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Science News for January 13, 2022


Stronger evidence for connection between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis

A new analysis of US military recruits data reveals a strong connection between Epstein-Bellum virus and multiple sclerosis, with a significant increase in MS cases following EBV infection. The study's findings suggest that EBV may be the leading cause of multiple sclerosis, offering potential advantages over current treatments

Researchers make important new findings about how to test cancer-fighting drugs

A team of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine has made significant breakthroughs in testing cancer-fighting drugs by simulating physiological oxygen levels. By exposing tumor tissues to different oxygen levels, the scientists found that drug sensitivity varies greatly, leading to more effective treatment options.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Oxytocin and autism: Study on a receptor variant provides new insights into the cellular origin of the disorder

Researchers have discovered how genetic variations of the oxytocin receptor affect hormone signaling inside brain cells. The mutated variant is more active and stable than the normal receptor, contradicting previous classifications. This finding provides new starting points for developing targeted therapies for autistic patients.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2022

First study to detect Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in maternal bloodstream and placenta in cases of stillbirth and pregnancy complications

Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

What we do and don’t know about the many ways COVID-19 can impact pregnant women and their babies

The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2022

New conservation tool calculates the optimal time to spend researching a habitat before protecting it

A new method developed by researchers predicts the optimal time to spend learning about a species' habitat before designating protected areas. This balance between knowledge acquisition and resource allocation can save species from extinction while minimizing unnecessary protection of incorrect habitats.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022

Super-Earths have longer shielding against cosmic radiation, new melting curve analysis suggests

Researchers used high-powered lasers to determine the melting temperature of iron at conditions similar to those in super-Earth exoplanet cores. The findings suggest that super-Earths are likely to have longer magnetically shielded habitability periods than Earth, potentially supporting life as we know it.

Face masks ‘make wearers look more attractive’, study suggests

Researchers at Cardiff University found that medical face masks increase facial attractiveness more than cloth masks, with blue masks being the most attractive. The study suggests that people associate masks with healthcare workers and find them reassuring, leading to a positive perception of the wearer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

​​​​​​​Greenspace outside prison walls has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing

Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWellbeing Space and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Blood markers of brain cell damage higher over short term in COVID-19 patients than in Alzheimer's patients

A new study found that COVID-19 patients exhibit higher levels of blood proteins indicating neurological damage compared to Alzheimer's disease patients, especially those with neurological symptoms. The study suggests a potential link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of future brain injury.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss

A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022

Discovery could hold the key to alleviating metabolic disease

Researchers found a key role for Tmem120a in promoting expression of fat genes and shutting off muscle genes in fat tissue. This mechanism may explain why metabolic diseases like diabetes appear under certain circumstances, such as high-calorie diets. The discovery has implications for other metabolic diseases and muscle disorders.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Influence of different scales of SST anomaly on large-scale atmospheric circulation over North Pacific in winter

Researchers found that mesoscale SST anomalies near Kuroshio Extension can cause positive geopotential height anomalies with strengthened poleward shift of westerly anomaly. Large-scale SST anomalyl warming causes weak baroclinic structure and clockwise secondary circulation, distinct from mesoscale influence.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJan 13, 2022

Unlocking the mysteries of the pecking order

This article discusses the 100-year-old concept of pecking order dominance hierarchies in animals, with researchers Elizabeth Hobson and Eli Strauss exploring its relevance to human behavior. The study highlights that dominance often relates to circumstance and opportunity rather than genetics or size.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

The “gold” of the Midas cichlids

Researchers have identified a previously unknown gene, goldentouch, responsible for the golden coloration in Midas cichlids. The gene, found on chromosome 11, is present in two variants: one associated with dark coloration and the other with orange/yellow coloration.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2022

Bioengineered nanoparticles show promise for fibrinogen manufacture, says Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Citizen science data from Berlin show that urban areas can be a refuge for bats, if certain conditions are met

A study in Berlin found that urban areas can provide suitable habitat for bats if certain conditions are met, including low artificial light and access to vegetation and water bodies. The research involved over 200 citizen scientists and revealed that features of the urban landscape influenced the presence of bats.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 13, 2022

E-cigarette users who test positive for COVID-19 are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms

A new study from the Mayo Clinic finds that people who vape and test positive for COVID-19 are more likely to experience common symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and chest pain. The study also shows that those who vape and smoke tobacco have labored breathing and more frequent emergency department visits compared to non-vapers.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateJan 13, 2022

HSS study explores trends and outcomes in outpatient joint replacement compared to hospital stay

A recent HSS study analyzed trends and complications in patients undergoing outpatient hip and knee replacements, finding no significant difference in readmission rates for hip replacements but slightly higher odds for knee replacements. The study suggests same-day discharge joint replacement is safe but requires additional monitoring.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Scientists dive deep into the different effects of morning and evening exercise

Researchers discovered how different tissues respond to exercise at various times of day, influencing sleep, memory, and metabolic homeostasis. The 'Atlas of Exercise Metabolism' provides a comprehensive map of exercise-induced signaling molecules present in different tissues following exercise.

