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Science News for April 6, 2022


Turmeric compound helps grow engineered blood vessels and tissues

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that curcumin promotes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, helping to grow engineered blood vessels and tissues. The study uses magnetic hydrogels coated with curcumin-coated nanoparticles, which gradually release the compound without injuring cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Researchers adapt technology made for astronomical observations to biomedical imaging

A team of researchers developed a biomedical imaging system using a semiconductor detector originally designed for space observations, and applied spectral analysis techniques from astronomy to create accurate images of radionuclides in small animals. The new method uses fitting to eliminate noise and improve spatial resolution.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 6, 2022

Nerve stimulation with the help of implantable mini solar cells

Scientists have created a new technology using colour pigments from the food industry to stimulate nerve cells with the help of implantable mini solar cells. This innovation could lead to accelerated healing and prevention of complications in severe brain injuries, as well as potential applications in pain therapy and retinal implants.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Study discovers molecular properties of lung surfactants that could lead to better treatments for respiratory illnesses

A team of University of Minnesota researchers has discovered the molecular properties of lung surfactants, which could lead to improved treatments for respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and COVID-19. The study found that synthetic lung coatings can help premature infants and adults with respiratory problems breathe easier.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Reichman University researchers have developed a unique technology that uses the sense of touch to help understand speech and sound

Researchers developed an audio-tactile sensory substitution device (SSD) that converts sound frequencies to vibrations, significantly improving speech comprehension in noisy environments. The technology has shown promise in training hearing-impaired individuals to better understand speech.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Landmark study reveals clearest genetic signals yet for schizophrenia risk

A landmark genetic study of over 121,000 people has identified 10 protein-disrupting mutations in genes strongly increasing schizophrenia risk by up to 20-fold. A second study in a larger group of 320,400 people brings the total number of genome regions associated with schizophrenia risk to 287, including genes previously identified.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Not all dietary fiber is created equal: cereal fiber but not fruit or vegetable fibers are linked with lower inflammation

Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.

Steroid injections may provide longer lasting benefits for hip pain than current best care

Steroid injections have been shown to lead to greater pain relief and improved movement in adults with hip osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received steroid injections along with advice and education experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, physical function, and pain self-efficacy over six months compar...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Researchers find a new way to measure flying baseballs

A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Scientists discover gene mutation that signals aggressive melanoma

Researchers have identified a gene mutation in ARID2 that signals the development of aggressively metastatic melanoma. The study suggests patients with this mutation may require different treatment approaches to manage their cancer effectively. Further research is underway to refine this understanding and improve patient outcomes.

The cacao tree enigma

A recent study in Peru's tropical rainforests investigated cacao flower visitation, finding a wide variety of insects attracted to the small flowers. However, pollen transfer and fruit set remain poor, with only two percent of pollinated flowers setting fruit.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Multicenter study of ultrasound LI-RADS suggests switch for HCC surveillance

A multicenter study found that only 42% of patients with a visualization score C on surveillance exams maintain the same score on follow-up exams. The study suggests that alternative surveillance strategies may be necessary for patients at risk for HCC, particularly those with severe steatosis and advanced cirrhosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Brain charts map the rapid growth and slow decline of the human brain over our lifetime

Researchers created brain charts spanning human lifespan, revealing rapid brain growth in early life and slow decline with age. The charts use aggregated MRI datasets, covering a range of ages from fetus to 100-year-old adult, and aim to create a common language for describing brain development and maturation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients in COVID-19 monitoring program

A randomized trial by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in a remote monitoring program. The study enrolled over 2,000 patients and found no statistical difference in the average number of days patients spent alive and out of the hospital.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Injured dinosaur left behind unusual footprints

Researchers analyzed an abnormal trackway of six theropod dinosaur footprints in Spain, dating to around 129 million years ago. The tracks show evidence of an injured innermost toe and abnormal gait as the dinosaur compensated for its injury.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Firearm retailers and law enforcement show support for providing safe storage options

A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 6, 2022

First large-scale study of COVID-era birth data finds significant drop in cesarian, induced deliveries

A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Latino/a adolescents who took on childcare duties during the pandemic at risk of depression, anxiety and school failure

A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that Latino/a adolescents who took on greater childcare responsibilities due to COVID-19 experienced significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acting out behaviors. They also saw a drop in their grade point average.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateApr 6, 2022

Research team from Goethe University discovers Achilles’ heel of dangerous hospital pathogen

A team from Goethe University has identified the spatial structure of the mannitol-synthesizing enzyme MtlD in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is crucial for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of customized substances to inhibit the enzyme and combat this hospital pathogen.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Simulations explain Greenland’s slower summer warming

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cooler summer temperatures across Greenland are triggered by changes in the El Niño climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery will help improve future predictions of Arctic ice sheet and sea ice melting.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

For vaccine text-message campaigns, Brown researchers confirm success is all about timing

A new study from Brown University's Policy Lab found that text-message vaccination campaigns work better when sent early, as all state residents ages 16 and up had been eligible for a shot four weeks before the campaign. Despite this, the messages' ineffectiveness was due to poor timing rather than the content.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him...

