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Science News for December 8, 2021


Family-centered nutrition influences diet behaviors for children with autism

Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Preventing extreme polarization of political attitudes

A new study suggests that strictly limiting exposure to dissimilar views could be an effective mechanism for avoiding rapid polarization. Another interesting finding is that a small amount of self-interest can dramatically reduce polarization.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Breast cancer classified into 12 unique biological groups

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel way to classify breast cancers into 12 distinct biological groups using both genetic and pathologic data. This classification method has the potential to aid future research efforts and enable faster translation of molecular findings into clinical use.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Coping with schizophrenia, when emotions can be too much

People with schizophrenia struggle to regulate their emotions as negative feelings intensify, unlike healthy individuals who employ coping strategies at higher emotional states. Researchers found that those with schizophrenia tend to be less likely to engage in emotion regulation efforts when emotions are extremely high.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateDec 8, 2021

Study outlines ways to help children learn forgiveness

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that teaching children to understand others' perspectives can make it easier for them to forgive. Children are more likely to forgive someone who has apologized and is part of their in-group. The study also highlights the importance of helping kids develop Theory of Mind skills...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

More women on company boards will lead to lower risk-taking and better outcomes

Research by Åbo Akademi University found that companies with more women on their boards tend to make fewer high-risk corporate acquisitions and are more willing to write down goodwill for unsuccessful deals. This suggests that female representation can lead to a more conservative approach to risk-taking and improved financial governance.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalJournal of Management & Governance·DateDec 8, 2021

The strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv can be widely used for transient expression and stable transformation of both herbaceous and woody plants

Researchers developed a strong UV-visible reporter eYGFPuv that shows no harmful effects on plant biological processes, enabling the monitoring of gene expression and protein localization in diverse organisms. This technique allows for efficient, convenient transformation with real-time visualization in various plant species.

Experimental compound, which has received orphan drug and pediatric rare disease designations from the FDA, displays effectiveness in treating symptoms of Autism and Alzheimer’s disease

An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2021

Prescribing the abortion pill without restrictions is safe and effective: UBC-led study

A UBC-led study found no increase in abortion-related health complications after Canada removed mifepristone restrictions. The study examined 315,000 abortions in Ontario between 2012 and 2020 and showed that abortion continued to be safe and effective with mifepristone prescribed without restrictions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

‘Would you like a little ice with your exoplanet?’ For Earth-like worlds, that may be a tall order

A team of scientists simulated over 200,000 hypothetical Earth-like worlds to understand the types of environments astronomers can expect to find on real exoplanets. They found that in 90% of cases with liquid water on the surface, there are no ice sheets, but rather permanent ice belts along the equator.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Fish help control crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on Great Barrier Reef

A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.

SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Twitter reveals dynamics of stories surrounding Trump’s presidency

A computational analysis of billions of tweets has uncovered high-resolution timelines of the major stories surrounding Trump's presidency from 2016 to 2021. The study found that turbulence in these stories varied over time, with dominant narratives emerging for longer periods during certain periods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Reimagining immunity in the eye

Researchers found immune cells in lens trying to fix damage and responding to long-lasting inflammation. Immune cells integrate into lens capsule, increasing invasion with disease progression, contradicting decades of scientific understanding.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

The paradox of big data spoils vaccination surveys

Researchers from Harvard University and others have found that large-scale COVID-19 vaccination surveys were off by up to 17 percentage points due to systematic biases in the data. The 'Big Data Paradox' highlights how big data sets can minimize one type of error while magnifying another, leading to misleading results.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2021

Talk therapy by US psychiatrists declined by half since 1990s

A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Nature or nurture: How does an animal get its microbiome?

Researchers have found that sharks acquire their microbiome through three methods: the mother passing on microbes to her offspring via egg case, social interactions with other sharks, and recruiting microbes from their environment. This study provides new insights into the development of animal microbiomes and their importance in under...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

A new understanding of mental illness

A new study from McGill University suggests that a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors can predict early onset psychiatric disorders with over 90% accuracy. The study identifies temperament, trauma, and dopamine as the key factors in this prediction.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 8, 2021

Novel computer simulation method can accelerate COVID-19 drug discovery

Researchers developed a novel computer simulation method that can analyze key proteins in the reproductive cycle of SARS-CoV-2, promising to accelerate the search for bioactive compounds against COVID-19. The method estimates a reduction in research time from two to three years to under a year.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics·DateDec 8, 2021

Researchers propose new method for electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature

Researchers develop highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature, using water as a hydrogen source and reducing energy consumption. The process achieves high Faradaic efficiency and selective ethylene production via electron-coupled proton transfer pathways.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 2021

Transforming materials with light

Scientists create a process called 'coherent optical engineering' that can dramatically change the properties of materials without generating heat. The breakthrough uses lasers to alter electron energy levels in a way that is reversible and free from unwanted heating.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Catalyst technology converts methane greenhouse gas into useful, valuable chemicals

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a catalyst technology that converts methane into ethane and ethylene with high efficiency and selectivity. The new technology uses platinum-based MXene structures to break down methane bonds, producing valuable chemicals without emitting the most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

These tiny liquid robots never run out of juice as long as they have food

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Disparities in blood pressure control

A study of 16,000 adults with high blood pressure found significant racial disparities in blood pressure control, linked to unequal treatment intensification and missed appointments. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateDec 8, 2021

Trans people accessing acute mental health care more likely to experience marginalization

A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateDec 8, 2021

Up to our NECs in it: in-depth genomic analysis of a rare carcinoma

A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals the genetic basis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system, a rare cancer that is highly resistant to treatment. The study identifies key biological processes underlying the development of the disease, including structural variants, methylation events, and gene fusions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

How Hydra animals regenerate their own heads

Researchers have identified the specific genetic regulatory elements responsible for Hydra head regeneration, showing that dynamic chromatin remodeling and transcription factor motifs play a crucial role. This discovery sheds light on the complex developmental processes involved in this remarkable regenerative ability.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Digitizing the Natural History Museum London's entire collection could contribute over £2 billion to the global economy

The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateDec 8, 2021

The Estée Lauder Companies publishes methodology to drive sustainable cosmetics innovation & strengthen environmental, social and governance commitments

The Estée Lauder Companies has released its Green Score methodology to assess and measure the sustainability of ingredients and formulas based on green chemistry principles. The approach uses a quantitative tool to evaluate human health, ecosystem health, and environmental impact across its product portfolio.

