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Science News for April 28, 2022


Genetic links revealed between severe COVID-19 and other diseases

A large-scale study found genetic links between COVID-19 severity and various medical conditions, including venous embolism, type 2 diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis also revealed shared genetic architecture with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and reduced risk of autoimmune conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin

Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

How brains form visual maps

Researchers at State University of New York College of Optometry propose a general theory of cortical map formation that explains the diversity of visual maps in nature. The theory suggests that map diversity emerges from variations in thalamic afferent density sampling sensory space, leading to increased cortical areas and sorting of ...

SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 28, 2022

New method can predict summer rainfall in the Southwest months in advance

Scientists developed a method to estimate summer rainfall in the Southwest months in advance, performing well in Arizona. By analyzing lower atmosphere moisture, they created monthly forecasts to aid reservoir storage and water allocation decisions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Research discovery reveals how a cancer cell resists radiation treatment

Cancer cells employ a unique defense mechanism to evade the effects of radiation treatment by exploiting an enzyme called Caspase-activated DNase (CAD). Removing CAD from cancer cells increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Researchers hope their discovery can lead to the development of targeted drugs to enhance cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Researchers share insights about the mechanisms of human embryo and create method to develop transcriptionally similar cells in tissue culture

Scientists have identified a retinoic acid-dependent hemogenic endothelial progenitor from human pluripotent stem cells, enabling the development of transcriptionally similar cells in tissue culture. This breakthrough method brings researchers closer to developing blood-forming stem cells for transfusions and cancer treatments.

Developing inorganic lead-free perovskite for broadband emission

Scientists have successfully developed lead-free bismuth halide perovskites with broadband emission, overcoming toxicity and instability issues of traditional lead-based materials. The new material exhibits high efficiency and stability, paving the way for potential applications in artificial lighting and displays.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

American politicians have become less civil on Twitter over time, new study confirms

Research reveals a 23% increase in online incivility among Congresspeople from 2009-2019, with more inflammatory tweets receiving more likes and retweets. Politicians who received reinforcing feedback from likes and retweets subsequently engaged in more uncivil tweeting.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

I know what you did on Venmo

A study found nearly 40% of Venmo users shared sensitive information, such as health conditions and political leanings, due to inadequate privacy settings. Researchers identified specific groups, like AA membership, that exposed user payments through public notes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Educate to indoctrinate: Education systems were first designed to suppress dissent

A study from the University of California San Diego reveals that public primary schools were created to reinforce obedience and maintain social order. The research, spanning 40 countries, shows how education reforms were implemented after instances of social unrest, shaping the current controversy over teaching critical race theory.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Conservation on a budget: Study shows how to balance economic development goals with environmental conservation using freely available data

An international study published in Conservation Science and Practice gives fast-growing nations a simple, inexpensive guide to inform planning and decision-making. The study shows how easily accessible biodiversity data can support application of the mitigation hierarchy, a tool used to balance economic development goals with environm...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeCase study·DateApr 28, 2022

Understanding Black grief

New research suggests that collective grief is a critical component of the Black grief experience, influenced by America's history of racialization and racial violence. This collective grief can be felt deeply due to strong community ties and kinship bonds formed during enslavement and historical trauma.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 2022

New theory explains mystery behind fast magnetic reconnection

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new theoretical description of how the Hall effect determines the efficiency of magnetic reconnection. The study reveals that the Hall effect suppresses energy conversion from magnetic fields to plasma particles, enabling rapid energy release and explosive magnetic explosions in space.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCommunications Physics·DateApr 28, 2022

Six steps for improving disease surveillance in underserved remote rural communities

A six-step framework for improving disease surveillance in remote areas of low- and middle-income countries aims to address pandemics early, saving human lives. The framework incorporates mobile-phone applications, increased clinical and diagnostic capacity, national and global integration to transform data into actionable interventions.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 28, 2022

Tackling the consequences of Long Covid

A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Patient Patient-Centered Outcomes Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Clues into a sleep mystery

Researchers pinpointed the molecular basis of deep sleep regulation in mice, identifying a brain area responsible for delta wave oscillations. Disrupting a specific gene boosted delta waves and enhanced deep sleep in animal models, paving the way for precision-targeted therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2022

Research examines keys to developing better batteries

A new study examines how individual electrode particles contribute to battery decay and identifies key factors, including particle properties and interactions. The research aims to develop techniques to control these properties and design more efficient, long-lasting batteries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Research discovers new bacteria that stick to plastic in the deep sea to travel around the ocean