Researchers develop new metrics to better decipher how companies exploit investment opportunities

Researchers have developed a new text-based analytics model that analyzes firms' tailoring of investments to their portfolio of products, using the four-stage product cycle. This framework provides insights into how firms exploit investment opportunities, including disclosure patterns and strategic alliances.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Touch induces rapid floral closure in gentians

Researchers found that four species of Gentian flowers respond to mechanical stimulation with rapid corolla contraction and full closure. This phenomenon may serve as an induced defense or a pollination stimulator, allowing the flowers to control interactions with potential pollinators like bumblebees.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 13, 2022

Climate adaptation increases vulnerability of cocoa farmers, study shows

A new study by Sean Kennedy found that corporate sustainability efforts to adapt to climate change actually increase the vulnerability of small cocoa farmers in Indonesia. The researchers' strategy transfers climate-related risks from chocolate manufacturers to the farmers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Swapping just one food item per day can make diets substantially more planet-friendly

A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Protective gene variant against COVID-19 identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a specific gene variant that protects against severe COVID-19 infection, found in individuals of African ancestry. The study analyzed 2,787 hospitalized patients and 130,997 people from six cohort studies, revealing an 80% prevalence of the protective variant among Africans.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Next-generation tissue expansion method improves neural imaging

A new tissue expansion method, eMAP, has been developed to improve neural imaging. It allows for the imaging of proteins at neural connections, enabling the measurement of their relative distances and abundance. The technology facilitates high-throughput analysis and enables multiscale imaging of synapses along whole neuronal branches.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Newly-found planets on the edge of destruction

Three newly-discovered gas giant planets have extremely short orbits around subgiant or giant stars, with one planet TOI-2337b destined for consumption in less than 1 million years. The study's findings suggest chaotic planet-to-planet interactions and unpredictable heating rates, offering new insights into planetary system evolution.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Tiger shark migrations altered by climate change, new study finds

A new study found that climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures have shifted tiger shark movements outside of protected areas, making them more vulnerable to commercial fishing. The study's results suggest that warmer waters are now suitable for tiger sharks, allowing them to migrate farther poleward and earlier than usual.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Reducing air pollution: Policies that pay off

A study by CNRS and partners found that policies like replacing wood heaters with modern stoves and reducing motor vehicle traffic can meet health objectives while generating significant economic benefits. The analysis shows that such measures could lead to an annual benefit of €629 per capita, outweighing the cost.

SourceCNRS·JournalEnvironment International·DateJan 13, 2022

One in 10 people may still be infectious for COVID after 10 days, new research indicates

A new study by the University of Exeter found that 13% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 on standard PCR tests remained clinically relevant for the virus beyond 10 days. This could pose a risk of onward transmission, and the authors recommend applying the newly adapted test to settings where vulnerable individuals are present.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

A treasure map for the realm of electrocatalysts

Researchers developed a data-guided combinatorial synthesis strategy and computational modeling to identify promising high entropy alloys for electrocatalysis. The method enables the exploration of atomic scale effects on catalytic activity, providing insights into composition-activity-stability trends.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

The role of risk aversion in the coal contracting behavior of US power plants

A new study finds that US power plants prioritize reducing input cost variance over minimizing expected total costs, resulting in longer coal contracts and higher contract prices. The researchers estimate that if all power plants purchased coal from the spot market, the annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Nanostructures get complex with electron equivalents

Researchers create complex colloidal crystals by using smaller nanoparticles that simulate electrons, breaking symmetry and enabling new materials with tailored properties. The study reveals three low-symmetry structures with no known natural equivalents, offering opportunities for advanced applications in photonics and catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2022

How do the effects of childhood abuse extend into middle age?

Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

When water is coming from all sides

A team of researchers, including NOAA and William & Mary, has developed the world's first three-dimensional operational storm surge model, called SCHISM. The model forecasts coastal flooding in complex coastal regions by incorporating fine-scale features like engineered structures and culverts into its forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022

Meeting ATS-recommended air quality standards would save thousands of lives

The American Thoracic Society recommends limiting long-term PM2.5 exposure to 8 µg/m³ and short-term exposure to 25 µg/m³, which could prevent an estimated 14,650 deaths and 33,000 additional illnesses. Implementing these standards could save thousands of lives by reducing morbidity and mortality from air pollution.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Powerful sensors on planes detect crop nitrogen with high accuracy

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateJan 13, 2022

Plants: RNA notes to self

Plant cells use RNA signals to coordinate growth, but these signals require a special escort protein to reach the right cells. Without this protein, plants fail to develop properly, highlights a crucial step in understanding how information is exchanged between cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Lost birds and mammals spell doom for some plants

Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022