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Science News for February 22, 2022


Researchers discover when pollen comes of age

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that pollen begins expressing its own genome at a specific point in its life cycle. This discovery has significant implications for plant breeding, as it allows researchers to predict how plant species adapt to environmental changes and potentially speed up crop development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2022

A study finds that the success rate of vaginal delivery by mothers with prior C-sections declined during the early months of the pandemic

A new study by the University of Córdoba found that the success rate of vaginal deliveries in women with prior C-sections decreased during the first two waves of Covid-19 in Spain. Despite this decline, the overall success rate remained high at around 67%, suggesting that hospitals have adapted to the changing circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalWomen and Birth·DateFeb 22, 2022

Study looks at Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2022

Gold nanoparticle-based electrode efficiently co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, shows new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

New paper describes on-surface synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-substituted undecacenes

Researchers successfully synthesized nitrogen-substituted undecacenes using on-surface chemistry, retaining their electronic properties with modified orbital energies. The study offers a new method for investigating complex electronic correlation effects in acenes and developing organic electronics and spintronics.

NTU Singapore scientists develop long lasting anti-fogging coating for plastic surfaces that ‘self-cleans’

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

One in three young people say they felt happier during lockdown

A study by the University of Cambridge found that one in three young people reported improved mental wellbeing during the first national lockdown. Factors such as reduced bullying, improved family relationships, and increased sleep and exercise contributed to this trend. The research suggests that not all young people were negatively i...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 22, 2022

Study probes how DNA folding might affect gene activity

Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

CO2 recycling and efficient drug development—tackling two problems with one reaction

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed an electrochemical method to recycle waste CO2 while producing molecules useful for drug development. The method utilizes an electron added to either the CO2 molecule or another molecule in the solution, making it easier to react with each other.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

​​​​​​​Noninvasive imaging could replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning

A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Use of epidural in childbirth is linked to decreased severe maternal morbidity

A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...

New approach enables background-suppressed tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging

A research team has proposed a new approach to achieve background-suppressed tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging, enabling deep-tissue tumor-specific imaging in vivo. The approach uses genetically engineered bacteria to deliver a photoswitchable chromoprotein to the tumor site, eliminating interference from blood background signals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2022

Evidence for exotic magnetic phase of matter

Researchers discovered a novel type of magnet, the antiferromagnetic excitonic insulator, which involves strong magnetic attraction between electrons in a layered material. The new state emerges when electrons form bound pairs with holes and trigger an antiferromagnetic alignment of adjacent electron spins.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Identification of new risk factors or early signs of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed health records of nearly 80,000 patients to identify new risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, including depression, anxiety, and hearing loss. The study found that these conditions were associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's up to 15 years before the onset of symptoms.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist identifies mechanism underlying ‘inflammaging’

Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

Rats can estimate their timing accuracy

Researchers developed behavioral task for rats to press lever within 3.2 seconds, earning rewards based on accuracy. Rats chose correct feeder based on temporal error, showing 'error monitoring' ability.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Broaden the frame to teach tech to care

A non-profit founder argues that technology companies have a role as 'spiritual caretakers' and must prioritize individual and collective well-being. The author suggests broadening the frame of innovation to incorporate spirituality and caretaking traditions, which can help mitigate harms and create more tech that benefits humanity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Social Computing·DateFeb 22, 2022

Ceramides – Blood lipids provide new insights into the link between diet and diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Researchers discovered specific ceramides in the blood are associated with unfavorable levels of diabetes-related compounds, linking unhealthy diets to increased risk. Ceramide profiling may enable more precise dietary approaches for preventing cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Obesity may increase end-stage kidney disease risk in women with type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obesity may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease in women with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure and sugar levels is not enough to slow progression, emphasizing the need for weight management.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 22, 2022

Firearms have overtaken car crashes as main cause of premature US trauma deaths

Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTrauma Surgery & Acute Care Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

Walking the walk not up to speed with the talk

A Kyoto University study reveals that four major oil corporations make unsubstantial commitments to cleaner energy. Despite increased public relations efforts, these companies persistently rely on fossil fuels and show no strong evidence of a shift towards non-fossil fuel energy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

COVID-19 infection detected in breath tests

A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfluenza and Other Respiratory Viruses·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2022

Singing in the brain

Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 22, 2022

Research in brief: Science one step closer to "turning off" seizures, sleep disturbances linked to intellectual disability

Researchers have identified a key brain protein to target for new customized drug therapies treating adverse symptoms of developmental disorder subtypes. The study found that mutations in ARHGEF9 lead to intellectual disability through impaired α2 subunit function, which is a central hub for many neurological symptoms.

