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Science News for September 9, 2021


Childhood gender nonconformity in boys linked to early androgens

Researchers studied individuals with isolated GnRH deficiency, a rare endocrine disorder that affects hormone production. Men with IGD reported higher levels of childhood gender non-conformity, while women did not differ from typical women. This suggests that early androgens play a direct role in shaping male brain development.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2021

Surgical patients find virtual follow-up care more convenient without loss of satisfaction

A mixed-methods analysis found that most surgical patients prefer virtual follow-up care for its convenience, which does not compromise patient satisfaction. The study highlights the potential benefits of virtual visits in improving access to care and reducing barriers for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021

Study shows motivation is key for teachers to overcome racial bias in classroom

A study published in Learning and Instruction found that pre-service teachers' genuine desire to be unprejudiced is positively associated with their endorsement of culturally supportive instructional practices. Cultivating open-mindedness rather than anti-racist training is key for teachers to overcome racial bias.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Scientists discover that taste cells can control a whole animal’s foraging strategy

Researchers developed a computer model revealing how single brain cells in nematode worms sense and process environmental information to drive decision-making. The study found that sensory cells use salt cues as 'navigation beacons' to direct foraging behavior, controlling the animal's search strategy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Off-target immune response could predict COVID-19 severity

A new study found that people hospitalized with COVID-19 have elevated levels of autoimmune antibodies in their blood, which are strongly linked to disease severity. Patients with high levels of these autoantibodies were five to seven times more likely to develop severe disease than those with stable antibody levels.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Can medical marijuana effectively treat childhood epilepsy?

Researchers emphasize the importance of high-quality evidence for efficacy and safety when evaluating cannabis-based medicinal products in pediatric epilepsies. The authors caution that unlicensed products pose risks to children with epilepsy and warn against using them as a Trojan horse for the cannabis industry.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateSep 9, 2021

Study finds racial-ethnic differences in sleep health

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found significant racial-ethnic differences in sleep health, with white adults having the best sleep outcomes and Black adults facing the worst. The research used data from over 1,700 adults and identified factors such as irregular timing and duration, insufficient sleep duration, and high ...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 9, 2021

When everyone works remotely, communication and collaboration suffer, study finds

A new study of 61,000 Microsoft employees found that working from home causes workers to become more siloed in how they communicate, engage in fewer real-time conversations, and spend fewer hours in meetings. The study's findings suggest that a full-time remote workforce may have a harder time acquiring and sharing new information.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Warmer bottom water temperatures increased methane seepage in the NW Barents Sea

Researchers reconstructed the bottom water temperature record in the Northwest Barents Sea over the last 18,000 years and found that warmer temperatures led to increased methane seepage. The study suggests that these events played a key role in driving the retreat of the former ice sheet and destabilizing gas hydrates.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 9, 2021

Video fake news believed more, shared more than text and audio versions

A study by Penn State found that people are more likely to believe fake news in video format, with 58% of participants believing a fake video was real, compared to 33% who read the article and 48% who heard an audio version. The researchers suggest that this is due to the perceived realism of videos, which can lead to a

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 9, 2021

Giving websites a human touch: Researcher of Mainz University receives SERVSIG Best Service Article Award of the American Marketing Association

A study by researchers at Mainz University found that digital presence of service employees improves customer loyalty. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that customers perceive websites with images or videos of service employees as more attractive and memorable, leading to increased customer loyalty.

New guideline provides clinical recommendations for surgical referral of obstructive sleep apnea patients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending referral to upper airway or bariatric surgery for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant of CPAP therapy. The guideline provides strong recommendations for treatment, considering factors such as BMI and patient adherence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateSep 9, 2021

GaN-on-diamond semiconductor material that can take the heat - 1,000℃ to be exact

Researchers have successfully bonded gallium nitride and diamond without intermediate layers using surface-activated bonding. The resulting GaN-on-diamond material demonstrates stability even at extreme temperatures of up to 1,000℃, enabling the development of highly conductive semiconductors for high-power devices.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Disease genes help developing brains

Scientists have identified two new candidate genes, ULK4 and PTTG1, that positively influence the development of an embryo by restoring a strong Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. This finding provides new insights into the causes of holoprosencephaly, a congenital malformation affecting around one to four in every 1,000 unborns.

Lurbinectedin does not improve overall survival in SCLC -- some positive action in combination with doxorubicin after chemotherapy

A multicenter clinical trial tested the use of lurbinectedin in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which did not meet its primary end point of overall survival. However, the combination of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin was found to be active in patients with SCLC after one prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

Social groups, status play large role in health controversies

A study by Indiana University researchers found that individuals' socioeconomic status and social networks play a significant role in shaping their decisions about health controversies. Higher-status people faced fewer consequences for resisting medical guidelines, while those with lower statuses experienced more scrutiny. The study em...

