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Science News for February 16, 2022


Simultaneous use of non-benzo sleeping pills and anti-epilepsy drugs – gabapentinoids-- increases drug overdose deaths

Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateFeb 16, 2022

How politics, society, and tech shape the path of climate change

A study from the University of California, Davis, simulated 100,000 future policy and emissions trajectories to identify relevant variables that impact climate change. The results indicate that public perceptions, technological improvements, and political institution responsiveness are crucial determinants of future emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

Music therapy improves ability to cope with pain for patients with sickle cell disease

A new study found that music therapy sessions improved patients' ability to manage chronic pain and enhance their quality of life. The intervention, which included music-based breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, was feasible, acceptable, and beneficial among adults with Sickle Cell Disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateFeb 16, 2022

Middle-aged men see weight gain as inevitable

A new study reveals that middle-aged men perceive weight gain as an inevitable consequence of family and career commitments. The research found that these men experience low self-worth and despondency, despite awareness of health risks, due to a lack of education on nutrition and lifestyle factors.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2022

Huntington’s, ALS – Where the Body Fails

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered that cells have mechanisms to clear protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and ALS. However, the cells fail to activate these tools due to a lack of understanding or incorrect activation of stress-response chaperones.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Analysis of DNA reveals weapons used by our immune cells to fight tuberculosis

A study led by A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore has identified the gene KCNJ15 as a key player in helping the immune system fight tuberculosis. The research found that TB patients have altered acetylation levels at thousands of DNA regions, which helps to reduce the ability of bacteria to reproduce inside cells.

A new tool for 3-D measurement of the aorta may identify fatal heart conditions earlier

Researchers developed a novel method of measuring aortic growth, called vascular deformation mapping, which outperforms standard manual rating methods. The technique uses high-resolution CT imaging to calculate three-dimensional changes in the aortic wall, achieving an accuracy of less than 1 millimeter.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMedical Physics·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

PNAS study: Promise of EVS depends critically on electricity generation sources

A new PNAS study reveals that the benefits of electric vehicles are heavily dependent on the source of electricity used to generate it. The study found that if the US relies more on coal-fired power plants to meet increased demand, it could undo most of the emissions reductions from fewer gasoline-fueled vehicles.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

Living in a microbial world: The healthy oral microbiome contributes to jaw bone health by influencing immune cell interactions with bone cells

A recent study found that a subset of immune cells within the alveolar bone marrow were activated by the presence of commensal oral microbes, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss. Reducing the burden of commensal microbes through oral antiseptic rinses can help protect against alveolar bone loss.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 16, 2022

Community leaders and Mayo Clinic researchers develop playbook for COVID-19 health equity, future pandemics

A team of Mayo Clinic medical experts and community leaders developed a playbook to reduce health disparities related to COVID-19. The approach focused on communication gaps, community priorities, and access to resources, resulting in beneficial systems and policy changes that improved health equity for immigrant and refugee populations.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateFeb 16, 2022

India may have experienced 3.2-3.7 million COVID-19 deaths to date, one of the highest death tolls, according to new model using alternative data sources to address underreporting

A new model estimates India's actual COVID-19 death toll could be as high as 3.2-3.7 million, surpassing other reported figures. This revised estimate aims to address the issue of underreporting and provides a more accurate representation of the pandemic's impact on India.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2022

Researchers realize photo-induced catalytic C-H heteroarylation of metallocenes

A team of scientists has successfully developed a photo-induced catalytic C-H heteroarylation method for ferrocenes and ruthenocenes, allowing for the creation of new pyridyl and pridonyl metallocenes. This protocol offers mild and concise conditions for functionalization, with significant implications for material science and catalysis.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateFeb 16, 2022

THE LANCET: More than a quarter of women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, finds new study

A new study published in The Lancet found that over one in four women (27%) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with recent violence affecting nearly one in seven (13%) women. The study highlights high levels of violence among adolescent girls and young women, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

Research from six countries including UK, USA and China shows that social media platforms are an important source of information about COVID-19 for some migrant and ethnic minority populations

Research from six countries highlights social media's importance for migrant and ethnic minority populations seeking COVID-19 information, particularly in cases of language barriers or limited access to official sources. Positive social media experiences can increase vaccine uptake by sharing personalized and culturally tailored public...

Rejuvenation: An effective and feasible approach for enhancing the biomass and flavonoid content of horticultural trees

Scientists found that rejuvenation treatment increases leaf biomass and flavonoid glycoside accumulation in G. biloba trees, with overexpression of GbCHS confirming its role in flavonoid biosynthesis. Gibberellins also play a significant role in stimulating tree rejuvenation.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeNews article·DateFeb 16, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 protein targeted by immune cells also triggers response in bat Coronaviruses

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2022

Measuring the tempo of Utah's red rock towers

University of Utah researchers measured 14 rock towers in Utah to predict their seismic stability. They used mathematics that describe built structures' resonance to create a dataset, allowing for predictions without climbing the towers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Graphene and an intense laser open the door to the extreme

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully accelerated energetic ions using graphene targets irradiated with ultra-intense lasers, overcoming previous limitations. The findings demonstrate the robustness of graphene in this application and pave the way for compact and efficient plasma-based accelerators.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Can a planet have a mind of its own?

Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2022

What lies behind a baby’s eyes

Researchers studied 100 babies' eye movements and brain activity to reveal that by 4 months, they can categorize objects into animate or inanimate groups. This ability emerges early, with refined categories appearing between 10-19 months.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2022

A hopeful monster

Researchers discovered a population of Colorado blue columbines that have lost their petals and nectar spurs due to a single gene mutation. The finding supports the punctuated equilibrium hypothesis, suggesting that adaptation can occur in large jumps rather than gradual changes over extended timespans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2022

Risk of soil degradation and desertification in Europe’s Mediterranean may be more serious than realized

The Mediterranean region has the highest soil erosion rates in Europe, with severe salinisation problems and low levels of soil organic matter. The study recommends a coordinated network to investigate soil biodiversity and assess its trends to prevent future degradation.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022

A comprehensive review on heterogeneous photocatalysis for environmental remediation

Recent research has extensively reviewed heterogeneous photocatalysis, a technology that utilizes solar energy to efficiently remove various pollutants. The application of semiconductor modification strategies is crucial for overcoming challenges such as high cost and low solar energy utilization rate.

DNA design brings predictability to polymer gels

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a tuneable, elastic and temperature-sensitive gel by using complementary DNA strands to connect star-shaped polymer molecules together. The gel exhibits predictable behavior, self-healing properties and durability suitable for medical and engineering applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

CABI-led study ranks potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana

A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.

SourceCABI·JournalNeoBiota·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022

Heart attack survivors may be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found that heart attack survivors were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease over a 21-year follow-up period. The study adjusted for various factors and found an inverse relationship between heart attacks and Parkinson's risk, suggesting cardiac rehabilitation should focus on preventing other cardiovascular diseases.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 16, 2022

Orangutans instinctively use hammers to strike and sharp stones to cut

In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Dissolving oil in a sunlit sea

A team of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered that nearly 10% of the oil floating on the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon spill was dissolved into seawater by sunlight. The process, called photo-dissolution, has significant implications for understanding the fate and potential toxicity of these compounds.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

Embryonic development and cancer cell growth

Researchers from the University of Barcelona discovered that embryonic development signals can also control cancer cell growth, inhibiting proliferation and inducing differentiation in lung cancer cells. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to fight lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2022

Pushing past pancreatic tumors’ defenses

Researchers discovered that cancer cells use a combination of proteins to repel T cells and protect themselves from the immune system. By disabling this protection, scientists were able to allow T cells to infiltrate and attack pancreatic tumors, leading to shrinkage or disappearance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2022

Where wild honeybees survive

Researchers found that wild honeybee colonies can survive in Galicia, Spain, particularly in areas with semi-natural habitats. The study suggests that extensive forms of land use and restoration of near-natural landscape features are crucial for insect conservation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

‘Prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 only in large-scale randomized trials’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTherapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Creating universal blood-type organs for transplant

A study published in Science Translational Medicine has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation, eliminating the need for matching by blood type. This breakthrough could significantly improve fairness in organ allocation and decrease mortality for patients on the waitlist.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

URV researchers discover a way to predict the degradation of a neural network

A research team led by Professor Àlex Arenas from Universitat Rovira i Virgili has discovered a theoretical explanation for the degradation of neural networks, allowing for predictions on when they will stop functioning. This breakthrough can help in understanding neurological diseases and optimizing network systems.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

A possible cure for sickle cell?

A recent study suggests that gene therapy could be a possible cure for sickle cell disease, with the added benefit of preventing complications and extending lifespan. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of this treatment pose significant challenges for patients worldwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 16, 2022

Clean-energy discourse from energy giants not reflected in investments

A new study analyzed the clean energy discourse of four large oil and gas companies, finding that their business actions and investments do not align with their climate change pledges. Despite increased use of keywords like 'climate' and 'transition', the companies have made limited progress towards decarbonization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Singapore study using Alzheimer’s disease mouse model shows female brains have faster decline of connections between memory-making brain cells

A study using an Alzheimer's disease mouse model found that female brains experience a faster decay in information processing ability compared to male mice. This results in weaker memory formation and increased memory loss, contributing to the increased vulnerability of females to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

COVID-19 survivors face increased mental health risks up to a year later

Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

eDNA a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab

A new study published in Ecological Applications shows that eDNA-based detection can be a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab. The technique involves collecting water samples and analyzing DNA to detect the presence of the species, which can help wildlife managers contain future invasions and prevent new outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

Managing contaminants in urban stormwater

Monitoring projects have identified a vast array of contaminants in urban stormwater, including tire- and vehicle-derived chemicals, PFAS, phosphorous, metals, and more. Researchers are exploring various strategies to address this issue, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and reducing chemical usage at the source.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 16, 2022

BU researcher performs forensic anthropological analysis on Baroque-period marble sculpture

Researchers performed forensic anthropological analysis on a Baroque-period marble sculpture, revealing precise anatomical features that could be examined like real skulls. The study provides insights into the working methods of great artists of the past, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Seventeenth Century·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022