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Science News for January 6, 2022


Heat conduction important for droplet dynamics

A team of engineers found that thermal conduction is the most prominent form of heat transfer during droplet impact on smooth surfaces, influencing cooling efficiency and droplet behavior. Heat conduction also affects droplet dynamics on rough surfaces, leading to lower heat transfer rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Cities boosted rain, sent storms to the suburbs during Europe’s deadly summer floods

A study found that urbanization played a significant role in exacerbating rainfall over European suburbs during the 2021 summer floods. The research revealed that cities can intensify storms and direct them towards suburban areas, leading to increased rainfall by 50% compared to their own influence alone.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2022

Racialized women frequently excluded from developing medical guidance: Study

A study of 237 clinical practice guidelines found that only 7% of panel members were racialized women, while white men made up 46%. This lack of diversity may lead to biased recommendations and exacerbate existing health inequities. The authors call for greater transparency in panel recruitment processes and fair representation.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Why computational algorithms could transform COVID-19 diagnosis and care for low-income countries

Researchers found that three algorithms - Multilayer Perceptron, Fuzzy Cognitive Map, and Deep Neural Network - outperformed others in diagnosing COVID-19 at early stages. These findings can guide software development to create intelligence-based tools for early diagnosis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalData Science and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2022

Resisting the pressure

Researchers at IST Austria find that a specific gene, Fos, regulates macrophage infiltration into surrounding tissue by creating an actin shell, making it easier for immune cells to invade. This discovery raises hopes for new targets in treating cancer and understanding the immune system.

Low birth weight among IVF children not linked to infertility treatments

Research involving nearly 250,000 US families found that medically assisted reproduction techniques, including IVF, do not significantly affect birth weight and pregnancy term. Once family circumstances are considered, the differences between MAR-conceived babies and naturally conceived children become insignificant.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Fingerprint patterns are linked to limb development genes

Researchers found fingerprints influenced by genes responsible for limb development, shedding light on phenotypical traits in humans. The study identifies 43 genome regions associated with fingerprint patterns and suggests a link between dermatoglyphic patterns and congenital genetic disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

A crabs-eye view of the ancient world

Researchers from Yale University have discovered unusually large optical features in a 95-million-year-old crab fossil, suggesting that the species was a predator. The study analyzed nearly 1,000 living crabs and fossils, finding that Callichimaera's eyes were about 16% of its body size and grew at an accelerated rate.

SourceYale University·JournaliScience·DateJan 6, 2022

New study suggests N95 respirators can be safely reprocessed to augment supply in future epidemics

Researchers found that N95 respirators maintained their function and effectiveness after 25 decontamination cycles, passing user seal checks and filtration efficiency tests. Successful implementation of reprocessing requires planning and coordination among multidisciplinary teams.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Say hello to a record-setting isotope

Scientists have created the world's lightest version of magnesium, a record-setting isotope that helps refine theories on atomic structure. The unstable isotope was produced using particle accelerators and decays within tenths of a second, making it impossible to measure directly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2022

Sorting cancers by 'immune archetypes' represents potential new approach to developing precision immunotherapies

Researchers at UCSF identify unique immune microenvironments in different types of cancer, paving the way for personalized immunotherapies. The study categorizes tumors into 12 groups based on their immune profile, suggesting that some cancers share similar characteristics despite being from different types.

Progression of nearsightedness in young adults

A recent study investigated the progression of nearsightedness in nearly 700 young adults, aged 20-28. The findings indicate a significant increase in myopia among this age group, with a substantial impact on their daily lives and vision health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJan 6, 2022

Zoo air contains enough DNA to identify the animals inside

Researchers have successfully identified animal species in zoo air by collecting airborne environmental DNA, offering a valuable tool for tracking biodiversity without intensive fieldwork. By analyzing millions of DNA sequences and comparing them to reference databases, scientists can detect even elusive or inaccessible species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Microbes produce oxygen in the dark

Researchers have discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Nitrosopumilus maritimus, can produce oxygen in the absence of sunlight, possibly deep below the ocean surface. These microbes play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and remove bioavailable nitrogen from the environment.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have a different composition of microbes in the airways

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a different microbiome composition in their lower airways than those with COPD or healthy individuals. The study found that IPF patients share similarities between their oral cavity and lower airway microbiomes, suggesting microaspiration as a potential cause.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2022

