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Science News for August 3, 2022


How the genome is packed into chromosomes that can be faithfully moved during cell division

The Gerlich Group at IMBA found that histone acetylation establishes a sharp surface boundary on chromosomes, resisting microtubule perforation. Chromatin phase separation and DNA looping by condensin cooperates to build mitotic chromosomes with unique physical properties.

NCAR study identifies where coral reefs may be buffered against warming oceans

Scientists have identified possible 'thermal refugia' where coral reefs are more likely to survive warming oceans. An interactive global atlas has been created with locations of these areas, providing a starting point for conservation efforts.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Multidisciplinary team of Boston University and EcoHealth Alliance researchers will work to prevent future pandemics

A team of researchers from Boston University and EcoHealth Alliance will develop models to predict disease emergence and spread. They aim to identify location hotspots for pathogen emergence and determine the most effective pandemic mitigation strategies using data from COVID-19, H1N1 flu, and Ebola Virus Disease.

Explosive neutron star merger captured for first time in millimeter light

A team led by Northwestern University captured millimeter-wavelength light from a neutron star merger for the first time, revealing one of the most energetic short-duration gamma-ray bursts. The discovery opens up new study areas, as scientists can now observe more of these events with ALMA and other telescope arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

Seeing through someone else's eyes: Proposing objective criteria to examine subjective experiences

Ben-Gurion University researchers Dr. Moti Salti and Dr. Dafna Bergerbest propose a framework to objectively compare subjective experiences and reveal their neuronal basis. They focus on numerosity as a field where objective criteria can be established, aiming to map individual transfer-functions at both behavioral and neuronal levels.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateAug 3, 2022

Low pressure, high stakes: UNLV physicists make major gains in race for room-temperature superconductivity

A team of UNLV physicists has replicated room-temperature superconductivity at the lowest pressure ever recorded, building on their 2020 landmark discovery. By tuning the composition of carbon, sulfur, and hydrogen, scientists have produced a material that retains its state of superconductivity at lower pressures.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Out with a bang: Explosive neutron star merger captured for the first time in millimeter light

Researchers recorded millimeter-wavelength light from a fiery explosion caused by the merger of a neutron star with another star, confirming it as one of the most energetic short-duration gamma-ray bursts ever observed. The results reveal that the explosion left behind one of the most luminous afterglows on record.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 3, 2022

New technology can help combat climate crisis

Scientists have developed a novel technology that uses bacteria grown on a synthetic semiconductor device to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into acetate and oxygen. This process produces high-value fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the global energy crisis.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Study pinpoints ‘win-win’ solutions to protect human health and conserve ecosystems

Researchers have pinpointed diverse 'win-win' solutions that simultaneously safeguard human health and ecosystem conservation, covering six continents and tackling major environmental problems. The study highlights potential interventions like vaccinating dogs to reduce rabies transmission and introducing prawns back into a dammed river.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2022

Children and teens getting spinal surgery don’t need so many opioids, study suggests

A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2022

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Are UK children with allergies receiving consistent and adequate care?

A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals a 4-fold increase in allergy clinics for children in the UK, but most are small and vary in services offered. The research highlights the need for standardized care through national networks and simulation training to ensure safe service provision.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateAug 3, 2022

UMass Amherst and Georgia Tech researchers 3D print first high-performance nanostructured alloy that’s both ultrastrong and ductile

Researchers created a dual-phase, nanostructured high-entropy alloy with unprecedented strength and ductility through 3D printing. The alloy's unique microstructure enables cooperative deformation of two phases, resulting in ultrahigh strength and enhanced ductility.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Effectiveness associated with Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against emergency department, urgent care encounters for SARS-CoV-2 infection among adolescents

The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high levels of protection against emergency department and urgent care encounters related to Delta and Omicron variants. A third dose improved protection against Omicron beyond initial two-dose efficacy, emphasizing the importance of boosters for adolescents aged 12-17.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 3, 2022

EHR interventions for contrast media shortage impact CT utilization

A study found that electronic health record (EHR) order entry-based interventions significantly reduced contrast-enhanced CT utilization within a large health system during the global iodinated contrast media shortage. The number of patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT examinations per day decreased by 12.0%, and the number of orde...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

New in The Permanente Journal: Expert panel discusses gun violence and mass shootings as a public health priority

The Permanente Journal's latest issue features an expert panel discussion on the factors leading to mass shootings in America and the importance of hospital preparedness. The conversation highlights warning behaviors, access to guns, and the need for a strong infrastructure to address gun violence.

