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Science News for December 3, 2021


Hospitals have ethical obligation to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients

A new opinion piece argues that hospitals have an ethical duty to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients, even if it means delaying non-emergency procedures for vaccinated individuals. The author suggests a contingency care standard prioritizing emergency life-support regardless of vaccination status.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 3, 2021

Medicare spending on drugs with accelerated approval

Between 2015 and 2019, Medicare spending on drugs with an accelerated approval indication more than doubled, reaching $9.1 billion in 2019, primarily driven by Part B drugs. The study's findings highlight the growing concern of rapidly increasing costs associated with these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 3, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout

A recent review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout among diagnostic radiologists, with causes including lack of control, social isolation and technological demands. Possible solutions include heightened engagement, dedicated reading room assistants and mindfulness techniques.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCurrent Problems in Diagnostic Radiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2021

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

The health of homeless people improves with socialisation

A new study from the University of the Basque Country found that social interaction and contact with family members have a significant positive impact on homeless people's perception of their health. Conversely, longer periods of homelessness and reduced social connections are associated with poorer health perceptions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 3, 2021

Chemical pollutants disrupt reproduction in anemonefish, study finds

Researchers found that fish exposed to BPA exhibited feminizing effects on gonads, brain genes, and hormone levels, leading to changes in aggression and sex determination. In contrast, EE2 had less pronounced effects, with decreased aggression despite feminization of gonads.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalHormones and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Whether people inform themselves or remain ignorant is due to three factors

A new study by UCL researchers found that people's motivation to seek information falls into three categories: expected utility, emotional impact, and frequency of thought. Those who prioritize these factors tend to seek information more, with better mental health reported by those seeking info on frequently thought-about topics.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Scientists edge closer to probe that would inspect atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence

Researchers at Skoltech have created an optoacoustic endoscopic probe that can analyze atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence. The device uses laser light to make biomarkers oscillate, producing ultrasound signals that can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Pharmacy Forecast 2022 anticipates lasting impact from pandemic-related changes to health-system pharmacy

The 2022 Pharmacy Forecast Report notes that COVID-19 disruptions have led to increased roles for pharmacists in patient care, emergency preparedness, and technology. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable access to digital tools and explores strategies to mitigate supply chain issues.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2021

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2021

NYITCOM research finds nasal problem plagued long-nosed crocodile relatives

A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2021

Spending revenues on climate projects maximises social acceptability of carbon taxes

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2021

Wraparound care coordination associated with many positive outcomes amongst youth with serious and complex behavioral health needs

A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Cancer registry improves understanding of rare ovarian tumor

Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed hundreds of women with ovarian granulosa cell tumors to improve understanding of the disease progression and response to therapy. They found that early-stage tumors rarely spread beyond the ovaries, and fertility-sparing surgery may be considered for younger patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Using green tea as reducing reagent for the preparation of nanomaterials to synthesize ammonia

Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Two-dimensional bipolar magnetic semiconductors with high Curie-temperature and electrically controllable spin polarization realized in exfoliated Cr(pyrazine)2 monolayers

Researchers have realized a 2D intrinsic bipolar magnetic semiconductor material with room temperature ferrimagnetic ordering and electrically controllable spin polarization. The material exhibits a Curie temperature of 342 K, making it suitable for high-speed nanospintronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2021

Treadmill exercise training shows promise for managing cognitive effects of multiple sclerosis

Researchers found improvements in verbal learning and memory and preservation of hippocampal volume in participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after 12 weeks of supervised treadmill walking exercise. A targeted pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of this intervention for managing cognitive ...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Light speed advances

Prof. Tingyi Gu from the University of Delaware has received a $500,000 DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the power efficiency of digital communications. Her research focuses on manipulating light direction to create more energy-efficient photonic systems.

Development of a single-process platform for the manufacture of graphene quantum dots

Researchers developed a single-process platform to control heteroatom bonding in graphene quantum dots, reducing fabrication time and increasing economic feasibility. The new method uses weakly alkaline precursors and computer modeling to predict chemical composition, enabling mass synthesis without post-processing or purification.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

Gene-editing used to create single sex mice litters

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have developed a gene-editing method to control the sex of mouse offspring, demonstrating its potential to reduce culling in scientific research and farming. The technology shows 100% efficiency in producing single-sex litters, with minimal impact on litter size.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

A new tool in the fight against rectal cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing an AI tool to analyze medical images and determine which rectal cancer patients require surgery. By using radiomics and machine learning techniques, the team hopes to identify patients who can avoid invasive surgery and opt for chemotherapy or radiation therapy instead.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

The uneven universe

Researchers develop new model using Mori-Zwanzig formalism to account for uneven matter distribution in the universe. The model predicts a deviation in cosmic expansion speed, offering an opportunity for experimental testing and resolving the enigma of dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateDec 3, 2021

Lightweight space robot with precise control developed

Developed by researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology, a new robotic arm can manipulate in environments difficult for humans and adapt to changing conditions. The arm weighs only 9.23 kilograms and can exert constant force control, enabling it to maintain contact with curved surfaces in space.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2021