Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 20, 2021


Lack of trust exacerbates loneliness spiral

A team of researchers found that individuals with severe loneliness have reduced trust in others, which can lead to decreased positive interactions and worsen loneliness. The study used brain scans and conversations to measure changes in brain activity and mood, providing clues for therapeutic options.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Important signs of blood clots in the lungs missed in patients with dementia

Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

A sandblaster at the atomic level

A computational model predicts the effects of ion bombardment on surfaces with varying degrees of roughness, enabling accurate calculation of material removal. The study's findings have implications for fusion research, astrophysics, and industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

An X-ray of the vending machines

A study by the University of the Basque Country analyzed the nutritional profile and level of processing of food products sold in vending machines. The results show that 48.6% of the products were classified as low-quality, while 73.8% were ultra-processed.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 20, 2021

Coral reef biodiversity predicted to shuffle rather than collapse as climate changes

Researchers at the University of Hawaii found that coral reef community structure changes in response to ocean warming and acidification, but total biodiversity remains stable. The tiny organisms living within the reef matrix, known as cryptobiota, play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

2021 Farinella Prize awarded to Diana Valencia and Lena Noack

Physicist Diana Valencia and planetary scientist Lena Noack were awarded the 2021 Paolo Farinella Prize for their significant contributions to understanding terrestrial and super-Earth exoplanets. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of Earth-like exoplanet composition and evolution, critical for assessing habitability.

How the pandemic has triggered a cycle of mental health struggles and physical inactivity

A large study reveals the pandemic exacerbates mental health challenges and hinders physical activity levels, particularly among lower-income households and those living in urban areas. The survey found that higher household income was associated with better mental health status and maintained physical activity levels.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2021

New method used to study how cancer cells are organized

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new method to track individual cancer cells and their offspring over time. The study found that brain tumour cells are hierarchically organised, but with some degree of flexibility, and that drug treatment influences cell organisation. This breakthrough may lead to the development of target...

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Modern activities follow the contours of ancient Teotihuacan

A lidar mapping study of ancient Teotihuacan shows that the city's engineers reshaped the landscape for construction, rerouted rivers to align with astronomical significance, and identified hundreds of previously unknown architectural features. The study confirms how these modifications continue to influence modern activities in the area.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Dangers of smoking during pregnancy

Researchers at McGill University found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. The study, which examined over nine million deliveries, also discovered that smoking mildly decreases the risk of preeclampsia.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Diabetes medications linked to glaucoma prevention

Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Trulicity and Rybelsus, reduced the risk of glaucoma in diabetic patients by approximately half. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 patients and showed a significant decrease in new glaucoma diagnoses among those taking these medications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Multimedia helps increase uptake of sustainable agricultural intensification in four African countries

A multimedia approach to extension services has increased the uptake of Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. The ASHC campaigns employed a mix of communication channels to promote SAI practices and technologies, resulting in at least 20% adoption among farmers exposed to the campaigns.

SourceCABI·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·TypeNews article·DateSep 20, 2021

Augmented reality helps tackle fear of spiders

A new augmented reality app, Phobys, has been developed to help people reduce their fear of spiders through exposure therapy. The app uses a realistic 3D spider model projected into the real world and offers nine levels of training, with game elements to maintain motivation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateSep 20, 2021

Modern simulations could improve MRIs

Researchers at Rice University have refined models to analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents, which are used in 40% of MRIs worldwide. The team's goal is to design better and more customizable contrast agents that improve image quality while minimizing risks.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Students’ certainty about belonging and their performance in a STEM course reinforce each other – for better or worse

A new study from the University of Utah finds that students' uncertainty about belonging in a STEM course reinforces each other, affecting midterm scores and persistence in the field. Women students experience higher belonging uncertainty than men, despite similar academic preparation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

Autistic individuals are more likely to be LGBTQ+

A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autistic adults are less likely to identify as heterosexual and more likely to experience a diverse range of sexual orientations. The research found no differences in likelihood of contracting STIs or age of first sexual activity between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAutism Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2021

New NIH research study to investigate psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular disease risk among urban African American adults

A new NIH-funded study aims to identify the psychosocial factors that contribute to high cardiovascular disease risk among urban African American adults. The research, led by Wayne State University, will explore how stressors like racial discrimination and social isolation impact health behaviors and disease progression.