SourceThe Permanente Federation·JournalThe Permanente Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 2022

After breakups, people feel less in-control – but only at first

A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 3, 2022

The "electric pill"

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully stimulated the auricular vagus nerve to reduce inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases, using a novel closed-loop control system. The therapy, dubbed an 'electric pill', has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Volcanic super eruptions are millions of years in the making – followed by swift surge, scientists find

Scientists have discovered that volcanic super eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth's crust move rapidly to the surface, disrupting pre-existing rock. This process takes place over millions of years, but the magma disrupts the crust and then erupts in just a few decades.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Kids’ noses can better fight COVID-19

A University of Queensland-led research found that children's noses have a more effective anti-viral response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 than adult noses. The study suggests that this may contribute to the lower infection rates and milder symptoms in children compared to adults.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 3, 2022

Future-proofing the Great Lakes region through climate research: Improved regional climate models will help the Great Lakes Region become more informed, ready and resilient

A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateAug 3, 2022

Sixty-third supplement to the AOS check-list of North American birds publishes today in ornithology

The Sixty-third Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds updates bird classifications, including meadowlark species splits, hummingbird recognitions, kite separations, and the addition of a giant-petrel. New subspecies are also recognized for some bird species, reflecting advances in genetic analysis.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithology·TypeNews article·DateAug 3, 2022

Does fraud victimization affect a person’s long-term blood pressure?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that fraud victimization is associated with increased blood pressure in older adults. Men were more likely to experience elevated post-fraud blood pressure, which may lead to poor health outcomes over time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 3, 2022

Nanoscale observations simplify how scientists describe earthquake movement

Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Understanding cooperation and conflict in plant symbionts

Researchers examine the genomic variations of 191 microbial strains paired with their host plants to understand cooperation and conflict. They found that 80% of symbiont genes align with the host's interest, often paying for them to be beneficial despite competing interests.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

JACC study makes case for expanding coverage for carotid artery stenting

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that carotid artery stenting can be just as effective as surgery in preventing long-term stroke and improving durability. The research recommends expanding insurance coverage for this minimally invasive procedure, which can improve blood flow to the brain.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2022

Neural networks and ‘ghost’ electrons accurately reconstruct behavior of quantum systems

Physicists have created a way to simulate quantum entanglement between interacting particles using neural networks and fictitious 'ghost' electrons. This approach enables accurate predictions of molecule behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical development and material design.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Perceived choice in music listening is linked to pain relief

A new study found that people who were given the impression of control over music experienced greater pain relief. Those who actively engage with music in their daily life showed even greater benefits. Music complexity was not linked to pain relief, but feeling in control was key.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

NUS scientists engineer probiotic to prevent infection of large intestine

Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Smells experienced in nature evoke positive wellbeing

A new study published in Ambio reveals that smells experienced in nature can evoke positive emotions, improve physical wellbeing, and reduce stress. Smells played a significant role in delivering benefits from interacting with nature, often tied to personal memories and ecological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAMBIO·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

How measuring blood pressure in both arms can help reduce cardiovascular risk and hypertension

A new study found that using the higher arm blood pressure reading reclassifies 12% of people as having hypertension, who would have fallen below the threshold for diagnosis if the lower reading arm was used. The study suggests that adopting the higher reading can improve diagnosis and management of hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHypertension·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

New York City switch to clean buses cut air pollution

A study by Columbia University and Drexel University found that the transition to cleaner fuels and engines in New York City's bus fleet led to declines in air pollution concentrations, including nitrogen oxides and black carbon. The findings suggest that similar changes can be realized in other cities to mitigate air pollution.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

All roads lead to big cities

A team of scientists developed a computational model that explains Italy's town distribution using only a small set of mathematical equations and a map of the landscape. The model simulates how population and road networks interact, demonstrating that landscape alone is insufficient to explain population distribution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

Surrey's prototype battery only needs seconds of sunlight to keep smart wearables charged

Researchers at Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute have developed a renewable and rechargeable battery prototype that can charge smart wearables in just seconds using sunlight. The system, which combines zinc-ion batteries with perovskite solar cells, enables wearables to operate continuously without plug-in charging.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Having a partner more important than children to staving off loneliness during pandemic, new study finds

A new study published in the European Journal of Ageing found that having a partner had a greater impact on reducing loneliness among older adults during the pandemic's first wave. Not having a partner was the most significant factor, with those without a partner experiencing a higher risk of moving into loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEuropean Journal of Ageing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

FSU researchers use 3D culture techniques to develop improved therapy for neurological diseases

Researchers from FSU College of Medicine and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a promising strategy to produce therapeutic particles in stem cells, which could help patients with neurological diseases such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. The new technique combines three-dimensional growing platforms with wave motion, lead...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 3, 2022

Hand signals help overcome Zoom fatigue in online meetings

A study published in PLOS One found that using hand signals, such as waving or raising a hand to show empathy, can improve communication and social connection in online meetings. The research team trained participants to use these gestures, which led to better interaction, increased feelings of closeness, and improved learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 2022

23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness, according to analysis of 2015-2018 data

Analysis of 2015-2018 data reveals that 23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness. The study found a significant correlation between immigration detention and increased healthcare utilization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 3, 2022

Muscle mechanics: Improving sports performance with muscle mechanical properties

A recent study investigated the relationship between passive muscle mechanical properties and dynamic performance in athletes. The research found a positive correlation between the shear modulus of the vastus lateralis muscle and performance outcomes during high-speed activities, suggesting that passive muscle properties are essential ...

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

Gender affects driverless car performance

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that women are better at taking over control of automated cars compared to men. The research involved 76 drivers who participated in a driving simulator study and showed that women exhibited faster reaction times and more stable operation of the steering wheel.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022