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Science News for August 23, 2022


How the sounds we hear help us predict how things feel

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Virginia Tech researcher finds a new method for recycling polystyrene

A Virginia Tech research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, which is widely used in Styrofoam but rarely recycled. The process involves exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst, creating a valuable product called diphenylmethane (DPM) that can be used in various industries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022

Asian elephants have a nasal pronunciation

Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered that Asian elephants emit low-frequency rumbles through both their trunk and mouth, a finding that challenges existing knowledge on animal communication. This novel discovery suggests that mammals may be more flexible in their vocalizations than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAnimals·DateAug 23, 2022

People with similar faces likely have similar DNA

A study found that genetically unrelated individuals with extreme facial similarities share common genetic variants, but differ in epigenetic and microbiome landscapes. The results suggest a molecular basis for human resemblance, with potential implications in forensics and biomedicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

New research shows that women with pulmonary hypertension have chance at safe pregnancy thanks to advanced cross-specialty care at Temple University hospital

Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease·DateAug 23, 2022

Helping patients manage long covid

A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation·DateAug 23, 2022

Chronic COVID infections source of variants of concern, study shows

A recent study published in Frontiers in Virology suggests that chronic COVID infections are the source of variants of concern. The researchers used a mechanistic, theoretical model to study the emergence of these variants, which were found to acquire a constellation of mutations that make them more transmissible and lethal. By identif...

SourceEmory University·JournalFrontiers in Virology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2022

Emotional AI and gen Z: The attitude towards new technology and its concerns

A new study found that over 50% of Gen Z respondents were concerned about the use of non-conscious data collection (NCDC), with attitudes varying by gender, income, education level, and religion. The study proposed a "mind-sponge" model-based approach to account for socio-cultural factors in assessing AI technology acceptance.

SourceAPU·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeSurvey·DateAug 23, 2022

Moffitt physicians lead international study to identify melanoma patients with high-risk disease

Researchers identified high-risk patients with stage 3A disease and microscopic lymph node metastases who would benefit from adjuvant therapy. Patients with larger metastases had poorer outcomes, while those with smaller metastases had better survival rates similar to stage 1A disease.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 23, 2022

New research to reduce harm of gestational diabetes

A study of over 4,000 pregnant women in New Zealand found that lowering the blood-sugar threshold for diagnosis can improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes using a lower threshold were more likely to receive treatment and use healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 23, 2022

Significant variability of microphysical characteristics existed in the “21•7” Henan extremely heavy rainfall event

The study, led by Dr. Gang Chen and Prof. Kun Zhao, analyzed dense network data from disdrometers and polarimetric radars to show substantial variability in raindrop sizes and numbers. This finding adds to evidence that microphysical characteristics can vary significantly within individual precipitation events.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022

Saturn V was loud but didn't melt concrete

Researchers used physics-based models and historical data to debunk internet claims about the Saturn V's acoustic power, finding levels of 203 decibels, comparable to commercial jet engines. The study also predicts sound levels for NASA's SLS Artemis 1 launch and provides educational tools for college-level physics classrooms.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateAug 23, 2022

A class of their own: New factors direct red algae chloroplast protein transport

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Optimization of human small intestinal organoids

Researchers developed optimized human small intestinal organoids with mature Paneth cells, mimicking the original human intestine. The discovery highlights the importance of Interleukin-22 in activating Paneth cells, which helps prevent infections and maintain barrier function.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy in colorectal cancer has been successfully prevented in mice

Researchers have successfully prevented neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy in mice treated with oxaliplatin. A Sigma-1 receptor antagonist prevents the development of neuropathy by modulating the TRPA1 ion channel, offering hope for a new therapy to treat debilitating side effects.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

New UBC study sheds light on access to vegetation in 31 Canadian cities

The study, led by PhD candidate Jessica Quinton, analyzed data from 31 major Canadian cities and found that education and income are not always linked to access to green space. However, in some cities, household income was strongly associated with better vegetation access, while education played a key role in other cities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2022

