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Science News for December 7, 2022


Unusual gamma-ray burst reveals previously undetected hybrid neutron-star merger event

A recent astronomical observation supports theoretical modeling, revealing a new observational fingerprint of neutron-star mergers that may shed light on the production of heavy elements throughout the universe. The detection pushes our understanding of gamma-ray bursts to the limits and breaks the standard idea of these events.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Mekong Delta will continue to be at risk for severe flooding

A study by Hokkaido University reveals that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has caused more frequent heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta, resulting in increased flooding risk. The findings suggest that better weather predictions and preparation can help mitigate the negative effects of floods and droughts in the region.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

How do worms develop their gut?

A husband-and-wife research team at UC Riverside found a simpler gene network is involved in specifying the gut in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. The discovery was made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, which freed up time for the researchers to explore their question of how nematodes develop their gut.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Scientists uncover new genes linked to multiple sclerosis

Researchers have identified three new genes, SHMT1, FAM120B, and ICA1L, and their expressed proteins that may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease and prioritizes promising targets for future therapy research.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 7, 2022

Infectious malaria sporozoites produced without mosquitoes provide ground-breaking progress for malaria vaccines and biology research

Researchers have made a breakthrough in producing infectious Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites without the need for mosquitoes, paving the way for more effective malaria vaccines. This achievement accelerates the ability to study the parasite's biology and develop new tools for vaccine development.

SourceSanaria Inc.·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Kilonova discovery challenges our understanding of gamma-ray bursts

Two independent teams of astronomers detected the unexpected hallmarks of a kilonova after a long gamma-ray burst, challenging the prevailing theory that long GRBs exclusively come from supernovae. The discovery was made possible by the proximity of the event and the sensitivity of telescopes like Gemini North.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Building acceptance for energy transitions in Germany and Australia

In Germany, community participation in decision-making processes and sharing of financial benefits from renewables projects enhanced public support. However, recent delays and corporate investments have led to resentment. In contrast, Australia's decentralized approach to its power grid, including community energy projects, aims to bri...

World’s first open access dashboard revealed Tempe, Ariz. neighborhood-level trends of COVID-19 from wastewater-based epidemiology

The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Hospital parking fees contribute to financial toxicity for cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences found that hospital parking fees significantly correlate with cancer center address transit score and city cost of living across Western Canada. Cities with higher cost of living have less free parking, exacerbating economic burdens on patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Study identifies potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that patients with unexplained brain abscesses were three times more likely to have oral bacteria present. The researchers also discovered significantly higher counts of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium linked to dental abscesses and infections in internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Updated findings on a new approach to ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

The phase 1 and phase 2 studies showed that ARV-471 was well-tolerated and could promote substantial estrogen receptor degradation in patients with advanced disease. The study has led to a randomized phase 3 trial comparing ARV-471 with a SERD in patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2022

Soft robot detects damage, heals itself

Researchers create a soft robot that can detect damage and heal itself using stretchable fiber-optic sensors and polyurethane urea elastomer. The SHeaLDS technology provides a damage-resistant robot that can self-heal from cuts, and the researchers plan to integrate it with machine learning algorithms for more tasks.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 7, 2022

Microbiome composition influences depression

A large-scale study has found a clear relationship between the composition of the microbiome and depression. A diverse microbiome was associated with lower rates of depression, while an underrepresented microbiome was linked to increased depressive symptoms. This association is as strong as established risk factors for depression.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Salton Sea dust triggers lung inflammation

A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Countries bet on forests and soils to reach net-zero

A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 7, 2022

Can microrobots improve the safety of dairy products?

Researchers developed magnetic microrobots that can bind and isolate S. aureus from milk, improving dairy safety. The 'MagRobots' use antibodies to target the bacteria, allowing for efficient pathogen isolation while preserving naturally occurring microbes.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateDec 7, 2022

The three dimensions of a flower

A research team used photogrammetry to build 3D models of flowers from two-dimensional images, gaining new insights into the shape and color of flowers. The technique allows for detailed study of flowers' morphology and colors, which act like magnets to attract pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 7, 2022

You’re never too busy for self-gifting, study finds

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals who are feeling tense due to time pressures and financial constraints tend not to reward themselves with gifts or experiences. However, when researchers encouraged participants to engage in self-gifting activities, they reported increased happiness and relaxat...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 7, 2022

Novel bovine serum albumin-magnetite nanotorpedo system constructed for drug delivery

The researchers successfully designed a BSA-magnetite nanotorpedo to deliver chemotherapy drugs, overcoming leakage issues and prolonging half-life in blood circulation. The nanotorpedo showed superior biosafety, stability, intracellular transport, and tumor inhibition, presenting great prospects for drug delivery in nanomedicine.

Discovery of world’s oldest DNA breaks record by one million years

Scientists have identified two-million-year-old DNA fragments in northern Greenland's Ice Age sediment, providing insights into the past ecosystem and its potential to predict climate change. The discovery has sparked hopes that it could help academics build a picture of the DNA evolution of species still in existence today.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Could new cancer drugs come from potatoes and tomatoes?

