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Science News for July 13, 2022


Research reveals how brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s risk, sleep disturbance

A recent study discovered that brain inflammation may be a key link between Alzheimer's disease risk and sleep disturbance. The research found that age-related increases in brain inflammation can disrupt fast sleep spindles, which are crucial for long-term memory retention. This disruption contributes to age-related memory impairment i...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

A review of seismo-electromagnetic research in China

Researchers in China have developed new techniques for monitoring and predicting earthquake precursors using satellite observation and ground-based methods. These methods include earth resistivity, magnetotelluric, geomagnetic, and geoelectric field observations, as well as EM radiation and satellite observation.

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

COVID-19 antibodies from eggs

Scientists at UC Davis have successfully produced COVID-19 antibodies in hen eggs, which may be used as a preventative measure or treatment for people exposed to the disease. The antibodies, similar to those found in human blood, were shown to neutralize the virus effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalViruses·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Widely-used kidney function tests underestimate scale of kidney disease in Africa

A study found that widely-used kidney function tests are inaccurate for predicting kidney disease in African populations, suggesting a significant underestimation of kidney disease prevalence. The creatinine-based test was shown to be less effective due to unique biological characteristics in African populations, while the cystatin C t...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Hidden Consciousness Detected with EEG Predicts Recovery of Unresponsive Patients

A new study found that subtle brainwaves detectable with EEG are the strongest predictor of eventual recovery for brain-injured patients who appear unresponsive. Covert consciousness, detectable through customized artificial intelligence software, is linked to higher and faster rates of recovery.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Disruptions in brain sphingolipid metabolism reveal new insights into cause of Gaucher disease

A study found that disruptions in brain sphingolipid metabolism lead to neuronal damage and neurodegeneration in animal models, revealing a new molecular perspective on Gaucher's disease. The research also shows that neuronal activity triggers the production of glucosylceramide, a key factor in the development of this disorder.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Virtual Reality App trial shown to reduce common phobias

A virtual reality app called oVRcome has been shown to reduce symptoms of five common phobias, including fear of flying and needles, by 75% in a six-week trial. The app uses exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients build up their tolerance to their phobias.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Top-tier research institutions form alliance to explore equitable career advancement in higher education

Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and New York University team up with a $3 million NSF grant to develop Project ELEVATE, promoting equitable STEM career advancement for underrepresented faculty. The alliance aims to create a collaborative community for institutional change at private research institutions.

Fewer relapses in MS with off-label drug

A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Key differences in presentation, outcomes for distal versus proximal deep vein thrombosis uncovered

Researchers found that patients with isolated distal DVT had lower co-morbidity burden, lower risk of mortality, and fewer pulmonary embolism cases compared to those with proximal DVT. Despite less severe outcomes, these patients were still at risk for developing post-thrombotic syndrome after treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

A cutting-edge "turning waste into treasure" technology for Municipal solid waste

Researchers assessed popular MSW pre-treatment technologies and cement kiln co-processing techniques in China, highlighting environmental risks and opportunities. The study revealed characteristics of mainstream MSW pre-treatment technologies and provided important reference data for optimization design.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Novel compounds discovered in marine sponge can kill drug-resistant bacteria

Brazilian researchers have identified bioactive compounds in a marine sponge that killed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, paving the way to develop new drugs. The substances proved capable of eliminating bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are responsible for many hospital-acquired infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateJul 13, 2022

SARS-Arena reveals hidden hooks in virus

The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Researchers capture the first example of an extremely bright, and fast-evolving astronomical event in the distant universe

Researchers have discovered a new type of transient phenomenon, the Fast Blue Ultraluminous Transient (FBUT), which is as bright as a superluminous supernova but evolves much faster. The team used the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam to capture the event for the first time and analyzed its multiband light curve data.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 13, 2022

CREATE CARES and NTU Singapore’s NTUitive launch the Accelerated, Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE)

The CREATE CARES and NTUitive initiative aims to accelerate the development of nanomaterials for various industries, reducing experimental workload and improving quality. The Accelerated Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE) project will utilize Industry 4.0 practices to scale up nanotechnology production.

Study finds risk disparity for Black children who have stroke after heart transplant

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Black children who have stroke after heart transplant are more than three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 8,224 children who received cardiac transplants between 1994 and 2019.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 13, 2022

SFU researchers develop new chemical biological tools to monitor Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at SFU have developed new chemical biological tools to monitor Parkinson’s disease progression, measuring the activity of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzyme. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnostics and treatment, as well as a better understanding of other neurodegenerative diseases linked to GCase.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2022

Longer lasting sodium-ion batteries on the horizon

Researchers at PNNL have developed a sodium-ion battery with greatly extended longevity in laboratory tests. The new electrolyte recipe stabilizes the protective film on the anode and generates an ultra-thin protective layer, providing long cycle life and stability. This technology has potential for applications in light-duty electric ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Scientists pinpoint reason why women may not respond to depression treatments the same as men

Researchers found that a gene called Rgs2 plays a crucial role in depression-related behavior, particularly in women. Increasing this gene's expression in the nucleus accumbens reversed stress effects and improved motivation in female mice, suggesting a potential molecular mechanism contributing to the lack of response to depression tr...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Sugar code in protein

Researchers at Nagoya City University have identified a specific amino acid sequence that induces Lewis X glycan structure, controlling glycosylation in proteins. This discovery could pave the way for controlling glycosylation of biopharmaceuticals, critical for their efficacy and safety.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Researchers use quantum-inspired approach to increase lidar resolution

