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Science News for June 29, 2022


Low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to die from opioids than the rich

A new study found that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized and end up in emergency departments due to opioid use. The study also shows a significant gap in opioid-related deaths between low-income and high-income Canadians, with those living in lower-income areas still at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·DateJun 29, 2022

PSA-based endpoints should not be used as surrogate endpoints for overall survival in men with recurrent prostate cancer at this time

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that biochemical failure is not a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The researchers recommend considering metastasis-free survival (MFS) as the best surrogate endpoint for overall survival in this population.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 29, 2022

What makes a plant grow towards light?

Researchers have identified a family of proteins called PIN-FORMED as essential for auxin transport, guiding plant growth and development. The discovery provides the first structural basis of auxin transport by PIN proteins and sheds light on how herbicides can be recognized by these proteins.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH: Privatizing NHS services is associated with a decline in the quality of healthcare, increasing deaths from treatable causes, study suggests

A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Infectivity of airborne SARS-CoV-2 could decrease by 90% within 20 minutes of exhalation, new laboratory study finds

A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Population screening for fracture risk: A logical step in reducing the osteoporotic fracture burden

The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Helping babies to sleep more

A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Eligible younger Americans less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

Researchers found eligible younger Americans (45-54) are less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to work, family, insurance, and healthcare barriers. These disparities may worsen as the age group is expanded under new USPSTF recommendations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022

Underwater jars reveal Roman period winemaking practices

A multidisciplinary study of Roman period wine jars reveals the use of native grapes for wine production and foreign pine for waterproofing tar pitch. The analysis provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient winemakers in coastal Italy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Skin’s protective chains uncovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified over 1,300 types of ceramides in the top layer of human skin, including their chain lengths and fatty acid compositions. The discovery could improve understanding of skin barrier function and disease pathology.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

A cat friendly approach to the inappetent feline patient

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of a 'cat-friendly' approach to care, reducing stress and creating positive associations through gentle handling, comfortable bedding, and calm interactions. Regular offering of food and careful feeding techniques are also crucial for managing inappetence and promoting recovery.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure

A large multicenter trial found no difference in intubation requirement between awake prone positioning and standard positioning for COVID-19 patients. The study included 400 patients who required oxygen therapy, but the prone positioning strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of intubation or mortality.

Music is key to converting consumers’ good intentions to actual purchases in ethical and sustainable markets

Research finds that up-tempo major mode music can increase purchase intentions for green products, bridging the gap between consumers' words and deeds. Major mode music is effective in reducing the attitude-behaviour gap by 40-50%, regardless of consumer background or product type.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Journal of Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

The offspring share the centenarians' unique genetic footprint

A study by CIBER Consortium found that centenarians' offspring share a unique genetic footprint, exhibiting lower rates of age-related pathologies and frailty. The research used genetic analysis to compare the offspring of centenarians with those of non-centenarians, revealing similarities in gene expression patterns.

SourceConsorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeCase study·DateJun 29, 2022

Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers

A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Clashes of inference and perspective explain why children sometimes lose the plot in conversation

Research by University of Cambridge academics found that children as old as five or six struggle to reconcile inference and perspective, leading to difficulties in conversations. Combining these skills is crucial for understanding 'implicatures' - inferences made in conversation when people mean more than they say.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateJun 29, 2022

CT algorithm for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma in small solid masses

A 5-tiered CT scoring algorithm, including mass-to-cortex corticomedullary attenuation ratio and heterogeneity score, showed substantial inter-observer agreement and moderate diagnostic accuracy for clear-cell RCC. The algorithm may represent a clinically useful tool for diagnosis in small solid renal masses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

Eligible younger U.S. adults less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities

A study found that younger U.S. adults are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer despite being eligible under new guidelines, with greater disparities observed across race, ethnicity, income, education, and insurance coverage. Screening participation increased over time but was smallest among individuals age 50-54.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 29, 2022

Moffitt study shows adaptive therapy improves outcomes, reduces care costs for prostate cancer patients

A Moffitt study shows that adaptive therapy using abiraterone improves patient outcomes and reduces care costs. The approach delays treatment withdrawal to prevent resistant cells from proliferating, leading to longer median time to progression and overall survival.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournaleLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2022

Demand for abortion medications shatter records following Supreme Court draft ruling

A new study found record-high demand for abortion medications in the US following the leaked Supreme Court draft ruling. Searches for abortion medications spiked 162% during the 72-hour period after the leak, with significantly more searches in states with restrictive reproductive rights. The team urges prioritizing accessible informat...

SourceElevated Science Communications·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

An engaging leadership style may boost employee engagement

A longitudinal study found that supervisors perceived as engaged leaders enhanced employee engagement via boosted personal psychological resources and team effectiveness. Engaged leaders also fostered a shared perception of available resources, leading to improved job performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2022

Neuronal circuit serving social interaction

Researchers have identified a neural circuit responsible for detecting 'affective' touch and influencing social behavior in mice. Activation of this circuit triggers social bonding, while disruption leads to reduced social interaction.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

A mirror tracks a tiny particle

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck developed a new technique to track levitated nanoparticles with improved precision. By using the reflected light of a mirror, they outperformed state-of-the-art detection methods and opened up new possibilities for nanoparticle-based sensing applications.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Authors blame hyperpartisanship for death of political apology

Two researchers argue that hyperpartisanship has led to a decline in political apologies, making it difficult for politicians to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek redemption. This shift away from apology is attributed to the influence of social media and partisan echo chambers, which reward silence over accountability.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhilosophy and Rhetoric·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Melioidosis: New target to combat a dangerous bacterial infection

A new therapeutic target for melioidosis has been identified by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology. The enzyme BurG synthesizes a toxic molecule central to infection, and inhibiting it could make bacteria less virulent.

