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Science News for August 4, 2022


Experts warn that climate change and increasing populations are threatening the resilience of UK wastewater infrastructure

A new study reveals that climate change and population growth are putting UK wastewater treatment works at extreme stress, with dynamic stressors linked to increased risk of pollution events. The research proposes using real-time data to mitigate disruption and improve resilience.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalWater Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022

Three strikes and acid is out

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new protocol for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using three catalysts that hydroxylate alkenes quickly and cheaply. This method enables the precise control of electrons and protons to convert unactivated alkenes into reactive carbocation equivalents under mild reaction conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Staff and facility administrator retention has been challenging for long-term care facilities

Staff turnover affects both residents and their families, compromising the quality of care. Continuity of nursing home staff and leadership is essential for delivering personalized care, as frontline workers deliver 90% of care. Researchers emphasize the need to attract and retain well-trained staff who enjoy working with older adults.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 4, 2022

Putting a new spin on the football spiral

Ballistics experts create first precise model of a football's flightpath, shedding light on what separates good passes from bad ones. The study found that the Magnus effect has little impact on a spinning football and that swerving is linked to the ball's orientation at the end of the pass.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalASME Open Journal of Engineering·DateAug 4, 2022

Complex coacervate droplets as a model material for studying the electrodynamic response and manipulation of biological materials

Stabilized coacervate droplets can be steered using an electric field, allowing for controlled manipulation and delivery of biomolecules like enzymes. The technology has potential applications in drug delivery and other encapsulation technologies, as well as explaining the stability of biological condensates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2022

The eyes have it

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made a groundbreaking discovery about the development of the visual system in mice. By studying the neural networks in cortical and thalamic regions, they found that parallel pathways from the retinas form earlier than connections within cortical areas, challenging current understanding of co...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

An easier and safer way to synthesize medicines

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to synthesize medicines using carbenes, reducing the need for explosive intermediates. This breakthrough could enable faster production of cyclopropanes, a key ingredient in COVID-19 treatments and other medications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Cleveland Clinic researchers discover distinct genomic characteristics of breast cancer in women with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 44 women with germline PTEN mutations who developed breast cancer and compared it to sporadic breast cancers. They found that PTEN and PIK3CA were the most frequently somatically mutated genes in PHTS-associated breast cancers, indicating that somatic mutations in PTEN drive these cancers.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 4, 2022

Sterile mice produce rat sperm

Researchers generated rat sperm cells inside sterile mice using blastocyst complementation, achieving a proof-of-principle for producing gametes from one animal species in another. This breakthrough may speed up the production of transgenic rats for biomedical research and potentially support animal species conservation efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Air pollution, including during wildfires, shows ill effects in children

A new study from UC Davis links air pollution exposure to increased inflammation and decreased cardiac regulation in children. Elevated markers of interleukin-6 and lower cardiac autonomic regulation were found in blood samples of healthy children aged 9-11 who lived near areas with high levels of PM2.5 during wildfires.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNew Directions for Child and Adolescent Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Researchers identify potential target for treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes

A team of researchers at Mount Sinai discovered a molecular mechanism involving carbohydrate response-element binding protein (ChREBP) that plays a key role in glucose toxicity and beta-cell death. Increasing expression of an alternate form of ChREBP or activating nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2 can preserve beta-cell mass.

Water can’t touch this sanded, powdered surface

Rice University researchers create a technique to make surfaces superhydrophobic by combining sanding with powder materials, resulting in water-repelling properties. The treatment also exhibits excellent anti-icing properties, slowing down freezing and reducing ice adhesion strength.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Large-scale study of Brazilian wetlands ramps up evidence that biodiversity loss undermines ecosystem functioning

A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022

Child deaths by gun violence during pandemic

The study suggests that COVID-19's direct mortality effects on children may be comparable to the magnitude of indirect outcomes from gun violence. The authors noted a possible increase in gun-related deaths among children due to factors like psychological and economic strain during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Similarity between schizophrenia and dementia discovered for the first time

