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Science News for July 28, 2022


Marijuana use, sinonasal symptoms in adults

Regular cannabis use is associated with a decreased likelihood of having sinonasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and changes in smell in adults. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 28, 2022

Finding a way to defend a self-attack

Osaka University researchers identified medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing neuromuscular molecules in myasthenia gravis-thymoma samples. These findings suggest a new connection between the two diseases and may lead to novel therapeutic methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Orchid helps insect get a grip

The white egret orchid's unique petal shape supports the hawkmoth pollinator, leading to higher healthy seed production. The research found that intact plants produced more seeds than those with the fringed petal removed.

SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Advancing dynamic brain imaging with AI

A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2022

Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness

A new study successfully introduces healthy photoreceptor cells derived from stem cells into the retinas of dogs, marking significant progress toward a cell-based therapy for blindness. The treatment enables cells to survive and form connections with existing retinal cells, paving the way for a regenerative medicine approach.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

A new study gives an important understanding of how molecular motor proteins are involved in malaria transmission

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals the significance of kinesins in basic cellular processes needed for malaria parasite development, multiplication and invasion. Researchers found that eight out of nine kinesins present in the parasite genome are required for cell proliferation to cell movement in mosquito hosts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Geographic trends in opioid overdoses in US

Research found significant geographic disparities in opioid overdose death rates between US counties, with rural areas experiencing much higher rates. Between 1999 and 2020, rural overdose deaths increased by 4.5-fold, while urban rates rose by only 2.3 times.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2022

Tweeting their way to higher pay

A recent study by the University of Texas at Austin found that C-level executives who regularly promote their knowledge and expertise on Twitter are 32% more likely to land high-paying job offers. This type of personal branding has tangible effects in the form of better job opportunities and higher overall earnings.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

Regular consumption of quinoa can help to prevent type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that regular quinoa consumption can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers replaced carbohydrate-rich foods with quinoa and found a significant reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes. By mitigating this spike, quinoa may play a crucial role in preventing the progression of type 2 dia...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Research Brief: Importance of teaching physician advocacy to medical students

Research found key components of the fellowship program, including flexible curricular structure and long-term health advocacy engagement, are associated with student growth. Community-centered models offer a compelling way to enable physician advocacy to center on community needs and foster innovative system change.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2022

Rising interest rates may trigger liquidity crisis and price falls in global stock markets – new research

New research from the University of Bath shows that aggressive interest rate hikes by global central banks may lead to a liquidity crisis, high market volatility, and decreased asset prices. The study highlights the importance of finding a balance between addressing inflation and triggering a liquidity crisis.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Journal of Finance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

Research Brief: Researchers determine that AI-based tools have not yet reached full diagnostic potential in COVID-19

Researchers evaluated the real-time performance of an AI model to detect COVID-19 from chest X-rays and found that it did not outperform radiologist predictions. The study highlights the limitations of AI in diagnostic accuracy, particularly for certain groups such as women and minority populations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalRadiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

New study shows hope, options for older patients with liver cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that liver transplantation is a viable option for older patients with liver cancer, offering a significant survival benefit. The research compares outcomes between patients over 70 who received liver transplants and those who underwent ablative treatments...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 28, 2022

HKU Laboratory for Space Research put a positive spin on the Buckyball ‘C60’: Its potential for high level ionisation and as the origin for some of the Mysterious Unidentified Infrared Emission Bands seen in the Universe

A team led by Dr SeyedAbdolreza Sadjadi and Professor Quentin Parker from HKU's Laboratory for Space Research identified highly ionised species of C60 fullerene as plausible carriers of some prominent UIE bands. Theoretical mid-infrared signatures of these ionised forms match well with astronomical UIE features, providing a promising d...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Inefficient building electrification risks prolonging fossil fuels

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that decarbonization pathways need to incorporate more efficient electric heating technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize strain on the US electric grid. The researchers analyzed building energy data from March 2010 to February 2020 and found that winter heati...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