Missing wind variability means future impacts of climate change may be underestimated in Europe and North America

Researchers at the University of Reading found that climate models underpredict regional temperatures and rainfall, particularly in the mid-latitudes, by neglecting extratropical wind variability. This increases uncertainty and likelihood of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Meeting sleep recommendations could lead to smarter snacking

A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Is your child a fussy eater?

A systematic review of 80 health industry studies found that pressuring children to eat negatively influences fussy eating, while a more relaxed parenting style and family meals reduce the likelihood. Researchers recommend positive parenting and involving kids in meal preparation to help them overcome picky eating habits.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2021

Nano-scale discovery could help to cool down overheating in electronics

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a way to cool down ultra-small heat sources by packing them closer together, using computational simulations to track the passage of heat. The findings highlight the challenges of designing efficient electronic devices and could lead to faster cooling in future tech.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Cancer shortens lifespan in transplant recipients

A recent study published in CANCER found that cancer significantly reduces the life expectancy of transplant recipients, particularly those who receive lung or heart transplants. The average lifespan lost due to cancer diagnosis among these patients is approximately 2.7 years.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 20, 2021

For the first time, stroke study reveals optimal timing and intensity for arm and hand rehabilitation

A phase II clinical trial found that intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke is most effective 60 to 90 days after the event. The study showed significant improvement in hand and arm function, with benefits also seen when rehabilitation started at less than 30 days post-stroke.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2021

Gun violence exposure associated with higher rates of mental health-related ED visits by children

Children exposed to gun violence within a four-block radius are more likely to experience mental health distress, with symptoms appearing days after the incident. Researchers recommend reducing community violence through safe storage and background check laws, as well as providing preventive support for affected families.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

A genetic brain disease reversed after birth

Researchers at RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research have found that Kleefstra syndrome, a genetic disorder leading to intellectual disability, can be reversed after birth. Postnatal treatment with artificially induced GLP production resulted in improved brain and behavioral symptoms.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateSep 20, 2021

Mars habitability limited by its small size, isotope study suggests

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that Mars' small size limits its habitability due to a lack of retained volatiles. Researchers used potassium isotopes to determine the presence and abundance of volatile elements on Mars, finding a correlation between body size and volatile composition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Synchrony through touch

A study found that touch and proximity contribute to the attunement of brain and heart rhythms between mother and baby. Mother-baby pairs showed mutual neural adjustment when they touched each other or played face-to-face, demonstrating the fundamental role of touch in early adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 20, 2021

Psychosis risk linked to cats

A new study by Orygen has linked exposure to toxoplasma gondii, carried by cats, with an increased likelihood of developing psychosis in young people. The observational study found a significant association between long-term Toxoplasma infection and the transition to first-episode psychosis.

SourceOrygen·JournalSchizophrenia Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

Early treatment with ACE inhibitors in becker muscular dystrophy patients improves cardiac health

A new study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that starting treatment with an ACE inhibitor as soon as cardiac function drops below normal reduces the risk of severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure in BMD patients. Early treatment significantly improves long-term cardiac outcomes, reducing hospitalizations for h...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 20, 2021

Online space fails to deliver as equalizer for female scientists

A new Northwestern University study has found that despite promises of equal opportunity, women are less successful than men in the digital space, with implications for recognition and awards. Online presence is associated with factors such as past work impact and social capital, but men tend to benefit disproportionately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

DNA modifications could be used to determine the progression of severe liver disease

Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns at specific genomic sites correlated with levels of fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study suggests that these patterns could be used to diagnose the severity of this condition, potentially leading to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalClinical Epigenetics·DateSep 20, 2021

Social policies for the digital age

Comparative survey data from over 25,000 respondents highlights workers' concerns about technology-related job risks and expectations for funding for training and continuing education. Governments are advised to take a balanced policy approach, investing in social investment and social transfer measures.