New players in the immune response

A research team led by Professor Wolfgang Kastenmüller has discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in triggering site-specific immunity in distinct lymph nodes. The study reveals that different subtypes of unconventional T cells migrate to specific lymph nodes, influencing the immune responses there.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Study with military suggests ‘blended’ individual and team mindfulness is at least as effective as standard mindfulness training

A study suggests that combining individual mindfulness practice with team-based stress management skills can offer more benefits than individual mindfulness alone. The 'blended' approach showed improved individual resilience and working memory, as well as increased collective mindfulness in the team atmosphere.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Cell receptors: of voids and void fillers

Researchers have identified dry voids in G protein-coupled receptors that are crucial for their activation and transmit signals to the cell interior. These unique binding sites differ among subclasses and offer a promising route for developing targeted therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2022

Reading RNA modifications more precisely

Scientists at Kyoto University developed two methods to identify RNA modifications impacting gene regulation and disease. Their approach uses probability algorithms with high-throughput sequencing technology, distinguishing pseudouridine substitutions from other base changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenomics·DateAug 23, 2022

Which teens are more likely to vape? Research shows surprising patterns across race and sexuality groups

A new study found dramatic differences in vaping prevalence across racial and sexual orientation groups. Black girls who identify as lesbian were more likely to vape than their heterosexual counterparts, while white girls who identify as lesbian were at lower risk. The findings suggest targeted e-cigarette marketing may contribute to t...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 23, 2022

Phage resistant Escherichia coli strains developed to reduce fermentation failure

Researchers have developed a systematic strategy for creating phage-resistant E. coli strains, solving a major problem in industrial fermentation. The approach integrates a defense system and mutations to restrict phage life cycle, maintaining bacterial functionality and productivity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Antiferromagnetic hybrids achieve important functionality for spintronic applications

Researchers have successfully achieved efficient spin injection and transport in antiferromagnetic hybrids, paving the way for room-temperature spintronics devices. The study, led by Igor Barsukov at UC Riverside, shows promise for ultra-fast and energy-efficient information storage and processing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Massive genome study informs the biology of reading and language

A genome-wide analysis of five reading- and language-based skills in thousands of people identified shared biological bases. The study found genetic links with language-related brain areas and individual differences in neuroanatomy, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 23, 2022

Risk of premature death in adulthood influenced by patterns of early childhood adversity, NIH study suggests

A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.

Overweight was negatively associated with dementia in women, whereas there was a positive underweight-dementia relationship in men

A large study of over 296,000 patients found that being overweight was negatively associated with dementia in women, while underweight was positively linked to an increased risk of dementia in men. The results suggest that moderate weight gain may be beneficial for cognitive health in older women.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 23, 2022

Study finds wireless sock monitors reduce rate of patient falls in hospital setting

A new wireless sock monitoring system reduced fall rates among 'fall-risk' patients by zero falls, compared to a historical rate of 4 falls per 1,000 patient-days. The system uses pressure sensors and interrelated devices to detect patient attempts to stand up and alert nurses through a notification system.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateAug 23, 2022

Researchers unfolded elegant equations to explain the enigma of expanding origami

Engineers use origami to build devices that grow wider as they are pulled apart. Researchers from Princeton and Georgia Tech have developed a general formula analyzing how structures respond to stress, enabling the creation of origami structures with negative Poisson ratios.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2022

Despite flexibility, gig work and insecure income prove harmful to U.S. workers, according to UTHealth School of Public Health

Researchers from UTHealth School of Public Health found that gig workers' insecure income contributes to poor health outcomes, including a sicker workforce and higher unreimbursed healthcare costs. The study suggests COVID-era gig workers will experience greater increases in poor overall health and psychological distress.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 23, 2022

Machine learning algorithm predicts how to get the most out of electric vehicle batteries

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that can predict how different driving patterns affect battery performance, improving safety and reliability. The algorithm uses non-invasive probing to provide a holistic view of battery health, suggesting routes and driving patterns that minimize degradation and charging times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022