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Science News for January 31, 2022


Scientists use 'sticky' DNA to build organized structures of gel blocks

Researchers used microscopic strands of DNA to guide the assembly of gel blocks that self-assembled in around 10-15 minutes. The process was highly specific and easily programmable, allowing the blocks to interact with each other in different ways by changing the sequence of DNA.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Molecular machine in nano cage

Researchers have successfully created a supramolecular rotor enclosed in a cube-shaped porphyrin cage molecule, showcasing the potential for molecular nanomachines to be controlled remotely. The molecular gyroscope's movements can be triggered by light and exhibit stochastic dynamics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChem·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2022

“Do you see what I see?” study shows cross-cultural variation in maternal focus during parent-child interactions

A new study examined caregiver-child interaction in the US and Japan, finding that mothers directed their children's attention differently and Japanese children shifted their attention to become more sensitive to contextual background. The research provides insights into the role of social interaction and cultural diversity in cognitiv...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2022

Midwestern beef production works just as well off pasture

Research shows that cow-calf pairs can be managed in drylots throughout the summer grazing period without significant negative effects on growth performance, lactation, and reproductive rates. Calves raised in drylots had increased performance compared to pasture-raised calves, but still showed signs of stress during weaning.

2D material in three dimensions

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have successfully integrated large surface areas of graphene into limited volumes by producing it on complex branched nanostructures. This breakthrough enables increased storage capacity for hydrogen and higher sensitivity in chemical sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Study examines years of life lost to adolescents, young adults to unintentional drug overdose

A study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center analyzed years of life lost due to unintentional drug overdose among adolescents (13-19) and young adults (20-39) in the US. The findings suggest a significant burden of overdose-related mortality in this age group, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2022

Small group of genetic variants found in extremely ill patients with COVID may help explain big differences in how sick people get

Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.

‘Traveling’ nature of brain waves may help working memory work

Researchers found that brain waves travel in rotating patterns across the prefrontal cortex during working memory tasks, potentially aiding information storage. These waves provide a regularly recurring stimulation with precise timing, promoting strengthening connections between neurons and possibly facilitating predictions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Mitigating the effects of gender bias in clinical trials

Researchers at Technion have developed a technology that compensates for the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, using machine learning models. The tool improves predictions for women in various situations and also enhances overall clinical predictions, leading to better personalized medicine.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2022

Machine learning fine-tunes flash graphene

Rice University scientists employ machine-learning techniques to streamline the process of synthesizing graphene from waste through flash Joule heating. The lab used its custom optimization model to improve graphene crystallization from four starting materials over 173 trials.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Reducing COVID-19 risk during dentist appointments

A study by the University of Leeds found that changing drills from air-powered to electric drills can significantly reduce aerosol spray and create a safer environment for patients and dental teams. The research resulted in a 99.98% reduction in virus spread, potentially allowing millions more treatments to be carried out.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJan 31, 2022

New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Ever wondered how many tree species live on our planet?

A new global dataset reveals approximately 73,000 tree species, highlighting the vulnerability of global forest biodiversity to climate change and land use. The research, led by Professor Andy Marshall, also identifies a 'hot spot' of likely undiscovered species in northeast Australia and the Pacific Islands.

SourceUniversity of the Sunshine Coast·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2022

The impacts of impacts

KAUST researchers have found that even low-speed solid-liquid impacts can cause cavitation and generate damaging shock waves. This challenges previous assumptions about the effects of such impacts. The team used high-speed cameras to study the impact of a flat-bottomed cylinder on a pool of liquid, observing that pressures below a cert...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Are cities the key to the electric revolution?

Newcastle University researchers argue that cities can use local policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. The authors highlight the importance of balancing demand pull-ins with technology push-ins to overcome barriers and enablers. Cities' own fleets, procurement systems, and fiscal powers can also help s...

