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Science News for August 18, 2022


Complex patterns: building a bridge from the large to the small

Researchers develop a new coarse-graining approach that enables the prediction of patterns on small scales, reducing complexity by focusing on total densities of particles. The model is applied to the Min protein system, which controls cell division in bacteria, and experimental results confirm theoretical predictions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022

In new study in The Crop Journal, scientists develop cutting edge vascular system image analysis pipeline for crops

A team of researchers developed a deep learning pipeline to analyze vascular system images of plants with high accuracy. The pipeline can detect vascular bundles, identify specific zones, and perform statistical analysis of traits in different stem internodes. This study has the potential to improve crop resilience and food security.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Unlocking cell nucleus behaviors

The discovery reveals that the nucleus deforms like a liquid drop, preserving its shape and protecting its genome. This understanding may lead to new approaches for treating cancer by aiding cell nuclei in regaining their normal shapes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 18, 2022

Food production impacting Earth and its natural processes

New research reveals that food production is a major stressor on the planet, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. The study identifies key interactions between Earth system processes, such as green water and nutrient runoff, which must be considered in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture policies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

COVID OUT clinical trial suggests metformin effective at reducing odds of serious outcomes for COVID-19 patients seeking early treatment

The study found that metformin lowers the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or death due to COVID-19 by over 40 percent. Metformin also showed a significant reduction in serious outcomes when prescribed early in the onset of symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

Reduction in brain tissue oxygenation placing older adults with multiple health conditions at risk of faints and falls

A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Study first to explore ‘walking’ sharks on the move in early life stages

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers compared the walking and swimming behaviors of neonate and juvenile epaulette sharks. Contrary to expectations, results showed that differences in body shape did not alter kinematics between early life stages, suggesting a consistent locomotor performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

The simultaneous study of both workload distribution and division of labor

A new paper in The Quarterly Review of Biology reviews studies on workload distribution and division of labor to better understand individual differences in cooperation. The authors argue that integrating collective action and offspring care literatures could lead to a deeper understanding of these factors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2022

A novel drug suppresses muscle inflammation and restores muscle weakness

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found a novel GLP-1R agonist, PF1801, that can suppress muscle inflammation and restore muscle strength in patients with polymyositis. The study suggests PF1801 could be used to treat patients with muscle wasting disease and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory myopathies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·DateAug 18, 2022

New method enables long-lasting imaging of rapid brain activity in individual cells deep in the cortex

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new sensor that allows neuroscientists to image brain activity without missing signals, for an extended time and deeper in the brain than previously possible. The sensor uses genetically-encoded voltage indicators to capture fast brain signals while identifying specific cell types.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Dentists should give antibiotics to high-risk patients to help prevent life-threatening heart infection

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that giving antibiotics to those at high risk of developing a life-threatening heart infection significantly reduces their risk. Current UK guidelines against routine use of antibiotics for these patients may be putting them at unnecessary extra risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status

A study at University of Jyväskylä found that recreational runners who trained based on their recovery status improved their 10 km running time by twice as much as those in a traditional program. This approach reduced the risk of low training response and showed better performance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 18, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Scientists thought they knew how the nose ‘knows,’ new research suggests otherwise

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022

To bee or not to bee

A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2022

Climate change threatens food supply chains with cascading impacts on diet quality, income – new modelling shows

New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022

Key mechanisms of airway relaxation in asthma revealed in new study

A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.

A warming planet could mess with our sleep – and make us more vulnerable to infectious disease

Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Study of more than 150,000 people identifies genes strongly linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study of over 150,000 participants has identified more than 70 genes strongly associated with autism and over 250 with strong links to the condition. The analysis provides insights into the molecular roots of brain development and neurodiversity.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

Early use of oral tecovirimat successfully eases pain in two patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis

Researchers report two cases of successful treatment with oral tecovirimat for patients with monkeypox and severe proctitis. The medication rapidly alleviated rectal pain with no serious adverse effects. Early use of tecovirimat may be a promising treatment option until randomized controlled trials can be conducted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2022

Building blocks of the future for photovoltaics

A research team from the University of Göttingen has observed the build-up of dark Moiré interlayer excitons for the first time using femtosecond photoemission momentum microscopy. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the optoelectronic properties of new materials in unprecedented detail.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Sharpest image ever of universe’s most massive known star

Researchers use Gemini Observatory's Zorro instrument to observe R136a1, finding it may be less massive than previously thought, potentially altering understanding of element formation. This breakthrough pushes the capabilities of ground-based telescopes, rivaling those of Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New study links the decline of alpine bees to climate change

A new study by Webster University researchers found that alpine bumble bees are losing ground due to warming temperatures, as colonizing bees from lower elevations thrive and displace them. The study predicts the local extinction of alpine bee populations in areas where they can't migrate further upslope.

