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Science News for June 2, 2022


Story tips: Tailor-made molecules, better battery electrolytes, beyond Moore’s Law and improving climate model accuracy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant advancements in recovering rare earth metals, developing safer batteries, and enhancing material properties through tailored molecules and advanced microscopy. These discoveries could lead to more efficient clean energy technologies and reduced carbon impacts.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Women are not being routinely informed that a common anaesthetic may make their contraception less effective, UK doctors warn

New research highlights that women undergoing operations are not being routinely informed about the potential risks of contraceptive failure when administered sugammadex. This anaesthetic drug is known to interact with hormone progesterone and reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including the Pill and mini-pill.

Minimally invasive surgery provides new option to guide skull shape in infants with complex craniosynostosis

A new minimally invasive surgical approach uses spring-mediated cranioplasty and distraction osteogenesis to guide skull shape in infants with complex craniosynostosis. This technique enables normal brain development while improving head shape, with significant improvement seen in a 3-month-old girl with a complex form of the condition.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateJun 2, 2022

Brain scans remarkably good at predicting political ideology

A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that brain scans can accurately predict a person's political ideology, regardless of whether they are performing tasks or simply thinking. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze the brain activity of 174 healthy adu...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

Advanced liquid crystal devices for AR/VR displays: Principles and Applications

Researchers have developed advanced liquid crystal devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) displays, improving image quality and formfactor. The devices address challenges such as light efficiency, resolution density, and ambient contrast ratio, providing valuable guidelines for future LC device development.

Rates of experiencing, perpetrating sexual violence among transgender, cisgender, nonbinary youth

A recent study examined rates of experiencing and perpetrating sexual violence among nearly 4,200 youth aged 14-16. The research found significant differences in rates of violence based on gender identity. Younger and more marginalized individuals were disproportionately affected by both victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 2022

New technology developed by Mass General researchers creates a multi-color molecular movie

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed scission-accelerated fluorophore exchange (SAFE) to visualize molecules in living cells without disrupting normal physiological processes. The method uses immunofluorescence tags and fast chemical reactions to remove tags, creating a multi-color movie-like continuous stream of ima...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Black youth in racist communities fare worse in mental health treatment

A meta-analysis by Dr. Maggi Price and colleagues found that Black youth living in communities with high levels of anti-Black racism are less likely to benefit from psychotherapy. The study suggests that addressing stigma and incorporating advocacy into treatment is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. Training programs must e...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

NIH study confirms benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration

A new report confirms the benefits of supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin for slowing age-related macular degeneration progression. The AREDS2 study found that these supplements reduced the risk of AMD progression by 26% compared to the original formula, which contained beta-carotene.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2022

Overlooked proteins may be key to better diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

A recent study at UC San Francisco discovered that fragmented tau protein in diseased neurons could be a new target for existing drugs, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. The researchers found that measuring the fragments in cerebrospinal fluid may help distinguish between different forms of dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuropathology and Applied Neurobiology·DateJun 2, 2022

End of strict COVID measures in China could result in 1.5 million deaths, study finds

A recent study published in Nature Medicine predicts that China's abandonment of Zero-COVID policies could result in approximately 1.5 million deaths due to the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19. The study highlights the need for critical measures such as vaccination, antiviral therapies, and non-pharmaceutical intervention...

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

We don’t need road noise pollution

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children exposed to road traffic noise in schools have slower attention and working memory development compared to those in quieter environments. The research suggests potential implications for environmental noise policies protecting school environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Recent papers in ACS Environmental Au

Recent papers in ACS Environmental Au explore the impact of aerosol acidity in the southeastern U.S. and the effects of environmental films on native ecosystems. The journal also investigates electrospun nanofibrous membranes for controlling airborne viruses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Environmental Au·DateJun 2, 2022

Stromal cells, maestros of the intestine

In a mouse model, stromal cells developed before weaning age promote the maturation of the intestinal barrier by forming a specialized niche. Absence of these cells induces defect in postnatal growth and increases susceptibility to intestinal inflammatory diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 2, 2022

How storytelling can motivate us to help others

Researchers found that personal narratives increase empathy and encourage prosocial behaviors, particularly towards higher-risk groups like the incarcerated or healthcare workers. The study suggests using storytelling can shift an individual's perspective and promote behavioral changes in public health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 2, 2022

Highly efficient green InP-based quantum dot light-emitting diodes regulated by inner alloyed shell component

Researchers developed highly efficient pure green-emitting InP-based QLEDs with an external quantum efficiency of 15.2%. The performance can be optimized by regulating the components of the inner alloyed ZnSe shell, reducing surface defects and increasing photoluminescence quantum yield.

