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Science News for July 20, 2022


A new method to detect exoplanets

Researchers have discovered a new technique for detecting dim bodies, including planets, orbiting Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The method analyzes changes in brightness caused by perturbations of a third body orbiting the inner two stars. Two out of four studied CV systems show signs of planetary mass objects in orbit around them.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

New insights on pest fruit fly species across oceanic islands

Researchers used phylogenomics to evaluate relationships among species in the B. frauenfeldi complex, concluding there are five distinct species and a continuum between B. frauenfeldi and B. albistrigata pests. The study's findings provide essential data for pest management and international agricultural trade.

SourceWiley·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateJul 20, 2022

Ochsner study shows that social circumstances have outsized impact on hypertension control

A large clinical trial conducted at Ochsner Health found that social determinants of health, including financial stress and lack of health literacy, have a significant impact on blood pressure control rates among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that these barriers can eliminate racial disparities in hyperten...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 20, 2022

New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate

Neuroscientists have uncovered the step-by-step process of how calcium channels accumulate at active zones in neurons, a critical component of synaptic transmission. The study reveals that alpha2delta plays a key role in regulating Cac levels, and its function has important clinical effects on conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Molecular breast imaging lexicon informs interpretation

A retrospective study of molecular breast imaging (MBI) findings suggests that the MBI lexicon's lesion descriptors can inform interpretation and guide the incorporation into the BI-RADS Atlas. The study found high positivity rates for malignancy among mass lesions, those with marked uptake intensity, and certain distribution patterns.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

A new measure of psychological safety for patients

Researchers created a new scale to assess how safe patients feel, dividing it into three sub-scales: Social Engagement, Compassion, and Bodily Sensations. The Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) has potential applications in tracking progress in psychological therapy or assessing hospital outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

Psychological resilience linked to better walking capacity after hip surgery

A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with high psychological resilience can walk faster and longer after hip surgery than those with low resilience. Researchers measured resilience through a questionnaire and assessed walking capacity at baseline and 16 weeks later.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 20, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022

Idea of ice age 'species pump' in the Philippines boosted by new way of drawing evolutionary trees

A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

Ultrasonic detectors reveal the detrimental effect of wind turbines at forest sites on bats

A team of scientists from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that forest specialist bats avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss. The researchers recommend that wind turbines should not be sited inside forests, but rather in open landscapes with compensatory measures.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Digitalize hip and knee replacement surveys to save time and improve compliance, research finds

Research found that modernizing patient-reported outcome measures with computerized adaptive testing can significantly reduce data collection time and improve completion rates. The new method uses algorithms to select relevant questions for individual patients, reducing the number of questions from 12 to just four at 90% precision.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2022

Improving serious illness communication for patients with advanced cancer

A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2022

Professional athletes perform better against former clubs, according to research

Research found professional athletes show better individual attacking performance in matches against their former clubs. Emotions, rather than knowledge of opponents' tactics, contribute significantly to their success. Coaches and sports managers can benefit from this understanding, while bookmakers may adjust betting odds.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJul 20, 2022

Better outcomes when police, ambulance and mental health services attend 111 mental health emergencies together, NZ study finds

A New Zealand study found that emergency services working together to attend mental health emergencies results in faster resolution and better outcomes. The co-response team model improved the likelihood of receiving community support and reduced wait times in emergency departments.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Zooming across the political divide

A UCLA study found that conversations between liberals and conservatives over Zoom can be meaningful and congenial, with participants reporting less conflict and stress. The presence of an ideological ingroup's audience can make conversations more conflicted, but even then, participants still find them more enjoyable.

Study debunks rise of conspiracy theories

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that the number of people believing in conspiracy theories has not increased over time. The research, conducted by University of Miami academics and supported by a U-LINK grant, analyzed data from polls dating back to the 1960s and found no significant increase in belief in these theories. Des...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

New Jersey Health Foundation awards three grants to Kessler Foundation to advance cognitive and mobility research in neurological disabilities

Kessler Foundation researchers will conduct studies on brain injury, knee osteoarthritis, and pediatric cerebral palsy using mixed-reality technology, robotic exoskeletons, and cycling feedback systems. The grants aim to improve safety and mobility for elderly individuals with cognitive impairments and those with neurological disorders.

Home and hospital healthcare could be in 'hot water'

A new study by Flinders University experts warns that some drinking water treatment methods may be ineffective against certain waterborne pathogens, posing a threat to immune-compromised individuals. Regular maintenance checks and cleaning of shower and tap faucets can help reduce the risk of waterborne infections in home care.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022

Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

The 20th anniversary of China’s signing of the Stockholm Convention: Towards a POPs-free World

China has established an implementation guarantee system and strengthened capacity development to promote the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. The country has seen significant reductions in pesticide residues and PCBs, with a disposal rate of 100% for hazardous waste.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 20, 2022

Chemists create artificial protein that peers into Earth’s chemical past

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an artificial protein that could provide new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. The protein, inspired by a key enzyme in energy production, has been shown to build molecules one step at a time, shedding light on how organic chemistry matured on the planet.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Statement from NIH and BARDA on the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended by the CDC for primary series use in US adults ages 18+, following FDA authorization. The vaccine demonstrates 90.4% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against moderate-to-severe disease. NIH and BARDA supported its development, with NIAID scientists...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 20, 2022

Hormone replacement therapy doesn't lead to breast cancer reoccurrence

A large cohort study found that hormone replacement therapy for breast cancer survivors is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence. The study included over 8,400 Danish postmenopausal women and found no link between vaginal estrogen or menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer reoccurrence.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Study identifies barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the powerful influence of family and friends