Researchers found that 41% of schizophrenia patients met the criteria for frontotemporal dementia, a condition characterized by personality changes and behavioral alterations. The study suggests that targeting specific brain regions and neural structures may lead to improved treatment outcomes for this subgroup.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Almost 90 percent of people with opioid use disorder not receiving life-saving medication, new study finds

A new study found that 86.6% of people with opioid use disorder are not receiving life-saving medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone. The researchers recommend expanding treatment access by removing barriers, eliminating stigma, and ensuring evidence-based medications are used.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds new chronic rhinitis treatment could be game changer

A Houston Methodist study found that a minimally invasive procedure using temperature-controlled radiofrequency intervention is safe and effective in improving symptoms of chronic rhinitis. After 12 months, patients reported a 57.8% improvement in symptoms, with minor side effects observed in a few individuals.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 4, 2022

Genetic findings offer opportunity for personalized heart failure treatment

Researchers discovered distinct genetic mutations in heart failure patients, identifying potential targets for personalized treatment and improving patient care. The study's findings hold enormous potential for rethinking how to treat heart failure by understanding its root causes and the mutations that lead to changes in heart function.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

European data analysis: looking for the cause of unusual amount of hepatitis of unknown origin among children

An analysis of European data found a significant link between adenovirus and severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children under 5. Most affected were those with adenovirus testing positive, with a notable decline in cases after week 17. The study calls for further investigation into the cause of this syndrome.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

HKU marine scientists unveil sea urchin's secret to surviving marine heatwaves

Researchers found that adult sea urchins can pass on heatwave resistance to their offspring, but this effect may not last throughout juvenile development. The study suggests that different life stages have varying abilities to cope with thermal stress, and that parental conditioning can help juveniles survive in extreme temperatures.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Rice engineers get a grip with ‘necrobotic’ spiders

Rice University mechanical engineers repurpose deceased spiders as small-scale, naturally derived grippers. The spiders can lift more than 130% of their own body weight and perform tasks like sorting or moving objects around. Future research will focus on testing the concept with smaller spiders.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

A simple, cheap material for carbon capture, perhaps from tailpipes

Researchers have created a cheap and energy-efficient way to capture carbon dioxide from smokestacks using porous melamine material. The process is simple to make and requires primarily off-the-shelf melamine powder, making it a promising solution for scaling down carbon emissions from vehicle exhaust or other movable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Our brain is a prediction machine that is always active

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics found that our brain is a prediction machine continuously making predictions on multiple levels. They analyzed brain activity while people listened to Hemingway or Sherlock Holmes stories and text, finding the brain response was stronger when words were unexpected in context.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New technology in recent study aims toward earlier detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Researchers developed a new technology that can detect early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma using nanoparticles, which are released by tumor cells and can be detected in circulation. The technology, called HCC EV SPA, has the potential to enable rapid and affordable detection of the disease, leading to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Pre-disposition to dementia can be countered by a lifetime of learning, socializing and exercise, says 60-year study

A 60-year study found that building mental resilience through education, socializing, and exercise can reduce dementia risk even among those with low childhood cognition or genetic predisposition. Participants with higher cognitive reserve index and reading ability showed slower cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

Zooming in to get the full picture

Researchers have constructed the most complete single-cell map of fruit fly embryo development, enabling a continuous view of molecular changes driving embryonic development. This study provides a significant advance in understanding the complex process of embryogenesis and its relationship to gene regulation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2022

Suitable computational conditions of Adiabatic State Preparation discovered for quantum chemical calculations on a quantum computer

A research group from Osaka Metropolitan University investigates Adiabatic State Preparation (ASP) for efficient electron correlation effects in molecules. They find four key points relevant to ASP's computational conditions, making the method more practical.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2022

Study reveals hidden selection against interbreeding in baboons; underscores value of other primates as living models for human evolution

A new study based in Africa reveals hidden selection against interspecies breeding in wild baboon species. The findings highlight the crucial role of other living primates as models for understanding human evolution, particularly for phenomena that are impossible to study in our lineage alone.

