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Science News for April 7, 2022


UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm for in-depth cleaning of single cell genomic data

The UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm called AutoClass to clean noisy single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data. The algorithm effectively removes noise and enhances downstream analysis in multiple aspects, demonstrating its robustness and scalability.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

A population hub out of Africa explains East Asian lineages in Europe 45,000 years ago

A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that ancient human remains from Bulgaria are more closely related to contemporary East Asians than Europeans. The researchers propose a scenario where an African population hub expanded into Europe and East Asia around 45,000 years ago, with the European representatives dec...

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2022

Getting to the heart of bedwetting

Researchers recommend expanding diagnostic workup to include cardiac arrhythmias for unexplained enuresis in adults and children. An electrocardiogram is a cost-effective and non-invasive test that can detect potentially fatal diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2022

Mount Sinai develops method to advance maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived heart cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed a reproducible method to advance the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, which support heart muscle contraction. The new protocol enables efficient energy generation from both carbohydrates and fatty acids, improving disease modeling and regenerative therapies.

ARS-developed Varroa-resistant honey bees better winter survivors

A study published in Scientific Reports found that ARS-developed Pol-line honey bees have a significantly higher winter survival rate than standard honey bees, with rates of 62.5% and 3%, respectively. Additionally, Pol-line colonies showed lower levels of three major viruses commonly transmitted by Varroa mites.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

What shaking a container can teach us about touch

Researchers created a set of fiberglass tubes to test participants' ability to sense the location of a rolling metal ball. The study found that people could accurately determine the ball's movement without training, highlighting the role of physical cues in tactile perception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 7, 2022

Private protected areas help conserve overlooked and threatened regions

New research reveals that private protected areas (PPAs) are twice as likely to be in areas with human disturbance and three times more likely to protect key biodiversity areas. PPAs account for 1.2% of these areas, increasing connectivity by over 7%. This study highlights the importance of recognizing their role in conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

Zinc-air battery with improved performance by solar power

Researchers at KIST developed a bifunctional electrocatalyst with a staggered p-n heterojunction that significantly improves the rates of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in zinc-air batteries. The technology utilizes solar energy, resulting in improved energy density and excellent cycle performance.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateApr 7, 2022

Virtual cooking class improves children’s nutrition knowledge

A virtual cooking/nutrition program, Flint Families Cook, demonstrates success in reaching youth from low-income families and improving cooking self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge. The program encourages families to cook healthy meals together at home, using local ingredients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Scientists unveil the format of working memory

Researchers discovered that the brain formats working memory representations into a shared, line-like shape. This finding suggests that the brain selectively stores relevant information while discarding irrelevant content, and has implications for our understanding of psychiatric and neurologic symptoms such as schizophrenia.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Kaiyuan Yang wins NSF CAREER Award

Kaiyuan Yang's five-year grant will focus on enhancing the reliability and security of bioelectronic implants by making them aware of and adaptive to their physical and logical contexts. The goal is to develop WBMI bioelectronics that can be deeply implanted in humans through minimally invasive injection, ingestion or through vessels.

How mountain streams signal climate change

A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEcological Monographs·DateApr 7, 2022

Study examines impact of DNA evidence in sexual assault prosecutions

A new study found that DNA evidence significantly improves prosecution outcomes, with 75% of cases with a match resulting in a guilty plea or trial. The study highlights the importance of quality forensic medical exams, DNA analysis, and prosecutor training to effectively use DNA evidence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalViolence Against Women·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

A study by the UPV is an international benchmark in applying AI for monitoring and managing COVID-19

The UPV study uses AI to investigate subphenotypes in line with clinical characteristics, helping clinicians assess patients and plan resource allocation. The team develops predictive models for early mortality prediction and severity assessment, offering robust and reliable AI in data quality issues.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJMIR Public Health and Surveillance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

Treatment which ‘switches off’ cancer cells and limits tumour growth, could make aggressive brain tumour easier to treat

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for glioblastoma, which targets 'kinase' proteins to limit tumour growth and improve existing chemotherapeutic drugs. This breakthrough therapy may provide hope for patients with aggressive brain tumours, offering a more effective and sustainable approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalOncogene·DateApr 7, 2022

Years-long collaboration helps geophysicists better understand severe earthquake-tsunami risks

