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Science News for July 12, 2022


New structure found in cells

A research team, led by Rohit Pappu and Anthony Hyman, found that protein molecules form dynamic clusters at low concentrations, which have structures that encode function. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that there is no further structure underlying biomolecular condensates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Scientists at the University of Malaga inquire into the biogeography of yellow fever transmission

Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Congenital syphilis linked to socioeconomic factors in small/medium California counties

Congenital syphilis cases are on the rise in California's small and medium-sized counties. A new study found that poverty and low education levels contribute to the spread of the disease. The researchers call for improved access to prenatal services to address this growing public health crisis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Perinatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Evolve… innovate… repeat: Scientists peel back the layers of virus-host evolution and innovation

Researchers track changes in fitness landscapes as viruses and hosts undergo ongoing survival competition. The study reveals that coevolution propels adaptations, with viruses innovating to overcome host resistance. This new understanding provides a quantitative framework for predicting evolution in coevolving ecological communities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

3D printing nickel single crystals using laser additive manufacturing technology

Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University successfully fabricate nickel single crystals with minimal crystalline defects, paving the way for widespread use in heat-resistant jet engine components. The technique eliminates grain boundaries, resulting in stronger high-temperature materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdditive Manufacturing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Environmental impact of perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules lower than silicon alone

A recent study found that perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules have 6-18% less environmental impact than traditional silicon modules over their 25-year lifetime. The tandem technology's higher power conversion efficiency compensates for its additional material and production costs.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Machine learning ‘phones home’ for famous Martian rock

Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to identify the specific Mars crater that ejected the oldest and most famous Martian meteorite, offering critical geological clues about the earliest origins of Mars. The discovery provides insights into the region's unique rock formations and their similarities with Earth's continents.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2022

Patients with lupus benefit from COVID-19 vaccine booster

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine boosters significantly reduce the risk of breakthrough infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The research showed that those who received a booster dose had an immediate rise in antibody levels, but still required additional protection against severe disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Study shows personalized fonts speed up reading, maintain comprehension

A study published in ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction found that individuals who read text in a font better suited to their needs experienced a significant increase in reading speed, with an average gain of 35%. The research highlights the importance of personalization in improving reading efficiency and comprehension.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Study examines pandemic’s impact on volunteer health care workers

A new study found that volunteer healthcare workers who served in field hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress, but those with higher compassion satisfaction showed milder symptoms. The researchers also found that avoidant emotional coping tactics significantly increased burnout and...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTraumatology An International Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022

A look inside ancient fish heads

A study comparing ancient lungfish fossils to modern brain structures reveals the evolutionary history of these ancient fish. The research suggests that lungfish relied on their sense of smell to navigate environments, unlike other fish that use sight more powerfully.

SourceFlinders University·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022

Universal UK school-based mindfulness training to boost teen mental health probably not warranted

A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Is organic farming always good for the environment? – Researchers create strategy to help decide

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Children in low-income countries 16 times more likely to die from most common eye cancer

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals stark differences in survival rates for children with retinoblastoma between high- and low-income countries. In low-income countries, the risk of death from retinoblastoma within three years of diagnosis is significantly higher, with over two-fifths of children dying within t...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 12, 2022

ETH researchers remeasure gravitational constant

Researchers from ETH Zurich conducted a new experiment to redetermine the gravitational constant G, obtaining a value 2.2% higher than the current official figure. The team used a dynamic measurement method involving resonating beams, allowing for real-time data analysis and minimization of interference.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

People from low socioeconomic backgrounds could reduce chronic kidney disease risk with regular exercise, study suggests

A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Experience required: A role for vision in the development of inhibitory networks

Inhibitory and excitatory neuronal circuits develop through different processes, with inhibitory neurons requiring visual experience to form mature functional maps. This discovery sheds light on the importance of continued study of inhibitory neural development and its connection to neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Economic inequality and instability impacts long-term decision-making around the world: Study

A global study involving 60 countries found that individuals across income groups prefer immediate gains, but those in stable economies with lower inequality are less likely to do so. The study also reveals inconsistent decision-making between immediate and future financial options.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Predicting the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men using blood markers

Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Costs for emergency allergy injectors still high for some?

