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Science News for April 4, 2022


Engineers pave way for next-gen deep ultraviolet lasers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a high-quality crystal of aluminum nitride and created an optical cavity to trap emitted light, enabling the production of a deep-ultraviolet laser with exceptional precision. The breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including sterilization, sensing, and ph...

SourceCornell University·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

How deforestation is triggering an irreversible transition in amazon forests?

A new study finds that Amazon deforestation causes a substantial reduction in evapotranspiration, leading to drier lower atmosphere and severe atmospheric desiccation. The study suggests an emerging transition in the Amazon hydrological cycle, but also highlights the potential for forest conservation to prevent ecosystem collapse.

Pancreatic cancer cells harness normal tissue turnover to build protective barriers

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Study: Vaccine protects most cancer patients from COVID, but risk remains higher for patients with blood cancers

A study using the nation's largest COVID-19 data resource found that the vaccine protects most cancer patients from getting COVID, but those with certain types of cancer have a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The research also highlights the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect cancer patients.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 4, 2022

Levels of a certain hormone could predict or detect bone loss in premenopausal women

Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

How does cancer treatment affect nutrition?

A recent study found that cancer treatment side effects significantly affect patients' and caregivers' eating habits, food preferences, and overall well-being. The research team identified six themes, including managing symptoms, losing taste, and caregiver burden.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNutrients·DateApr 4, 2022

“Tree of life” could help slow climate change

Researchers propose a new way to harvest aguaje fruit from the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree without cutting down female trees, increasing fruit production by 51% and generating $62 million annually. This method could provide a sustainable economic alternative for local communities and reduce deforestation in Amazonia.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

New study shows low D3Cr muscle mass/weight significantly increases risk of hip and potentially other fractures in older men

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has found that older men with lower amounts of muscle mass have a significantly increased risk of hip and potentially other fractures. The study, led by investigators at Sutter Health's San Francisco Coordinating Center, used a new measure of muscle mass called D3Cr to e...

SourceSutter Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 4, 2022

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022

Giving increased during the pandemic in areas hit hardest by COVID-19

A new study found that charitable giving increased significantly in counties experiencing high COVID-19-related deaths, with a 78% increase in overall giving. Human services charities were the most affected, as donors showed increased generosity towards feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and caring for vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Story tips: Clean water bots, self-sanitizing N95 masks and cooking with hydrogen

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed AquaBOT to measure water quality in mid-sized streams with precision and speed. The lab has also created a safe and effective antiviral coating for N95 masks, allowing for reuse of masks made from various fabrics. Furthermore, the lab has designed a cooking appliance that uses...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Disbelief in human evolution linked to greater prejudice and racism

Research from UMass Amherst found that disbelief in human evolution is associated with higher levels of prejudice and racist attitudes. The study, conducted across 19 Eastern European countries, 25 Muslim countries, and Israel, linked low belief in evolution to biased attitudes towards outgroups and support for discriminatory behavior.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Alzheimer’s disease: The identification of 75 genetic risk factors brings new insights

Researchers have identified 75 regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease, including 42 novel regions. The study confirms the importance of pathological processes such as amyloid peptide production and tau protein function in the disease. A genetic risk score has also been devised to better evaluate patient risk.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Are egg cells in aging primates protected from mutations?

Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Childhood emotional trauma linked to heightened MS risk among women

Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Doctors diagnosing fetal heart disease benefit from explanatory AI

Researchers found that AI-enhanced diagnosis helps doctors accurately detect fetal congenital heart disease, with fellows making the most accurate diagnoses. The new system uses graphical charts to represent the AI's analysis of ultrasound videos, improving accuracy and trust among medical professionals.

SourceRIKEN·JournalBiomedicines·DateApr 4, 2022

The nanodrug that attacks the cancer twice A single nanoparticle does two jobs: enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reinvigorating the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a drug delivery system based on lipid nanoparticles that utilize RNA to boost personalized cancer care. The nanodrug enhances chemotherapy effectiveness and reinvigorates the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cancer cells.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

Freshwater mussels can inhibit bacterial diseases

Researchers discovered that freshwater pearl mussel larvae can protect brown trout from Flavobacterium disease outbreaks. The mussels' filtering ability removes bacteria from water, suggesting a potential application in water treatment. This finding highlights the importance of ecosystem services provided by endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalParasitology Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Visualizing a sightless world

Researchers used X-ray computed microtomography to produce stunning 3D reconstructions of the proteus' head, revealing extensive changes in sensory organs and physical appearance. The study provides detailed information about evolutionary-designed adaptations for surviving in lightless caves.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Uncovering a cooperation between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that keep transposable element RNAs under control

Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

The hidden cost of firearm injuries

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Middle ear fluid common in kids on ventilators, UTSW study finds

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies and toddlers on ventilators are at high risk of accumulating middle ear fluid, which can lead to hearing loss and delays in speech development. The study followed 94 children and found that 74% developed middle ear effusion while on mechanical ventilation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·DateApr 4, 2022

Solar hydrogen: Better photoelectrodes through flash heating

Scientists have created new photoelectrode materials with improved performance by rapidly heating metal-oxide thin films to high temperatures without damaging the underlying glass substrate. This breakthrough increases the efficiency of solar water splitting and has potential applications for producing 'green' hydrogen and quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

