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Science News for October 19, 2021


Climate change affects animal behavior

A study on over 100 species found that climate change affects animal behavior, including changes in aggression, activity, and sociability. The researchers believe that behavioral changes can serve as a buffer for animals to avoid negative effects of environmental change.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalOikos·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Exploring sustainable pathways by balancing food security, trade, and environmental impacts in China

A recent study in Nature Sustainability explores sustainable pathways for China's increasing food demand while balancing trade and environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of integrating global optimization towards SDGs to address challenges such as food security, water shortage, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

COVID-19: Using Polylactic Acid (PLA) to create more environmentally friendly face masks

Scientists have created sustainable face masks made from biodegradable PLA, which breaks down quickly under ambient temperatures. The study showed that the masks can be fully bio-mineralized without forming secondary microplastic pollution, paving the way for more eco-friendly alternatives.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 19, 2021

Different recipe, same sauce

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully synthesized shagene A, a tricyclic terpenoid effective against the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. The compound kills the parasite without causing detrimental side effects and has attracted attention for its potential in drug discovery.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

What does it take to be a marine?

A study analyzing data from 3,438 trainees has identified key factors associated with success in Recon Marine training, including prior life experience, athletic experience, and physical performance metrics. The research aims to inform military recruitment and training strategies, advancing novel ways to recruit and retain for the U.S....

Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, SFU researchers find

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New deep learning algorithm can pick up genetic mutations and DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancers more efficiently

A new deep learning algorithm can accurately predict the status of molecular pathways and key mutations in colorectal cancer from routine histology images. The algorithm, which doesn't require manual annotations, has been shown to be significantly more accurate than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Scientists identify suspect protein as a marker for prostate cancer progression

Scientists at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have identified zinc finger protein 507 (ZNF507) as a critical protein marker for the progression of prostate cancer to an aggressive state. The researchers found that ZNF507 accelerated the growth, survival, proliferation, and migration of PC cells.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Adding SNAP benefits for older adults in Medicare, Medicaid can reduce hospital visits, healthcare costs

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

New concerns for inland wetlands

A new study by Flinders University highlights concerns over the potential impact of a proposed Carmichael coal mine on the Doongmabulla Springs Complex in central Queensland. The research suggests that even partial dewatering of the aquifer could lead to permanent damage, threatening the springs' existence.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

SEL-WLEDs: Full electroluminescent white light-emitting diodes based on a single emissive layer

Researchers reviewed the progress of Single-Emissive Layer White Light Emitting Diodes (SEL-WLEDs), highlighting their advantages in low cost, simple process, and material stability. The study proposes perovskite materials as a feasible path to commercialization.

Synchrotron techniques accelerate the developing of high-energy-density Li-ion cathode materials for industrial application

Researchers use synchrotron techniques to study battery cathode materials, revealing their structural and chemical evolution under real-world conditions. The study highlights the importance of realistic operating conditions and interdisciplinary collaboration in improving energy density and reducing production costs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 19, 2021

Food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains can hurt giants

A recent study found that food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains have a significant impact on consumer behavior, causing people to be hesitant to visit other restaurants even if they were not directly involved. The negative spillover effect was greater from the bottom up, with small chain crises hurting big-name brands more.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

scAAVengr hunt for viruses to cure blindness

A novel computational platform called scAAVengr uses single-cell RNA sequencing to quickly evaluate viral vectors for delivering gene therapies to the retina with maximum efficiency and precision. This approach saves time and resources by identifying suitable candidates that can deliver therapy to affected parts of the retina accurately.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournaleLife·DateOct 19, 2021

Climate change caused the devastating floods in part of Brazilian´s Southeast region, study says

A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·DateOct 19, 2021

Amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts in water

Researchers develop amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts, improving adsorption capacity and recyclability for dyes in water. The frameworks exhibit high crystallinity and stability, ensuring satisfactory recyclability and outstanding photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Co-worker interventions can moderate customer sexual harassment in service industry

A new study published in Journal of Occupational Health Psychology suggests that bystander employees who intervene when co-workers are victims of customer sexual harassment can protect their colleagues. The study found that bystander empathy plays a significant role in moderating customer sexual harassment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Targeting cancer at the nanoscale

Scientists at Osaka University developed a novel system for targeted cancer radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles labeled with astatine-211. The nanoparticles are highly toxic to cancer cells while remaining localized, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Targeted prostate cancer screening could benefit men with inherited cancer syndrome