Geophysicists and computer scientists collaborate to better understand the dynamics of earthquakes and tsunamis. The team has identified three major characteristics that play a significant role in determining an earthquake's potential to stoke a tsunami, including stress along the fault line, rock rigidity, and sediment layer strength.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2022

An efficient electrochemical intercalation method for high-yield production of TMD nanosheets

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed an efficient electrochemical intercalation method to produce high-yield mono- or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets. The new strategy offers a higher degree of control over lithium insertion and can be scaled up for industrial applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

New radionuclide combination therapy safe and effective in metastatic prostate cancer patients

A novel nuclear medicine combination therapy combining <sup> 177 </sup> Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing PSA levels by over 50% in men with metastatic prostate cancer. The median overall survival was 19.7 months, suggesting potential for improved patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 7, 2022

A granular understanding

Engineers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that suspensions exhibit distinct behaviors when measured at varying scales. The study highlights the limitations of approximations and has industrial applications in manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2022

Researchers identify reliable measures of racial inequities in quality of oncology care

A study of over 4,800 medical oncology practices found that Black patients had higher rates of chemotherapy-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to white patients. The researchers developed reliable measures to assess these inequities, with potential for identifying high- and low-equity practices.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

Surfer science supports seawater study

New research uses surfboard samples to analyze seasonal changes in phytoplankton, a crucial component of ocean food chains. The study finds that phytoplankton levels nearshore and offshore are similar in autumn, winter and spring, but higher nearshore during summer months.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalOceans·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Study demonstrates the benefits of strawberry extract consumption in delaying the production of Alzheimer's-associated beta-amyloid protein in a preclinical experimental model

Research on strawberry extract consumption has shown potential benefits in delaying Alzheimer's disease progression. The study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a preclinical model, revealing that the Romina strawberry variety can delay beta-amyloid protein-induced paralysis and reduce amyloid-β aggregation.

SourceUniversidad Europea del Atlantico·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeCase study·DateApr 7, 2022

Scientists have spotted the farthest galaxy ever

Researchers have spotted the most distant astronomical object ever: a galaxy named HD1, 13.5 billion light-years away. The team proposes two ideas: HD1 may be forming stars at an astounding rate and possibly home to Population III stars or contain a supermassive black hole about 100 million times the mass of our Sun.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·DateApr 7, 2022

Kisspeptin: A new drug to treat liver disease?

A modified version of the hormone kisspeptin has been shown to protect against the development of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model. This could potentially favorably impact the health and lives of millions of patients around the globe.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 7, 2022

New resource could provide clues on the past, present, and future of clownfish

Researchers have assembled a comprehensive genome of the false clownfish, providing insights into its ecological behavior, evolutionary history and adaptability. The genome comparison with its orange-clownfish cousin reveals unique genes related to neurobiology, affecting their behavior and ecology.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

How to keep knowledge alive for emergencies

A multidisciplinary systematic review of 58 studies found that feedback, brain stimulation, and tools like gaze-guiding can help learn and retain complex skills. Minor refresher interventions, such as observing videos or practicing practical exercises, also have an impact on retaining knowledge.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSafety·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 7, 2022

Barriers to an active lifestyle at older ages

A study of 3,900 older adults found factors associated with decreased physical activity include older age, living alone, obesity, adverse health conditions, and poor physical functioning. The results highlight the need for interventions targeting these barriers to promote healthy lifestyles in older age.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022

Higher solar yield, less power effort

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new type of organic solar cell that generates electricity efficiently even with a relatively low offset of 0.1 eV. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the production of more efficient and flexible solar panels, potentially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

A growing political influence: Puerto Ricans in Florida supportive of immigration, UC Davis research suggests

A University of California, Davis study found that Puerto Ricans in Florida are mostly supportive of undocumented immigrants, citing material contributions and a sense of shared vulnerability. The analysis provides unique insight into how Puerto Ricans formulate their political views on immigration.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2022

Study: Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis still undermedicated, despite aggressive guidelines

A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

Nanomedicine for brain cancer

Recent nanomedicines are being explored for brain cancer treatment due to their ability to improve bioavailability and evade the blood-brain barrier. These supramolecular nanomedicines show potential in promoting superior therapeutic effects by targeting brain tumors specifically.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 7, 2022