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 31, 2022

Dartmouth study assesses how consumers interpret and act on results from at-home COVID-19 self tests

A Dartmouth study reveals that consumers using at-home COVID-19 self tests may misinterpret the implications of their test results, leading to either unnecessary or inadequate quarantine. The study suggests that individuals at high risk for infection should still quarantine after a negative test result.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

People are fast and accurate when making high-value decisions

A new study reveals that people are more accurate and faster when making high-value decisions than previously thought. Researchers found that participants could distinguish between high-value items quickly and accurately, even with the added complexity of knowing what type of decision they were about to make.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Localis-rex: a new tool for studying electrophile signaling

Localis-rex identifies 32 locale-specific sensor proteins sensing hydroxynonenal, a lipid-derived electrophilic-metabolite, revealing new information on electrophile signaling and its impact on biological processes. The study also highlights the potential for covalent drug design and profiling of drug-sensitive cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022

2D materials under the microscope

Researchers review current research on 2D materials, highlighting their potential for quantum light sources and integrated circuits. The scientists also discuss recent advances in hybrid devices and scalable quantum photonic technologies.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJan 31, 2022

Special testing of kidney tissue from deceased COVID-19 donor documents safe transplantation of the organ, Johns Hopkins researchers report

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 31, 2022

When job seekers are “overqualified,” gender bias may come into play

A new UC San Diego study reveals that overqualified women are more likely to be hired for jobs and ranks compared to sufficiently qualified men. Hiring managers assume overqualified women leave due to gender discrimination, rather than flight risk. This suggests firms may not be utilizing their expertise and experience effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOrganization Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

CHOP researchers define a 3-tiered molecular classification of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, where fusion oncogenes predict the most invasive behavior

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia define a 3-tiered molecular classification system for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, where fusion oncogenes are associated with more invasive disease and lower remission rates. The study contrasts findings from adults, who have a two-tiered system based on BRAF mutations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 31, 2022

Nathan Dautenhahn wins CAREER Award

Nathan Dautenhahn, a Rice University computer scientist, has received a prestigious CAREER Award to develop 'Least-Authority Virtual Architecture' (LAVA) strategy for retrofitting existing products with meaningful firewalling. This approach aims to systematically analyze and optimize security boundaries in complex systems.

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Adults with disabilities in hospital for COVID-19 have worse outcomes

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2022

THE LANCET: Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalization of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people

The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

The variant within us

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology studied new coronavirus variants at the individual level, discovering mutations that reduce adhesion capacity and impair antibody effectiveness. The study sheds light on possible weaknesses in the virus's ability to infect, potentially leading to new measures to combat infection.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Open-label placebo offers new treatment for disorders of gut-brain interaction in children

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that open-label placebo treatment significantly reduces pain scores in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome. The study also showed no side effects, making it a promising non-pharmacologic therapy for these difficult-to-treat conditions.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Safeguarding the cell nucleus

A study has found that shuttle proteins form an escape-proof mechanism to fortify the nuclear pore and regulate transport of substances. The number of shuttle proteins occupying the pore depends on their concentrations, allowing cells to compensate for one protein's loss with another.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 31, 2022

Unveiling the secrets of biofilms at lightsource BESSY II

Researchers studied Bacillus subtilis biofilms using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, finding that calcium ions accumulate in the matrix while zinc, manganese, and iron ions accumulate along wrinkles. These findings suggest a link between structure, nutrients, water, and bacterial behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

CNIO researchers identify drugs potentially capable of reducing the mortality of COVID-19

Researchers have identified potential anti-inflammatory compounds to combat the cytokine storm, a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases. The study found that glucocorticoids and MEK protein inhibitors may be effective in reducing mortality, while female hormones could also play a role.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2022

Perceived fragile masculinity stifles sexual satisfaction and honest communication, study finds

A new study finds that when women perceive their partner's sense of masculinity as fragile, they are more likely to fake orgasms and experience lower sexual satisfaction. This phenomenon is linked to anxiety and poorer communication in relationships. Women may prioritize protecting their partners' manhood over their own needs.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Urgent investment needed in deadly disease

A global systematic review found serious complications and a 15% fatality ratio among patients with non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease. The study highlights the need for urgent investment in vaccine development and research into prevention methods to tackle this emerging neglected infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2022

Despite genetic makeup, following heart health guidelines can decrease risk of heart disease

Researchers found that adhering to Life's Simple 7 guidelines significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease regardless of genetic predisposition. Individuals with high polygenic risk saw the greatest benefits from a healthy lifestyle, with a reduced lifetime risk and extended years lived free of coronary heart disease.

Activated protein C can protect against age-related cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury, preclinical study finds

A new study from USF Health reveals that activated protein C may help improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury, a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from APC may limit ischemia and reperfusion-induced heart damage.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

U of M researchers show promising results of Phase 1 drug trial for HIV patients

A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2022

Gene-environment interactions that drives autism

Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2022