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Science News for October 6, 2021


Researchers simulate an acute decline in exercise, as many experienced during COVID19 lockdowns, to study its metabolic consequences

A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Common chemicals in electronics and baby products harm brain development

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021

Key role neuropsychological assessment plays in rehabilitation after neurological injury or disease

International experts discuss the clinical and therapeutic applications of neuropsychological assessment, highlighting its contributions to neurorehabilitation and cognitive performance. The articles explore performance validity testing, teleneuropsychology, and the nexus of neuropsychology and neuroimaging.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Neurobiologists identify widely used assembling and stabilizing forces behind brain synapses

Scientists at the University of California San Diego have discovered that planar cell polarity is a widely used mechanism for forming and maintaining glutamatergic synapses. The study found that Prickle protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing these synapses, which are essential for neuronal communication.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Chronic stress may impact treatment completion and survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer

A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...

K-State researchers publish article on data collection of maternal mortality due to violence

Researchers at Kansas State University argue that integrating National Violent Death Reporting System data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees can improve the efficacy of MMRCs and address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The study found increased risk for pregnancy-associated homicide and suicide during pregnancy and po...

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateOct 6, 2021

EWG scientists create new framework for using demographic data to evaluate cumulative cancer risk from tap water contamination

The study provides a new framework for policymakers to consider drinking water quality data when analyzing environmental justice issues. Communities with higher ratios of Hispanic and/or Black populations were found to have statistically significant increases in cancer risk due to exposure to tap water contamination.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Smoggier skies, lower scores? A Brazilian study examines the effects of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance

A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

A study of skull growth and tooth emergence reveals that timing is everything

A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Study examines what makes adult children cut ties with parents

A study of over 1,000 mothers estranged from their adult children found that nearly 80% believed an ex-husband or child's mental health issues were responsible for the estrangement. The results highlight a disconnect between mothers' and children's reasons for the rift, suggesting a need to consider differing perspectives when trying t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCouple and Family Psychology Research and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Why do muffins rise in the oven? Researcher wins NSF award to develop phenomenon-based science courses for elementary teachers

Northern Arizona University researcher Marti Canipe has developed a three-year project to create science courses for undergraduate elementary education majors using phenomenon-based instruction methods. The courses will focus on real-life phenomena and engage students in scientific practices, leading to deeper understanding of science ...

Zeolites’ isotopes defy nature

Researchers analyzed ancient zeolite specimens to discover that some prefer lighter isotopes, while others prefer heavier ones. This finding could help quantify temperatures in geologic systems and mitigate human-caused climate change.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

What are the keys to a healthy intercultural relationship?

A new study explores how cultural values affect intercultural relationships. Secure attachment and relationship equality are key factors in greater relationship satisfaction, while adherence to traditions and less support of traditional gender roles also play a role.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Multicultural Counseling and Development·DateOct 6, 2021

Getting up to speed on the proton

Physicists have developed a groundbreaking theory, LaMET, to calculate the quark and gluon structure of protons traveling at the speed of light. This breakthrough resolves limitations in existing lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) theories, allowing for predictions on proton structure that can be tested by future experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateOct 6, 2021

Do blood pressure medications increase the risk of psoriasis?

A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a potential link between blood pressure medication use and the development of psoriasis. Data from 13 studies suggests that certain types of antihypertensive medications may increase the risk of skin conditions, warranting close monitoring.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 6, 2021

Pandemic took a toll on older adults serving as unpaid caregivers for chronically ill or disabled loved ones

A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInnovation in Aging·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Changes in older adults’ life space during lung cancer treatment

Researchers found that older adults with non-small cell lung cancer have low life-space mobility before treatment, which declines after starting treatment. A lower body mass index prior to treatment is associated with an improvement in life-space mobility during treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 6, 2021

Students engaging in COVID-19 distance learning were more motivated and persistent – and less likely to procrastinate – when they perceived themselves as autonomous, competent and socially connected

A multi-country study finds that students performing COVID-19 distance learning exhibit increased motivation and perseverance when they perceive themselves as self-motivated and connected to others. The study also reveals lower procrastination rates among these students.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2021

Common diabetes drug promising against rare childhood brain tumor in laboratory studies

