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Science News for December 5, 2022


New research shows people, wildlife, and marine environment benefit when island-ocean connections are restored

Research highlights the critical link between island and marine ecosystems, identifying six essential environmental characteristics to guide prioritization of conservation efforts. Restoring islands can maximize returns for conservation management investments in ocean health and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 5, 2022

Antarctic ice: a better knowledge of the ocean improves the predictability of sea ice variability

Researchers found that using coupled atmosphere-ocean-sea ice circulation models with observation-based datasets, they can predict Antarctic sea ice variability over decadal time scales. The initialization of subsurface ocean temperature and salinity fields significantly improves prediction skills, especially in the west Antarctic region.

Photon-efficient volumetric imaging with light-sheet scanning fluorescence microscopy

Researchers developed a photon-efficient volumetric imaging method, laterally swept light-sheet microscopy (iLSLM), which improves axial resolution and optical sectioning while reducing photobleaching. iLSLM outperforms conventional methods like swept focus light-sheet microscopy in terms of resolution and photon efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateDec 5, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers inflammatory markers that may predict a response in certain patients to COVID-19 immunotherapies

A Mount Sinai study found that certain inflammatory markers can predict which patients are more likely to respond to COVID-19 immunotherapies. The researchers identified a subtype of COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammation who could benefit from pacritinib, an anti-cancer drug.

University of Cincinnati study examines medication hesitancy to treat childhood anxiety disorders

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Milestone for laser technology

A team of researchers from Synchrotron SOLEIL, France, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany, has successfully demonstrated a free-electron laser driven by plasma acceleration and seeded by additional light pulses. This achievement could lead to the development of more compact and affordable FEL systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Fearlessness can be learned

Researchers discovered that eliminating a serotonin receptor enhances fear extinction, leading to improved therapy outcomes for PTSD patients. This finding may help develop targeted treatment strategies by understanding the role of SSRIs in modulating brain activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease

Researchers identified a genetic variant linked to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas megaesophagus, a disorder characterized by esophageal dilation and loss of motility. The study suggests that increased interferon-gamma production leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the development of the disease.

New blood test can detect ‘toxic’ protein years before Alzheimer’s symptoms emerge, study shows

A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

New mobile health technology for sleep apnea care to address individual patient needs

Researchers developed an app to track CPAP use, sleep patterns, and other health metrics to provide a new adherence metric that aligns therapy with individual need. This tool can help patients and providers deliver more effective sleep apnea treatment by tracking progress toward a personalized dose of therapy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 5, 2022

New instrument measures supercurrent flow, data has applications in quantum computing

Researchers have developed a new microscope that can measure supercurrent flow at extremely small scales and high energies. The Cryogenic Magneto-Terahertz Scanning Near-field Optical Microscope (cm-SNOM) instrument is being used to study superconductivity, which has applications in quantum computing and medical imaging.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Decrease in Japanese children's ability to balance during movement related to COVID-19 activity restrictions

The study found that COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased balance ability, higher body fat levels, and worsened lifestyle habits in Japanese children. The researchers suggest that quality of exercise, rather than quantity, was the main factor contributing to these changes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 5, 2022

The universal sound of swearing across languages

Research suggests a universal pattern in profanity across different languages, with the lack of approximants being a common feature when perceiving swear words. Participants rated pseudo-words with and without approximants differently, indicating that approximant-free words were more likely to be considered swear words.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 5, 2022

Trial compares therapies for reducing cardiovascular risk among people with rheumatoid arthritis

A randomized clinical trial found that two anti-inflammatory strategies reduced disease activity and arterial inflammation in patients with moderate to high rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments had no differences in cardiovascular risk reduction, highlighting the importance of specific clinical trials for this population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

NSF funds sixth annual tissue engineering solicitation for research leveraging the ISS National Lab

The NSF is funding projects that utilize the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to advance tissue engineering and mechanobiology research. This solicitation aims to further drug discovery and therapeutic development through space-based research, with potential impacts on regenerative medicine and disease diagnosis.

Food: climate change exacerbates the gap between North and South of the Mediterranean

A study by Marta Antonelli and colleagues highlights the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region, including worsening water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and nutritional imbalances. The gap between North and South countries is expected to grow, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures and threatening food security.

What does a diffuse midline glioma look like?

A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2022

Two-billion-year-old enzyme reconstructed

Researchers successfully reconstructed a two-billion-year-old enzyme, shedding light on an ancient evolutionary mechanism that enables modern enzymes to work efficiently despite interruptions. The study reveals the ancestral enzyme is processive, removing correctly added nucleotide building blocks, and shows how bioinformatics and bioc...

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Using hearing aids decreases the risk of cognitive decline by 20%, a NUS Medicine study

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

Study shows the majority of California’s coastal airports are vulnerable to increased flooding caused by climate change

A new study found that 39 out of 43 California's coastal airports have assets exposed to projected flooding by 2100. Sixteen airports have assets within their boundaries, while 23 have assets outside their jurisdiction at risk from flooding. The study highlights the need for collaborative climate adaptation plans to address this issue.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022

Transcriptomic technique may help identify infections after knee and hip replacement

A new study suggests that a transcriptomic technique can help distinguish between infections and non-infectious causes of complications following knee and hip replacement surgery. The technique uses RNA sequencing to determine which genes are expressed and identifies specific immune cell types involved in the response to infection.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 5, 2022

The first complete picture of Arctic sea ice freeze-thaw cycle highlights sea ice response to climate change

Researchers synthesized multisource data to explore spatiotemporal variations of melt/freeze onsets, revealing a 3-month delay in basal freeze onset compared to surface. The study highlights the importance of synchronous monitoring of air-ice-ocean system and suggests a possible delay in Arctic sea ice loss due to climate change.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Cosmic ray counts hidden in spacecraft data highlight influence of solar cycle at Mars and Venus

A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals a strong correlation between cosmic ray counts and the solar cycle at Mars and Venus. The research found that cosmic rays are suppressed during peak solar activity, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for future robotic missions and human exploration.