Researchers found that certain glycoalkaloids in plants like potatoes and tomatoes can inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. These compounds have huge potential for future treatments and may be used to develop new cancer drugs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 7, 2022

For 400 years, Indigenous tribes buffered climate's impact on wildfires in the American Southwest

A new study suggests that Native American tribes once used controlled burns to weaken climate's impact on wildfires. For roughly 400 years, cultural burning practices appear to have broken the link between climate conditions and fire activity in the southwestern United States. This ancient approach may hold lessons for modern wildfire ...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

“Sandwich generation” study shows challenges of caring for both kids and aging parents

A new study estimates that at least 2.5 million 'sandwich generation' caregivers are serving as primary caregivers for both older and younger family members. These women face higher rates of financial difficulty and emotional distress compared to their peers who only care for an older adult.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Is classroom inclusion or segregation best for children with special needs?

A recent systematic review found that inclusion neither increases nor decreases learning and psychosocial adjustment in children with multiple disabilities. Individual assessments are crucial to determine each child's specific needs. The study highlights the importance of personalized approaches to support children with special needs.

SourceWiley·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2022

Access to contraceptives translates into more bachelor’s degrees for women in Colorado

A new study led by University of Colorado Denver professor Sara Yeatman found that exposure to the 2009 Colorado Family Planning Initiative increased women's bachelor's degree completion rates. The research tracked thousands of women over 11 years, revealing a six to 12 percent increase in college attainment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Does persistent pain impact older adults’ physical function, cognition, and well-being?

Persistent pain was common among US adults aged 65+, with declines in physical function (64% persistent pain, 59% intermittent) and well-being (48% persistent pain, 45% intermittent). Cognitive decline was not significantly affected. The study highlights the importance of access to effective treatment for persistent pain in older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 7, 2022

A study on a rare disease helps to identify the mechanism that explains the appearance of head and neck tumors in the general population

A study published in Nature reveals that cells' inability to repair DNA damage caused by aldehydes increases the risk of developing head and neck tumors, particularly in patients with Fanconi anemia. The findings also suggest a link between smoking and drinking, which can lead to similar genetic mutations.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Reading the room: Humans struggle to identify aggression in dogs, other humans

Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

New finding realizes ambient electrosynthesis of urea with nitrate and carbon dioxide over iron-based dual-sites

Researchers developed a novel liquid-phase laser irradiation route to fabricate Fe(a)@C-Fe3O4/CNTs catalyst, exhibiting superior activity toward electrocatalytic coupling of CO2 and NO3- for urea synthesis. The synergistic catalytic effect contributes excellent electrocatalytic performance.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2022

Researchers identify elusive carbon dioxide sensor in plants that controls water loss

Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Understanding how the perception of risks and benefits influence cancer clinical trial withdrawal outcomes

A new investigation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that patients perceived important benefits from Cancer Clinical Trials (CCT) participation, which was associated with trial retention. The study suggests that understanding these perceptions is crucial for improving trial retention rates.

Interfacial regulated graphitic carbon nitrides/upconversion nanocrystals for enhanced solar hydrogen production

Researchers developed a novel photocatalyst combining graphitic carbon nitride and sodium yttrium fluoride nanocrystals, extending light absorption to near-infrared region. The hybrid material exhibited enhanced solar harvesting ability and accelerated interfacial charge transfer, leading to improved solar-driven hydrogen evolution rates.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Open·DateDec 7, 2022

Biomembrane research findings could advance understanding of computing and human memory

Scientists discovered that an artificial cell membrane can exhibit long-term potentiation, a hallmark of biological learning and memory, persisting for many hours. This finding has the potential to revolutionize next-generation computing materials and architectures by merging functions of processing and memory in neuromorphic computers.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2022

Aging | The potential benefit of metformin to reduce delirium risk and mortality: a retrospective cohort study

A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

NASA missions probe game-changing cosmic explosion

The event challenged scientists' understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are the most powerful events in the universe. The burst's high-energy light and kilonova visible and infrared light were detected by NASA's Swift Observatory and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, providing new insights into how heavy elements are created.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation and the American Federation for Aging Research announce Recipients of the 2022 McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss

Drs. Emilie T. Reas and Tara Tracy will lead transformative research in cognitive aging, focusing on blood-brain barrier dysfunction and the role of KIBRA protein in age-related memory loss. The awards aim to build a cadre of outstanding researchers to better understand and alleviate effects of age-related cognitive decline.

