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Science News for August 15, 2022


Monkeypox virus found in anal samples from asymptomatic MSM

Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Study: Holocaust Museum motivates visitors to create social change

Visitors to the Illinois Holocaust Museum reported feeling empowered and motivated to address injustice after experiencing exhibits on human rights and anti-racism. The study found that negative emotions triggered by the exhibits can lead to collective positive emotions, inspiring visitors to engage in social activism.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2022

Study reveals mechanism of Cl-initiated oxidation of methacrolein under NOx-free conditions

A team of scientists investigated the Cl-initiated oxidation of methacrolein (MACR) under NOx-free conditions, revealing key species and reaction pathways. The study found that MACR reacts with Cl atoms to form C4H5O and C4H6OCl radicals, which then react with O2 to produce peroxy radicals.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 15, 2022

Multiple shots of the BCG vaccine protect type 1 diabetics from COVID-19

A double-blind study found that 12.5% of placebo-treated individuals and 1% of BCG-treated individuals met criteria for confirmed COVID-19, indicating a 92% vaccine effectiveness. The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms and reduced disease events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2022

Proteins in cell-based particles could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer metastasis

A team of researchers has identified a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for patients with metastatic breast cancer: integrins αv and β1. These proteins are highly expressed in extracellular vesicles from tumour cells and may help develop new ways to assess, monitor, and suppress cancer metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Comparison of electric scooter, bicycle injuries

A study of nearly 3,200 individuals found that electric scooter riders were more likely to be young and intoxicated when injured. Implementing stricter helmet and alcohol policies, improving infrastructure, and awareness campaigns may help reduce injuries among electric scooter users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Gifted dogs are more playful

Researchers found that gifted word learners, a rare breed of dogs capable of learning multiple toy names, exhibit even higher levels of playfulness than typical border collies. The study suggests a correlation between playfulness and giftedness in learning object verbal labels.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 15, 2022

Pediatric kidney transplant patients fare better when kidney is from live donor

A new study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that pediatric kidney transplant patients have better long-term outcomes when their kidney comes from a living donor. The study analyzed data from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database and compared the rates of graft failure and death among children who received k...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Road signs for immune defense cells

A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Could a blood pressure hormone work as a treatment for immune dysregulation in sepsis?

A new study published in PNAS found that angiotensin-II, a blood pressure hormone, can enhance bacterial killing functions, increase bacterial clearance, and modulate systemic inflammatory responses in sepsis. The treatment improved immune function without increasing inflammatory injury.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Racial, sex disparities of gout

A recent study reveals racial and sex disparities in gout prevalence, with Black adults more commonly affected. Culturally informed efforts targeting diet and social determinants may help reduce these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Differences found in antioxidant activities of astaxanthin isomers against singlet oxygen evaluated using a spectroscopic method

Researchers developed a spectroscopic method to evaluate astaxanthin isomers' antioxidant activity against singlet oxygen. The study found that the 1O2 quenching capacity of cis-astaxanthin was significantly higher than all-trans astaxanthin, offering new insights into astaxanthin's practical application in the food industry.

Catching up with quicksilver: MXene material can counter mercury contamination

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new MXene material that can efficiently remove mercury from contaminated water. The carboxylated titanium carbide MXene has shown superior performance in removing mercury ions compared to existing adsorbents, with the ability to capture 95% of mercury ions within one minute.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Can a human with a spinal cord injury walk and run? Discovering clues to solving science challenges with neuromorphic technology

A team of researchers has successfully recovered muscle movements in paralyzed mice using organic artificial nerves. The study demonstrates a new approach to overcoming nerve damage using neuromorphic technology, paving the way for wearable neural prosthetics and improving quality of life for those with related diseases and disorders.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 15, 2022

New psychological science findings involving bias, fear, gender differences, and more

Recent research has found significant decreases in bias across explicit attitudes in the US over 14 years. Fear responses to imagined stimuli are also acquired and generalized, with no long-term change in implicit attitudes towards age, disability, or body weight. Gender differences in verbal fluency and memory have been identified, wi...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 15, 2022

Today’s heat waves feel a lot hotter than heat index implies

Researchers at UC Berkeley find that the traditional heat index, which calculates how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity, fails to account for physiological responses to extreme heat. The new study suggests that this underestimation can lead to increased stress on the human body, particularly in sweltering conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Sugar metabolism is surprisingly conventional in cancer

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that cancer cells metabolize glucose in their mitochondria, following conventional biochemical patterns. The study suggests that limiting glucose uptake may not be an effective strategy to target cancer cells, and glucose metabolism may need to be reevaluated as a therapeutic target.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

No-till farming study shows benefit to midwestern land values

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals no-till farming boosts agricultural land values in the Midwest, with a 1% increase translating to a $7.86 per acre gain. This finding supports the economic and environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation practices like no-till farming.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

New MIT research forecasts effect of two-dose vaccine allocation strategies on cumulative number of infections and death in US

A new MIT model simulates vaccine allocation strategies to predict the effect on cumulative deaths and infections in the US. The research finds that allocating more than 50% of available doses to non-vaccinated individuals can significantly increase lives saved and reduce infections.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Buck Institute scientists uncover a new role for blood-brain barrier in neuron function and damage

Researchers at Buck Institute discover that blood-brain barrier cells influence neuron function and can cause problems rather than just being protective. This finding opens up new avenues for therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Weird and wonderful world of fungi shaped by evolutionary bursts, study finds

Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that fungal diversity stems from evolutionary increases in multicellular complexity. The study found that fungal disparity has evolved episodically through time, with greater morphological variety emerging after the emergence of multicellular fungi and complex fruiting bodies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Thirdhand smoke exposures surpass health risk guideline levels

A new study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals that thirdhand smoke can exceed health risk guidelines, putting whole households at risk. The study found that concentrations of toxic chemicals in indoor environments where cigarettes have been smoked can lead to exposure through inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal absorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 15, 2022

Survey finds uneven training in cannabis therapy among cannabis dispensary staff

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that dispensaries often prioritize sales skills over cannabis therapeutics training, leading to a lack of reliable guidance for patients. The study's findings highlight the need for standardized training and education in cannabis therapy to ensure patients receive accurate information.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 15, 2022

DREADDful mimicry

Researchers successfully developed artificial replicas of GPCRs, allowing for controlled activation and replication of original functionality. The method enables precise modulation of immune cells' responses, holding promise for treating diseases targeted by GPCRs.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

The AABB releases clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 2022

Low school test scores linked to racial segregation and lead exposure in NC

Research by Duke University finds that black children exposed to lead have lower test scores, with effects exacerbated in racially segregated neighborhoods. Lead-based paint, aging pipes, and living near polluting sources contribute to environmental contamination, narrowing the achievement gap among minority groups.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Targeted cancer vaccines eliminate tumors and prevent recurrence in mice

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a targeted cancer vaccine that delivers mRNA directly to the lymphatic system, resulting in potent immune responses and complete remission in mice with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine's effectiveness was demonstrated by a 40% rate of complete response and excellent immune memory.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022