HKUMed discovers new molecular mechanism in promoting melanoma angiogenesis and metastasis, paving the way for new therapeutic opportunities

A research team at LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, has discovered a new molecular pathway governing melanoma angiogenesis and metastasis. They found that the expression of DEPDC1B is significantly associated with poor patient survival and positively correlated with melanoma growth and metastasis.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 4, 2022

New non-destructive DNA method opens opportunities

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2022

UK medical students missing out on comprehensive abortion care education

Research found that UK medical students are missing out on comprehensive abortion care education, with varying curricula and barriers to teaching cited by educators. Most medical schools provide compulsory education on ethical and legal aspects of abortion care, but clinical aspects are often inadequate, leading to concerns about futur...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

The Protein Society announces its 2022 award winners

The Protein Society has announced its 2022 award winners, who have made significant contributions to protein science. Professor David Goodsell and Professor Jin Zhang received the Carl Brändén Award and Christian B. Anfinsen Award respectively for their groundbreaking work in education and technological achievement.

SourceThe Protein Society·TypeNews article·DateApr 4, 2022

Living sensor research wins federal backing

The five-year grant aims to develop electrobiology techniques that enable applications like living sensors to quickly detect environmental pollutants. The project will involve multiple disciplines, including synthetic biology, protein engineering, soft materials, microsystems integration, and machine learning.

Firefighters with PTSD likely to have relationship problems

A new study from the University of Houston finds that firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have relationship problems. The research, led by Donald A. Godfrey, discovered a link between PTSD symptom severity and difficulty regulating emotions in intimate relationships.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma·DateApr 4, 2022

Study finds empowering workers can backfire

A new study found that empowering workers can lead to better job performance and creativity, but only if institutional obstacles are removed. However, when empowered employees face hindrance stressors, they may become morally disengaged and engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Hospitals rapidly translated evidence into practice during the pandemic

The largest survey to date found remarkable consistency in interventions across US hospitals based on available clinical evidence and national guidelines. Novel communication methods enabled the near universal adoption of dexamethasone for patients requiring supplementary oxygen, within six-eight months of a randomized clinical trial d...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

The platinum riddle

Researchers have solved a long-standing puzzle in surface physics, explaining how individual atoms of a catalyst capture molecules to transform them. The breakthrough reveals that both the catalyst and its anchor material assume energetically unfavorable states for a short time to facilitate the reaction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Trends in hospital prices vary widely across the US

A new RAND Corporation study found that hospital prices charged to commercial health plans increased by 7 percentage points compared to Medicare rates between 2012 and 2019. The study identified large regional variations, with some areas experiencing significant price increases while others saw declines.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Alternate delivery locations are viable options to offset negative impacts of increased home deliveries

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that alternative delivery locations can help offset the negative impacts of increased home deliveries. The study suggests that these locations may be more appealing to underrepresented groups who don't receive many packages, increasing their willingness to use them.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalTransportation Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2022

Medicare beneficiaries without low-income subsidies were less likely to fill important prescriptions, new study finds

Medicare beneficiaries without low-income subsidies were nearly twice as likely to not fill prescriptions for serious health conditions like cancer or hepatitis C treatment, according to a new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers. The study found that 30% of patients without subsidies did not fill their prescribe...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 4, 2022

Protected tropical forest sees major bird declines over 40 years

A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2022

Spotted hyenas adjust their foraging behaviour in response to climate change

A team of researchers found that spotted hyenas in the Serengeti National Park adjust their foraging behavior in response to climate change, with a decrease in migratory herd presence due to increased rainfall. Despite this, lactating hyenas successfully nurse their young, suggesting high plasticity in their foraging behavior.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

The secret to better coffee? The birds and the bees

A groundbreaking study finds that the combined efforts of birds and bees on coffee plants yield better results than individual contributions alone. Without these winged helpers, coffee yields decrease by nearly 25% due to increased pests, valued at $1,066 per hectare.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

April issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover benefits of medication for opioid use disorder and community-based treatment for people with serious mental illness

The April issues of the American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on integrating clinical and basic approaches to better understand psychiatric disorders. Studies illustrate the importance of medication in treating opioid use disorder and community-based treatments for people with serious mental illness, ...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2022

A look into the magnetic future

Scientists at Paul Scherrer Institute have observed artificial spin ice structures aligning with temperature changes, revealing a complex phase transition. The discovery could lead to novel high-speed computers with low power consumption.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Teens with severe obesity forego weight loss surgery due to stigma, lack of information and costs

A new study reveals that adolescents with severe obesity are reluctant to undergo metabolic bariatric surgery due to limited access to care and social stigma. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to inform young patients about this effective treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeCase study·DateApr 4, 2022

Soda tax reduces consumption among boys but not girls

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that taxes on soda reduce consumption among adolescent boys, but not girls. The study analyzed data from Mauritius and Maldives and found that the tax decreased the likelihood of boys consuming soda, but had no impact on their frequency or body mass index.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 4, 2022

What’s the skinny on those pandemic pounds?

A large US survey found that adults gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in behavior such as increased snacking and alcohol intake. The analysis of more than 3.5 million adults also showed a 3% increase in obesity prevalence, with significant changes in exercise participation, sleep duration, and cigarette smoking.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022