How flies lay off the extra salty snacks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Study finds better and safer treatment option than saline solution as IV fluid for emergency department and hospital patients

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients who received lactated Ringer solution instead of normal saline for IV fluids had a lower risk of kidney injury and death. The study, which included nearly 150,000 hospital patients, showed a 2.2% reduced risk of major adverse kidney events.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2022

Knee replacement surgery decreased after NHS policies on patient’s weight were introduced, worsening health inequalities, study finds

New research reveals NHS weight policies are associated with a decline in knee replacement surgery rates, disproportionately affecting less affluent groups. The study found that regions introducing BMI-based policies saw a decrease in surgery, potentially worsening health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Romantic partners can influence each other’s beliefs and behaviors on climate change, new Yale study finds

A new study by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that romantic partners can significantly influence each other's views on climate change, with only 38% alignment in climate beliefs and 31% alignment in behaviors. The study suggests that conversations about climate change can help shift public support and increase e...

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2022

Bernese researchers simulate defense of the earth

Researchers from the University of Bern and NCCR PlanetS simulated the DART mission impact, finding that it could deform the asteroid near unrecognizably. The study's results suggest that the impact could eject large amounts of material and deflect the asteroid more strongly than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateJun 29, 2022

LSU Health Research suggests novel combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered a novel combination therapy that effectively treats chemo-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment combines two existing FDA-approved drugs, ceritinib and enzalutamide, to target the growth of cancer cells, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes.

Autistic adults have become increasingly visible in media, books, television, and more in the past decade, but challenges with representation persist

New research from UC Santa Cruz shows improvements in autistic adult representation in media and advocacy websites, with a notable increase in adult representations in film and television. However, the study also highlights persistent issues with childlike portrayals and limited attention to intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateJun 29, 2022

Climate change is making plants more vulnerable to disease. New research could help them fight back

New research reveals that specific proteins in plant cells explain why plant defenses falter under high temperatures, leaving them susceptible to infections. Scientists have also discovered a way to reverse this effect by constantly activating the CBP60g master switch gene, which bolsters plant defenses without stunting growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Oregon State survey suggests charismatic songbird’s numbers have dramatically declined

A study published by Oregon State University found that evening grosbeak numbers have declined by an average of 2.6% per year over the last four decades, with a significant decrease in migration stop-over sites on campus. The decline may be related to disease, climate change, or shifts in land use, but the exact cause is still unknown.

SourceOregon State University·JournalDiversity·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Cancer drug shows potential as treatment for muscular dystrophy

Researchers have discovered that a cancer drug could slow the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice by increasing muscle fibre resilience. The findings suggest that the drug may help delay disease progression and improve mobility for patients, potentially serving as an adjunct to emerging gene therapy approaches.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Stalling improvements in cardiovascular disease rates since 2010 could cost £54bn between 2020 and 2029

New research suggests that stalling improvements in cardiovascular diseases since 2010 could lead to significant economic costs. The study finds that reduced cardiovascular disease rates would result in £13 billion NHS healthcare costs, £1.5 billion social care costs, and £32 billion lost QALYs between 2020-2029.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

Pollution exposure associated with multimorbidity risk

A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2022

Singapore team develops new technology that upcycles old, expired solar panels into heat-harvesting electricity materials

A team of scientists from A*STAR and NTU Singapore have developed technology to transform expired solar cells into enhanced thermoelectric material, which harvests heat and converts it into electricity. The technology achieved a record-high thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.45 at 873 K.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Laser writing may enable ‘electronic nose’ for multi-gas sensor

Researchers at Penn State have created a highly customizable microscale gas sensing device using laser writing and responsive sensor technologies. The device enables the simultaneous detection of multiple gases, including disease indicators and pollutants, in various environments and substrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

The world’s rivers are changing, here’s how

The construction of dams and changes in land use have significantly impacted the amount of sediment rivers carry to oceans. Sediment transport has decreased by 49% globally due to dam construction, while increasing on 36% of rivers in the south, primarily driven by deforestation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

A new design of sustainable cropping diversifications

A new design of sustainable cropping diversifications has been established to balance economic, food security, and environmental performances in the North China Plain. The study evaluated 30 crop rotations using PCA and HCA, and employed differential evolution and Pareto optimization models to optimize diversified cropping systems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Large study on the effectiveness of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in children aged 5-11 published in The New England Journal of Medicine

A large study found moderate protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic Covid-19 illness among vaccinated children, with greater protection observed in younger age subgroups. The research used Israel's Clalit Health Services database to control for confounding variables.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

New study finds surprise billing dispute resolution outcomes in Texas anchored to median in-network allowed amount

A new study found that dispute resolution outcomes in Texas were largely anchored to the median in-network allowed amount, rather than a higher alternative benchmark. This suggests that a market-based monetary benchmark can influence dispute outcomes and may result in significant savings for consumers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

UCalgary researchers with the Calgary Stroke Program make another breakthrough in the treatment of stroke

Researchers with the Calgary Stroke Program have made a breakthrough in treating acute ischemic stroke with Tenectepele, a safe and well-tolerated drug that can be administered as a single dose. The study shows that TNK works better than current recommended drug tPA, restoring blood flow faster and for a longer period.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2022

Tongji University and Beihang University Teamwork: New battery health evaluation indicator for quantitative evaluation of nonlinear aging—SoNA

A new battery health assessment indicator SoNA was proposed to evaluate nonlinear aging in lithium batteries. The research developed a multidimensional grading system combining traditional SoH with SoNA to comprehensively assess battery safety and nonlinearity.