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Science News for June 16, 2022


New research reveals tradeoff between complex words and complex grammar in sentences

A new study of patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) shows that those who struggle with complex words compensate by using simpler ones. Healthy volunteers also exhibit a similar balance between word complexity and syntactic structure, suggesting a fundamental property of language production.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

“Volcano-shaped” trend enables rational design of polysulfide catalysts in lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers discovered a 'volcano-shaped' relationship between polysulfide adsorption and catalytic activity in lithium-sulfur batteries. This finding modifies the long-standing principle that strong adsorption leads to good catalytic activity, suggesting catalysts should be designed separately to improve performance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Life expectancy in the U.S. increased between 2000-2019, but widespread gaps among racial and ethnic groups exist

Life expectancy in the US increased by 2.3 years between 2000-2019, but gaps among racial and ethnic groups remain. The study found that Black populations have higher life expectancy in most counties, while American Indian and Alaska Native populations face lower life expectancy and significant gaps with other groups.

Language matters when describing weight loss goals

Researchers found that using analytical language when describing weight loss goals led to greater weight loss success and lower dropout rates. Analytical language, such as focusing on what's important and why, was associated with more weight loss and less program attrition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

New research utilizes cell phone data to track population movements and more efficiently implement pandemic lockdowns

A new study utilizes cell phone data to optimize pandemic lockdown policies, resulting in a reduction of infections by up to 23%-42% while minimizing economic losses. By targeting specific areas with targeted closures, the approach achieves higher economic activity compared to uniform citywide closure policies.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

More than one way to skin a tumor

Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Researchers reveal new mechanism of end-permian terrestrial mass extinction

Researchers found a sharp S-isotopic decrease coincided with the terrestrial extinction in the Sydney Basin, linked to climatic perturbations of short-term cooling and longer-term global warming. The study provides new evidence for the massive deposition of atmospheric sulfate, potentially contributing to the EPE on land.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 16, 2022

Let machines do the work: Automating semiconductor research with machine learning

Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Armed Forces Personnel who are injured in combat at greater risk of poor mental health

New research from King's College London found that members of the British Armed Forces who were physically injured while fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to experience poor mental health, including depression and PTSD. The study also suggests that the type of injury sustained can influence the overall outcome.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Genetic screening algorithm could identify people with kidney disease risk

A new algorithm can analyze thousands of genomic variants to estimate a person's risk of developing chronic kidney disease, with the highest scores indicating tripled risk compared to the general population. Early detection may prevent many cases of kidney failure and reduce the need for transplant or dialysis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Wildfire smoke exposure negatively impacts dairy cow health

A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science finds that dairy cows exposed to wildfire smoke experience reduced milk production and altered immune function. The researchers observed a decrease in milk yield for seven consecutive days during the smoke exposure period, which persisted for another seven days post-exposure.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2022

A light twist

A researcher at the University of Tsukuba has developed a method for producing electrically conductive polymers with helical configurations, which can convert linearly polarized light into circular polarization. This approach may lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient electronic displays.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals·DateJun 16, 2022

New strain of extensively drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected in Austria

Scientists detect a highly resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Austria, causing treatment failure with current antibiotics. The discovery highlights the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial surveillance and development of novel treatments to combat this growing public health concern.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Newly documented population of polar bears in Southeast Greenland sheds light on the species’ future in a warming Arctic

A previously unknown subpopulation of polar bears living in Southeast Greenland has been genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to its environment. The study provides insight into how the species might persist into the future, but highlights the need for careful extrapolation due to limited access to sea ice.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Research extends the lifetime of molecules in organic flow batteries to practical values

Harvard researchers develop new method to extend the lifetime of organic molecules in organic aqueous flow batteries, improving their commercial viability. The approach works by periodically providing a shock to revive decomposed molecules, resulting in a net lifetime increase of up to 260 times.

Bringing daylight back into view: Scientists transplant human photoreceptors to successfully recover daylight perception in mice

Researchers at TU Dresden have developed a method to produce high numbers of human photoreceptor cells that can incorporate into partially degenerated mouse retinas and restore daylight perception. The incorporated photoreceptors developed characteristics of normal photoreceptors and could detect daylight in mice with damaged eyesight.