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees exhibit a preference for faces and skulls of their own species, similar to previous studies with African elephants. This suggests the presence of a face module in chimpanzee brains that detects and processes facial cues.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Electronic implant reactivates spinal-cord nerves of a patient with neurodegenerative disease

A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

National Parks Study: 'Every Kid Outdoors' program is increasing family hiking, but not for everyone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that the Every Kid Outdoors program is increasing family hiking, with a seven-fold jump in frequency among high-income and white families. However, minority and lower-income families have not seen a similar significant increase in hiking frequency.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Report: remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021

The COVID-19 treatment remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021, with total spending reaching $576.9 billion. Biosimilars usage increased, saving the healthcare system money, while new drugs like aducanumab and upcoming oncology approvals are expected to impact spending.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows flood risk for Iowa farmland

A new study from the University of Iowa has created comprehensive maps showing flood risk for farmland throughout Iowa. The researchers analyzed nearly 25 million acres of agricultural land to classify the flood risk according to eight scenarios, highlighting areas prone to chronic flooding and low productivity yields.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Mini-livers on a chip

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 6, 2022

Amazon Rainforest Foliage Gases Affect the Earth’s Atmosphere

A recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the Amazon rainforest, driven by plant-foliage-derived gases. These gases condense to form fine particles that cool the planet and seed clouds, affecting precipitation and the water cycle.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Digital training at home to beat lockdown frustration

A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

How does perennial grassland cover affect duck nest survival?

A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 6, 2022

CABI-led study creates first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval stages for Africa to help fight against devastating pest

A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

New study shows robust increases in atmospheric thirst across much of U.S. during past 40 years

A new study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

High performance microscopy for non-invasive conjunctival goblet cell examination

Conjunctival goblet cells play a crucial role in tear film stability, and their dysfunction is linked to various ocular surface diseases. A new microscopy system allows for non-invasive examination of CGCs in live animal models and humans, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 6, 2022

Diversity in U.S. medicine is not keeping pace with population changes, analysis finds

Despite increasing racial and ethnic diversity, US academic medical programs have underrepresented minority groups, with only modest increases in representation over the past four decades. Female representation has increased significantly, but progress in promoting diversity at leadership levels remains stagnant.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Biodegradable gel boosts immune system's attack on several cancers in mice

A new biodegradable gel has been developed to improve the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The gel releases drugs and special antibodies that target tumor cells, slowing their growth and increasing the lifespan of mice. This breakthrough could lead to new clinical trials for human patients in the coming years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

What are the motives behind cronyism?

A novel experimental design study reveals cronyism is profitable for those who engage in it, driven by beliefs in reciprocity and favoritism. Shared identity motivates even low-quality workers to reciprocate trust with greater effort.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateApr 6, 2022

An uncertain future for livestock production in the tropics

A study found that climate change could lead to significant economic losses of $15-40 billion annually for livestock farmers, especially in poor, tropical countries. Adaptation measures such as breeding heat-stress tolerant cattle and relocating animals to suitable regions can mitigate these losses.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

At a melting glacier, a landslide, then tsunami, signal climate-related threat

Scientists detected a seismic signal indicating a massive landslide triggered by the rapid recession of the West Grenville Glacier in British Columbia. The resulting tsunami devastated forest, salmon spawning habitats, and logging camps, killing hundreds of thousands of fish and potentially affecting bears and eagles.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Study reports potential target and compounds to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease

A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

New treatment removes radioactive barium from nuclear wastewater “rapidly and effectively”

A new process has been developed to remove radioactive barium ions from nuclear wastewater, achieving high adsorption capacity and fast equilibrium adsorption time. The adsorbent uses a sulfonic acid group and exhibits excellent capture ability for barium due to strong acid-base and electrostatic interactions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Virtual Behavioural Medicine program is a game changer for people living with dementia

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program successfully reduced the proportion of patients who needed admission to a specialized inpatient unit by 60%. This suggests that VBM is highly effective for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia without p...

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

As number of ICU survivors increase, study validates first tool to utilize caregiver input to assess post-ICU syndrome symptoms

A new study validates the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor as an accurate tool for monitoring post-intensive care unit (ICU) symptoms among ICU survivors through caregiver input. The tool assesses both patient and caregiver burden, providing clinically relevant information on physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateApr 6, 2022

Common Ground

Researchers found that a third of proposed decarbonization bills passed with bipartisan co-sponsors, while two-thirds passed in Democratic-controlled state legislatures. Bipartisan bills tended to focus on environmental social justice components and expand consumer choice.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 6, 2022

L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles

A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Stray cats: worthy of our love or invasive and destructive?

A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Penn researchers develop injectable microtissue to preserve muscle function in rats with severed sciatic nerves

Researchers engineered injectable microtissue containing motor and sensory neurons to provide a source of axons to muscles, preventing degeneration and loss of function while nerves regrow. The technology shows promise to improve recovery of sensory and motor function after peripheral nerve injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBioactive Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022