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Science News for April 11, 2022


Cereals take control of bacterial production of ammonia fertiliser

Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients

Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Using vertical sounding data to forecast Zonda wind in the Andes region

Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Scientists crack egg forging evolutionary puzzle

A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Yale researchers have uncovered a regulator of body weight that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders

Yale scientists have discovered a protein called augmentor-alpha that regulates body weight in mice, offering insights into potential new treatments for metabolic disorders. The protein is found in the hypothalamus region of the brain and plays a role in energy conservation during fasting.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Epigenetic treatments: New allies for chemotherapies?

Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean

Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.

Community study reveals unexpected negative correlation between residential greenspace and psychological well-being of people with spinal cord injury

A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalSpinal Cord·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022

The power of kindness in improving brain health

A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Inferring the size of a collective of self-propelled Vicsek particles from the random motion of a single unit

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering propose a paradigm to solve the problem of inferring collective size from individual behaviors. By observing self-propelled Vicsek particles, they show that the time rate of growth of mean square heading is sufficient to predict the number of particles under particular parameters.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Certain personality traits associated with cognitive functioning late in life

Research by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and low neuroticism tend to have better cognitive functioning late in life. Those high in extraversion may also maintain normal cognitive function longer, while high neuroticism is associated with decreased healthy cognition.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022

Magic mushroom compound increases brain connectivity in people with depression after use

A new analysis of brain scans from close to 60 people receiving treatment for depression reveals that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows increased brain connectivity even after use, leading to self-reported improvements in depression. The findings differ from conventional antidepressants and suggest a fundamental mechanism via which psy...

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

World’s first LED lights developed from rice husks

Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 11, 2022

Decoy particles trick coronavirus as it evolves

Researchers have developed a new potential COVID-19 treatment using decoy nanoparticles that mimic cells. These nanoparticles effectively inhibit viruses and bind them, rendering them inactive. The treatment has shown promise against drug-resistant variants, outperforming traditional treatments in some cases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Clarifying carb confusion: experts propose evidence-based scoring system to assess the overall healthfulness of carb-containing foods

A new 'Carbohydrate Food Quality Score' considers a comprehensive approach to quantify CF quality, incorporating fiber-to-carbohydrate and free sugar ratios, sodium, potassium, and whole grain content. The scoring system aims to offer relevant recommendations to improve nutrient intake and public health.

Accounting for genetic factors that cause normal variations in PSA levels may improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection

A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.

Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients – researchers of Goethe University and University of Kent paved the way

Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Neptune is cooler than we thought: Study reveals unexpected changes in atmospheric temperatures

A new study by University of Leicester researchers reveals Neptune's atmospheric temperatures have dropped by roughly 8 degrees Celsius between 2003 and 2018, with unexpected stratospheric warming at the south pole. The cause of these changes is currently unknown, but may be related to seasonal variations in atmospheric chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPlanetary Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers map lung development after birth into late childhood for the first time

Scientists have constructed a detailed map of lung development after birth, providing insights into the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect lung health. The study used next-generation single-cell sequencing technologies to analyze over 80,000 human and mouse lung cells, revealing clues on how cell types communicate and develop.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Genomics·DateApr 11, 2022

Chemists harness the sun to upcycle plastic waste

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 11, 2022

Pediatric cancer patients in lower- and middle-income countries faced significantly higher mortality risk during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pediatric cancer patients from lower- and middle-income countries faced a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in high-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that patients in LMICs had 35.7 times the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in HICs.

Concussion worse if fighters rapidly cut weight before boxing and MMA matches, ground-breaking study reveals for the first time

Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022

Lung cancer drug could improve survival rates for bladder cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

A phase two randomised placebo controlled trial showed giving patients nintedanib, as well as chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy, significantly increased overall survival rates at one, two and five years. Nintedanib blocks different proteins from sending signals to cancer cells to grow, causing the cancer cells to die.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Think piece

Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that captures the brain's function during normal behavior, revealing its activities on a scale previously unknown. This 'time-lapse' imaging method, called manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), uses manganese as a contrast agent to highlight brain cell activity and neural projections.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalNMR in Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise for opioid addiction treatment

A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) correlates with clinical efficacy/safety

Researchers investigated the structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) in correlation with observed clinical efficacy/toxicity using seven selective estrogen receptor modulators. The results showed that tissue exposure/selectivity of SERMs was correlated with clinical efficacy/safety, while plasma exposure was not.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 11, 2022

New approach for delivery of anti-HIV antibody therapy shows promise in phase I clinical trial

A phase I clinical trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel adeno-associated viral vector-based treatment for HIV, producing measurable amounts of a broadly neutralizing antibody. The treatment showed wide-ranging clinical implications for potentially preventing or treating HIV and other infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Former partners-in-crime likely to violently turn on one another – UK crime gang study

A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

The Kryptonite of the “superhero ideal”

A recent study by Wellesley College psychologist Sally A. Theran suggests that cultivating authentic relationships can help combat the negative effects of the 'superhero ideal' on mental health. Authenticity in relationships is key to mediating the relationship between the pressure to be a perfect achiever and depressive symptoms.

SourceWellesley College·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022

Multidisciplinary approach to weight management – including bariatric surgery – is a viable option for adolescents with obesity

A new study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that adolescents with obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy benefited from reduced obesity and concomitant organ damage, regardless of their age at the time of surgery. Additionally, adolescents with a family history of bariatric surgery had a higher weight prior to weig...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalSurgical Endoscopy·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated the variability of mortality prediction models when applied to different hospitals and geographic regions. They found that these models exhibit a lack of generalizability due to dataset shifts in race and clinical variables, leading to disparities in performance across racial groups.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

New study reveals that exposure to a group of widely used ‘forever chemicals’ may increase diabetes risk in middle-aged women

A new study published in Diabetologia found that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes in midlife women. The study analyzed the stored blood and urine samples from 1400 participants and found a stronger association with combined exposure to multiple PFAS.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 11, 2022

Study: Climatic variability might not drive evolutionary change as much as previously thought

A recent study combining climate data with fossil records of large mammals in Africa found that times of erratic climate change do not lead to major evolutionary changes. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that environmental variability and species turnover may not be closely related.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

How scientists analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars parachute?

The study focused on the analysis and selection of Mars parachute types, with a focus on supersonic speed, low density, and harsh atmospheric conditions. The optimized tapered DGB parachute structure demonstrated improved deceleration performance, meeting the requirements for the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022