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Science News for August 19, 2022


Anti-Black racism linked to lower support for some gun rights

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that racially resentful white Americans are less likely to support some gun rights if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than white people. This bias led to a quicker match of photos of white people with gun rights phrases and photos of Black peo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateAug 19, 2022

New study shows patient preference for medical cannabis products in the absence of clinical guidelines

A new study analyzed point-of-sale data from nearly 17,000 patients in New York's medical cannabis program to understand patient preferences for products and dosing. The researchers found considerable variability in product choice and dosing levels across different conditions, highlighting the need for clear clinical guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Out-of-pocket costs for naloxone

A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Metabolism may be key to future treatment of kidney diseases

A new study from Aarhus University found that lysine, an amino acid supplement, protects laboratory animals from kidney damage and prevents hypertensive kidney disease. The research suggests that a diet rich in lysine may help prevent or treat kidney diseases, but more studies are needed to confirm the results.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022

When Alzheimer’s degrades cells that cross hemispheres, visual memory suffers

A new study found that Alzheimer's disease damages a circuit that connects the vision processing centers of each brain hemisphere, leading to disrupted visual memory. The researchers discovered neurons that extend axons across the corpus callosum, which connect the hemispheres, and showed that these cells play a crucial role in synchro...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

A small backyard, why plays such a big role?

This study explores how Science and Technology Backyards empower smallholders through participatory technology innovation, building continuous trust and promoting sustainable green production. A collaborative tree-shaped diffusion mode enables the spread of technology innovations to different scales.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Harnessing the heart regeneration ability of marsupials

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered how marsupials' hearts can regenerate for several weeks after birth, allowing for potential treatment of human heart disease. They found that inhibiting a protein called AMPK extended the period of regeneration in both mice and opossums, with minimal scarring.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCirculation·DateAug 19, 2022

Compost to computer: Bio-based materials used to salvage rare earth elements

Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Out-of-pocket cost of naloxone may keep may uninsured from using life-saving treatment

A RAND Corporation study found that the out-of-pocket cost of naloxone increased by more than 500% for those without health insurance, while decreasing for those with coverage. The high cost may be a significant barrier to naloxone adoption among the uninsured, highlighting the need for policymakers to address financial barriers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Opening the black box of late neurodevelopment

A team of scientists has created the first detailed map of embryonic movements in C. elegans, showing a slow-wave twitch phase before hatching that depends on neuronal activity. The study used innovative imaging techniques and computational tools to track the embryo's movements, revealing new insights into neurodevelopment.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Deep brain stimulation to brain area linked to reward and motivation is potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression, study finds

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...

Study: New model for predicting belief change

A new predictive network model estimates how much dissonance people experience when holding conflicting beliefs about a topic. This approach can help determine who will change their minds about contentious scientific issues when presented with evidence-based information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2022

Sweet sap, savory ants

Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Shark depredation impacts support for shark conservation

A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

New heat-tolerant, high-capacity capacitor created with solid electrolytes borrowed from all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a thermally stable bulk-type all-solid-state capacitor with a highly deformable oxide solid electrolyte. This innovation enables high current densities and high-capacity charging/discharging at temperatures up to 300°C, opening doors for high-temperature applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Transplant candidates’ thoughts about tradeoffs of shorter wait time for lower quality kidneys

A recent study suggests that many patients on the transplant waitlist would accept lower quality kidneys in exchange for a shorter waiting time. The research identifies three patient-preference classes, with some respondents willing to accept increases in waiting time for small improvements in kidney quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 19, 2022