailored to each patient's risk profile for effecti...

First genetic risk factors identified for sudden unexplained death in children after age 1

A new study found that changes in specific genes contribute to the roughly 400 sudden unexplained deaths in children aged one year and older. Nearly 9% of the analyzed DNA codes had genetic changes in genes regulating calcium function, which can cause arrhythmias and seizures, increasing the risk of sudden death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Identifying fake voice recordings

A new study has generated a massive dataset of artificial voice recordings, revealing subtle differences in high frequencies between real and fake files. The researchers developed algorithms that can distinguish between deepfakes and real speech, providing a starting point for other researchers to improve detection methods.

Policy analyses severely underestimate impact of air pollution on racial minorities

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University estimates that current regulatory analyses of air pollution significantly understate mortality costs among racial minorities. The study found that using race- and ethnicity-specific data increases premature mortality estimates related to PM2.5 from pollution exposure, with a $100 billion annual...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 20, 2021

Safer, newer blood thinners are under-prescribed for elderly and at-risk patients

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that frail patients with atrial fibrillation are under-prescribed for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a safer alternative to traditional warfarin treatment. Despite needing DOACs most, these patients are less likely to receive them than non-frail patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Establishing an elemental structure that facilitates high-intensity broadband spin waves

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrates a new substrate structure that enables the excitation and detection of high-intensity broadband spin waves, even when miniaturized. The YIG-on-metal (YOM) structure achieves broader frequency bandwidth and higher intensity than conventional electrode structures.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Desert shrubs cranked up water use efficiency to survive a megadrought. It may not be enough.

In a new study, desert shrubs in the Southwest have increased their water use efficiency at unprecedented rates to survive a decades-long megadrought. The study found that despite this heroic increase, shrubs may not be adapting quickly enough to long-term drying trends in the West.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Digital silver lining seen in failed COVID-19 drug trial

A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Microbe sneaks past tomato defense system, advances evolutionary battle

A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.

TGen helps develop analysis tool, leading to more-accurate evaluation of new brain tumor treatments and individual estimates of survival

A new nomogram tool helps predict patient-level survival probabilities, accounting for sex differences in glioblastoma. The study analyzed over 1,300 patients and recommends further research on biological mechanisms underlying these differences.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

mRNA vaccines highly effective at preventing death from COVID-19, less effective at preventing infection

Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Plant scientists find recipe for anti-cancer compound in herbs

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a new pathway for producing the anti-cancer compound thymohydroquinone, found in plants like thyme and oregano. By understanding this process, plant scientists can engineer plants to produce higher levels of beneficial compounds or synthesize them in microorganisms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2021

Boundaries between work and family life disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic – Increased childcare responsibilities often shouldered by mothers

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work-life boundaries, particularly for mothers, who took on more childcare responsibilities. Research in Finland found that mothers' flexibility was key to managing multiple roles, while the absence of support services highlighted gendered practices.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalGender Work and Organization·TypeSurvey·DateDec 20, 2021

Could life be making its own habitable environment in the clouds of Venus?

Scientists suggest that possible lifeforms in Venus' clouds are producing ammonia, which neutralizes sulfuric acid and increases the pH of the clouds. This process makes the environment more tolerable to live in, despite being extremely acidic. The study proposes a biological origin for the ammonia, rather than non-biological sources.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2021

Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic projected to cause more liver disease and deaths

A new study projects that increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in 8,000 additional deaths from liver disease and 18,700 cases of liver failure by 2040. The researchers estimated a one-year increase in consumption to cause 100 additional deaths and 2,800 cases of liver failure by 2023.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2021

Researchers use smart technologies to reveal what impacts workers’ productivity the most

Study reveals that employees' performance is influenced by human attitudes, interactions, emotions, and environmental conditions. Smart tools like wearable sensors and smartphones were used to monitor workers' behavior, leading to a better understanding of individual, collaborative, and environmental factors affecting productivity.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalThe TQM Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

School uniforms don’t improve child behavior, study finds

A new national study found that school uniforms have no effect on young students' behavior or attendance. However, students who attended schools with uniform requirements reported lower levels of 'school belonging'. The study's findings suggest that fashion and self-expression may play a role in students' sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Study compares COVID-19 vaccines’ ability to stimulate immune protection against the coronavirus

The study found that two doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines produced higher antibody concentrations than a single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, with levels more than 10 times higher for recovered COVID-19 patients. The analysis also showed that the Moderna vaccine had the lowest risk for breakthrough infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Sneezes, rain clouds and ink jets: NIST improves the ability of optical microscopes to measure the volume of microdroplets

Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.