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Science News for August 25, 2022


Diversity is everyone’s responsibility: Researchers outline a path to representation in cancer clinical trials

Researchers outline a five-step approach to increase racial representation in cancer clinical trials through DRIVE: Diversity officer, Ranking of clinical studies, Individual diversity plan, Verification, and Training. This can lead to more inclusive and individualized treatment for diverse patient populations.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateAug 25, 2022

‘Dangerous’ and ‘extremely dangerous’ heat stress to become more common by 2100

A new study predicts that record-breaking heat waves will become more frequent in places like North America and Europe by 2100. The research suggests that even if countries meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 2°C, dangerous heat stress could double by 2100 in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

New study demonstrates clinical and financial impact of patient exposure to ill healthcare worker in long-term care facility

A Japanese study found that a single ill healthcare worker caused respiratory infections among 17 patients, resulting in $12,324 in medical costs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing presenteeism and its impact on patient safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles highlight the potential of nanotechnology to detect clinically useful biomolecules

Recent studies in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis highlight innovative nanosensors for efficient biomolecular detection, including rutin, paracetamol, and hypochlorite. These advancements enable high sensitivity and reliability in clinical samples, paving the way for improved patient care.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait

Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Trapping heat like black holes

Scientists discovered a mechanism to generate asymmetric temperature profiles without dynamic modulation, allowing for the imitated advection of heat. This phenomenon enables thermal trapping like that observed in black holes, with potential applications in waste heat recovery and thermal funneling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 25, 2022

New research demonstrates how maternal fat metabolism very early in pregnancy and fetal abdominal growth influence child weight and adiposity by 2 years of age.

A new study found patterns of fetal abdominal growth associated with maternal lipid metabolites that track newborn growth, adiposity, and development into childhood. The study monitored over 3,500 babies from birth to 2 years of age, providing insights into the complex interaction between maternal and fetal nutrition early in pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

Glowing tags reveal split-second activity of pathogenic circuitry

Researchers at Rice University have created a new optical tool called homo-FRET that allows them to observe the real-time activity of two-component systems in bacteria. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of deadly pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential targe...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Pandemic response in Mayotte: How approaches need to be adapted to local community needs

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Mayotte, with over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases causing interruptions in work and healthcare services. The island's unique socioeconomic vulnerability and communication challenges affected the surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Miniaturized high-performance filter capacitor based on structurally integrated carbon tube grids

A new type of filter capacitor is developed using structurally integrated carbon tube grids, achieving high frequency response performance and volumetric capacitance. The capacitors are expected to be used in electronic circuits for AC line-filtering, providing a solution to the limitations of traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

New nanophotonic coating could aid thermal management and counter-surveillance efforts

Researchers have developed a new nanophotonic coating that can effectively manage body temperature without the need for external energy sources. The coating, which is transparent to visible light and infrared radiation, has been shown to provide a 15°C higher heating effect than commercial clothing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 25, 2022

Study shows a single cover crop can outperform mixtures

A recent study found that a single high-performing cover crop can effectively suppress weeds, even surpassing the benefits of mixtures containing multiple species. The research demonstrated that monoculture cover crops, such as buckwheat and oat, outperformed average mixtures in terms of productivity and weed suppression.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Climate change: Australian bushfires linked to largest stratospheric warming recorded in three decades

A study published in Scientific Reports found that Australian bushfires contributed to the highest recorded temperature in the lower stratosphere since the early 1990s. The smoke aerosols emitted by the fires led to a significant increase in stratospheric temperatures, with a modelled temperature spike of around 0.65 degrees Celsius.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 2022

Concordia researchers present a blueprint for building green

A new paper from Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute outlines the challenges and realities of sustainable real estate development. The study identifies key stakeholders and building life-cycle processes to reduce carbon footprint. Cities can use municipal policies and incentives, such as fast-track zoning and densit...

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainability·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

Chinese researchers identify new molecular targets into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Researchers have identified Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) as a key regulator in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IGF2BP2 overexpression was found to induce liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury in healthy mice, while knockdown improved NASH pathogenesis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Study uncovers differences in saliva bacteria of students with recent suicidal thoughts August 25, 2022

Researchers discovered a significant difference in saliva bacteria between college students who reported recent suicidal thoughts and those without. Students with recent suicidal ideation had higher levels of bacteria associated with inflammatory health conditions and lower levels of Alloprevotella rava, which promotes brain health.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Lost islands cited in Welsh folklore and poetry are plausible - new study of coastal geography and a medieval map

A new study of coastal geography and a medieval map proposes that two islands in Cardigan Bay, Wales, which are no longer exist, could have come into existence and disappeared due to erosion. The research, published in Atlantic Geosciences, suggests the islands may be remnants of a low-lying landscape underlain by soft glacial deposits.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAtlantic Geoscience·DateAug 25, 2022

A perfect trap for light

A team of researchers from TU Wien and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a 'light trap' that absorbs light perfectly in thin layers. This method uses mirrors and lenses to steer the light beam into a circle and then superimpose it on itself, preventing the light from escaping.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

These neurons have food on the brain

A study from MIT neuroscientists has identified a population of neurons in the visual cortex that respond to images of food. The researchers found four previously known populations and a fifth, more surprising population that appears to be selective for food images. This finding may reflect the special importance of food in human culture.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 25, 2022

Plants can measure the intensity of salt stress

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a specific group of cells in plant roots that react to salt stress, forming a 'sodium-sensing niche' and triggering a calcium signal. This signal is controlled by a calcium-binding protein (CBL8) that helps pump out salt from the plant under severe stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Droplet-array sandwiching technology: Making versatile biochemical tools out of droplets