A new study found that while the availability of lower-priced epinephrine auto-injector competitors has improved affordability for many patients, a significant minority still pay significantly more for life-saving medication. High-deductible health plans are a major contributing factor to these high costs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Mount Polley mine tailings present in Quesnel Lake water eight years after big spill

Research has found that some metal-rich suspended sediment from the disaster remains in circulation, causing ongoing impacts on water quality and aquatic life. The study estimates it will take about a decade for the lake to substantially flush out the finest fraction of these tailings solids.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022

Cleveland Clinic research suggests tumors with specific genetic mutations are sensitive to immunotherapy

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic discovered that pathogenic POLE/POLD1 genetic mutations in tumors lead to a high level of immune cell infiltration and improved response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The study's findings contribute to the growing list of discoveries that prove certain classes of drugs are more effective based o...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 12, 2022

Two different white blood cell types play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after heart attack

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that two white blood cell types, neutrophils and macrophages, play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after a heart attack. Neutrophils promote ventricular tachycardia (VT), while macrophages protect against it.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Source of ancient Martian rocks found using Perth supercomputer

A global team led by researchers from Curtin University used a supercomputer-powered technology to explore the geology of Mars without leaving home. They found that the ancient Martian meteorite NWA 7034 was ejected 5-10 million years ago from the north-east of the Terra Cimmeria - Sirenum province, in the southern hemisphere of Mars.

SourcePawsey Supercomputing Research Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2022

Research shows investigational drug fosters nerve repair after injury

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating candidate drug can promote regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma. The research demonstrated that the drug, AZD1390, blocks the response to DNA damage in nerve cells and restores sensory and motor function after spinal injury.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Haiti’s 1860 Jour de Pâques earthquakes may have released strain in key fault zone

Seismologists analyzed historical accounts of the 1860 Jour de Pâques earthquake sequence, which may have released strain in a key fault zone. The analysis suggests that two large events occurred in 1860, one magnitude 6.0-6.4 and another 6.6-6.9, releasing built-up stress before recent earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans develops new human cell line to study blinding eye disorders

The new human cell line, ABC, was developed from retinal pigment epithelial cells and retains their properties, allowing for the study of events relevant to normal repair processes. The research may lead to discoveries in senescence gene programming, neuroprotection, and cellular replacement therapies for blinding eye diseases

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that incorporating spirituality into care can lead to healthier lives, including greater longevity and quality of life. The researchers recommend increasing awareness among clinicians about the protective benefits of spiritual community particip...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Tiny motors take a big step forward

Researchers have successfully created the first solid-state optical nanomotor, overcoming previous limitations in real-world applications. The new motor can rotate on a solid substrate under light illumination, enabling it to serve as a fuel-free engine for various micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 12, 2022

Intensive telephone-based cessation counseling results in improved smoking quit rates

A national, randomized trial found that intensive telephone-based cessation counseling resulted in a two-fold greater cigarette quit rate than minimal counseling and nicotine replacement. The study also showed significant benefits for people with higher nicotine dependence and those who engaged more with the counseling.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

p53 in liver cancer: The ultimate betrayal?

A study published in Cancer Research found that constitutively activated p53 in hepatocytes of chronic liver disease patients creates a microenvironment supportive of tumor formation from hepatic progenitor cells. This novel mechanism challenges the traditional role of p53 as a cancer suppressor.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

First cryo-EM structures of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) pave the way for better drugs to treat heart disease

Researchers at the University of Cape Town have determined the first full-length structures of ACE using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals the protein's highly dynamic nature and mechanisms behind dimerization, potentially leading to novel site-selective inhibitors for hypertension treatment.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

UW study strengthens evidence of link between air pollution and child brain development

A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Shift work increases the severity of strokes later in life

A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms·TypeNews article·DateJul 12, 2022

First major dolphin DNA study

A comprehensive census of common dolphin populations along Australia's southern coastline has identified key pointers for future conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of preserving adaptive DNA diversity and promoting connectivity between dolphin groups to support long-term gene flow and adaptation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022