SourceIndiana University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2021

Graphene made with lasers for wearable health devices

A Penn State-led international research team developed laser-induced graphene (LIG) for wearable health devices, offering superior conductivity and heat resistance. The LIG foam exhibited electrical properties, while fibrous structures showed better performance, opening possibilities for sensing devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience China Technological Sciences·DateSep 9, 2021

Mothers’ diabetes may induce premature aging of neural tissue leading to birth defects

Researchers have found that maternal diabetes can cause premature aging of neural tissue, leading to birth defects such as neural tube defects. A study published in Science Advances suggests that treatments could be developed to prevent miscarriages and certain birth defects in babies born from mothers with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Culture determines the likelihood of unhappy employees becoming entrepreneurs

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that cultural context greatly affects the likelihood of unhappy employees becoming entrepreneurs. Countries with low uncertainty avoidance and high social acceptance of entrepreneurship have a stronger link between job satisfaction and entrepreneurial intent. In contrast, countri...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

What AI analysis of 100 million social media interactions can teach product managers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing uses big data from over 100 million social media user engagements to derive marketing insights. The research captures latent relationships among thousands of brands and across many categories, revealing a highly precise market structure. This allows product managers to identify potential threats ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 9, 2021

Brain molecule helps ‘wake up’ cells that could help tackle MS and similar diseases, study shows

Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.

Science Journals' new site enlivens communication of leading research and elevates scientist voices

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a revamped website, integrating its six journals and elevating scientist voices through improved navigation and visuals. The new platform offers readers a more immersive experience, with features such as interactive study images and customizable reading modes.

An insulator made of two conductors

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has discovered a new correlated state in twisted double layers of graphene, where negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes pair up to form an electrically neutral state. This state can transmit information or conduct heat without conducting electric current.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

EU, US regulators apply similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have applied a similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer YSOPIA Bioscience. This collaboration has provided valuable regulatory feedback for the company's clinical development efforts. The review highlights the need for harmonize...

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 2021

BU study explores the effect of consumer advertising of cosmetic procedures on patients

A new Boston University School of Medicine study explores the impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising on patients seeking cosmetic procedures. The research found that DTC ads often exaggerate benefits while minimizing risks, suggesting that patients may believe that trained medical professionals are not necessary for these proce...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermatologic Surgery·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 2021

A new method to understand protein dynamics 
and the regulation of cellular processes’

Researchers developed a new computational procedure to discover functional protein shapes, revealing molecular details of cellular processes. The approach focused on allosteric regulation and applied to adenylate cyclase, a key enzyme in energy metabolism and hormone signaling.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Report says mental health distress continued to increase during COVID-19 pandemic

A new report reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety among US men and women. The study found that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, financial stressors, and caregiving responsibilities were more likely to experience psychological distress.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

Smoking during pregnancy may impact fetal growth through changes in placental gene expression

A new study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental DNA methylation and poor birth outcomes. The research suggests that these epigenetic changes may affect fetal growth by altering the expression of genes involved in environmental responses, growth, and inflammation.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Eyeglasses for school kids boosts academic performance

A three-year clinical study found that students who received eyeglasses through a school-based program scored higher on reading and math tests. The students who struggled the most academically showed the greatest improvement, with gains equivalent to two to four months of additional education.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021

Health insurance coverage declined during the pandemic

A study led by Duke University researchers found that nearly 2.7 million people in the US lost employer-based health insurance during the spring and summer of 2020, but gained coverage through government programs like Medicaid. The study suggests that recent policy changes created a safety net to support those affected by job loss.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

Study shows decreased mortality for patients with complex aortic aneurysms treated by fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

A recent study found that fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair significantly reduced mortality rates for patients with complex aortic aneurysms, with a 1% risk of mortality at 30 days compared to 21% in open surgical repair. The procedure also showed better outcomes regarding major adverse events, including spinal cord injury.

Groundbreaking technique yields important new details on silicon, subatomic particles and possible ‘fifth force’

NIST scientists use a novel technique to measure the properties of silicon crystals, revealing new insights into subatomic particles and the strength of a possible fifth force. The results provide improved precision and complementary information for both X-ray and neutron scattering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Is the nature of academic research changing?

The proportion of journal articles using questionnaires tripled between 1996 and 2019, indicating a focus on human opinions and perspectives. However, this trend is linked to declining citation impact, sparking debate about the value and validity of questionnaire-based research.

