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Science News for February 9, 2022


A new era of research into laser-matter interactions

A new collection of papers provides insights into laser-matter interactions, which can induce highly nonlinear properties in matter. Researchers are developing new ways to use these interactions for biomedical imaging, particle acceleration, and precise etching techniques.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateFeb 9, 2022

Problematic levels of loneliness widespread in many countries

A global analysis of loneliness prevalence found significant geographical variation and substantial gaps in data from low- and middle-income countries. The study suggests that addressing loneliness as a public health issue is crucial for reducing its negative effects on mental and physical health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 9, 2022

Rethinking how to measure methane’s climate impact

A new Stanford University study reveals that using a 100-year timeframe underestimates methane's importance in achieving Paris Agreement climate goals by up to 87%. The researchers propose using a 24-year timeframe instead, which would ensure emissions of methane are weighted correctly over the time period before temperature thresholds...

SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2022

Climate drove 7,000 years of dietary changes in the Central Andes

A new study reveals that climate had a significant influence on diet in the Central Andes between 400 and 7,000 years ago. The researchers found that population size had little impact on dietary variation, except during the Late Horizon (~480-418 yBP), when diets became more similar due to the Inca Empire's centralized power.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study: High COVID-19 rates in older Latinos linked with economics, outside help

A new study suggests that economic hardships exacerbated by COVID-19 and reliance on people outside their households for assistance increased older Latinos' exposure to the virus. Nearly 25% of Latinos reported a household member diagnosed with COVID-19, compared to 7% of non-Latino whites.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Noted experts focus on spina bifida in a global context

This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine showcases recent advances in spina bifida care management, education, and research. The article highlights the need for inclusive and culturally competent services, as well as innovative approaches to address challenges such as limited access and fragmented care.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Getting excited twice

A newly discovered brain circuit in the cortex and striatum may endow humans with the ability to learn new motor skills. Researchers found that spiny projection neurons (SPNs) are excited twice: first through direct routes and second through an indirect circuit, which amplifies the initial excitation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Remaining in employment leads to stability in resources and well-being, a German study finds

A German study by Maria Pavlova found that uninterrupted employment leads to stability in resources like income and social support, as well as improved well-being. In contrast, long-term unemployment primarily affects the economic domain, with individuals experiencing financial struggles and reduced job prospects.

SourceUniversity of Vechta·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study shows link between child poverty and mental health disorders in adulthood

A study by the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Childhood Psychiatric Disorders found an association between child poverty and externalizing disorders in adolescence and early adulthood. Child poverty was particularly harmful to women, increasing their risk of developing mental health problems and affecting educational attainment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Fueling a Hydrogen revolution

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new technique for detecting hydrogen fuel cell failures using magnetic flux sensors. This breakthrough may lead to more reliable and efficient zero-emission vehicles with reduced carbon footprint.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFuel Cells·DateFeb 9, 2022

Super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy discovered with potential for aerospace engineering

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Novel synthetic process for the core structure of the fungal antiviral agent Neoechinulin B and its derivatives

Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Overlooked disease: Tens of thousands of people have problems at work

A new study from the University of Copenhagen finds that people with migraine or frequent tension headaches face significant difficulties at work, including memory and decision-making problems. The study highlights the importance of workplace accommodations and support for those affected by these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Ergonomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Anastasios Kyrillidis wins NSF CAREER Award

Anastasios Kyrillidis has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to explore the theory and design of non-convex optimization algorithms. His research aims to devise algorithmic foundations and theory that will accelerate problem-solving in machine learning, information processing, and optimization.

Sanctuary city policies linked to lower crime rates in recent years

Research found sanctuary city policies decrease crime rates compared to counties that comply with ICE detainer requests. Implementing a sanctuary policy is associated with a significant drop in violent crimes, providing evidence of increased law enforcement effectiveness and decreased crime costs.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateFeb 9, 2022

Tiny antenna enables portable biomedical, food-analysis, and other gadgets driven by integrated nano- and terahertz technologies

Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.

