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Science News for February 24, 2022


Researchers discover more about what causes atherosclerosis

A study published in Science Immunology reveals that a specific neurotransmitter in immune cells plays a crucial role in cholesterol accumulation and sterile inflammation in atherosclerosis. The researchers found that blocking this neurotransmitter may help reduce inflammation and develop effective treatments for the disease.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Rapid emergence of new SARS-CoV2 variants due to the virus’ ability to momentarily accelerate its evolutionary pace

Researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 variants can emerge more quickly than expected, driven by a short-lived increase in mutation rate. This phenomenon was observed in variants such as Delta, which emerged within six weeks of its ancestral form.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Fewer than half of K-12 PE teachers use high-quality instruction with disabled students, study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that fewer than half of K-12 physical educators use high-quality instruction practices for students with disabilities. The majority of teachers were highly qualified, but lacked specific training in adaptive physical education, leading to many disabled students being excluded from PE cl...

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdapted Physical Activity Quarterly·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Two new studies find positive health outcomes of mango consumption

Two new studies found that regular mango consumption is associated with better overall diet quality, higher intakes of essential nutrients like fiber and potassium, and improved glucose control. Mango snacking was also shown to reduce inflammation and improve antioxidant capacity compared to other sweet snacks.

SourceWild Hive·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

The secret of mycorrhizal fungi

Researchers found that forest trees with a mix of both ectomycorrhiza and arbuscular mycorrhiza had the greatest tree diversity, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery highlights the importance of considering the coexistence of different mycorrhizal strategies in promoting plant biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 24, 2022

Front-of-package claims and images persuade parents that sugar-sweetened drinks are healthy choices for their young children

Research reveals that sugar-sweetened fruit-flavored drinks and toddler milks are misleadingly marketed as healthy options for young children. Experts confirm that these products contain high amounts of added sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners, and little to no juice.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Anti-tumor drug promotes weight loss in mice

A new study found that an anti-tumor drug, camptothecin, can activate a natural hunger-suppressing pathway in mice, leading to significant weight loss. The mechanism involves the elevation of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which suppresses food intake and reduces body weight.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Soil testing supports minesite rehabilitation

Researchers used soil microbial communities to track progress and predict post-mining recovery timeframes, offering a new approach for measuring rehabilitation success. The study found that effective rehabilitation can set up a predictable trajectory of recovery, taking 40-60 years to reach the target ecosystem.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Savvy sheep: new research explores flexible decision-making for bighorn sheep migration

Bighorn sheep use a combination of past experience and visual information about habitat quality to make informed migratory decisions. The research found that these perception-informed decisions allow the species to better adapt to changing environmental conditions, increasing their chances of survival.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

Revealing new states in 2D materials

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have discovered new states in 2D materials by exploring their interactions with phonons. This breakthrough enables the creation of hybridized exciton-photon-phonon states, which could lead to room-temperature Bose-Einstein condensation and polariton lasing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA biomarker test predicts recurrence of HPV-driven oropharynx cancer after treatment

A blood test detecting circulating tumor DNA can accurately predict recurrence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer following treatment. The biomarker test may detect recurrent disease earlier than imaging or other standard methods, allowing physicians to personalize treatment more quickly for patients whose cancer returns.

New methods for network visualizations enable change of perspectives and views

Researchers developed a new method for generating network layouts that allow for visualizing different information in two- and three-dimensional virtual space. This facilitates the exploration of complex protein interactions and provides more versatile, comprehensible representations of networks.

When muscles inexorably shrink

Researchers found that iron supplementation can sustain muscle function, mass, and survival in mouse models of colon cancer. In humans, a small group experienced moderate strength improvement after iron injection, suggesting potential benefits for cachexia sufferers.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Cutting through the noise

A collaboration between Berkeley Lab researchers developed a novel approach to mitigate noise in quantum computers, enabling reliable results from IBM quantum computers. The new method combines three other techniques to correct errors, allowing for bigger simulations and tackling complex problems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2022

Prenatal exposure to phthalates may affect infants’ health

A recent study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates in maternal and cord blood may affect birth outcomes in infants, with potential estrogenic effects in females and anti-androgenic effects in males. Higher levels of phthalates were also associated with smaller head circumference in all infants.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2022

Environmental DNA analysis to manage fecal contamination

A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 24, 2022

Does severe COVID-19 affect pregnancy outcomes?

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateFeb 24, 2022

Deep learning poised to improve breast cancer imaging

Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that allows for real-time reconstruction of images combining optical and magnetic resonance imaging data. The algorithm, Z-Net, enables faster image generation and can be trained with simulated data, improving breast cancer detection.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2022

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: At least 5 million children have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19 since March 2020, updated figures suggest

A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers predict population trends of birds worldwide

A study published in Ibis used machine learning to predict population trends of 801 bird species worldwide, estimating nearly half are declining. Fragmented populations, particularly non-migratory birds in tropical forests, were found to be the top predictor of population declines globally.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers at the GIST develop design scheme for fiber reinforced composites

Researchers at GIST have developed a new approach for designing fiber reinforced composites, which can simultaneously optimize the macrostructure and microscale fiber densities. This method, based on multiscale topology optimization, enables the creation of functionally graded composites with improved strength-to-weight ratios, benefit...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

What factors might put older adults at higher risk of experiencing greater disability after major surgery?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 24, 2022

The algebra of neurons

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence discovered how a specific type of neuron can multiply two incoming signals in fruit flies. This finding provides insight into the algebra of neurons, which underlies various brain processes such as sound localization and visual motion detection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2022

