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Science News for December 12, 2022


Alcohol-involved injuries linked to increased risk of death in the next year: Study

A new study found that people with alcohol use disorders who are injured severely enough to require hospital treatment have a fivefold increased risk of dying in the next year. This association was found in over 13,000 patients, with a total mortality rate nearly five times higher than the general California population.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

Study analyzes how fact-checkers from four different countries assess climate change claims

The study found that fact-checkers in the US primarily assessed existence claims, while Australians focused on solutions. Effective fact-checking presentations included visual information, concise summaries, and clear verdicts. Researchers hope to expand their research to cover the role of fact-checking in COVID-19 and other topics.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism and Mass Communication·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 12, 2022

Scientists return from expedition after mapping fungal networks on world’s most remote island

Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.

Medicaid expansion plus PrEP and antivirals could lower HIV transmission in Houston, model projects

A new study suggests that expanding Medicaid coverage in Houston, combined with increased use of PrEP and antiviral medications, could lead to a significant decline in new HIV infections among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The model projects a potential decrease in HIV incidence rate to almost 50% with...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 12, 2022

Finding current toilet technology flushes profits, WVU researcher takes aim at turning yellow into green by recycling urine

A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEnvironmental Technology·DateDec 12, 2022

Cabbage white butterflies utilize two gut enzymes for maximum flexibility in deactivating mustard oil bombs

Researchers discovered that cabbage white butterfly caterpillars use two complementary enzymes for detoxification, allowing them to adapt to various cruciferous plants. The NSP and MA enzymes differ in their capacity to process different glucosinolates, enabling the caterpillars to fine-tune their detoxification mechanisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Drinking coffee regularly after pregnancy may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes for women who had diabetes during pregnancy

A study found that drinking caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 10-53% in women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Replacing sugary drinks with coffee also shows a 10-17% reduced risk.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

A step in the direction of artificial organs. Scientists find out what stem cell networks look like and where they came from

Researchers have identified a master gene that controls stem cell behavior, found in an ancient fish species, which can be used to improve human stem cell growth. The study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of pluripotent stem cells, a crucial step towards creating artificial organs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

An integrated, net-negative system captures carbon and produces ethylene

Researchers at UIC have created an integrated system that captures carbon dioxide from flue gas and converts it to high-purity ethylene, achieving net-negative carbon emissions. The system's modular design allows for easy scaling up and down, making it a potential breakthrough in sustainable ethylene production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Novel method with implications for treatment of Fukuyama muscular dystrophy, a widespread neuromuscular disorder

Researchers from Japan have developed an RNA interference method using antisense oligonucleotides to correct a genetic defect in Fukuyama Muscular Dystrophy. This approach has shown promise in treating patients with the disease, which is characterized by generalized muscle weakness and intellectual disability.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

What’s your poison?

A high-throughput analysis of 26 medically important snakes in sub-Saharan Africa reveals the benefits of an integrated approach to understanding their venom composition and function. The study provides a solid foundation for further research on snake biology and antivenom development.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Bolstering the safety of self-driving cars with a deep learning-based object detection system

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an IoT-enabled, real-time object detection system for autonomous vehicles. The YOLOv3-based model achieved high accuracy (>96%) in detecting 2D and 3D objects, outperforming other state-of-the-art detection models.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

Effective Prevention

A new study published in BMJ Open found that COVID vaccines are more effective in areas with higher infection rates, highlighting the need for targeted vaccine distribution. The researchers calculated absolute risk reduction and number needed to be vaccinated, revealing significant differences in effectiveness across geographical regions.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

Signals from the ionosphere could improve tsunami forecasts

Researchers from the University of Washington analyzed the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption in the South Pacific, discovering that ionosphere signals can help explain why tsunami waves grew larger and traveled faster than predicted. The study validated the use of GPS signals traveling through the atmosphere to track events on the gro...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Low-carb diet may help patients with diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control in short term compared to a low-fat diet

A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

Internet treatment for anger works

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that internet-based therapy can help people with anger and aggression, with a combination of mindful emotion awareness and cognitive reappraisal being the most effective strategy. Four-week treatments resulted in decreased self-reported anger and aggressiveness.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