The hunt for the gravitational wave background

Astronomers have been searching for low-frequency gravitational waves by monitoring pulsar pulses, but now NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope can also be used to detect these waves. The satellite's high-energy light provides a clearer view of pulsars and offers an independent method to detect gravitational waves.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

New evidence suggests California’s environmental policies preferentially protect whites

Research suggests California's environmental regulations preferentially protect white populations from exposure to air pollution. Asian and Hispanic communities experience significantly more air pollution compared to predominantly white neighborhoods across the state. The study finds that even after accounting for income, disparities i...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

New quantum dots for quantum networks

Researchers at Osaka University and National Research Council Canada create a gallium arsenide quantum dot that can trap individual electrons. The development could help advance the field of quantum networks by efficiently converting photons into electron spins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Oregonians perceive greater risk than benefit from natural gas export in state, OSU study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that Oregonians are more likely to perceive environmental and public health risks than potential financial gains from natural gas export. The study surveyed 500 adults and found that those with higher education, younger adults, women, people of color, and liberal or moderate political v...

SourceOregon State University·JournalLocal Environment·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2022

Microcavities as a sensor platform

Researchers at University of Innsbruck and ETH Zurich propose a new concept for a high-precision quantum sensor using microcavities and levitated nanoparticles. By exploiting fast unstable dynamics, they demonstrate mechanical squeezing reducing motional fluctuations below zero-point motion.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2022

Exercise shown to release protein reducing bowel cancer risk

Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a mechanism by which exercise reduces bowel cancer risk. Physical activity releases the protein interleukin-6 (IL-6), which helps repair damaged cells and slow tumour growth. This finding supports previous evidence that more exercise is better for reducing cancer risk.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

New studies in journal of pharmaceutical analysis demonstrate advancements in nanotechnology and their impact across multiple areas of human health

Recent studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis have found applications of nanotechnology in medicine, drug research, and environmental protection. Researchers developed nanodots made of carbon using natural polysaccharides from mushrooms to detect chromium, and created nanozymes that could be used to detect drug con...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Breathing restored within 10 minutes for 80% of overdose patients

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology-developed nasal spray has been tested on over 200 acute overdose patients, restoring breathing in 80% of cases within 10 minutes. The study's findings suggest the nasal spray provides enough antidote for patients to breathe on their own while minimizing the risk of triggering abstinence.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2022

U.S. insurance claims show strong link between ED medications and vision problems

A large US study confirms a strong link between ED medications and vision problems, including an 85% increased risk of developing serious eye conditions. Regular use of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra may lead to side effects such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

A sustainable photocatalytic method to introduce the pyridine and valuable functional groups into alkenes

A novel visible light-promoted transition-metal-free acetalation-pyridylation of alkenes has been developed, providing a sustainable way to introduce pyridine and valuable functional groups. The methodology enables diverse modifications of drugs with excellent functional group tolerance.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateApr 7, 2022

Racial, ethnic disparities in sleep duration

Researchers found higher rates of short and long sleep duration among Black individuals, with significant disparities affecting Black women and young adults. The study highlights health disparities associated with socioeconomic factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022

The use of photons to create an artificial quantum neuron

Researchers have engineered an optical device with functional characteristics similar to memristors, which can operate on quantum states of light and encode quantum information. This breakthrough enables the creation of a quantum memristor, potentially bridging artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

New machine learning models can predict adverse outcomes after abdominal hernia surgery with high accuracy

Researchers developed a procedure-specific risk calculator to encourage changes in patient behaviors before surgery. The machine learning models accurately predicted which patients were most likely to experience complications or hernia recurrence after ventral hernia repair.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2022

First European farmers' heights did not meet expectations

Researchers found that early European farmers were on average 1.5 inches shorter than their pre-agricultural counterparts. Heights steadily increased through the Copper, Bronze, and Iron ages, with some parts of Europe experiencing a height loss. The study suggests that environmental factors contributed to the decrease in heights.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2022

Sustainable strategies to treat urban runoff

Researchers at McGill University argue that urban runoff toxicity is a growing concern due to increasing urbanization, impacting surface water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Sustainable strategies such as retention ponds and settling tanks can be implemented to control pollutant release and mitigate ecological impacts.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 7, 2022