SourceWiley·JournalLearned Publishing·DateSep 9, 2021

Calculated risk – A new tool to predict mortality in patients with liver failure

A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Reconfigurable metasurfaces provide nanoscale light control

Researchers designed electromechanically reconfigurable ultrathin optical elements that can be controlled on a pixel-by-pixel level. These versatile metasurfaces could offer a new chip-based way to achieve nanoscale control of light, leading to better optical displays and information encoding.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 9, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency visits

A New England Journal of Medicine study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and intensive care admissions due to the virus. The vaccines provide significant protections for older adults and minorities, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021

CVIA Volume 6, Issue 1 just publsihed

The journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has published its first issue of new Volume 6, featuring important research on the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19. The issue includes several articles on the topic, including a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateSep 9, 2021

University of Maryland researchers uncover critical barriers to improve sustainability and green infrastructure adoption across two Chesapeake Bay watersheds

Researchers found socio-cultural barriers, lack of maintenance and funding, economic challenges, institutional barriers, technological and environmental barriers hinder GI adoption. Community-based approach identified the need for increased transparency and communication from government, as well as resident participation and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateSep 9, 2021

Transforming marine biodiversity discovery and monitoring

A new system for sampling fragments of DNA from marine organisms drifting in the ocean has been developed, enabling researchers to monitor biodiversity and conservation efforts on a global scale. The innovative approach uses water collected from engine cooling systems on commercial vessels, allowing for large-scale surveys of marine ec...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

A recent reversal in the response of western Greenland’s ice caps to climate change

Research reveals that Greenland's coastal ice caps experienced growth rather than shrinkage during past periods of warming. This study provides a new perspective on climate change, highlighting the complex relationship between climate conditions and ice cap changes across different regions of the Arctic.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2021

Increased frequency of heavy rainstorms and flood disasters in the Three Gorges Region during summer 2020

The Three Gorges Region experienced its second-highest average precipitation on record, with heavy rainstorms and floods dominating the summer of 2020. The region's ecological environment improved, with a significant weakening trend in acid rain over the past decade.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 9, 2021

UT Health Science Center San Antonio, UT Rio Grande Valley selected as NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have been designated as a new National Institute on Aging (NIA)-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The centers aim to promote research collaboration, encourage data sharing, and offer information and clinical trials f...

Study identifies the importance of modeling neonatal opioid withdrawal and brain adaptations in both sexes

Researchers identified sex-dependent changes in gene expression in the brainstem during neonatal opioid withdrawal, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome symptoms. The study found that prenatal opioid exposure compromised neurodevelopmental 'wiring' of the brain and...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

University professor helps make breakthrough achievement in quantum computing

A UTSA researcher has developed a theory behind the record-setting experiment, which demonstrates the most accurate entangling gate without lasers. This achievement enables more cost-effective and easier-to-use quantum computers, with potential applications in fields such as science, engineering, and finance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Researchers: Majority of patients with Alzheimer’s disease would not have been eligible for clinical trials of new controversial Alzheimer’s drug

Researchers found that over 92% of patients with Alzheimer's disease related dementia met at least one aducanumab trial exclusion criterion, highlighting the need for additional research on high-risk groups. The study suggests that Medicare should restrict coverage for aducanumab to eligible patients only.

A new gene-delivery vehicle could make gene therapy for muscle diseases safer and more effective

Researchers have developed a new family of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) that target muscle tissue more efficiently, reducing the risk of liver damage and allowing for lower doses. This improved delivery method has shown promise in treating genetic muscle diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and X-linked myotubular myopathy.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Phase III POSEIDON trial shows positive results for patients taking chemotherapy plus durvalumab and tremelimumab

The Phase III POSEIDON trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) treated with chemotherapy plus durvalumab and tremelimumab. Durvalumab combined with tremelimumab and chemotherapy reduced the risk of death...

Math researchers find new ways to improve the science of ‘trade-offs’

QUT researchers developed a new mathematical model to enable faster solutions for complicated problems in agriculture, ecology and medicine. The method improves how to determine the 'best' intervention strategies, balancing benefits and side effects, and can be applied to farming practices and chemotherapy.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Smart dental implants

Researchers have developed a smart dental implant that resists bacterial growth and generates its own electricity through chewing and brushing. The implant uses a nanoparticle-infused material that repels bacteria and an embedded light source powered by piezoelectric properties to conduct phototherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

University of Illinois researchers design extreme heat exchanger using metal 3D printing

Researchers at the University of Illinois designed a tube-in-tube heat exchanger with significantly higher volumetric power density than current state-of-the-art devices. The optimized design enables more efficient energy transfer in industries requiring compact and high-performance heat exchangers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 9, 2021

Low-poverty US communities may eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 but high-poverty communities may lag behind

A predictive model estimated that cervical cancer may be eliminated in the US by 2030 in low-poverty areas, but not until 2044 in high-poverty areas. Health care disparities are a major contributor to these disparities, including lower vaccination rates and higher prevalence of cancer-causing HPV types.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateSep 9, 2021

Disparities in opioid overdose deaths continue to worsen for Black people, study suggests

A recent NIH-supported study highlights alarming disparities in opioid overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black individuals in the US. The rates increased by 38% from 2018 to 2019, with Kentucky and Ohio experiencing the largest increases. The research emphasizes the need for community-based interventions addressing these disparities.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2021