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Science News for October 25, 2021


Chemists at St Petersburg University discover a compound with a laser-induced ‘switching’ of biological activity

Scientists at St Petersburg University have developed a new organic compound that can 'switch' its biological activity on demand under exposure to light, increasing precision and safety in affecting human body cells. The phosphonate can be used in various medical spheres, including ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2021

Clinically significant cataract linked to increased risk of vascular death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

Identification of genes that cause resistance to treatment of the pathogenic fungus Candida

Researchers have identified eight genes in the Candida glabrata fungus that confer resistance to various drugs. The study allows for genetic testing to diagnose potential drug resistance, guiding treatment choices. The findings also highlight cross-resistance phenomena, where exposure to one drug can lead to resistance to another.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Urinary biomarkers predict severe kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 25, 2021

Long COVID can negatively impact physical and cognitive function, employment, and quality of life for at least one year

A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 25, 2021

Shortened course of radiation therapy offers similar long-term side effects following prostate removal surgery

A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Mason researchers conducting collaborative research on worker-AI teaming to enable ADHd workforce participation in the construction industry of the future

Researchers are developing an AI-informed training teammate to promote active, cooperative learning and demonstrate feasibility of human-AI teaming technology for ADHD workers in the construction industry. The system will assess, adapt, and respond to worker behavior, predicting potential incidents and preventing injuries.

Study explores how climate change may affect rain in U.S. Corn Belt

A new Penn State study explores how climate change affects rain in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding that air humidity plays a crucial role. The research suggests that high near-surface humidity is most important for convective precipitation or rain, contrary to previous expectations that soil moisture would be the key factor.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateOct 25, 2021

Assessing the potential of major earthquakes near NEOM

Researchers using satellite geodesy and InSAR imagery found the Arabian side of the Dead Sea Transform fault has been moving steadily northwards at around five millimeters per year. The studies suggest that large earthquakes may be less frequent near the southern end of the Gulf, but more investigations are needed for a resilient city.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGeophysical Journal International·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2021

Urban areas across the US are undercounting greenhouse gas emissions

A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Artificial intelligence sheds light on how the brain processes language

A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2021

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

Addition of genotypic resistance testing did not improve virologic response in patients with HIV virologic failure sub-Saharan Africa

A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Deterioration of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease is slowed by blocking the Bach1 protein, preclinical study shows

A preclinical study found that blocking the Bach1 protein slowed brain cell deterioration in Parkinson's disease. The researchers identified a potent inhibitor of Bach1 called HPPE, which protected cells from inflammation and oxidative stress, and showed promise as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Seagrass restoration study shows rapid recovery of ecosystem functions

A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates rapid expansion of restored eelgrass plots and recovery of ecosystem functions, providing improved habitat for fish and invertebrates. The study shows that restored plots can recover near or at the level seen in natural eelgrass meadows within a few years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Aquatic fungus has already wiped amphibians off the map and now threatens survival of terrestrial frogs

A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.

Call-and-response circuit tells neurons when to grow synapses

A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·DateOct 25, 2021

Marijuana vaping among adolescents

A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2021

COVID-19: Does having received the BCG vaccine as a child provide a protective effect?

A Quebec research team conducted the first-ever study to examine the long-term protective effect of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. Despite previous studies suggesting a correlation between childhood vaccination status and lower mortality rates, the researchers found no long-term protective effect of BCG against COVID-19.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalVaccine·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2021

Use of stimulants in older adults associated with higher risk for cardiovascular events in first month

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that using prescription stimulant medications increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 40% in older adults within the first 30 days. The risk was highest during initial use, but decreased over time as patients stopped taking the medication.

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Tiny microscopic hunters could be a crystal ball for climate change

Researchers at Duke University used mini ecosystems to test the effects of warming on bacteria-eating protists. They found that simple measurements of species traits could predict their response to temperature, shedding light on how climate change will alter microbial communities and influence the pace of global warming.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Interactive floor system makes tracks in encouraging children’s play

Researchers developed an interactive system using floor projections that respond to the player's movements to encourage children's imagination and engagement. The system was evaluated in a study, revealing that unrealistic interactions stimulate children's imaginations more than realistic interactions.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Child-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Metabolic memory plays a key role in breast cancer relapse

A study published in Molecular Systems Biology reveals that tumour cells resistant to treatment exhibit 'metabolic and epigenetic memory' of the tumour state. This finding highlights the importance of glycolysis in sustaining cellular metabolism and provides a potential therapeutic target for preventing breast cancer recurrence.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

March Madness: Researcher sees temporary increase in COVID-19 cases in counties where universities played in NCAA Tournament

A new analysis by a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a link between large gatherings of unvaccinated county residents and an increase in COVID-19 infections in university communities. The study suggests that vaccinations, surveillance testing, or mitigation measures are essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Social determinants of health provide better understanding of brain vulnerability to delirium

A Hebrew SeniorLife study provides a novel framework for understanding the social determinants of health that influence the development of delirium in older adults. The framework identifies environmental, historical, and social variables that may protect against or precipitate delirium.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 25, 2021

Structured management protocols help firms thrive

Using data from over 353 million unique observations, researchers found that companies with structured management practices attracted top-flight managers and were able to keep talented workers. This suggests that better-managed firms are growing in terms of employment, and that these firms can influence the entire labor market.

SourceCornell University·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 25, 2021

University of Surrey research discover links to Bernard Williams’ 40-year-old “slosh” hypothesis

A computer model developed by the University of Surrey researchers supports Bernard Williams' 40-year-old hypothesis that pressure changes cause fluid in the cavity to 'slosh', generating stress in the spinal cord tissue. The study shows that this process can lead to small cavities gradually expanding down the spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

University of Surrey maps path to carbon neutrality

The University of Surrey has published a paper outlining its plan to reduce absolute carbon emissions by 46% over the next decade and achieve Net-Zero. The paper provides guidance on how other universities can apply the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and offers ideas for financing emission reduction pathways.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainability·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2021

Antibiotics for appendicitis: CODA study findings finalized

The Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial found that nearly 7 in 10 patients with antibiotics avoided an appendectomy within three months. By four years, just under 50% had the surgery, suggesting both treatments are safe and valuable to patients differently based on unique symptoms and circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

With proposed reauthorization of federal child abuse legislation, researchers make the case to better help substance-exposed infants

The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 25, 2021

Emotional bullying, and sexual harassment and physical assault of women is widespread in the military

A study of 750 UK women veterans found that a high proportion had experienced military adversity, including sexual harassment (22.5%), emotional bullying (22.7%), and physical assault (3.3%). These experiences were linked to various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021