Researchers propose methods for automatic detection of doxing

Researchers have identified a method that can automatically detect doxing on Twitter with high accuracy, which could help protect users from cyberbullying. The approach uses machine learning to differentiate between self-disclosures and malicious disclosures of sensitive personal information.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateDec 12, 2022

Light therapy relieves fatigue syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis

A recent study led by Stefan Seidel found that light therapy significantly improves fatigue symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis patients, with measurable improvements observed after just 14 days of use. The study used objective measurements to rule out sleep disorders, which are common comorbidities with fatigue in MS patients.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical·DateDec 12, 2022

Revealing the complex magnetization reversal mechanism with topological data analysis

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a super-hierarchical and explanatory analysis method for magnetic reversal processes, enabling the detection of subtle microscopic changes. The new algorithm can predict stable/metastable states in advance and improve the reliability of spintronics devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

An ounce of prevention: Differences in HIV prevention activities among rural and urban physicians

A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateDec 12, 2022

Blood clotting research holds hope for sepsis

Researchers from the University of Birmingham identified a novel mechanism for platelet activation in pathogenic blood clotting. The mechanism, involving platelet receptor glycoprotein I alpha (GPIbα) and anti-microbial protein S100A8/A9, is not blocked by classical anti-platelet drugs and accelerates fibrin activation and thrombosis.

Good vibrations turbo charge green hydrogen production

Engineers at RMIT University have developed a method to boost green hydrogen production through electrolysis by up to 14 times using high-frequency vibrations. This innovation tackles the high cost of electrode materials and eliminates the need for corrosive electrolytes, making it cheaper and more efficient.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Glenn Foundation Discovery Award launched. Junior Faculty Grants and Postdoctoral Fellows funding also increased

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research has launched a new Discovery Award to support innovative aging research. The award will provide $525,000 over three years to principal investigators with strong potential to develop pioneering discoveries in biology. Additionally, GFMR is increasing funding for Junior Faculty Grants and Postdoc...

Scientists reveal controlling factors of water and heat exchanges over the Zoige wetland

Researchers investigated hydrometeorological factors in alpine wetlands during warm and cold seasons. They found that depth of frozen soil averages 20-40 cm, with sensible heat flux greater before solar noon in the cold season. Temperature and longwave radiation are key control factors for heat exchange.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022

A double bind for cancer

Researchers found that simultaneously targeting two signalling switches can severely inhibit tumour angiogenesis, cancer growth and metastasis in multiple models of cancer. This approach has the potential to restrict a cancer's ability to escape therapy by rapidly destroying the VEGF receptor when both receptors are targeted.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

True giant wombat gives Diprotodon podium a wobble

Researchers from Griffith University have shed light on a large species of ancient 'giant wombat' found in Queensland, which belonged to the modern-day wombat family. The discovery provides unprecedented insights into the biology and appearance of this previously little-known species, including its cranial sinuses and premaxillary spine.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

Alzheimer’s progression in Down syndrome appears similar to other genetic, early onset forms of the disease

A study funded by NIH found that people with Down syndrome have a similar level of amyloid plaques in their brains as those with hereditary, early-onset Alzheimer's. This suggests that individuals with both conditions may benefit from participating in studies on Alzheimer's therapies aimed at slowing amyloid plaque formation.

Understand anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal during nanoscratch of MgF2 single crystals

The study investigates the anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal behaviors in ultra-precision machining of MgF2 single crystals. The research team developed a stress field model, revealing that plastic deformation and cleavage fracture mechanisms were activated depending on the crystal orientation.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 12, 2022

Transplants can save dying coral reefs, but genetically diverse donors are key, say researchers

Researchers found that genetic diversity is key to successful coral transplantation, and using clones of just 10 staghorn individuals led to better results. The team's findings suggest that diversifying coral outplants is safer than betting on one standout 'super coral' to succeed.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Risk of endocarditis more than 3x higher after COVID-19 infection in patients with cocaine, opioid abuse disorders

