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Science News for December 16, 2022


A new neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder and its genetic cause discovered

Researchers identified a novel neurodevelopmental epilepsy disorder caused by alterations in the EIF4A2 gene, leading to intellectual disability, hypotonia, and epilepsy. The study used fruit flies to demonstrate the causal role of EIF4A2 mutations, providing insights into protein translation regulation and brain development.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Linking fossil climate proxies to living bacteria helps climate predictions

A new study reveals that certain types of lipids found in ancient fossils are produced by specific living bacteria. By identifying these microorganisms and understanding how they produce the lipids, scientists can create more accurate climate reconstructions. This discovery also sheds light on the early evolution of life on Earth.

ACMG publishes evidence-based clinical practice guideline recommending that noninvasive prenatal screening become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends that noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) become the standard screening option for all pregnant individuals. NIPS has been shown to have a high accuracy rate, with detection rates of 98.8% for Trisomy 21 and 99.6% for sex chromosome abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 16, 2022

Climate change played key role in dinosaur success story

New research shows climate change played a key role in dinosaurs' rise to success during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. The planet's warming after the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event allowed sauropod-like dinosaurs to thrive and expand across new territories, becoming the dominant species.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

Catching up to climate change by tracking big-picture patterns

By analyzing satellite imagery and tracking net primary productivity, researchers aim to predict how ecosystems will respond to climate change. Their model suggests that the rate at which ecosystems adapt to changing conditions is a critical component to reducing uncertainty about future projections.

New study examines links between parents’ income and sexual orientation of their children

A new study published in Evolutionary Psychology examines the relationship between parental income and the sexual behavior of their adult children. The research found that children from low-income families had higher frequencies of same-sex attraction, while those from high-income families had lower frequencies.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

Long-lasting, intense afterglow

A team of researchers from Lithuania has developed organic dyes showing a particularly long afterglow after being excited by light. The new material exhibits persistent thermally activated delayed fluorescence and long phosphorescence at room temperature, enabling color-tunable room-temperature organic afterglow.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Physician, heal thyself?

A study by MIT economists found that doctors and their families are less likely to adhere to medication guidelines than the general population. Despite having better access to medical expertise, they lag behind in following guidelines 3.8 percentage points, with significant differences in 41 cases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 16, 2022

Research into the chemistry of environmentally friendly power generation at the ELTE Eötvös Loránd University

The researchers investigated the ignition of methane-air mixtures using a detailed reaction kinetics model. They identified five domains with different sets of chemical reactions leading to methane ignition. This knowledge can help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact in heating and power generation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateDec 16, 2022

COVID-19: a respiratory vaccine effective in mice

A new respiratory vaccine has been shown to provide complete protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. The vaccine uses a DNA encoding a viral protein and is delivered through the mucous membranes, targeting immune cells in the nose and lungs.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

The Dutch cycle twice as much as Germans in Winter

A study by Dr Ansgar Hudde found that the Dutch cycle around twice as often as Germans during winter months due to differences in mobility culture. This is attributed to a cycling culture in Germany that only encourages seasonal cycling, whereas the Netherlands promotes year-round cycling.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

World cardiology leaders call for global action to reinvent randomized clinical trials

Cardiology organizations propose modernizing randomized clinical trials using streamlined approaches, digital technology, and real-world data to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation. The goal is to improve patient care and address unmet medical needs, particularly for diverse populations.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2022

Cost concerns keep older adults from seeking emergency care

A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2022

Warm days are contributing to gun violence surge across the US

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Washington School of Social Work found a consistent relationship between higher temperatures and higher risk of shootings in 100 of the country's most populated cities. Nearly seven percent of shootings can be attributed to above-average daily temperatures.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

Genes & Cancer | Systems biology network reveals the correlation between COX-2 expression and Ch 7q copy number alterations in Ch 11q-deleted pediatric neuroblastoma tumors

Researchers analyzed COX-2 levels and segmental chromosome aberrations in pediatric neuroblastoma tumor samples. Positive correlations between pre-CT Ch 7q gain and COX-2 expression were found, as well as negative correlations between Ch 7q gain and Ch 11q deletion.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

A sensitization strategy achieves hyperfluorescence

Researchers developed a new fluorescent emitter with a small Stokes shift, achieving high external quantum efficiency over 10% and narrow emission bands. The sensitization strategy using TADF sensitizer is an effective method for obtaining efficient electroluminescent devices.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

The AVID college prep program leads to lower substance use, better health behaviors among high school students, UCLA-led research suggests

The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2022

New DNA analysis provides first accurate tuberculosis genome

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a novel genome assembly tool called Bact-Builder that creates an improved genome map of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This breakthrough enables the identification of new genes and gene fragments missing in current reference sequences, which could lead to better treatments and vaccines.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Astronomers may have uncovered how galaxies change their shape

Researchers used AI to classify galaxies by their shape, leveraging the EAGLE simulation. The study suggests spiral galaxies lose gas as they merge with other galaxies, transforming into elliptical shapes. The findings bring together various pieces of research, providing a new understanding of galaxy evolution and morphology.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2022

Atomic structure of a staphylococcal bacteriophage using cryo-electron microscopy

Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structures and functions of Andhra gene products, paving the way for custom phages for therapeutic applications. The high-resolution knowledge of the virus structure is crucial for developing targeted treatments against Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022

Webb Space Telescope reveals previously shrouded newborn stars

Astronomers used the Webb Space Telescope's near-infrared camera to analyze images of the Cosmic Cliffs region in NGC 3324. The discovery reveals telltale signs from two dozen previously unseen young stars, with many appearing to be protostars that will eventually become low-mass stars like Earth's sun.

SourceRice University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

Scientists develop low-cost system to measure space weather without leaving the ground

Researchers created a magneto-impedance sensor magnetometer that measures Earth's geomagnetic field fluctuations, enabling real-time monitoring of space weather and advancement of space research. The device is lightweight, power-efficient, and low-cost, making it suitable for constructing multi-point observation networks.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·DateDec 16, 2022