A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates are driven more by perceptions of others' intentions than public health messaging. Family and friends have a stronger influence on vaccination decisions, while public health efforts targeting broader groups may be less effective.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Going against the flow: Scientists reveal garden eels’ unique way of feeding

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University found that garden eels retreat into their burrows to feed in strong currents, reducing drag on their body by 57%. Their feeding rate peaks at around 0.2 m/s, wider than free-swimming reef fish.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Racial discrimination affects brain microstructure

A new study finds that racial discrimination affects brain microstructure, increasing the risk for health disorders in Black women. Traumatic experiences lead to changes in brain white matter tracts, which may enhance risk for negative health outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Researchers make new discoveries about severe alcoholic hepatitis

Researchers have identified two distinct phenotypes of inflammatory cell infiltration in severe alcoholic hepatitis, suggesting separate mechanisms driving liver injury and failure. These findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches, such as identifying patients who are more or less likely to respond to steroid therapy.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2022

Melanoma thickness equally hard for algorithms and dermatologists to judge

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that assessing melanoma thickness is challenging for both human dermatologists and machine-learning algorithms. Despite differences in success rates, both groups achieved comparable results when evaluating dermoscopic images, highlighting the need for further study to improve diagnost...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Early detection by Tango

The Tango assay combines accumulation and a logical AND gate operation to identify prostate cancer biomarkers in blood samples. It achieves 91% accuracy in detecting prostate cancer in just 15 minutes, offering a non-invasive alternative to biopsies.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

A healthy lifestyle can offset a high genetic risk for stroke, according to new research by UTHealth Houston

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 20, 2022

Deep learning for new alloys

Using the Stampede2 supercomputer, researchers have developed a deep learning model that predicts the properties of over 370,000 high-entropy alloy compositions. The study also applied association rule mining to discover design rules for high-entropy alloy development and proposed several compositions for experimentalists to synthesize.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2022

Law enforcement in the emergency department

Researchers examined law enforcement interactions with patients and clinicians in an urban emergency department, highlighting their impact on patient care. The study's findings suggest that effective communication between law enforcement officers and healthcare providers is crucial for safe and efficient patient treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 20, 2022

Johns Hopkins APL assembles first global map of lunar hydrogen

Scientists from Johns Hopkins APL have compiled the first complete map of hydrogen abundances on the Moon's surface using data collected over two decades ago. The map identifies two types of lunar materials containing enhanced hydrogen and corroborates previous ideas about lunar hydrogen and water.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Magnetic memory milestone

Scientists have successfully switched the state of a bit in memory using spin-orbit torque switching in antiferromagnetic material Mn3Sn, promising faster and more efficient devices. This breakthrough could lead to radical improvements in performance compared to current electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

With just a tablespoon of blood, B.C. researchers aim to transform cancer treatment

Researchers developed a new blood test that analyzes circulating tumour DNA, providing unprecedented insight into cancer make-up. The test reveals unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. It also sheds light on treatment resistance and helps predict effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Review outlines methods to estimate life expectancy

A systematic review by Leicester researchers has explored common methods used to predict years of life lost, highlighting differences between basic and advanced methods. The study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals and researchers, promoting better understanding of life expectancy metrics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 20, 2022

Study details U.S. health spending by region

A new study analyzes US health spending by region and finds that distinct factors drive variation across payers. Regional utilization of healthcare services is highly correlated across payers, but spending itself shows minimal correlation between Medicaid and Medicare populations.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 20, 2022

Higher cardiovascular health may partially offset increased genetic risk for stroke

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 20, 2022

Putting the brakes on "budding" viruses

Researchers have published the first-ever look at a key stage in the life cycles of measles and Nipah viruses, revealing how future therapies might stop these viruses. The study identifies how paramyxoviruses utilize a host cell lipid for viral spread, providing a new target for developing inhibitors of the assembly process.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Bioinspired whisker arrays can work as antennae to detect sources of flow disturbances under water or in the air

Researchers at City, University of London have developed bioinspired whisker arrays that can locate sources of hydrodynamic wakes, similar to how sea lions use their whiskers. This technology has the potential to monitor flow over aerofoils and detect unusual signatures in the air.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Is there wealth stability across generations in the U.S.?

A study analyzing U.S. data from 1984-2017 found that grandparents' wealth is strongly positively correlated with their younger generation's asset components. However, Black individuals tend to be less invested in risky assets even after adjusting for intergenerational transfers.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJul 20, 2022

UConn study finds interprofessional communication may aid family reunification in child welfare cases

A UConn study suggests that frequent communication between caseworkers and professionals involved in child welfare cases is associated with increased likelihood of timely family reunification. The research highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration to identify barriers, stay on the same page, and make timely decisions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Public Child Welfare·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Making a memory positive or negative

Salk researchers identify neurotensin as a key molecule in the brain's valence assignment process, which associates good or bad feelings with memories. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of why some people retain more negative emotions than positive ones, and may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2022

Human eggs remain healthy for decades by putting ‘batteries on standby mode’

Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Anti-inflammatory compound shows potential in treating patients with severe COVID-19

A multi-site trial found OP-101 to be effective in reducing inflammatory markers and markers of neurological injury, with improved outcomes for patients. The study showed a significant reduction in the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death at 30 and 60 days after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2022

Lithiophilic seeds and rigid arrays synergistic induced dendrite-free and stable Li anode towards long-life lithium-oxygen batteries

Researchers prepared lithiophilic aluminum oxide nanoparticles to enhance rigidity of carbon nanotube arrays, inhibiting dendrite growth and stabilizing the SEI film. The resulting battery exhibited enhanced redox kinetics and long cycle life.