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Science News for July 21, 2022


Astronomers develop novel way to ‘see’ the first stars through the fog of the early Universe

A team of astronomers has developed a novel way to observe the first stars and galaxies, detecting light through the fog of the early Universe. The Square Kilometre Array will likely make images of the earliest light, but current telescopes struggle to detect the cosmological signal through hydrogen clouds.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

Lighting up the B cells

Researchers create CDyB, a fluorescent probe that targets SLC35C2 transporter in B cells, allowing for live-cell distinction from T cells. The study enriches the molecular probe toolbox and opens possibilities for multi-dimensional cell analysis.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

New method to map the surface of the moon increases accuracy to unprecedented levels

A new method developed by Iris Fernandes increases topography mapping accuracy on the moon, making it possible for safe landing and robotic movement. The method uses shadows in images to extract exact topography details, eliminating previous computational inefficiencies and assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

AI speeds sepsis detection to prevent hundreds of deaths

A new AI system developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University has been shown to detect sepsis more accurately and quickly than current methods, potentially saving thousands of lives. The system uses computational simulation and modeling to analyze patient data and identify early warning signs of sepsis.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2022

THE LANCET: 160 million women worldwide have unmet contraception needs; new study reveals large differences in types of contraceptives used across regions and age groups

A new study estimates that over 160 million women and adolescents worldwide need contraception but lack access to it, with significant disparities in use across regions and age groups. The study found that young women, particularly those aged 15-24, face the highest levels of unmet need, amounting to 43 million globally.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2022

Just 10 financial actors hold the key to climate change

A new report identifies the top 10 financial actors influencing the fossil fuel economy and outlines their decisive role in helping de-carbonize our future. The study suggests that these influential actors, including investment advisors and governments, can make transformative changes to reduce fossil fuel production.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·DateJul 21, 2022

Patient deterioration predictor could surpass limits of traditional vital signs

Researchers developed an AI-driven device that detects and predicts hemodynamic instability using a single ECG lead, outperforming traditional vital sign measurements with nearly 97% sensitivity. The technology has the potential to provide continuous dynamic monitoring capabilities in patients with intermittent static vital sign measur...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies

A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

A new take on the ‘marshmallow test’: When it comes to resisting temptation, a child's cultural upbringing matters

A new study found that children from Kyoto, Japan, waited three times longer for food than for gifts, while those from Boulder, Colorado, waited nearly four times longer for gifts. The study suggests that cultural upbringing plays a significant role in shaping children's self-control and habits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2022

Generating power where seawater and river water meet

Researchers explored the potential of osmotic power generation using 2D materials, which can efficiently generate electricity from the concentration difference between seawater and river water. The technology has the potential to produce one terawatt of electricity annually, making it a promising alternative to wind and solar power.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateJul 21, 2022

Google/Apple’s contact-tracing apps susceptible to digital attacks

Researchers found a flaw in Google/Apple's exposure notification framework that can be exploited for replay attacks, potentially causing false positive notifications and disrupting trust in the system. A patch, called GAEN+, has been developed to address this issue using coarse location data from Wi-Fi access points and cell phone towers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

Resistance to mosaic disease explained

Researchers have discovered the genetic basis of natural resistance in cassava to mosaic disease, which is transmitted by whiteflies and causes significant yield losses. The gene, known as CMD2, is a DNA polymerase that corrects errors during replication, making it essential for the virus's survival.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Evidence that asylum seekers are facing human rights violations in Croatia is now incontestable, says new study

Researchers found evidence of extreme police brutality and forced expulsions of hundreds of asylum seekers from Croatia, with over 25,000 people affected. The study also reveals the use of 'chain pushbacks' involving multiple EU countries and Croatian police violence against migrants.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

Wildfire-smoke observations fill gap in estimating soot’s role in climate change

Scientists have developed a new method to estimate the impact of black carbon from wildfires on climate change, using measurements of light absorption by coated soot particles. The study provides a more accurate way to forecast global climate change and resolves a long-standing uncertainty in earth system models.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

Potential target for Type 1 diabetes treatment

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new pathway to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells, which could lead to new therapies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study uses a drug approved by the US FDA to reactivate dormant insulin-producing cells, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceMonash University·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

'Sensing system' spots struggling ecosystems

A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 2022

Gender pay gap linked to unpaid chores in childhood

A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFeminist Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Moffitt researchers create software program that allows simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction

A new software program, Mistic, allows for the simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction methods. The software enables the extraction of data from multiplexed images, facilitating the understanding of cancer biology and the development of new therapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalPatterns·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

Hormone infusion improves pancreatic insulin production in cystic fibrosis patients with or at risk for diabetes

Researchers have found that infusing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone can improve impaired islet cell function in the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and treatment burden. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDiabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 21, 2022

Making a spectacle of stigma in RuPaul’s Drag Race

The article in Journal of Management Studies explores how organizations can use spectacularization to bring stigmatized individuals into the spotlight, creating a new reality. The authors examine Nike's marketing campaign on Colin Kaepernick, highlighting the tension between stigma reduction and social awareness.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJul 21, 2022