Cleveland Clinic study highlights how standardizing care leads to equitable COVID-19 outcomes in the ICU

A Cleveland Clinic study found that standardizing care led to more equitable COVID-19 outcomes in the ICU, despite existing health disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The study revealed Black patients had a higher prevalence of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 cases.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateFeb 9, 2022

UC study: Journalists might want to nix the term ‘storyteller’ from their bios

A recent University of Cincinnati study found that the term 'storyteller' attached to a journalist's bio diminishes public confidence in media. Participants on both sides of the political spectrum associated the term with biased reporting and decreased credibility. Researchers urge journalists to be more mindful of their online presence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 9, 2022

Scientists develop new thermofluidic process for lab-on-a-chip applications

Researchers have created a new method to generate strong fluid flows in tiny channels by heating a metal film with a laser beam, allowing for the separation and transport of nano-objects. This innovation has potential for lab-on-a-chip applications and could lead to advancements in nanoscale manufacturing and sensor technologies.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Researchers restore function in a gene that can suppress liver cancer and enhance immunotherapy

A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Label-free multiplexed microtomography of endogenous subcellular dynamics using deep learning​

Researchers at KAIST developed an AI-powered microscope that can image live cells in 3D without exogenous labeling agents, achieving high accuracy and speed. The 'AI microscope' uses deep learning to predict fluorescence images from holographic images, confirming its potential for various biological research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Anisotropic supercurrent through twisted Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x van der Waals stacks: a step towards explaining high-temperature superconductivity

A Korean research team has demonstrated the anisotropic superconductivity of a high-temperature superconductor by stacking twisted pieces of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x using the microcleave-and-stack technique. This study confirms material properties and develops a new fabrication method for nanomaterials.

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Intracellular bacteria use sophisticated ‘hack’ to evade a host’s immune system

Researchers discovered a signaling mechanism allowing intracellular bacteria like Salmonella to outmaneuver host defenses. By triggering macrophage death and activating the complement system, these bacteria can safely deliver themselves into another macrophage. This 'hack' enables them to persist within infected hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Why do locusts form destructive swarms?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2022

NIST, collaborators uncover new details on the formation of ‘metal soaps’ in oil paint hindering the conservation of artworks

A team of scientists has discovered a range of metal carboxylates, known as 'metal soaps', that form in oil paintings and cause damage over time. These compounds are often composed of zinc and lead pigments, but other metals like aluminum and calcium can also be present.

‘Going virtual’ sees international conference cut carbon emissions by 425 tons and boost LMIC attendance

Researchers found that switching to virtual conferencing can significantly cut carbon emissions, doubling attendance from low-middle income countries, while eliminating travel-related emissions. However, the study highlights limitations, including reduced feedback survey responses and potential equity issues.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 9, 2022

Stargazing in the brain: “Star-like” cells display unique activity patterns

Researchers at OIST used advanced imaging to record signaling within single astrocytes, revealing ultra-fast signals on par with neurons and patterns of activity corresponding to different behaviors. The findings suggest that astrocytes may store memories as 'fingerprints' in specific areas, called hotspot maps.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms of initial orthostatic hypotension

Researchers discovered two simple physical maneuvers to effectively reduce blood pressure drops and alleviate symptoms of IOH in young women. Lower body muscle preactivation (thighs) and tensing improved cardiac output and stroke volume, respectively, leading to a reduction in symptoms upon standing.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Access to acute stroke care in US

A study found that approximately one-third of the US population lacks access to emergency departments with acute stroke capabilities and telestroke capacity. The research estimated these proportions to better understand healthcare disparities in stroke care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study reveals Ebola virus can hide in brain, persist even after treatment

A groundbreaking study reveals that Ebola virus can hide in the brain ventricular system and cause fatal disease even after treatment. Persistent infection was found in about 20% of monkeys treated with antibody therapeutics, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up of survivors.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Co-occurring droughts could threaten global food security

A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022

Advancing genome editing through studying DNA repair mechanisms

Researchers at CeMM Research Center discovered that the DNA mismatch repair process plays a crucial role in prime editing. By eliminating mismatch repair, they increased prime editing efficiency by 2-17-fold and improved its accuracy. This fundamental understanding brings the technology closer to clinical applications.