Researchers develop a new technique that uses quantum-inspired interferometry to capture high-resolution 3D images with micron-scale resolution, potentially useful for facial recognition and tracking applications. The approach overcomes limitations of conventional lidar by reducing light loss and enhancing depth resolution.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

New report underscores importance of health insurance status and cancer stage at diagnosis and survival

A new report by the American Cancer Society shows individuals without health insurance coverage were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer and have worse survival rates. Uninsured individuals diagnosed with Stage I disease had worse survival rates for six cancers compared to those with private health insurance.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2022

Oregon State researchers develop computer model to predict whether a pesticide will harm bees

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a computer model using artificial intelligence to predict whether a proposed new pesticide will harm honey bees. The model, trained on nearly 400 different pesticide molecules, can quickly screen proposed pesticides for their toxicity, helping protect the vital pollinators.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2022

Genetic discovery to improve lung cancer treatment

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Baycrest study reveals whether you’re 18 or 80, lifestyle may be more important than age in determining dementia risk

A new Baycrest study found that individuals with no dementia risk factors have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger. Lifestyle factors such as managing diabetes, addressing hearing loss, and quitting smoking can reduce cognitive decline by up to three years of aging.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Geoscientists confirm millions-year-old dripping of Earth’s lithosphere beneath Andes Mountains

A team of researchers has confirmed that regions in the central Andes Mountains were formed through a process called lithospheric dripping, where parts of the planet's outer shell sink into the mantle over millions of years. This discovery may have implications for other terrestrial planets with non-Earth-like plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Urban environments with more vegetation are associated with better health behaviours in children

A study of 1,581 children aged 6-11 from six European countries found that exposure to more green spaces is associated with healthier habits, including increased physical activity, reduced sedentary activities, and better sleep. Urban design plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors in children.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Delaying gratification: How do children react to waiting in different cultures?

A study by UC Davis researchers found that cultural habits around waiting to eat (emphasized in Japan) and waiting to open gifts (emphasized in the US) shape distinct profiles of delaying gratification. Japanese children waited three times longer for food, while U.S. children waited nearly four times longer for gifts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Wayne State University study provides framework for prioritizing investment in drinking water systems

A new framework developed by researchers at Wayne State University aims to help state and local water authorities prioritize funding for infrastructure improvements on drinking water lead service line replacement programs. The study incorporates drinking water quality characteristics with community and environmental quality attributes,...

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

New AI model for the accurate diagnosis of neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers developed an AI system that classifies IBDN lesions accurately, displaying image-based diagnostic ability with 64.5% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. The correct diagnosis rate of the AI system was 79.0, surpassing that of endoscopists, who achieved a 77.8% accuracy rate.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2022

Assaults with paintball guns cause more serious eye injuries than previously known, new study reports

A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that paintball gun assaults can cause vision-threatening emergencies, including ruptured globes and permanent blindness. The research revealed a significantly higher rate of severe eye injuries than previously known, with some patients requiring multiple surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJul 13, 2022

Phase-boundary regulation boosting electrochemical reactivity of tin-based anodes for magnesium-ion batteries

Researchers introduced a strategy to regulate the electrochemical reactivity and performance of Sn-based anodes for Mg storage by introducing a second phase and phase boundary. The introduction of Al enhanced the electrochemical reaction with Mg in both nanoscale and bulk phases, leading to superior long-term stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2022

New material for surgical dressings shown to prevent recurrence of melanoma and enhance healing

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new dressing that can prevent the recurrence of melanoma by killing cancer cells while promoting healthy cell growth. The dressing is made with graphene oxide, elastin, and ethanol, and requires only 15 seconds of Near Infrared light every 48 hours to be effective.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

New $4M NIH grant awarded to researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University to fund groundbreaking research on disparities in hepatitis B and liver disease in Asian-Americans

The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.

How an internal body clock keeps roundworms free from constipation

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have identified the key mechanism behind roundworms' precise bowel movements, revealing a synchronized nerve impulse between the brain and gut. The study found that the AVL nerve cell in the head regulates the defecation rhythm by relaying and modulating pacemaker signals from the gut.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Discovered a mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues and organs

An international team of scientists has discovered a new mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues. The finding reveals important properties of cellular connectivity, including the relationship between cell geometry and energy consumption.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell Systems·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Enhancing foreign language learning with humor: What does and does not work

A study by Prof. Peter Neff from Doshisha University found that students prefer spontaneous verbal humor, cartoons, and memes, while visual humor is the least preferred. The study also revealed that students who appreciate humor in language classes accept the view that language learning should not be dry or humorless.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalInnovation in Language Learning and Teaching·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2022

Oncotarget | Role of germline variants in the metastasis of breast carcinomas

Researchers analyzed germline variants in breast cancer patients to identify their role in metastasis development. The study found that host genetic makeup contributes to metastasis through dysregulation of gene expression, promoting the dispersion of metastatic seeds and establishing a conducive environment for their growth.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Atomically-smooth gold crystals help to compress light for nanophotonic applications

Researchers demonstrate a new platform for guiding compressed mid-infrared light waves in ultra-thin van der Waals crystals, enabling strong light-matter interactions and improved detection limits. The use of atomically-smooth gold crystals provides a low-loss environment for the propagation of phonon-polaritons.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Examining for possible injuries from seat belt

Researchers analyzed data from trauma centers to determine if patients with seat belt injuries and negative CT scans can be safely discharged. The study found that some patients with abdominal bruising from a seat belt following a car crash may not need hospital admission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 13, 2022