Researchers found that metformin suppressed glucose metabolism and killed cancer cells in group A posterior fossa ependymomas, a type of childhood brain tumor. The study's senior author believes this opens a promising possibility for therapeutic suppression of the epigenetic changes driving these tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Protecting the ozone layer is delivering vast health benefits

A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2021

Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity

Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Beavers benefit fish by building dams in Scottish rivers

A new study found that beaver dams in Scottish streams increase the availability of suitable habitat and abundance of food for brown trout, benefiting their growth and abundance. The research showed that beaver-modified streams had larger trout populations with greater sanctuary from predators.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

The Lancet: Half of the global population lack access to basic diagnostics for many common diseases, new estimates suggest

New estimates suggest nearly half (47%) of the global population has limited or no access to key tests and services for diagnosing common diseases. The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics calls for urgent investment and training to improve access to testing in primary care, especially point-of-care testing.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 6, 2021

Dwarf planet Vesta a window to the early solar system

Researchers have successfully sampled Vesta's mantle using meteorites derived from the dwarf planet, resolving the 'missing mantle problem' and providing a record of the earliest era in solar system formation. This breakthrough pushes back our knowledge to just two million years after the beginning of solar system formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Skyrmion research: Braids of nanovortices discovered

Researchers from Germany, Sweden, and China have discovered braided structures of nanoscale skyrmions in alloys of iron and germanium, offering new insights into their properties and potential uses. These complex shapes stabilize the magnetic structures, making them interesting for applications in information processing.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2021

More and more roads but little knowledge about their impact on wildlife

A recent meta-study found that the existing data on road networks' impact on wildlife is limited to high-income countries and only a few species groups. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the effect of roads on threatened species and population dynamics.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Massage doesn’t just make muscles feel better, it makes them heal faster and stronger

A Harvard study found that massage therapy using mechanotherapy rapidly clears immune cells from severely injured muscles, enhancing regeneration. The treatment also removed inflammatory cytokines, leading to greater repair and strength recovery in injured muscles.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2021

Maternal emergencies without a safety net

The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGlobal Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital prove efficacy of new immunotherapy for multiple myeloma

Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital have developed a new cancer treatment called CAR-NK-cell immunotherapy, which uses natural killer cells to target cancerous cells. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with multiple myeloma, with 25% of treated mice remaining disease-free.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Some pancreatic cancer clinical trial eligibility criteria may be more likely to disqualify black patients

A simulated screening process for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from trials. The study found that nutrition and infectious disease criteria disproportionately excluded Black patients, while a history of prior cancer treatment excluded more...

Peeling back the layers of the onion genome

Researchers at Yamaguchi University have successfully assembled the genetic map of the onion genome, revealing over 540,000 possible genes. The findings also suggest that functional gene regions are evenly distributed across the genome, highlighting the need for careful examination to determine gene functionality.

SourceYamaguchi University·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

How ‘ice needles’ weave patterns of stones in frozen landscapes

Researchers discovered that ice needles growing on frozen ground can push up rocks into regular patterns through a combination of experiments and computer modeling. Over time, stones cluster together, leaving bare patches stone-free, as the size of the stones, soil moisture, and ice needle growth interact.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 2021

Do opinions regarding climate change adjust to economic conditions?

A new study published in Economic Inquiry finds that economic conditions affect climate change beliefs only among those in the labor force, while retired individuals and students remain unaffected. The analysis resolves conflicting results on the determinants of popular support for climate change initiatives.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 6, 2021

Study gauges healthcare worker stress during pandemic

A new study found that healthcare workers, especially those under age 50 and women, experienced exceptionally high levels of stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed data from an international questionnaire and discovered that paramedical staff had even higher stress levels than medical doctors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021

Intelligence emerging from random polymer networks

A team of researchers from Osaka University has designed a sulfonated polyaniline network for reservoir computing, achieving 70% accuracy in speech recognition tasks. The device uses an electrochemical approach and has potential applications in the development of artificial intelligence devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Line and hook fishing techniques in Epipaleolithic Israel

A study at Jordan River Dureijat site in northern Israel uncovered a wide variety of hook shapes and sinkers, indicating humans had profound knowledge of fish behavior. The findings coincide with the beginning of agriculture in the region, highlighting the importance of aquatic resources for human subsistence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021