AGA recommends shared decision-making approach for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued new clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for HCC, emphasizing the importance of consulting a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The guidelines provide specific patient scenarios and treatment options to help hepatologists make informed decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateFeb 22, 2022

A replay of life: What happens in our brain when we die?

Researchers recorded the activity of a dying human brain for the first time, showing changes in neural oscillations similar to those during life. The findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and may provide insight into near-death experiences and organ donation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Translucent glass globules on the Moon

A team of researchers led by Dr. Zhiyong Xiao discovered centimeter-sized translucent glass globules on the Moon's surface during the Chang'E-4 mission. The findings suggest that impact glasses sourced from iron-poor materials, such as pure anorthosites, could be a promising resource for in-situ glass production.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateFeb 22, 2022

Monitoring Arctic permafrost with satellites, supercomputers, and deep learning

Researchers are using satellite imagery and deep learning to analyze ice wedges in the Arctic, which can indicate changes in permafrost. The team has achieved accuracy rates of up to 90% in detecting low-centered and high-centered polygons, providing valuable information for understanding climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPhotogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022

Research offers radical rethink of how to improve artificial intelligence in the future

The University of Essex team has devised a new approach to training neural networks called Target Space, which stabilizes the learning process by tweaking neuron firing strengths. This method enables deeper neural networks with fewer training examples and computing resources, accelerating AI breakthroughs.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Machine Learning Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022

It's the rhythm that counts

Research reveals that the brain's electrical rhythms fluctuate between high precision and low precision states several times per second, affecting how relevant information is transmitted. Cross-frequency coupling enables selective attention by modulating the strength of different frequencies, while distinguishing between different type...

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateFeb 22, 2022

Disliking music: what’s the point?

A study explores why people dislike certain music, identifying five main reference points: music composition, lyrics, performance, artist, and social environment. Musical dislikes serve similar functions as preferences but are expressed less openly, fulfilling roles such as maintaining mood or expressing identity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2022

Smoking before and after conception is linked to delayed embryonic development

A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Understanding bacterial biofilms

Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.

AHA study: UM scientists identify gene mutation for preeclampsia, could lead to better care, treatment

A study by University of Miami researchers has identified a gene mutation associated with preeclampsia, a disease that causes high blood pressure and organ damage in mothers and babies. The team tested a possible treatment involving vitamin C and found it alleviated symptoms in models, but its effectiveness is unclear.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 2022

Are pandemic-related stressors impacting uninfected people’s brain health?

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to brain inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, concentration difficulties, and depression in uninfected people. The research suggests that societal and lifestyle disruptions during the pandemic may trigger this inflammatory response.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateFeb 22, 2022

Daily activities like washing dishes reduced heart disease risk in senior women

Researchers found that daily life movement, including housework and self-care activities, significantly benefits cardiovascular health. Women with at least four hours of daily life movement had a 43% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 62% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

A voice inside my head: The persuasive power headphones have on listeners

A recent study found that headphones increase perceptions of closeness, warmth, and empathy, making listeners more easily persuaded. The research has significant implications for advertising, remote work, and training programs, suggesting that using headphones can be an effective way to create a sense of attachment with the listener.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Omicron variant: surgery and anaesthesia experts issue update on timing of elective surgery following emergence of omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2

Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateFeb 22, 2022

Study: US flood damage risk is underestimated

Researchers used AI to predict flood damage in the US, finding a high probability of flood damage for more than 1.01 million square miles across the country. The study suggests that recent FEMA maps do not capture the full extent of flood risk, with 84.5% of reported damage not within high-risk flood areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022

Likelihood of extreme autumn fire weather has increased 40%, Oregon State modeling shows

A new study led by Oregon State University finds that climate change has increased the likelihood of hot, dry, windy autumn weather that can lead to severe fires in the region. The research, which examined conditions during recent large fires, found a 40% increase in extreme fire weather conditions due to human-caused climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022

While some insects are declining, others might be thriving

A large-scale study analyzing long-term data on insects from over 900 locations worldwide found little evidence for indicator species. Different groups of insects showed different trends, highlighting the importance of monitoring multiple groups simultaneously to provide guidelines for conservation policies.

Firearm storage in US households with children

A survey study analyzed responses from the 2021 National Firearms Survey to examine firearm storage practices in US households with children. The findings suggest that many households do not store firearms safely, posing a significant risk of accidents and injuries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 22, 2022

Building artificial nerve cells

Scientists at Linköping University successfully integrated artificial nerve cells with a living plant using printed organic electrochemical transistors. The system mimics the ion-based mechanism of pulse generation in plants, inducing action potentials that cause the leaves to close.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is rare among 12- to 20-year-olds who have received COVID-19 vaccination, study suggests

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022