Let the patient choose their type 2 diabetes medication says research study

A new study allows people with type 2 diabetes to choose their own medication after trying three different drugs in succession. The approach resulted in better glucose control and fewer side effects compared to other methods. Researchers conclude that patients should try before choosing a treatment for optimal results.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2022

Small solar flares in large laser bodies

Scientists recreated small solar flares in a lab using high-powered lasers, shedding light on the mechanisms behind magnetic reconnection. They recorded electrical currents and plasma acceleration, providing new insights into this fundamental astronomical phenomenon.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Rare cosmic explosion blasts hole in established science

A blast of high-energy light from a galaxy 1 billion light-years away challenges long-held theories on gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The event, detected by NASA's Swift Observatory and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, reveals that kilonovae triggered by neutron star collisions can also produce long GRBs.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Coupled computer modeling can help more accurately predict coastal flooding, study demonstrates

A new coupled computer modeling approach can accurately predict compound flooding events, such as the one caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018. This technique combines ocean and river models to better capture the interactions between storm surges and rain-induced flooding.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2022

Patient’s own immune cells effective as living medicine for melanoma

The TIL trial has demonstrated that cell therapy using patient's own immune cells is an extremely powerful immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma, with significant shrinkage of metastases in half of patients. Progression-free survival after six months was 53%, significantly better than standard immunotherapy with ipilimumab.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2022

BioOne and SPIE publish case study on nonprofit platform partnership

A new case study explores the early years of BioOne and SPIE's nonprofit platform partnership, highlighting its potential to reduce costs and enhance strategic development. The authors share key lessons learned, including the importance of regular communication and reciprocal service-level agreements.

SourceBioOne·JournalLearned Publishing·TypeCase study·DateDec 7, 2022

A novel, space-time coding antenna developed at CityU promotes 6G and secure wireless communications

A new space-time coding antenna developed at City University of Hong Kong enables manipulation of beam direction, frequency, and amplitude for improved user flexibility in 6G wireless communications. The antenna relies on software control and combines research advances in leaky-wave antennas and space-time coding techniques.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

National study confirms breakthrough COVID cases are less severe than COVID in unvaccinated adults

A national study confirms that vaccination significantly reduces disease severity and hospitalization risk for COVID-19, even among individuals who develop breakthrough cases. Hospital stays are shorter, ICU admissions are less common, and hospital deaths are lower among vaccinated adults compared to unvaccinated individuals.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 7, 2022

What makes a movement go viral? Social media, social justice coalesce under #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd

A USC study found that Instagram posts fueled the #BlackLivesMatter protests after George Floyd's death, amplifying conversations around civil rights and shaping large-scale movements. The research showed that visual content, such as images and videos, played a crucial role in reframing narratives and mobilizing coalitions around racia...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Ancient amphibians had their bones cooked

Scientists have solved a decades-long puzzle about why ancient tetrapod fossils in Ireland's Jarrow Assemblage had their internal bone structure altered. The team used CT scans and laser ablation to analyze the chemistry of the bones, finding evidence of superheated fluids that cooked and melted the bones.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPalaeontology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Researchers hope to integrate social determinants of health and eradicate inequities in atrial fibrillation diagnosis, management and outcomes

Atrial fibrillation diagnosis and management are often hindered by social determinants of health, which can lead to adverse outcomes. Researchers hope to address this issue by integrating SDOH into AF research, enabling more equitable access to care and management decisions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

The costs of racial discrimination in the labor market

New research reveals that reducing racial wage gaps would boost overall income by up to 4%. Closing these gaps would alleviate skill misallocation, unemployment, and improve labor market efficiency. The study aims to highlight the economic benefits of addressing inequality in the workplace.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateDec 7, 2022

A commercial real estate agent’s gender does matter – to the seller

Researchers at The University of Alabama found that properties listed by women agents sold for significantly less than those marketed by men. However, when adjusted for property attributes, there was no significant difference in price or time on the market between male and female real estate agents.

SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·JournalJournal of Real Estate Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Circular bioplastics offer solution for climate crisis and growing resource consumption

A circular bioeconomy can reduce plastic sector's climate impacts, but meeting Paris Climate Accord goals may lead to more plastic landfilling. A fully circular plastic sector is only possible if demand for plastics is curbed, presenting opportunities for negative emissions via biogenic carbon storage.

SourceUniversiteit Utrecht Faculteit Geowetenschappen·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2022

Toddlers' first lies are probably spontaneous rather than deliberate, as toddlers who lie tend to be less able to resist temptation, according to researchers who asked 252 young kids not to peek at a toy

A recent study published in PLOS ONE explored the relationship between lying and temptation resistance in toddlers. Researchers discovered that young children who lie tend to struggle with self-control, leading them to falsely admit to peeking even when they didn't.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 7, 2022

Flameproofing lithium-ion batteries with salt

Researchers have created a non-flammable electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries by increasing the amount of salt in a polymer-based solution. This 'SAFE' electrolyte proves to be stable at high temperatures, allowing batteries to function safely and efficiently. The development could lead to improved performance, reduced space occupied ...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Socialness is in the eye of the beholder

A new Dartmouth study uses a subjective approach to investigate how people perceive social interactions. The results show that the brain responds more strongly to information interpreted as social versus non-social, highlighting humans' tendency to see social connections.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Heart attack on a chip

Researchers at USC developed a 'heart attack on a chip' device to study heart attacks and test new personalized medicines. The device replicates the effects of an oxygen gradient on cardiac tissue function, shedding light on the mysteries of heart cell communication and change after a heart attack.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

COVID-19: vaccines halve the risk of reinfection

A recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of reinfection and severe symptoms. Vaccinated individuals who have recovered from the virus have a 50% to 60% lower risk of reinfection compared to those who are not vaccinated.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2022