Research demonstrates importance of consistent branding in political television ads

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that slant and consistency of messages in national television ads significantly impact online word-of-mouth chatter and candidate preference. Consistency with the primary message is crucial, even for more partisan messages, suggesting that campaign strategies should focus on building ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Smoking cessation drugs prescribed over the internet are as safe and effective as in-person treatment

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

HKU Digital Citizenship Study reveals digital competence as a protective factor against gaming addiction in children and adolescents

A comprehensive study by HKU researchers found that digital competence is associated with reduced risk of gaming addiction and cyberbullying among children and adolescents. The study highlights the importance of equipping future generations with better digital skills to promote healthy media use and reduce addictive behaviors.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateFeb 9, 2022

UCI study reveals neurobiological processes occurring during puberty that trigger sex differences in learning and memory

Research finds prepubescent female rodents outperform males in hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial learning, reversing after puberty. The study proposes optimal teaching strategies should adapt to brain differences between sexes during this critical life stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

New insight into unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at PSI's Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy have discovered strong evidence of exotic charge order and orbital currents in a correlated kagome superconductor. The findings provide a new insight into unconventional superconductivity and its relationship with the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Examining disparities in general surgery training

Researchers analyzed general surgery residency application and graduation rates for Black trainees compared to their peers, finding significant disparities in matriculation and graduation rates. The study highlights the need for improved diversity and inclusion initiatives in general surgery training programs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2022

Trust in science rose in Germany after onset of COVID-19 pandemic

Public trust in science increased in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic, with stronger increases among educated individuals and those supporting the left-wing party. Despite this rise, public trust declined slightly by November 2020, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies to maintain trust

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Behavioral treatments for ADHD: For which children do they work?

A recent study found that behavioral treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve behavior in children, but not all children respond equally well. Priority should be given to those with more severe ADHD, conduct disorder symptoms, or from single-parent families, as they are at risk of deterioration without treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Most people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination have T cell immune responses against Omicron variant despite low antibody responses

A recent study published in Cell found that T cell responses are still robust against the Omicron variant in most individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, offering protection against severe disease. Booster vaccines can enhance T cell responses, substantially increasing immunity against severe COVID-19.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Rare earth elements await in waste

Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 9, 2022

Applying the butterfly principle

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully replicated the surface structures of the Cynandra opis butterfly using nano-3D printing, enabling the production of structures that generate all visible spectrum colours. This breakthrough could lead to applications in security features, optical technologies, and high-resolution colour displays.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Update to clinical practice guideline on most common outpatient surgery performed on children: Tympanostomy tubes

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published an updated clinical practice guideline for tympanostomy tubes in children, which provides evidence-based recommendations on patient selection and surgical indications. The guidelines aim to improve the management of middle ear infections and hearing loss in children.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2022

Equations might help make better agriculture funding decisions

Agricultural researcher Benjamin Schiek developed a mathematical method to better allocate resources across different policies and projects. The method calculates correlations between institutional research projects and strategic objectives, revealing synergies and trade-offs, enabling more informed funding decisions.

Activist investors achieve higher returns using sell-side analysts’ reports

Research from Thomas Shohfi at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that sell-side analyst reports contain more activist-related language and quantitative information months before hedge fund activists announce their ownership. This is associated with greater stock returns for firm shareholders, highlighting the value of traditional ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateFeb 9, 2022

Artificial intelligence and big data can help preserve wildlife

A team of scientists has developed a pioneering approach to combine advances in computer vision with ecological expertise to analyze wildlife populations. By leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, researchers can extract key features from images and videos to quickly classify species, count individuals, and track behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Weight gain in pregnancy may be linked to later growth patterns in daughters

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that rapid weight gain in pregnant women during the first and final months may lead to higher body mass index measurements, larger waist circumferences, and higher body fat percentages in their daughters by age 14. Researchers connected patterns of weight change in pregnancy to p...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

January 2020 Puerto Rico earthquake provides valuable data for ground failure models

A recent study by USGS and UPR Mayagüez researchers documented over 300 landslides and severe liquefaction in southern coastal regions after the magnitude 6.4 earthquake. The data provides a valuable resource for Puerto Rico, which lacks an island-wide hazard map for earthquake-triggered landslides or liquefaction.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2022

High risk, high rewards

The team's achievement marks a significant step towards discovering physical phenomena where symmetry breaks down, which could explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. The researchers plan to use the new optical clock to search for time symmetry violation and make large steps towards discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2022

Association for Molecular Pathology and The American Society for Investigative Pathology announce new editor-in-chief for The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics

Ronald M. Przygodzki, MD, has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, succeeding Barbara Zehnbauer, PhD. Dr. Przygodzki brings extensive experience in genomic medicine and molecular diagnostics to the position.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 9, 2022

Is bedtime media use detrimental for sleep?

Research found that using media before bed is associated with an earlier bedtime and reduced total sleep time. In contrast, short, focused media sessions in bed were linked to improved sleep quality.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateFeb 9, 2022

New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022