SourceThe Estee Lauder Companies R&D·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Seeing shapes

Carlos Ponce is studying the parts of the visual system that analyze shapes, using macaque monkeys as a model. He combines computational models with electrophysiology experiments to understand how neurons process visual information.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Experimental treatment with enzyme protects mice from lethal anthrax infection

Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Metabolic differences in the diagnosis of and treatment refinement for episodic and chronic depression

A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Streetwise bees cut corners to find food

New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 8, 2021

Study finds that bio-based cellulose acetate plastic widely used in consumer goods disintegrates in the ocean much faster than assumed

A new study finds that bio-based cellulose acetate plastic widely used in consumer goods disintegrates and degrades in the ocean on timescales of months, contrary to previous assumptions of decades. The rapid degradation is attributed to marine microbes, which can break down CDA-based materials using esterase and cellulose enzymes.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

World’s largest pterosaur leaped aloft to fly

New research on the world's largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, reveals that it likely leaped into the air before lifting off, using its wings to generate lift. The study, published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the most comprehensive on the species yet and provides new insights into its flight mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 8, 2021

Orangutan mothers help offspring to learn

A new study reveals that orangutan mothers are proactively involved in teaching their young, tailoring behavior to match age and abilities. They adjust tolerance levels during feeding interactions, facilitating learning opportunities and enabling immatures to acquire complex foraging skills.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Bird singing contests: A clash of culture and conservation

Researchers found bird-singing contests taking place in at least 22 countries using 36 species of birds, with pressure on wild populations like the White-rumped Shama and Orange-headed Thrush. The practice also drives demand for songbirds in Southeast Asia, a region where more species are threatened by trade

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 8, 2021

Afghan refugees face discrimination, employment and social challenges in Australia

New Edith Cowan University research reveals Afghan refugees value Australia's security, but face barriers to employment, discrimination, and socio-religious challenges. Many struggle with job recognition, workplace discrimination, and cultural identity issues, affecting their integration into Australian society.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2021

New study finds COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anxiety and depression in racial and ethnic minority children

A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateDec 8, 2021

Year in pharma: COVID-19 and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 8, 2021

Sleep, a creativity booster?

Researchers found a specific phase of sleep after falling asleep that triples the chances of finding creative solutions, making it a potential tool for stimulating creativity in everyday life. This discovery opens a new field of study on brain mechanisms of creativity and challenges the common view of sleep as a waste of time.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 2021

2021 Susan G. Komen Brinker Award recipient presents pioneering new study results on predicting treatment response for breast cancer patients

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Carlos Caldas has identified a way to predict treatment response in breast cancer patients before treatment begins. The research, published in Nature, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze tumor tissue and DNA/RNA profiles, providing a robust test for predicting therapy response.

SourceSusan G. Komen·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Modeling emissions pathways for India’s climate amid COVID-19 recovery

A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.

Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticides has deleterious effects on shellfish

A new study found that chronic pesticide exposure has detrimental effects on soft-shell clam growth, condition, and feeding rates. The researchers monitored clams in laboratory conditions over 90 days, exposing them to environmentally relevant concentrations of four pesticides registered for use in forest management.

SourcePortland State University·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

You can help scientists study the Sun

The Solar Jet Hunter project, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota and supported by NASA, allows volunteers to identify solar jets in images captured over 11 years. By annotating images, citizen scientists contribute to a database that helps narrow down data on the Sun for further review.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Alpha-1 Biologics announces positive data published in Frontiers in Oncology on Alphataxin in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy that suppressed murine renal cancer and metastasis

Alphataxin, a small-molecule drug, has been shown to significantly suppress tumor growth in mouse models of kidney cancer, including those with lung metastasis. The treatment also increased the formation of CD4+ T cells, which is essential for the immune system's ability to kill tumor cells.

SourceLaVoieHealthScience·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Racial bias among doctors may exacerbate disparities in HIV prevention, Rutgers-led study finds

A Rutgers-led study found that racial biases among health care providers may limit the number of Black women taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. The study also highlights how providers' racist beliefs can disadvantage Black women's access to PrEP, a medication up to 92% effective when taken correctly.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 8, 2021

Protein region on COVID’s viral spike senses temperature, drives seasonal mutation patterns

Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMethods of Microbiology and Molecular Biology·DateDec 8, 2021

Early psychosis program makes recovery a reality for young people: study

A new study by Orygen has shown that early psychosis programs delivered in Australian headspace centres significantly improved the clinical and functional outcomes of young people. At six months, both groups experienced considerable improvement in psychological distress and psychosis symptoms.

SourceOrygen·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Imagining future guilt helps athletes turn away from doping - study

Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

AAA funds initiative to bring equitable representation to anatomical instructional materials

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has funded the Portfolios of People: Advancing Anatomical Representation Together (POP AART) program. This project aims to create an accessible digital library of representative photographs and illustrations of diverse individuals, addressing a lack of inclusive visual supplements in anatomy e...

SourceAmerican Association for Anatomy·TypeNews article·DateDec 8, 2021