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Science News for August 16, 2022


Social connection drives learning in bird brain

Scientists at OIST Graduate University discovered the neural circuitry that enables juvenile zebra finches to learn songs through social interaction with a tutor. The locus coeruleus-caudomedial nidopallium circuit plays a crucial role in attention and arousal, guiding the bird's focus on the tutor's song.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

A fast, accurate, equipment-free diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Mars model provides method for landing humans on Red Planet

A team of researchers from Australian National University developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system. The model assesses the risk of fainting or medical emergencies when stepping out of a spacecraft on Mars, providing crucial insight for human mission planning.

SourceAustralian National University·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

Interdisciplinary panel offers solutions to improve recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials

The expert panel identified actionable and inclusive solutions to accelerate the development of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The panel suggested strategies such as increasing diverse population representation, addressing logistical, financial, and trust barriers to participate in trials.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 16, 2022

A virtual trip to the museum can improve the health of seniors stuck at home

A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2022

Early childhood lead exposure, exacerbated by structural racism, results in lower reading scores

A new study finds that early childhood lead exposure is associated with lower test scores among all children, with non-Hispanic Black children facing greater risks due to residential segregation. The research highlights the compounding effect of environmental and structural racism on childhood outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2022

RCSI study provides insight into why babies with Down Syndrome experience heart and lung problems

A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of the American Society of Echocardiography·DateAug 16, 2022

Peptide delivered by nasal spray can reduce seizure activity, protect neurons in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy

Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.

Transition milk improves health in neonatal calves

A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science finds that feeding transition milk to neonatal Holstein calves instead of milk replacer improves health scores and stimulates intestinal development. The researchers found increased weight gain and improved gut health, with benefits seen in all sections of the small intestine.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Old drug, new trick: Researchers find combining antiviral drugs and antibody therapy could treat seasonal flu and help prevent next flu pandemic

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a combination of antiviral drugs and antibody therapies that is more effective than either approach alone. The combination boosts the virus-fighting properties of antibodies, which work by binding to infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateAug 16, 2022

Despite fears, 3D printing has positive effects on global trade

New research by UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that 3D printing technology has a positive impact on global trade. The study reveals that production processes changed but supply chains remained intact, leading to a doubling or near-doubling in producers' exports after five years.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of International Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

Many paths are open to neurons born early

A recent study by the University of Bonn found that neurons born early can develop into all types of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, with their career paths determined by the time of emergence. This is contrary to other nerve cells, whose order of birth determines their profession.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

New understanding of how faulty metabolism triggers adrenal cancer

A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals how impaired metabolism due to mutations in succinate dehydrogenase B disables a normal bioenergetic sensing mechanism, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. This discovery sheds light on how cancer cells divide despite having a less efficient energy production.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Moffitt researchers discover cancer-associated fibroblasts induce drug sensitivity

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that cancer-associated fibroblasts can both promote and inhibit drug sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer cells, depending on the type of tumor cell and drug used. The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways, such as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Researchers map incidence of malaria in pregnancy in Brazil

A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateAug 16, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists realize large-area organic solar cells that are low-cost, flexible, and efficient

GIST scientists create a new method to produce OSCs using zinc oxide that overcomes scalability issues without compromising PCE. The new technology uses sputtered ZnO and a ZnO nanoparticle layer obtained through blade coating, resulting in high conversion efficiencies.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Expressiveness face-off

A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

Propane - a solution for more sustainable air conditioning

A new study suggests that using propane as a refrigerant in air conditioners could significantly reduce the global temperature increase from space cooling, with a potential decrease of up to 0.09°C by the end of the century. This is due to propane's low global warming potential score of less than 1.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

The photon ring: A black hole ready for its close-up

A team of researchers used sophisticated imaging algorithms to reveal a thin, bright ring of light created by photons flung around the back of a supermassive black hole. The photon ring, comprising increasingly sharp sub-rings, confirms theoretical predictions and offers new ways to explore these mysterious objects.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 16, 2022

2D boundaries could create electricity

Researchers at Rice University have discovered piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials across phase boundaries. The discovery enables the creation of ultra-sensitive temperature or pressure sensors and tiny actuators, revolutionizing electronic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Wobbling droplets in space confirm late professor’s theory

Researchers confirmed a key aspect of Professor Steen's theory on how liquids interact with surfaces, showing that water droplet mobility can be controlled by vibration frequencies. The study, conducted on the International Space Station, used microgravity to demonstrate the impact of surface roughness on contact line movement.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 16, 2022

Hydrogen fuel cell advance: UCLA team exceeds DOE-set targets for fuel cell performance and durability

A UCLA team has made a significant breakthrough in developing hydrogen fuel cell technology that uses tiny graphene pockets to increase efficiency and reduce platinum usage. The new approach enables the creation of smaller particles with more surface area, allowing for better catalytic activity and increased durability.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Study finds undiagnosed diabetes in U.S. less than half of current estimates

A new study suggests that the true figure of undiagnosed diabetes in the US is significantly lower than current government estimates, with a prevalence rate of around 9.5% of the total diabetes burden. Disparities in access to healthcare and screening contribute to higher rates in older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those witho...

CNIC scientists uncover opposing roles of p38 proteins in cardiac hypertrophy

A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.