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Science News for November 30, 2021


The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Children with poorly controlled asthma at higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and should be prioritized for vaccination

A national analysis found that children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to require hospitalisation than those with well-controlled asthma or without asthma. Vaccinating this group can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and associated illness.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Ubiquitous food additive alters human microbiota and intestinal environment

A recent study found that carboxymethylcellulose, a widely used food additive, alters the intestinal environment of healthy individuals by reducing beneficial bacteria and nutrients. The research suggests that long-term consumption of this additive may promote chronic inflammatory diseases, highlighting the need for further study.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalGastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

Analysis reveals impact of poverty and family adversity on adolescent health

A UK study found that children exposed to persistent poverty and poor parental mental health are at increased risk of socioemotional behavioral problems, cognitive disability, drug experimentation, and obesity. The analysis also identified six trajectories of poverty and family adversity, highlighting the need for interventions address...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2021

Detective work on the fuel cell

Scientists have developed a unique measurement technique to study oxygen exchange pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces, revealing that different materials follow the same mechanism. This breakthrough enhances understanding of defects and optimizes material performance.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

UC research: ‘Tweens’ increased media use during the 2020 pandemic summer

A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found that tweens spent more time using media during the 2020 pandemic summer, highlighting the need to reassess notions of 'too much' screen time. The research suggests that media use can have both positive and negative effects on children's lives, with some finding connection with peers ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPsychology of Popular Media·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2021

Reduced meat diet has many advantages

A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 30, 2021

Major disparities in use of preferred HIV medication may result in worse outcomes for women

A large observational cohort study of 134,672 people with HIV found significant disparities in the uptake of dolutegravir, a preferred HIV medication, among women of reproductive age. Only 29% of female patients aged 16-49 years had initiated dolutegravir, compared to 58% of male patients.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Joining forces to prevent cancer

Researchers discovered that under stress conditions, proteasome molecules assemble into structures that induce cell death, a process linked to apoptosis and potentially preventing cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the normal functioning of cells and their connections to cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

3D printing of blood plasma may speed up wound healing

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a new method to enhance wound healing using 3D printing of platelet-rich plasma. The technique showed promising results in improving vascularisation and reducing fibrosis, leading to faster and more successful wound healing.

SourceRCSI·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 30, 2021

Allergic conditions linked to lower COVID-19 infection risk

A large UK study found that individuals with atopic diseases like eczema or hay fever had a 23% lower risk of developing COVID-19. In contrast, people of Asian/Asian British ethnicity and those in crowded households faced a higher risk. The study suggests that some risk factors for severe disease may differ from those for infection.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Constraining quantum measurement

Physicists investigate the act of measuring a quantum particle, revealing that non-linear models can reconcile quantum behavior with classical measurement outcomes. The study sheds light on the elusive crossover between quantum physics and the everyday world.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Artificial intelligence to advance energy technologies

A new artificial intelligence framework called TinNet combines machine-learning algorithms and theories to identify new catalysts for efficient energy production. By understanding how catalysts interact with different intermediates, researchers can design robust catalytic processes that improve daily life.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

Shrinking qubits for quantum computing with atom-thin materials

Using 2D materials, researchers have built superconducting qubits that are significantly smaller than previous designs. The new capacitors store energy without interfering with qubit information storage. This breakthrough paves the way for smaller quantum computers and could lead to new applications of 2D materials.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Extroverted? You may have better financial outcomes

A recent study from the University of Georgia found three distinct combinations of personality traits associated with financial outcomes. The Resilient group, characterized by extroversion, openness, and agreeableness, was linked to successful financial decisions. In contrast, the Under Controlled group's high extroversion and neurotic...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 30, 2021

Humidity changes in dead fern fronds drives unique timing of spore dispersal in a widespread fern species

Researchers discovered that humidity-driven movement in spore-bearing leaves is the key mechanism behind the unique timing of spore dispersal in the sensitive fern. The study found that dead fronds open when dry and close when wet due to differential cell expansion, a process also observed in pine cones.

Time crystal in a quantum computer

Scientists from Stanford University and Google Quantum AI have successfully created a time crystal, a new phase of matter that repeats in time without energy input. The achievement opens up opportunities to explore new regimes in condensed matter physics, providing insight into non-equilibrium quantum systems.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2021

Study on over a million people shows breakthrough COVID-19 infections occur more often and are more severe in immunocompromised

A large-scale study of over 1.2 million people found breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but more frequent and severe in those with weakened immune systems. The study supports the introduction of a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals to increase protection.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Medical Economics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Survey of gun policy experts finds wide disagreement remains

A RAND Corporation survey of 173 gun policy researchers found strikingly polarized views on the merits of various policies, with differing estimates of their effects on firearm homicides and suicides. The study highlights areas where experts agree and disagreements exist, providing a roadmap for future research to resolve uncertainties.