How glyphosate affects brood care in bumblebees

A study by Dr. Anja Weidenmüller reveals that glyphosate affects the collective thermoregulatory capacity of bumblebee colonies, impacting brood development and colony growth. This effect is particularly pronounced in times of resource scarcity, highlighting the need to reassess pesticide approval procedures.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

COVID kidney injury twice as common as diagnosed

A University of Queensland-led study found that millions of COVID-19 patients may have undiagnosed acute kidney injury (AKI), which can lead to serious illness or death. The true AKI diagnosis rates are likely double existing data, highlighting the need for improved detection and management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Graphic warnings on cigarette labels led smokers to hide packs

A randomized clinical trial found that smokers who received cigarette packs with graphic warning labels hid their packs 38% more often. However, when they returned to regular packs without the labels, hiding behavior returned to baseline levels. The study suggests that graphic warnings may not be effective in reducing smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2022

Tracking sleep with a self-powering smart pillow

A new study presents a self-powering smart pillow that tracks head movement during sleep using triboelectric nanogenerators. This system could improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring and have uses beyond tracking sleep, such as monitoring patients with cervical spondylosis or detecting early warning signs for falls.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 2, 2022

A model of improved safety for LNG storage

Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBulletin of Earthquake Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022

New type of pneumococcal vaccine developed by KI scientists

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Which forces control the elevation of mountains?

Scientists propose a new classification scheme using the Beaumont number to describe whether mountain elevation is controlled by weathering and erosion or properties of the Earth's crust. The study resolves a long-standing question about the controlling factors of mountain growth, finding that it depends on geographic location, climate...

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022

UCI research finds parents’ unpredictable behavior may impair optimal brain circuit formation

Researchers found that unpredictable parental behaviors disrupt optimal brain circuit formation in children, leading to increased vulnerability to mental illness and substance abuse. Studies using mice and human infants suggest that predictable signals and environments are crucial for healthy brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Children who attend schools with more traffic noise show slower cognitive development

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that traffic noise at schools is detrimental to working memory and attention in primary-school students. Children attending schools with higher levels of traffic noise showed slower cognitive development, with a 5 dB increase resulting in a 11.4% slower development rate.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Fewer and weaker offspring – snare injuries decrease reproductive performance of female hyenas in the Serengeti

Debilitating snare injuries in female spotted hyenas of the Serengeti delayed their age at first reproduction and reduced litter size, while also decreasing offspring survival rates. This long-term decrease in reproductive performance may result from increased inflammatory and immune responses to snare injuries.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

A person's height impacts their risk of multiple diseases

A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that a person's height impacts their risk for multiple diseases, including atrial fibrillation and varicose veins. The study also uncovered associations between greater height and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy and skin bone infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Promising compound kills range of hard-to-treat cancers by targeting a previously undiscovered vulnerability

A compound called ERX-41 has been shown to kill a range of hard-to-treat cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancers, by targeting a previously unexploited vulnerability. This could lead to new drugs being developed to fight these cancers, which currently have few effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Scientists show that at least 44 percent of earth’s land requires conservation to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services

New research reveals that at least 64 million square kilometers of Earth's land area require conservation to protect terrestrial species and ecosystems. The study suggests that governments must scale up their conservation efforts to achieve more ambitious goals and policies beyond the current 30% target.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

The mandate effect

New research suggests that official vaccine mandates can motivate hesitant individuals to seek vaccination, with announcements of mandates having a significant impact on vaccination rates. The study used Canadian provinces and European countries to explore the relationship between mandates and vaccine uptake.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

Why confronting invasive species is one of the best ways to prepare for climate change