Researchers have found a group of deep-sea bacteria that stick to plastic, allowing them to 'hitchhike' across the ocean and potentially enhancing microbial connectivity. These bacteria were discovered in the North-East Atlantic and include strains previously isolated from shipwrecks and extreme environments.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

New study shows how historical redlining policies impacts access to behavioral health services

A new study found that historical redlining policies are linked to a shortage of behavioral health specialists in predominantly Black communities. The research revealed significant disparities in access to mental health professionals, with well-rated areas having nearly three times more psychologists per capita than redlined areas.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

UTHealth Houston’s UTMOVE program receives distinguished Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders

UTHealth Houston's UTMOVE fellowship program has been chosen by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to train a new generation of movement disorder specialists. The two-year program will provide fellows with comprehensive training in diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease, as well as opportunities for research an...

*Free* Analysis of diverse dog genomes suggests, contrary to popular belief, breed is a poor predictor of behavior

A genetic study involving over 2,000 dogs and 200,000 owner surveys suggests that breed alone is not a reliable predictor of behavior. The research identified 11 genetic loci associated with behavior, but none were specific to breed, instead revealing that age, sex, or other factors are often better predictors.

Changing guidelines for treating mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating even mild forms of high blood pressure during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both mother and developing baby. The study's results demonstrated a significant decrease in pregnancy complications, including severe preeclampsia and preterm births.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

A prehistoric forest grows in Brunei

A study published in PeerJ has discovered that the dominant tree group in Brunei's rainforest, dipterocarps, has remained unchanged for at least four million years. The research suggests that the current ecosystem is similar to what was present during the Pliocene Epoch, providing additional justification for conservation efforts.

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 28, 2022

Unlocked enzyme structure shows how strigolactone hormone controls plant growth

Researchers unlocked the structure of an enzyme that regulates plant growth in response to strigolactone hormone. The enzyme, MAX2, targets repressor proteins for destruction when it's unlocked, allowing genes to be expressed and activating various growth processes. This discovery sheds light on how plants adapt to their environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Sampling the deep graveyard of Earth’s earliest crust

Researchers found that some magmas originate from mantle portions with early crust remnants, suggesting a 'graveyard' of old material survived for billions of years. This discovery sheds light on the formation of large continents and the evolution of Earth's atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Runners prefer the same pace, regardless of distance

A study published in Current Biology found that recreational runners prefer to run at the same calorie-saving pace, regardless of distance. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,600 runners and wearable trackers, revealing that the preferred speed is indistinguishable from the energetically optimal speed measured in a lab setting.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2022

Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center finds CAR-T therapy effective in Black And Hispanic patients

A new study from Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center found that CAR-T therapy was effective in Black and Hispanic patients, with outcomes comparable to those of white and Asian patients. The study showed no statistical differences in clinical outcomes or side effects among racial and ethnic backgrounds.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

How are the physical characteristics of the coal-fluid system reflected in ultrasound?

Researchers studied acoustic characteristics of gas-liquid-solid linkage in CBM reservoirs, analyzing P-wave and S-wave response to fluid saturation under different coal rank conditions. The study found that the relative anisotropy increased with water saturation, suggesting stronger acoustic anisotropy in tectonic coals.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Neural pathway key to sensation of pleasant touch identified

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a neural circuit and neuropeptide that transmit the sensation of pleasant touch from the skin to the brain. The discovery may help scientists better understand disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, which often involve impaired social development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Radiologists, AI systems show differences in breast-cancer screenings, new case study finds

A new case study reveals significant differences between human and AI perception in breast-cancer screenings. Researchers found that AI systems consider tiny details in mammograms that are irrelevant to radiologists, highlighting the need for understanding and correcting AI decision-making before trusting it for life-critical medical d...