SourceRAND Corporation·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2021

Fast-tracked stroke drug for humans shows promise, in mice, that it might also prove a powerful tool against dementia

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Correcting inherited gene alterations speeds up

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a method to precisely and rapidly correct genetic alterations in cultured patient cells. The new technique combines two Nobel Prize-winning approaches to produce genetically corrected autologous pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 30, 2021

Complications in pregnancy and birth increase with COVID-19 infection

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including ICU admission, preeclampsia, and cesarean section. Vaccination may help protect these women, especially those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

UCI-led study confirms linkage between altered DNA repair and DNA damage in neurodegenerative conditions causing debilitating movement disorders

A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2021

High-speed holography of cells spots physical beacons of disease

Researchers at Duke University developed a holographic system that can image and analyze tens of thousands of cells per minute to spot signs of disease. The technique distinguished between healthy samples and cancerous or pre-cancerous cells with nearly 100% accuracy, using just four basic cellular physical parameters.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New PET imaging-based tool detects liver inflammation from fatty liver disease

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2021

Researchers, practitioners and community members call for greater inclusion in ecosystem restoration

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture have published 10 rules for socially sustainable ecosystem restoration. The rules emphasize the importance of recognizing diversity among stakeholders, building trust with communities, and considering multiple benefits within ecosystems.

Scientists can control brain circuits, behavior, and emotion using light

Researchers create Opto-vTrap, a reversible inhibition system that can temporarily trap vesicles from being released, allowing for controlled brain activity. The technique enables temporary removal of fear memory in live mice, with potential applications in epilepsy treatment, muscle spasm treatment, and skin tissue expansion technolog...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Quantum computers getting connected

A team of researchers from the University of Stuttgart successfully integrated color centers into nanophotonic silicon carbide structures, paving the way for more efficient quantum computers. The approach enables the robust spin-optical properties of the color centers to be maintained after integration.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Clam fossils help scientists find errors in evolutionary tree calculations

Researchers used clam fossils to create a comprehensive evolutionary tree over hundreds of millions of years, revealing that a basic assumption can significantly distort the picture of which species are destroyed during mass extinctions. The study found that assuming lineages always split into two new species can push the origins of ne...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2021

COVID-19 disparities caused by chronic conditions and lack of health care access

A new Rutgers University study examines COVID-19 disparities among communities of color, finding that underlying health conditions and lack of healthcare access are major contributing factors. The research suggests that education, policy, and intervention efforts can help decrease mortality rates by targeting these social determinants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateNov 30, 2021

Largest genetic study of suicide attempts confirms genetic underpinnings that are not driven by underlying psychiatric disorders

A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Critical conflict in cancer cells

A study found that the MYCN protein creates conflicts between DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells, leading to increased division rates and potential damage. The researchers hope to develop therapies by disrupting the cooperation between MYCN and a molecule called BRCA1.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 30, 2021

Successful treatment in mice for severe childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully treated high-risk neuroblastoma in mice using a combination of precision medicines, showing potential for a curative treatment. The study's results suggest that patients with this form of childhood cancer may benefit from drug treatment with ATR inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New study identifies gaps in treatment for opioid use disorder as overdose emergencies soar

A new study found that emergency physicians are missing opportunities to prescribe life-saving medications like naloxone and buprenorphine after opioid overdose visits. The study analyzed over 149,000 visits between 2019-2021 and discovered that naloxone was prescribed only in 7.4% of cases, while buprenorphine was prescribed in only 8...

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 30, 2021

Diagnosing breast cancer

A new diagnostic tool for breast cancer uses a low-voltage electrical current to detect changes in lymphatic interstitial fluid, showing 70% effectiveness in predicting cancer presence. The device can be used repeatedly on women of any age, providing an additional diagnostic option for younger patients and those with dense breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New review highlights cancer-crushing viruses

A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021

As LA traffic slowed amid the pandemic, researchers gained new insight into air pollution

A team of scientists used satellite images to track ammonia concentrations in the air above Los Angeles before and during the pandemic lockdown. They discovered that cars may produce up to 95% of this harmful pollutant throughout the city, significantly higher than previous estimates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

New study: Prunes have promising effect on men’s bone health, adding to growing body of research

A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that eating prunes daily reduces biomarkers of bone breakdown and improves bone geometry in healthy men aged 50-79. The study adds to existing research on the beneficial effects of prunes on bone health, particularly for men.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Sacramento·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

ComCor study: New results on places of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and analysis of the efficacy of messenger RNA vaccines against the Delta variant

The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·TypeCase study·DateNov 30, 2021

Asian climate variability and dynamics across early-to-middle pliocene warm period provide clues for future climate change

A recent study revealed Asian climate variability across the early-to-middle Pliocene Warm Period, providing insights into future climate change. The research found that CO2-induced global warming led to increased summer monsoon moisture transport over East Asia and aridification in Central Asia.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

The diabetes medication that could revolutionise heart failure treatment

A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can improve outcomes for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The medication has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart-related causes and hospitalization by 22%.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2021

Reshaping the plastic lifecycle into a circle

A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh reveals that 360 million metric tonnes of new plastic were produced in 2018, with only 9% being recycled. The research found that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production are staggering, accounting for 350 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 30, 2021

Ancient lineage of algae found to include five “cryptic” species

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that a rare alga, Chlorokybus, contains at least five distinct species previously thought to be a single entity. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, shedding new light on the biodiversity and evolutionary pathways of this key algal group.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021