SourceWebster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

First-ever dietary study for tigers and clouded leopards in southeast Asia's evergreen forests

A study published by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that both tigers and clouded leopards in Laos prefer to feed on serow, which may indicate adaptations for larger prey consumption. The findings highlight the need for increased protection and management of serow populations, including possible reintroductions.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New pediatric investigation study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress

A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

WVU researcher studies the effects of online ‘sharenting’ and the risks facing kids

A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateAug 18, 2022

‘Forever chemicals’ destroyed by simple new method

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a process to break down two major classes of PFAS compounds into benign end products using low temperatures and common reagents. The technique could be a powerful solution for disposing of these harmful chemicals linked to various health effects in humans, livestock, and the environment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Surgical backlogs from COVID-19 persist and could have serious healthcare consequences going forward

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that surgical volumes remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels despite a full recovery of nonurgent procedure volumes after vaccination. This has resulted in more advanced disease states and poorer outcomes for patients when they finally receive treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

RIPE researchers prove bioengineering better photosynthesis increases yields in food crops for the first time ever

Researchers have successfully increased soybean plant efficiency, resulting in greater yields without losing quality. The study aims to improve global food production by improving photosynthetic efficiency in food crops for smallholder farmers.

Assessing the toxicity of Reddit comments

A study analyzing over 2 billion Reddit comments found that 16.11% of users publish toxic posts and 13.28% of users publish toxic comments, with a positive correlation between community growth and increased toxicity

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

First real-world study gives detailed new insights into when people with COVID-19 are infectious

A study of 57 people with mild COVID-19 found that the average duration of infectiousness was five days, and two-thirds of cases remained infectious for at least five days after symptoms began. Lateral flow tests can safely shorten self-isolation by identifying when someone is no longer contagious.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Novel hypotheses that answer key questions about the evolution of sexual reproduction

Researchers at Hokkaido University propose two novel hypotheses to address the 'two-fold cost of sex' in sexual reproduction. The first hypothesis suggests that meiosis eliminates harmful mutations through a process known as the 'seesaw effect.' The second hypothesis proposes that anisogamy evolved through 'inflated isogamy,' where lar...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Ethology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022

Noise affects life on the seafloor

Research by the Alfred Wegener Institute found that low-frequency noise from human activities stresses crustaceans, mussels, and worms on the seafloor, impacting their ability to transform sediment and maintain ecosystem function. This could have far-reaching consequences for nutrient cycling and food availability in marine ecosystems.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Collaborations inspired early-career NIH grant that could lead to treatment breakthroughs for a range of medical conditions

A University of Virginia researcher has received a $1.8 million NIH grant to develop polymers that can deliver peptides as medicine, overcoming limitations such as short duration and toxicity. The project aims to create new therapeutic formulations using polymer biomaterials, which have endless design possibilities.

Steepest annual rise in advanced cervical cancer in US among White women

Advanced cervical cancer rates have been rising in the US, with a significant increase among White women and higher prevalence among Black women, particularly those in their mid-to-late 50s. The study found that obesity and older age at first birth may contribute to the rise in this type of cervical cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

A breakthrough in magnetic materials research could lead to novel ways to manipulate electron flow with much less energy loss

Scientists have discovered new magnetic interactions in TbMn6Sn6, a Kagome layered topological magnet, which could be used to customize electron flow and reduce energy loss. The material's unique structure and electronic band structure make it an ideal candidate for quantum computing, magnetic storage media, and high-precision sensors.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 18, 2022

Immune cell model paves way for new treatments targeting common infection amongst immunocompromised children

Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Pathway uncovered for greatest lupus genetic risk factor, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. The study suggests that targeting this new pathway could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for SLE, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

New chip ramps up AI computing efficiency

Researchers at Stanford University have created a new chip architecture called NeuRRAM that performs AI computing directly within memory, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The chip has been tested on various AI tasks and shown high accuracy rates.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2022

New SPARK study identifies a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect and shows their links to other behavioral conditions

Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 43,000 people with autism and identified a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect. The study shows that these genes contribute to autism through inherited variants and are associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022