Where you live can affect your ability to conceive, Oregon State study finds

A recent Oregon State University study found that people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods are 20% less likely to conceive compared to those in more resourceful areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,300 individuals and found a significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and lower fertility rates.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

People with poor sleep behaviors may be at risk for fatty liver disease

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that people with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy sleep behaviors are at risk for developing fatty liver disease. Moderate improvement in sleep quality was related to a 29% reduction in the risk for fatty liver disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 28, 2022

Researchers take first-ever cryo-EM images of nitrogenase in action

Scientists at the University of California San Diego have taken the first-ever cryo-EM images of nitrogenase during catalytic action, providing new insights into the enzyme's mechanism and its potential for cost-effective and environmentally friendly ammonia production. The atomic-level-resolution images may pave the way for understand...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Study: Novel drug promotes nervous system repair in animal models of stroke

Researchers at University of Cincinnati and Case Western Reserve University found a novel drug enables nervous system repair and functional recovery in animal models of severe ischemic stroke. The study demonstrated significant improvement in motor function, sensory function, spatial learning, and memory. NVG-291-R repairs damage throu...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

New Antarctic study shows levels of ‘forever chemicals’ reaching the remote continent have been increasing

New evidence from Antarctica shows toxic fluorinated forever chemicals have increased markedly in recent decades, with scientists believing CFC-replacements are a likely source. The most abundant chemical discovered was perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), which has been linked to human exposure and immune system impairment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Critical oncology trial data remains hidden

A multi-national study found that over half of clinical trials leading to FDA-approved anticancer medicines are not available for independent scrutiny. The lack of transparency hinders the use of data for further research into the safety and efficacy of medicines.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

In early COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, health facilities in US metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer immunizations – indicating a possible vaccine access barrier

A US study found that health facilities in metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential vaccine access barriers. The study suggests disparities in vaccine distribution across the country.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Idoteas are the sea’s bees

A team of scientists has discovered that idoteas, tiny marine creatures, play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of red algae by pollinating them. This unique interaction not only aids the alga's reproduction but also provides the idotea with food and shelter.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

And when will YOUR medical care collapse?

A research team from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna has developed a stress test to identify weaknesses and strengths in healthcare systems. They used data from Austria to show how many resident physicians can drop out before patients don't find a new doctor within reasonable distance, highlighting regional differences in resilience.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2022

The article discusses new guidelines for big data research, including the potential for group harm. It also explores biobank research from an African American community's perspective and the implementation of electronic consent procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Scientists fabricate high-performance large-area perovskite submodules for solar cells

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics fabricate high-performance perovskite submodules with stability and outstanding photovoltaic performance. They achieve this using a surface redox engineering strategy, eliminating the local de-wetting problem and enhancing electronic properties.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2022

New link found that connects cell signaling pathway to development of esophageal cancers, Barrett’s syndrome

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered a cell signaling pathway responsible for the development of esophageal adenocarcinomas. The Ephrin B2 (EphB2) Tyrosine kinase pathway is activated during cancer growth and regulates the behavior of normal esophageal cells, making it an attractive therapeutic target.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGastroenterology·DateJul 28, 2022

Brain imaging reveals how mindfulness program boosts pain regulation

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds found that mindfulness training alters specific pathways in the brain related to pain regulation. Participants who completed an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course showed a reduction in pain-related brain activity, suggesting a potential new ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

A "nano-robot" built entirely from DNA to explore cell processes

Scientists have developed a DNA nano-robot that can apply forces with unprecedented accuracy, enabling closer study of mechanical forces at microscopic levels. The robot is designed to target specific mechanoreceptors, allowing researchers to activate them and study key signaling pathways involved in biological processes.

Chemotherapy drugs from “rogue” online pharmacies could endanger leukemia patients, suggests research in JNCCN

A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 28, 2022