Sharks may be closer to the city than you think, new study finds

Researchers tracked shark movements near Miami's city limits, finding they spent significant time near lights and sounds. This suggests sharks may be drawn to shore by land-based activities like fish carcass discarding, potentially impacting their health and survival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

To treat or to tolerate (pathogens), that is the question

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute identified genes and molecular pathways that control tolerance to pathogens in frog embryos, which are also found in mammals. The study suggests that increasing tolerance to pathogens could be an effective way to prevent death and disease without exacerbating antibiotic resistance.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

How autonomous non-destructive testing can change the future construction scenery

A new framework for autonomous non-destructive testing (NDT) uses active learning to guide sampling towards damaged locations, improving damage localization with fewer samples. The framework outperforms existing methods and can be applied to various NDT techniques, enabling more efficient and reliable construction processes.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAutomation in Construction·DateJun 16, 2022

Peanut allergy treatment safest when started for infants under 12 months

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that infants under 12 months who undergo oral immunotherapy have a better safety profile compared to older preschoolers. The treatment, which involves gradually increasing exposure to peanut flour, is highly effective and safe for this age group.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Cancer-causing pollutants in the global food chain exceed EU safety limits in 90% of the studied areas

A study found that nearly 90% of areas studied had cancer-causing dioxins and PCBs in free-range eggs exceeding EU regulatory food limits. Eggs are a major pathway for human exposure to toxic chemicals, and contaminated sites include industrial waste incinerators and plastic burning sites.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEmerging Contaminants·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2022

Researchers develop a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality

Researchers have developed a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality, providing a resource to estimate reductions in life expectancy for various disorders. The study analyzed data from 7,378,598 people living in Denmark from 2000 to 2018 and generated a panel of epidemiological and mortality metrics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Diamonds are for quantum sensing

A team of researchers at the University of Tsukuba has developed a new method for measuring tiny changes in magnetic fields using nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamonds. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate quantum sensors and spintronic computers, enabling precise monitoring of temperature, magnetic, and electric fields.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAPL Photonics·DateJun 16, 2022

CABI-led research prioritizes Invasive Alien Species threat to Kenya

The study identified 21 arthropods, 9 nematodes, and 20 pathogenetic species that pose a threat to Kenya's crops and biodiversity. The prioritized species include silverleaf whitefly, peace fruit fly, and yellow crazy ant, which require further monitoring and mitigating action.

SourceCABI·JournalBiological Invasions·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

Up to 80% of athletes who die suddenly had no symptoms or family history of heart disease

The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJun 16, 2022

Red meat consumption may remain high in Finland despite consumer support for plant-based diets

A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Primary hyperparathyroidism linked to bone fracture, stroke, and heart attack

Untreated primary hyperparathyroidism increases the risk of hip fracture by 51% and heart attack or stroke risk by 45%. Surgical removal of parathyroid glands significantly reduces these risks. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients with this hormonal disease and considering cardiovascular risk in surgery decisions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome at risk of heart complications during delivery, study finds

A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 16, 2022

Martian meteorite upsets planet formation theory

Researchers found that a Martian meteorite shows evidence of delivering chondritic volatiles to the forming planet before nebular gases, contradicting current thinking. This suggests that Mars' growth was completed before the solar nebula was dissipated, and raises questions about the origin and composition of Mars' early atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

*Free* The vast majority of global marine oil pollution is due to human activity

A recent study using satellite images identified over 450,000 ocean oil slicks worldwide, finding that the overwhelming majority (94%) are caused by human activity. The remaining 6% can be attributed to natural sources, highlighting the need for better understanding of global oil pollution and its impacts on marine ecology.

Can a parasitic wasp save your fruit crops?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have created a genetic toolkit to investigate the molecular mechanisms of a parasitic wasp, Asobara japonica. By analyzing its genome and using RNA interference, they identified key genes involved in venom production and found that suppressing these genes can lead to phenotypic changes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateJun 16, 2022

Successful development of pentacene derivative that has 100 times more light durability than conventional products

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a pentacene derivative with significantly improved photostability, exceeding 100 times that of existing products. The molecule's planarity and π-electron conjugation are strengthened through the addition of a radical substituent.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

University of Houston biochemistry researchers repair and regenerate heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Cardiovascular Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Understanding learning by inference

A study from the University of California, Davis, shows how humans use cognitive maps to infer indirect outcomes, allowing for accelerated learning and faster decision-making. The researchers found activity linked to inferential learning in the prefrontal cortex and midbrain, implicating dopamine in updating beliefs through inference.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Experiment results confirm anomaly suggesting new physics possibility

The Baksan Experiment on Sterile Transitions (BEST) has confirmed an anomaly in previous experiments, which may point to the existence of a sterile neutrino or indicate a need for reworking fundamental nuclear physics. The results were recently published in Physical Review Letters and Physical Review C, sparking debate among scientists.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal Review shines a light on the overlooked virus, hepatitis D

Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

US infertility rate plateaus

A new study found that women over 40, non-Hispanic Black women, and those with lower education levels are more likely to experience infertility. The US fertility rate has plateaued, but access to healthcare services is a significant factor in preventing infertility.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 16, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Rice lab’s quantum simulator delivers new insight

Physicists at Rice University have created a quantum simulator that reveals the behavior of electrons in one-dimensional wires, shedding light on spin-charge separation. The study's findings have implications for quantum computing and electronics with atom-scale wires.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022