Research suggests that regular PSA testing from age 40 could detect life-threatening prostate cancer in men with genetic hallmarks of Lynch syndrome, increasing the chances of earlier diagnosis and treatment. Men with MSH2 gene faults were eight times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Flexible sensor-integrated RFA needle leads to smarter medical treatment

Researchers developed a thin polymeric sensor platform on an RFA needle to monitor temperature and pressure in real time, detecting steam pops and accelerating ablation processes. The integrated sensors may provide valuable information for safer surgical procedures and more effective medical treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

Corporate influence linked to slow implementation of public health policies globally

A study found that only a third of public health policies had been fully implemented globally by 2020, with low-income countries and those with high corporate influence showing slow progress. The researchers suggest that corporate influence cancelled out the positive relationship between democracy and implementation, highlighting the n...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

UC professor provides insight on disaster preparedness

A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·DateOct 19, 2021

Researchers find novel means of flagging inpatient pharmacy orders for intervention

A team of researchers has developed a novel machine learning model that can identify medication orders requiring pharmacy intervention using provider behavior and contextual features. This approach reduces the risk of exposing sensitive patient data, while alleviating the workload of pharmacists and increasing patient safety.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJAMIA Open·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

JNCCN: More people with cancer undergoing radiotherapy prefer telemedicine to in-person visits

A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2021

Virtual job interviews infected by COVID-19 worries, new study finds

A new study from the University of Toronto found that virtual job interviews during COVID-19 increased anxiety in candidates, leading to reduced performance. Organizations can improve candidate experience and fairness by designing platforms that minimize anxiety, suggests lead researcher Julie McCarthy.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Mother-to-child HIV transmission lower in infants with high antibody function levels

A new study found that infants with high levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against their mother's strain of HIV are less likely to get infected through breastfeeding. The study also showed that ADCC is more effective than neutralizing antibodies in protecting infants against HIV transmission and improving outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 19, 2021

People with cancer and cancer survivors in low-income and rural areas face greater risk of suicide

A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that individuals with cancer living in economically or medically underserved areas have a nearly twice the risk of suicide mortality compared to the general population. Mental distress from financial hardship worsened during cancer survivorship among those living...

Yelp star ratings on health care facilities may reveal county-level death rate disparities

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Yelp star ratings on health care facilities can indicate county-level death rate disparities. Counties with more 1-star reviews had higher death rates, and a one-point difference in average scores was associated with a reduction of approximately 60 preventable deaths.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021

New model points to solution to global blood shortage

A new mathematical model suggests that patients with anemia can be effectively treated with transfusions of blood substitutes, which are more readily available than real blood. This approach could reduce the negative effects of blood transfusion and lower costs.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

Pregnant and lactating women should adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection

A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

Flower-like nickel phyllosilicate nanoparticles to boost the excellent mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of epoxy nanocomposites

Researchers introduce flower-like nickel phyllosilicates to epoxy resin, enhancing mechanical property, thermal stability, and tribological response. The addition of 5% nanofillers can suppress wear resistance by 86.6%, improving anti-wear properties.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Environmental injustice, population density and the spread of COVID-19 in minority communities

Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

A new standard for reporting epidemic prediction research

International panel develops EPIFORGE guidelines to standardize reporting of epidemic prediction research, aiming to improve manuscript quality and impact. The checklist outlines 19 recommended items, including clear data sources and public availability of computer code.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2021

Maintaining balance in the brain

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that reducing tau levels impacts both excitatory and inhibitory cells, leading to a reduction in excitation-inhibition ratios. This effect counteracts diseases that cause abnormal increases in this ratio, potentially improving the brain's ability to perform its functions.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 19, 2021

Canada should limit use of forceps in childbirth to prevent lifelong injuries to women: Study

A recent study has called for reduced forceps use in Canada and better education for both clinicians and mothers on how to avoid injury during childbirth. The researchers analyzed nearly two million birth records from Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Austria, finding that five percent of women had third or fourth degree tears to the perineum.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2021

Novel sugar detector system in the human mouth has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods, according to Monell Center study

A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that humans have a second sensory ability to detect sugars in the mouth that involves detecting potential energy-burning sugars. This discovery has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

New study demonstrates community engagement efforts are critical to ensuring the equitable inclusion of BIPOC communities in vaccine clinical trials

A recent study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates the critical role of community engagement in increasing diverse participation in vaccine clinical trials. The research found that robust engagement strategies can overcome barriers to inclusion, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2021