Microbial ´dark matter´: Centuries-old lava caves of Hawaiʻi Island contain thousands of unknown bacterial species

A new study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that centuries-old lava caves on Hawaiʻi Island harbor an astonishing number of previously undiscovered bacterial species, including the Chloroflexi group. These microbes play key ecological roles in their communities and may have played a crucial role in shaping life on Mars and early Earth.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Not only are bird species going extinct, but they might also lose the features that make each species unique

Research predicts that bird species extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. Birds with extreme features are most likely to be affected, including the largest and smallest species, as well as regions like the Himalayan mountains and south Vietnam/Cambodia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

North ‘plaza’ in Cahokia was likely inundated year-round, study finds

A new study suggests that the north plaza in Cahokia, a major pre-Columbian city, was almost always underwater, blurring the lines between dry plazas and wetlands. The research, published in World Archaeology, reveals that water played a central role in the city's culture, trade, and cosmological beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalWorld Archaeology·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

Maintenance of immunity to COVID-19 after infection or vaccination

A new study found that COVID-19 serologically-positive donors had strong antigen-specific memory B cell-associated responses after recovery from natural infection. Post-vaccination, donors showed robust antibody responses against spike protein, which waned over time. The study suggests how long immunity to COVID-19 may last.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViral Immunology·TypeCase study·DateJul 21, 2022

New Hampshire and Northeast U.S. region’s high childhood cancer rates re-examined

A new study from Dartmouth Cancer Center re-examines claims of high pediatric cancer rates in New Hampshire, revealing the Northeast region has a statistically significantly higher incidence of cancer compared to all other U.S. regions. Within the Northeastern states, no single state is an outlier, with significant variations in incide...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Protective T cells remain 20 months after COVID-19

Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJul 21, 2022

Marshall University researchers assess prescription drug names

A new study by Marshall University researchers reveals that prescription drug brand names in the US are increasingly using uncommon letters. The study found that letters A, V, X, and Z are more frequently used than expected, while letters E, H, T, and S are underrepresented.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalExploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

North Atlantic temperature helps forecast extreme events in Northeast Brazil up to 3 months in advance

A study by Brazilian, Chinese, Australian, and German researchers found that North Atlantic temperature can predict reduced rainfall and intense droughts in the Northeast region of Brazil. The findings suggest a more persistent influence of the North Atlantic than previously thought.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2022

Model (virus) behavior

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalViruses·DateJul 21, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the scanning capability of magnetic particle imaging systems used for medical imaging

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers have developed a rabbit-scale three-dimensional magnetic particle imaging system that can scan large volumes at high resolution. The system uses amplitude modulation to minimize peripheral nerve stimulation while maintaining high image quality.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

“Overlapping surgery” to reduce hospital waiting lists – exciting concept, but no evidence it will increase number of operations

A new study suggests that overlapping surgery could help reduce hospital waiting lists by allowing a single surgeon to operate in two parallel theatres. However, the study's authors warn that this approach may increase the risk of complications, especially if critical portions of surgery are not adequately covered.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateJul 21, 2022

Fast, efficient COVID-19 biosensor under development

Researchers from Indiana University are developing a new biosensor that can analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 90%. The sensor detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virus.

SourceIndiana University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 21, 2022

Why Jupiter doesn’t have rings like Saturn

New research by UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane suggests that Jupiter's four main moons would quickly destroy any large ring formations. This prevents Jupiter from having substantial rings, unlike Saturn. The study provides evidence of catastrophic events in the past through the analysis of ring compositions and shapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPlanetary Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2022

Competition, not climate, limits bird species’ ranges in tropical mountains

A new study of 31 mountain regions across the globe found that species interactions, not climate, limit bird species' ranges in tropical mountains. The study used 4.4 million fine-scale locality records from eBird and suggests that physiological adaptations to climatic niches result in high numbers of species in tropical mountains.

Demonstration of a potent, universal coronavirus monoclonal antibody therapy for all COVID-19 variants

Researchers discovered a potent universal coronavirus therapy that targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein, highly conserved among beta-coronaviruses. The monoclonal antibody protected against infections when given as an intraperitoneal injection or nasal dose in animal experiments.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Anti-amyloid drugs and Alzheimer’s disease

A recent PLOS Biology study examines the limitations of current anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's disease, suggesting abnormal microglial function and tau tangles as key mechanisms. The authors review clinical trial results and propose new strategies for treating the disease, bringing hope for a cure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Tomatoes, but not farm workers, gardeners, safe from soil lead

A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.

Asthma medication not working? Try another

Researchers found that patients who switched to a different medication experienced a significant reduction in exacerbations, with 89% continuing treatment. The study suggests that different medications work for different people, making it essential to try alternative options.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022

How do galaxies evolve? A UMass Amherst undergrad may have provided the missing link

A UMass Amherst undergraduate student's work has provided key insight into how galaxies evolve, linking supermassive black hole growth to star formation. The study uses mid-infrared spectra to quantify the connection between these phenomena, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 21, 2022