The gatekeeper of the protein factory

An international research team found that the protein complex NAC acts as a 'gatekeeper' controlling protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. NAC prevents non-specific binding of SRP to ribosomes, ensuring only proteins with ER destination are transported. This sorting mechanism ensures cellular function and viability.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022

A decade of women’s heart health, reexamined

A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateFeb 24, 2022

The impacts from using genetic testing to track down relatives

Researchers surveyed over 26,000 genetic genealogy participants about their experiences discovering previously unknown relatives. Most reported learning the identity of at least one relative, with some finding close family ties and others experiencing life-changing discoveries.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

New study finds reporting entanglements of leatherback turtles is critical for survival

Researchers analyzed 280 confirmed sea turtle entanglements in Massachusetts waters and found that quickly reporting incidents can improve survival rates. The study highlights the importance of complete disentanglement to minimize injury and promote survival, with many turtles being alive weeks to years after being disentangled.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

How much energy does a dolphin use to swim?

A new study provides a reliable way to estimate energy costs in dolphins by using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), an integrated measure of all body motions during swimming. The study found significant correlation between oxygen consumption and body acceleration, suggesting ODBA can be a proxy for estimating cost of locomotion.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study examines use of palliative care for patients with COVID-19 and acute kidney injury

A new study found that palliative care for hospitalized patients with both COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) was often called later than expected, despite the high risk of death. Palliative care supports primary doctors in managing emotional and physical symptoms while assisting in advance care planning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study questions the role of vitamin D2 in human health but its sibling, vitamin D3, could be important for fighting infections

A new study has found that vitamin D3 can balance people's immune systems and strengthen defenses against viral infections like Covid-19. In contrast, vitamin D2 had a questionable impact on human health, with its effects differing from those of vitamin D3.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers call for a patient-centered approach to treating obesity

A recent commentary argues that treating obesity should prioritize compassionate care and focus on health rather than weight. The researchers aim to eliminate the false dichotomy between eating and weight disorders, promoting a patient-centered approach that screens for and addresses eating disorders throughout treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Researchers examine intersectionality in cancer care

A systematic review found that intersectional identities are associated with lower diagnostic screening and reception of preventative services. Patients with these identities face increased distrust of the healthcare system and negative cancer outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Prize-winning work informs who is most at-risk from COVID-19, so physicians could tailor treatment

Researchers have identified a link between autoantibodies against type I interferon and increased risk of severe COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that screening for these autoantibodies could help identify patients at high risk of life-threatening complications, enabling early intervention and treatment.

New therapy breakthrough changes the shape of treatment for undruggable diseases

Researchers discover DUBTACs, which stabilize disease-causing proteins by removing ubiquitin chains, preventing destruction and increasing protein levels. This breakthrough addresses undruggable diseases like cystic fibrosis and cancer, offering a new class of medicines to treat multiple human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California Berkeley College of Chemistry·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Discovery of ancient underwater landslide could help Middle Eastern nations realize tsunami hazards

Researchers have discovered evidence of a 500-year-old landslide and associated tsunami in the Gulf of Aqaba, which could have implications for coastline development in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The study predicts that future movement of the seabed might trigger more tsunamis in the region.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Sex pays off

Research shows that asexual reproduction in stick insects, such as parthenogenesis, reduces genetic variability and slows down adaptation to environmental changes. This negatively impacts the speed of adaptation and genetic diversity in these insects.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Editorials by Gang Chen and Science journals Editor-in-Chief call for end to US Department of Justice’s China Initiative

Gang Chen, a professor exonerated by the US government, joins Science journals Editor-in-Chief Holden Thorp in calling for an end to the China Initiative. The initiative has been criticized for its impact on innocent people and the chilling effect it has on scientific collaboration with China.

UTSW study finds palliative care consultation does not decrease COVID-19 patients’ chances of receiving CPR

A UT Southwestern study found that COVID-19 patients who received a palliative care consultation were more likely to receive comfort care at the end of life, but had similar rates of CPR. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their outreach to Black communities and incorporate palliative care into pandemic planning.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalResuscitation·DateFeb 24, 2022

Rebooting evolution

Scientists have developed a new computational tool that mimics the processes of natural selection, producing proteins for medicinal and household uses. This innovation reduces the time required for laboratory evolution from months or years to just days.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2022

Studies examine effects of California's push for computer science education

New studies found that California's push for computer science education did not improve students' math or English language arts skills, but increased enrollments in humanities courses. Researchers also found racial and gender disparities among computer science students and teachers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEducational Administration Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

HSE University researchers discover what happens on the bright side of the moon

Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.

Student’s device enables researchers to easily track elusive insects

Researchers have developed a low-cost device to track insect activity, providing insights into their circadian rhythms and behavior. The portable pLAM device can monitor nocturnal species that were previously difficult to track, enabling scientists to study their habits and predict how environmental changes impact them.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Unravelling the mysteries around type-2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Leeds identify step-by-step changes in human islet amyloid polypeptide as it transforms into a toxic substance linked to type-2 diabetes. They also discover two compounds that can control the process, offering potential starting points for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Scientists uncover a new approach for treating aggressive cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new therapeutic approach using a small-molecule inhibitor of the chromatin-modulatory enzyme EZH2 to target aggressive cancer cells. The treatment also targets cMyc, a prominent cancer-causing factor, and shows profound tumor killing effects.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Patient experience ratings valuable for all physicians — Especially radiologists

A retrospective study found that online patient experience ratings improved radiologists' performance, with scores increasing over time. The results showed that radiologists' performance was comparable to that of non-radiologist physicians, suggesting the value of implementing patient experience surveys in radiology.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022