SourceEuroplanet·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Guiding conservation with local touch

A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2022

Why synonymous mutations are not always silent

Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022

Financial incentives boost weight-loss programs

A new study shows that paying cash to people with obesity for losing a specific amount of weight works better than offering free tools like weight-loss programs and wearable fitness trackers. Incentives tied to actual weight lost were most effective in the short term, while goal-focused financial rewards performed better in the long run.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

Scientists invent pioneering technique to construct rare molecules discovered in sediments from the Bahamas with potential to help treat disease and infection

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a new technique to construct rare molecules found in Bahamian sediments, which could lead to cheaper and more accessible treatments for diseases. The breakthrough reduces the production time of these complex molecules from over 20 steps to just 14.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2022

Understanding the cryptic role fungi play in ecosystems

Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 5, 2022

What factors influence Chinese university students’ food waste behavior in canteen?

The study found that perceived behavior control, gender, monthly living expenses, BMI, mealtime, meal expectations, and food portion significantly correlate with food waste behavior among university students. Prioritizing school cafeteria management on food portions and mealtimes is crucial for reducing food waste.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeSurvey·DateDec 5, 2022

School children who meet movement guidelines report better health

A Japanese research collaboration found associations between elementary and junior high school students' self-reported health and adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines. Meeting the guidelines for 'screen time and sleep' was associated with good self-reported health in elementary school students, while junior high school students ben...

SourceKobe University·JournalPublic Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 5, 2022

Finding the right AI for you

A new AI evaluation framework, GOPHER, has been developed to assess the efficiency of genome analysis algorithms. The tool judges programs on their ability to learn genomic biology, predict patterns, handle noise, and provide interpretable decisions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 5, 2022

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) demonstrates the ability of a novel peptide to selectively detect and neutralize an early molecular trigger of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases

A novel peptide has been developed to selectively detect and neutralize an early molecular trigger of Alzheimer's disease. The technology allows for the detection of the disease at all stages, including presymptomatic cases, with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceBioscribe·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Glassy discovery offers computational windfall to researchers across disciplines

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new algorithm, metadynamics, that can navigate high-dimensional energy landscapes to find low-energy configurations. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as protein folding and machine learning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2022

Some state welfare policies linked to more foster care

A new national study found that states with restricted access to federal welfare benefits had higher numbers of child neglect victims and more children placed in foster care. The study suggests that making it easier for low-income families to receive cash assistance through the TANF program could prevent some child maltreatment and res...

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Why synonymous mutations are not always silent

Researchers found that synonymous mutations can lead to misfolding and reduced protein activity due to kinetic partitioning. The study suggests a new mechanism of action for these genetic changes, which could have implications in fields like biopharmaceutics.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

The future of replacement organs is (quite possibly) here: robust human intestinal organoids created in a lab

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a new approach to grow human intestinal mini-organs in the lab. They used cell culture plates and bioreactors to create robust and healthy intestine-like tissues that can be transplanted into mice, demonstrating the potential for regenerative medicine applications.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateDec 5, 2022

Climate change in the forests of northern Germany

Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that European beech trees are experiencing increased drought stress in northern Germany due to climate change. The study reveals that dry locations show the strongest long-term decline in growth, highlighting the need for more resilient tree species.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Recent papers in ACS Polymers Au

Machine learning is being explored as a tool to speed up the identification of biomaterials. Researchers have also developed a guide on how to incorporate ML into research programs. Additionally, studies have investigated ways to model polymers at multiple scales and created a self-healing hydrogel for sustained release of medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Polymers Au·DateDec 5, 2022

More flexible than previously thought: Worms give us new insights into the evolution and diversification of TGF-β signaling pathways

Researchers identified surprising differences in TGF-β genes across nine nematode species, revealing unexpected changes in function between species. This study provides new insights into the evolution of TGF-β signaling pathways and their impact on development, behavior, and disease in humans and parasites.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Federated machine learning enables the largest brain tumor study to-date, without sharing patient data

A massive collaborative study using federated learning developed a model that enhances identification and prediction of boundaries in three tumor sub-compartments without compromising patient privacy. The dataset, comprising 6,314 glioblastoma patients from 71 sites globally, is the largest and most diverse ever considered.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

Stock running low? Consumers want to know

Researchers found that consumers are 25% less likely to purchase low-availability items when told supply is low, resulting in a 5.3% increase in revenue per customer. Online retailers can benefit from this strategy by managing customers' expectations and improving decision-making.

SourceBoston College·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Old-growth trees show higher drought resistance than younger trees Study highlights importance of conserving old-growth forests as major carbon sinks

A recent study analyzing nearly 22,000 trees across five continents highlights the importance of old-growth trees in withstanding future droughts under climate change. Older hardwood trees exhibit a 21% growth reduction during drought, compared to a 28% reduction experienced by younger hardwood trees.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

Cover cropping up to 7.2% in US Midwest, boosted by government programs

A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.

Conflicting motives govern sense of fairness

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that people are reluctant to harm others and upend existing social hierarchies when considering distributive justice. The participants were more willing to reduce inequality but maintained the existing hierarchy, suggesting a complex interplay between conflicting motives.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022