Speeding up evolution at genome-level by alternative chromosome configuration

Holocentric chromosomes have been found to promote rapid genome evolution by allowing the formation of new species through chromosome fusions. This non-classical mode of chromosome organization also stabilizes chromosomal fragments and facilitates DNA gene swapping, making it an exciting area for plant breeding.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Vegans who lift weights may have stronger bones than other people on a plant-based diet

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vegan participants who engaged in regular resistance training had stronger bones than those who did not. The study also showed that vegans and omnivores who performed resistance training had similar bone structure.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

New study finds bonobos receive consolation from bystanders when producing “baby-like” signals to express their emotional distress

A study by Durham University researchers found that bonobos produce specific 'baby-like' signals to express emotional distress and increase the chances of receiving comfort from others. These signals, such as pouting and whimpering, can also reduce the likelihood of re-attack after a conflict.

SourceDurham University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 4, 2022

A new, faster way to browse physics-based animations

Researchers at Stanford University have developed Unified Many-Worlds Browsing, a new approach to refine the search process for physics-based animations. By allowing animators to create queries to narrow down options, this framework can potentially reduce thousands of possible outcomes to a handful that are interesting to the user.

SourceStanford University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 4, 2022

Ultrathin 2D cuprate with active periodic copper single sites, a new catalyst for Chan-lam coupling

Researchers developed a ligand exchange strategy to create atomically thin 2D cuprate layers with active periodic copper single sites, which catalyze efficient Chan-Lam coupling. These 2D-CuSSs show advantages over traditional homogeneous counterparts due to their large open surface and abundant undercoordinated Cu single sites.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 4, 2022

THE LANCET: Most reliable estimates to date suggest one in eight COVID-19 patients develop long COVID symptoms

A large Dutch study found that 12.7% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience long-term symptoms, including breathing problems and fatigue, three to five months after infection. The study suggests that these symptoms can be used to distinguish between post-COVID-19 condition and non-COVID-19-related symptoms.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

Proteins and natural language: Artificial intelligence enables the design of novel proteins

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Birte Höcker applied a computer-based natural language processing model to protein research, creating new proteins capable of stable folding and defined functions. The ProtGPT2 model generates proteins with differentiated structures, eliminating the need for functionalization processes.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022

Building molecular bridges: New crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes

A new study from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduces a novel crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes. This approach allows for monomeric emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions, enabling the creation of highly dense crystalline structures with controlled electronic properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Pediatric obesity is a complex condition with multiple subtypes

A study found eight classes of health conditions common among pediatric obese patients, including respiratory and sleep disorders. The researchers used a pattern mining algorithm on electronic health records of 49,694 patients to identify clinically similar subtypes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2022

Template synthesis and catalytic applications of metal nanoparticles within n-heterocyclic carbene organic cages

Researchers developed a new method to synthesize polyimidazolium organic cages that can encapsulate metal nanoparticles, leading to improved catalytic performance. The new catalysts show superior activity in various reactions, with tunable NHC sites enhancing interactions between the shell and the metal nanoparticles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 4, 2022

Tracking nitrogen pollution

Researchers tracing nitrogen pollution affecting the Mesoamerican Reef Region reveal that agricultural operations are responsible for the vast majority of nitrogen pollution. The study highlights the need for tailored management strategies to mitigate nutrient input and protect coral reef and seagrass health.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateAug 4, 2022

Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of death from heart attack, stroke

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 4, 2022

Novel design for dual-atom catalyst could reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production

Researchers have developed a novel dual-atom catalyst design that can reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production. The new design uses a hybrid of iron and molybdenum to activate dinitrogen, resulting in a more efficient and eco-friendly method for ammonia synthesis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2022

Low addiction risk with medical use of ketamine

A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022

Only 1 in 5 Syrian children in refugee camps show resilience to mental health problems

New research reveals that only 1 in 5 Syrian children living in refugee camps exhibit resilience to mental health problems. The study found that factors such as the child's environment, caregiver interactions, and access to resources significantly impact their ability to recover from war trauma.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateAug 4, 2022

Inflammation accelerates aging of the hematopoietic system

A recent study published by the German Cancer Research Center found that inflammation in early life leads to a permanent decline in functional blood stem cells, suppressing their ability to regenerate. Mice exposed to inflammatory challenges developed clinically relevant features of aging, including anemia and decreased number of cells...