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have created a technique to precisely control the concentration of chemicals in droplets using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). This allows for accurate drug screening and cell-based analysis, enabling the efficient handling of substances on a smaller scale than traditional pipettes.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Plants reprogram their cells to fight invaders. Here's how

Researchers have discovered the key components in plant cells that trigger 'wartime' protein production in response to pathogens. This mechanism allows plants to rapidly produce defense proteins while balancing resources between growth and defense, a delicate process that could inform strategies for creating disease-resistant crops.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Technique using light and artificial intelligence is effective in selecting immature soybean seeds

A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a novel technique using light and artificial intelligence to identify the maturity stages of soybean seeds. The method utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence and machine learning algorithms to classify commercial seeds with high accuracy. This innovation avoids destroying seeds, which are then c...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 25, 2022

Climate extremes: The energy required for adaptation calls for stronger mitigation efforts

A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022

Making bike-sharing work

A new optimization model aims to improve the efficiency of bike-sharing systems by predicting user demand and adjusting service operations accordingly. The model has shown promising results, reducing problems by 41% compared to no rebalancing.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022

Campus to cosmos: Illinois researchers 3D print carbon films

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have discovered an efficient and sustainable method for 3D-printing single-walled carbon nanotube films. The method uses powder, ink, and 3D printing to produce durable and conductive materials ideal for space exploration, wearable electronics, and more.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

ACC issues guidance to address new nonstatin therapies

The American College of Cardiology has published an expert consensus decision pathway on the role of nonstatin therapies for LDL-C lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction. The guidance provides recommendations for individuals at high-risk and those with familial hypercholesterolemia, ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 25, 2022

Powering an ‘arm’ with air could be mighty handy

Researchers at Rice University have developed a pneumatic robotic arm powered by compressed air that can grasp objects and go, using textile-based energy harvesting system. The device is designed for individuals with disabilities and can produce equivalent of 3 watts of power, outperforming other energy harvesting strategies.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Consortium to develop fully implantable brain-computer interface to enable communication for people with paralysis

A research consortium is developing a unique fully implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system for people with locked-in syndrome, enabling real-time speech decoding and communication. The BCI will be powered wirelessly and capable of decoding speech in real-time to restore communication in patients with ALS or brainstem stroke.

AMP recommends minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles to guide design, development, and validation of clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published consensus recommendations for clinical TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping assays, promoting standardization across laboratories. The report identifies a minimum set of alleles to include in clinical tests, enabling healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 25, 2022

Distress leads to higher COVID vaccine rates, less adherence to distancing guidelines

A new study found that people experiencing anxiety or depression during the pandemic were more likely to get vaccinated, but less likely to follow distancing guidelines. The researchers suggest that a gentler approach may be warranted, focusing on the benefits of vaccination for others, to encourage behavior change.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2022

Universal flu vaccine protects against variants of both influenza A and B viruses, biomedical sciences researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a single, universal flu vaccine candidate that induces immunity to conserved M2 ectodomain and multi-subtype neuraminidase proteins, providing broad cross-protection against antigenically diverse influenza A and B viruses in mice. The study shows promising results in young and aged...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Microscopy reveals mechanism behind new CRISPR tool

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new CRISPR system called Craspase, which has the potential to develop promising antiviral and tissue engineering tools in animals and plants. The study uses cryo-electron microscopy snapshots to explain how Craspase identifies RNA targets and activates proteases.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2022

Molecular switch controls life expectancy

A new study reveals that the protein CHIP can regulate insulin receptor signals more efficiently alone than in a paired state. This finding suggests that maintaining a balance between monomeric and dimeric states of CHIP is crucial for proper cellular function.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Study shows how Black male teacher-coaches illustrate civic-focused education

A study by University of Kansas faculty member Daniel Thomas III founds Black male teacher-coaches in predominantly white private schools employ unique civic-oriented practices to counter historical anti-Blackness. They engage students and athletes in social activism, community service, and critical civic engagement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTheory & Research in Social Education·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

Efficient AI technology for MRI data analysis

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can learn independently from multiple medical institutions without compromising data privacy. The algorithm outperformed traditional methods and has the potential to revolutionize digital medicine by reducing radiologists' workloads and making AI-based solutions more affordable.

Preparing for water scarcity using hybrid desalination technologies

Researchers at KIST have developed a hybrid membrane distillation module that combines solar energy with hydrothermal heat pumps to reduce thermal energy consumption during the desalination process. The technology has shown improved production rates and reduced energy usage compared to traditional methods, making it a potential solutio...

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateAug 25, 2022

What makes us share posts on social media?

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people share information that is meaningful to themselves or their friends and family. The study analyzed the behavior of over 3,000 individuals and discovered that sharing activates reward centers in the brain and is driven by social relevance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·DateAug 25, 2022

Legalizing recreational cannabis in the U.S. has increased frequency of use by 20%

A new study published in the journal Addiction found that recreational cannabis legalization in US states led to a 20% increase in cannabis use frequency, particularly among identical twin pairs. The study analyzed data from over 1,400 individuals and suggested that recreational legalization caused an increase in cannabis use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

New weapon targets antibiotic resistance

A new class of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules developed by Rice University scientists kill specific Gram-positive bacteria and their biofilms. The molecules induce reactive oxygen species that chemically attack and destroy drug-resistant cells, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

University of Cincinnati research examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

The study examines the complex factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including mixed media messages and concerns about effectiveness and safety. The researchers found that highly educated individuals were among those hesitant to receive the vaccine, highlighting the need for targeted education approaches.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2022