Patients with cocaine and opioid use disorders are at higher risk of developing endocarditis after COVID-19 infection, according to new research. The study found a significant increase in endocarditis cases among these patients, highlighting the need for increased screenings.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

Eating disorder behaviors more severe among transgender and gender non-conforming youth in Canada

A new study found that eating disorder attitudes and behaviors are more severe among transgender and gender non-conforming youth in Canada compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The research also highlights the need for prevention, assessment, and treatment methods that consider diverse presentations of disordered eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 2022

Discovering rare red spiral galaxy population from early universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured infrared images of a population of red spiral galaxies at unprecedented resolution, revealing their morphology in detail. These galaxies are among the farthest known spiral galaxies and suggest that such spiral galaxies existed in large numbers in the early universe.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Patients with depression less likely to follow critical medication plan following heart procedure

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with depression are less likely to adhere to essential medical therapies following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study examined over 124,000 patients who underwent PCI and were diagnosed with depression, revealing a significant proportion of individuals with...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateDec 12, 2022

Uptick in prevalence of simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use in the US after states legalize recreational cannabis use

A new study found an increase in adults using both substances simultaneously, leading to more negative consequences such as risk behaviors and heavy substance use. The findings suggest that changes in cannabis legislation may lead people to use both substances, particularly among adults aged 21-50.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 12, 2022

Hummingbird flight could provide insights for biomimicry in aerial vehicles

Researchers used a novel modeling method to study hummingbird wing movement, revealing previously unknown principles of actuation. They found that hummingbirds' primary muscles pull wings in three directions: up and down, back and forth, and twisting. This discovery has implications for technological development of agile aerial systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes

Researchers have developed a new process to recycle and recondition graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The 'flash' Joule heating process recovers critical metals and enhances the performance of recycled anodes.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Study of fossil katydids provides new insights on evolution of Mesozoic soundscape

A recent study on fossil katydids from the Mesozoic Era provides novel insights into the evolution of acoustic organs and behavior. The research team discovered exceptionally preserved Mesozoic katydids with the earliest known insect ears, extending the age range of modern-type auditory tympana by 100 million years.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022

Patients and doctors agree on treatment goals only half the time, according to JNCCN study on people with neuroendocrine tumors

A recent study by City of Hope found that only 30% of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors prioritize living longer as their top goal. Instead, 70% focus on addressing pain, fatigue, and losing function. The research highlights the need for better communication between care providers and patients to develop personalized treatme...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 12, 2022

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Washington state quinoa can make a better cookie

Researchers at Washington State University found that two types of quinoa bred specifically for the Pacific Northwest climate worked well as a high-fiber, high-protein additive flour in commercial cookies. Preliminary results show people preferred sugar cookies with 10% quinoa flour over traditional wheat flour cookies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateDec 12, 2022

Pathogenic sensor’s surprising capabilities revealed

Researchers developed a new way to study the sensory system used by pathogenic bacteria to infect humans. They screened thousands of peptides against a bacterial sensor and discovered 13 new human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that activate the sensor. The findings suggest an arms race between humans and bacteria, with each evolving ne...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

FDA needs to ensure that information on dense breast notifications are clear and understandable to all members of the public

The FDA's proposed breast density notifications may not be clear enough for all women, particularly those with lower literacy levels. Researchers recommend that the agency uses rigorous evaluation methods to test language and reactions, ensuring that warnings are communicated effectively.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeNews article·DateDec 12, 2022

Scientists develop electrode material that preserves its volume, making it ideal for solid-state EV batteries

Scientists have developed a positive electrode material that maintains its volume during repeated charge/discharge cycles, ideal for solid-state EV batteries. This breakthrough offers significant improvements in durability and charging speed, potentially reducing battery costs and enabling faster charging times.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 12, 2022

Gold-based passive heating for eyewear

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a gold-based transparent coating that absorbs infrared radiation selectively, heating up to 8 degrees Celsius. The coating is thinner, pliable, and more efficient than traditional antifogging methods, requiring minimal gold material costs.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022