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Study identifies barriers to successful bloodstream infection surveillance in home healthcare settings

Researchers found eight major steps in performing CLABSI surveillance, but identified inadequate IT support and lack of a standardized definition as major barriers. The study provides recommendations to improve surveillance, including providing staff with necessary resources and training, and engaging leadership and front-line staff.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2022

Kessler Foundation researchers identify benefits of interpersonal emotion regulation for countering depression in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Viewing a microcosm through a physics lens

Researchers used transparent gel substrates to study bacterial colonies growing on them. They found that biofilms can exert force on surfaces, disrupting tissue damage during infections. This new understanding has potential applications in disease treatment and prevention.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 28, 2022

Dolphin bycatch from fishing practices unsustainable, study finds

A new method assesses sustainable levels of human-caused wildlife mortality, showing that dolphin capture is unsustainable even at low reported annual rates. The study highlights concerns about the impact of climate change on environmental fluctuations and calls for greater transparency and rigorous methods in fisheries management.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalConservation Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Online health and wellbeing program using singing techniques can improve quality of life and breathlessness after COVID-19

A six-week online programme, ENO Breathe, using singing techniques, has been shown to improve breathlessness and mental component of quality of life in people recovering from COVID-19. The programme resulted in a 10.48 point reduction in breathlessness and a 2.42 point improvement in mental quality of life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 28, 2022

Not all dietary fibers are equal

Researchers investigated two common soluble fibers, arabinoxylan and long-chain inulin, on human physiology. They found that AX reduced LDL cholesterol, while LCI decreased inflammation markers and increased beneficial gut microbes, but high doses of inulin caused negative effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Spinning stars shed new light on strange signal coming from galactic center

A team of researchers from Australian National University has found an alternative explanation for the mysterious Galactic Centre Excess, a gamma-ray signal long claimed as a signature of dark matter. The team proposes that the signal may actually come from rapidly-rotating neutron stars, known as millisecond pulsars.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Many residents won’t get abortion training if Roe is overturned

A new study by UCSF and UCLA finds that nearly half of US OB-GYN residency programs may lack abortion training if Roe v. Wade is overturned, posing significant risks for patient care. The researchers estimate that 44.8% of programs are in states where abortion will be banned, while 43.9% of residents have received training in these sta...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 28, 2022

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022

Tumors on withdrawal: Amino acid deficiency shrinks childhood tumors

Researchers discovered that neuroblastoma cells with high MYCN activity need cysteine, an amino acid crucial for protein production. Depriving these cells of cysteine triggers ferroptosis, a form of cell death, causing tumors to shrink. The study provides new insights into the treatment of aggressive neuroblastoma in children.

Risk factors for severe COVID-19 in hospitalized adults differ by age

Researchers found that vital signs and lab results at hospital admission are key predictors of disease severity. Age groups between 18-50 and 50+ showed different risk factors for severe cases and death. The study's findings suggest a need for updated models reflecting current standard care, where physiological parameters can be more h...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Model pinpoints glaciers at risk of collapse due to climate change

A University of California, Berkeley scientist has created a model that predicts the most vulnerable glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic are thick and fast-moving ones. The new model incorporates the effects of meltwater lubricating their downhill flow, suggesting these glaciers are more sensitive to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Discovery of 30 exocomets in a young planetary system

An international team of scientists has discovered 30 exocomets in the β Pictoris planetary system, determining their size range and estimating a similar size distribution to those orbiting the Sun. This discovery sheds new light on the origin and evolution of comets in planetary systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

A sharper image for proteins

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance

Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Chicago public schools and Lurie Children’s Hospital expand partnership to support youth mental health

The expanded partnership aims to strengthen the District's response to an escalating national youth mental health crisis. The school-based Behavioral Health Team model provides comprehensive support, including early identification of students with behavioral health needs and connection to evidence-based interventions.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateApr 28, 2022

New insight in patient response to surgical disruption in life-saving hormones

A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men

A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 28, 2022

Mother and child vulnerable to endocrine disruptor exposure

A Canadian research team found that pregnant women and their unborn babies are sensitive to environmental contaminants like endocrine disruptors. The study highlighted the role of the placenta in regulating maternal physiology and fetal development, and linked early exposure to certain EDs with breast cancer and prostate cancer risk.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2022

Analysis of firearm violence during pandemic in US

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2022

New study could help reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

Agricultural nitrous oxide emissions are estimated to be 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. The new knowledge-guided machine learning model, KGML-ag, is 1,000 times faster and more accurate than current systems, providing a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Older Latinos redefine family to include friends, neighbors, other community members

Researchers found that older Latinos view supportive relationships with friends, neighbors, and community members as equally important to traditional family connections. This 'convivir' concept emphasizes harmonious connections and cooperative coexistence, which can enhance quality of life and promote successful aging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2022