Tracking down the origin of cholera pandemics

Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that contributed to the emergence of the seventh cholera pandemic. The study found that modified Vibrio cholerae bacteria used their type 6 secretion system (T6SS) to outcompete and kill older strains, leading to their displacement.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Researchers develop optical biopsy system that detects liver cancer

The new technology can reliably distinguish between cancerous and healthy liver tissue, aiding diagnosis and potentially reducing errors in biopsies. The researchers plan to continue measuring fluorescence lifetime parameters in patients with different types of tumors to generate real-time diagnostic classifiers.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJan 6, 2022

Employee training pays off with fewer layoffs

Investments in employee training decrease reliance on layoffs during pandemic-induced financial pressures. Banks with higher levels of training made more cuts to expenses in other areas, reducing workforce reductions. Employee training offers stronger job protection when paired with investments in physical capital and technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 6, 2022

SMART researchers discover novel way to perform ‘general inverse design’ with high accuracy

Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Nematicity is a new piece in a phase diagram puzzle

Researchers have discovered a new electronic nematic phase in twisted double bilayer graphene, which breaks the material's symmetry and allows for the re-alignment of electrons. This finding adds to our understanding of graphene-based systems and may hold implications for the study of superconductivity.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 6, 2022

How emotions fuel fake news on social media

A new study led by a Pitt father-daughter duo found that people's emotions play a significant role in the spread of fake news on social media. The researchers discovered three distinct groups: 'hot' individuals who are highly emotional and likely to share fake news, 'upset' users who react negatively to misleading headlines, and the 'c...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Management Information Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy may increase the risk of preschool boys’ behavioral problems

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that abnormal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy may predict preschool boys' emotional and behavioral problems. Mothers with high thyroid hormone levels were more likely to have withdrawn, anxious, or depressed sons.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2022

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Intense monocycle terahertz pulses from shifting electrons in quantum structures

Researchers have developed a novel concept for generating ultrashort THz waveforms by tailoring electronic currents in a compact optically driven quantum device. The THz pulses display a single oscillation of the electric field and can be tailored via the nonlinear generation process.

Innovative approach brings cell-reprograming therapy for heart failure closer to reality

Researchers have developed a novel strategy to enhance the reprogramming efficiency of human fibroblasts, significantly increasing their ability to become functional heart muscle. This approach uses endothelial cell plasticity to facilitate the desired change, offering new hope for patients with congestive heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

CVIA journal publishes new issue

A new issue of the CVIA journal has been published, featuring research on the clinical significance of angiographically detectable neovascularity in patients with cardiac myxoma. Studies found that ADN was present in 42.4% of patients and was associated with higher levels of eosinophils and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Dog brains can distinguish between languages

A new study by researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found that dog brains can differentiate between two languages, with distinct activity patterns in primary and secondary auditory cortices. The study used brain imaging to compare dogs' responses to speech and non-speech stimuli in Spanish and Hungarian.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 6, 2022

Archaeological dig reveals participants in California’s Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod

Researchers have discovered that participants in California's Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod, highlighting the importance of global maritime trade. The findings were made possible through genetic analysis of 18 cod bones recovered from Thompson's Cove, which confirmed the importation of Atlantic cod during the late 1850s.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJan 6, 2022

The Lancet Public Health: Global dementia cases set to triple by 2050 unless countries address risk factors

The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Healthful food for children is the same as for adults

A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2022

Gold solution to catalysis grand challenge

Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated the suitability of gold as a catalyst to produce methanol and acetic acid from methane in natural gas. The novel method uses gold nanoparticles, which exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to larger material counterparts.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Sending life to the stars

Researchers Philip Lubin and Joel Rothman propose using light as a propellant to propel small probes up to 20-30% of the speed of light, potentially enabling human missions to Mars in under a month. The project aims to develop a roadmap for relativistic flight via directed energy propulsion, supported by NASA and private foundations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 6, 2022

Youths report negative interactions amid police response to their mental-health crises: study

A qualitative study of 40 youths and young adults with mental health challenges reported mostly negative perceptions and experiences when faced with police involvement in crisis intervention. The researchers found that officer involvement contributed to 'inappropriately punitive' responses, further stigmatizing young people.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeSurvey·DateJan 6, 2022

Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected 68% of US West in one day

A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022