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the ecological impact of invasive species alone is comparable to its combined effect with warming temperatures, drought, or nitrogen deposition. This suggests that managing invasive species at a local level can make ecosystems more climate resilient.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2022

New study shows bidirectional link between inflammatory bowel disease and depression

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC shows that patients with IBD are nine times more likely to develop depression than the general population, while those with depression are twice as likely to develop IBD. Siblings without either condition are also at increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

‘Fruitcake’ structure observed in organic polymers

An international team of researchers has observed a unique 'fruitcake' structure in an organic polymer, revealing variations in hardness at the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to the development of next-generation microelectronic and bioelectronic devices with improved flexibility and biocompatibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Shifting signatures of climate change reshuffle northern species

A study analyzing long-term monitoring data for 1,478 species in Finland reveals that climate change has led to shifting between 'good', 'ideal', and 'worse' parts of their climatic niches. This impacts biodiversity, with some species benefiting from warmer temperatures while others decline as conditions become too warm.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2022

Fish cannibalism rare in wild, study finds

A study of over 12,000 fish across 17 species found that cannibalism is extremely rare in the wild, occurring in less than 0.30% of cases. The researchers identified population density and resource availability as key drivers of cannibalistic behavior, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

Researchers discover insights into breast cancer gene that could lead to better risk screening

Researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute have evaluated the impact of hundreds of different mutations on a key function of the BRCA1 protein. They found that most mutations are either benign or likely benign, while few cause disease. The study aims to improve doctors' ability to assess patients' cancer risk based on genetic testing.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 2, 2022

Research Brief: Study finds fecal microbiota transplantation to be cost effective treatment for any recurrent Clostridiodes Difficile infection

A new study from University of Minnesota Medical School suggests Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an optimal and cost-effective treatment option for the first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. The research model indicates it's effective and cost-effective when used in patients after a single episode of recurrent CDI.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 2, 2022

Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022, which will be held next September in Spain, will host a symposium dedicated to cannabis, cannabinoids and their derivatives

The Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022 will host a cannabis symposium in Valencia, Spain, discussing recent advances on polyphenols, their applications, and innovations. The symposium aims to evaluate the constituents of cannabis and medical cannabis, mainly cannabinoids and flavonoids.

Preoperative BMI and weight may predict outcomes after weight-loss surgery, data spanning 15 years suggests

A recent study published at the Euroanaesthesia Congress found that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) and weight prior to bariatric surgery are more likely to experience complications and have worse outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 4,000 adults who underwent weight loss surgery between 2006 and 2020, revealing a ...

Decoding the language of immune responses

A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022

Iron catalyst could make important chemical reactions cheaper and more eco-friendly

Researchers have designed an iron catalyst to facilitate the olefin metathesis reaction, a widely applicable catalytic reaction for carbon-carbon double bond formation. The iron-based catalyst shows promise in reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional ruthenium-based catalysts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Scientists uncover key factor in human brain development

Researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have identified a crucial mechanism driving the evolution of the neocortex, leading to increased intelligence and surface area. This breakthrough understanding contributes to insights into developmental deficits linked to autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCell Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 2, 2022

The New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary is a dining hotspot during summer and autumn months for bottlenose dolphins

A WCS study tracked bottlenose dolphins' feeding behavior in the NYC-New Jersey Harbor Estuary, revealing seasonal patterns and relationships to environmental factors. The research aims to inform mitigation measures reducing human-wildlife conflict and conserving marine mammals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Patagonia’s coast offers cool refuge for giant kelp

Scientists have discovered that Patagonia's giant kelp forests are resilient due to frequent marine cold spells, which help regulate their environment and keep temperatures comfortable. The region has not experienced extreme marine heat waves since 1984, allowing the kelp forests to thrive for almost 200 years.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateJun 2, 2022

Biomarker in liquid biopsy for lung cancer appears more accurate in predicting immunotherapy response than tumor biopsy

Researchers validated a liquid biopsy test as a better predictor of immunotherapy response in lung cancer patients compared to traditional tumor biopsies. The test measures the PD-L1 biomarker in blood, showing improved accuracy in predicting treatment outcomes and survival.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJun 2, 2022

New discoveries in lupus research

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 2, 2022