Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 6, 2022


Never too odd to learn how to swim

Researchers have developed a new formula for swimming based on their study of odd elasticity, allowing microswimmers to exhibit autonomously directional and deterministic motion. The team used Purcell's swimmer model to demonstrate that any odd elastic micromaterial can spontaneously generate locomotion in a fluid.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Using telehealth to regularly report symptoms improved overall well-being for patients with advanced cancer

A multi-state study found that patients with advanced cancer who reported symptoms weekly using an electronic survey had better physical function and symptom control compared to those evaluated less frequently. The study showed a 35% better ability to function physically, a 16.1% better control of symptoms, and a 41% better overall hea...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2022

Metamaterial enabled arbitrary on-chip spatial mode manipulation

Scientists develop a universal design framework for arbitrary on-chip spatial mode control using metamaterial building blocks, enabling record-high order mode up to the 20th. The method supports high-efficiency integrated photonic communication systems and boosts development of various information processing fields.

Cannabis-related products demonstrate short-term reduction in chronic pain

A systematic review of cannabis-related products found short-term benefits for neuropathic pain, particularly with dronabinol and nabilone. However, the evidence is limited, with many products not well-studied, and patients should consult their primary care physician before using cannabis-based treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 6, 2022

Bumps could smooth quantum investigations

Rice University engineers have developed a novel approach to manipulating the magnetic and electronic properties of 2D materials by stressing them with contoured substrates. The technique, inspired by recent discoveries in twisted 2D materials, allows for unprecedented control over quantum effects.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

New technology protects authenticity of engineered cell lines

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a method to create unique identifiers for each copy of a cell line, allowing users to verify its authenticity and protect intellectual property. The technology uses CRISPR gene editing to insert bar-codes into the cell's genome, creating a unique pattern that can distinguish it from other cell lines.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

COVID-19 increases risk of psychiatric diagnoses in the months after infection, OSU study finds

A recent Oregon State University study found that COVID-19 patients had a 25% increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder in the four months following their infection. The study matched 46,610 COVID-19 positive individuals with control patients and found a significant increase in anxiety disorders but no change in mood disorders.

SourceOregon State University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2022

Thunderstorm activity in the tropics may drive freezing cold-events below −30°C in Northeast China

A study published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters found that tropical thunderstorms may influence the occurrence of persistent extreme cold events in Northeast China. Cloud clusters from the Madden-Julian oscillation can trigger cooling over the region, leading to extended periods of below-−30°C temperatures.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 6, 2022

Racially charged events spark classroom intervention

A new study published in the INFORMS journal Management Science reveals that high-profile police brutality and racially-charged events have a direct positive effect on what children are learning in U.S. public school classrooms, resulting in increased requests for antiracism resources and culturally-aware dialogue.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Has a beautiful songbird become an invasive species in Britain?

A new study finds the Red-billed Leiothrix, a small songbird native to subtropical Asia, has become an invasive non-native species in Britain. The species' potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is being highlighted by researchers, who note that it could cause significant changes if widely established.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateJun 6, 2022

Six leading models agree: Rapid decarbonization of power, transportation sectors key to a successful energy transition

A new study provides a roadmap for the US to reach its 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030, with rapid decarbonization in power and transportation sectors crucial. The study, based on six leading energy models, suggests that tripling historic carbon reductions is achievable through collaboration across all sectors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Wildlife’s worm-wide web

An international study uncovered a network of gastrointestinal parasite sharing among 17 wild and domestic herbivore species. The researchers found that host evolutionary history and gut type are key factors in determining parasite diversity and similarity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJun 6, 2022

Chemists design chemical probe for detecting minute temperature shifts in the body

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cobalt-based molecule that can detect extremely subtle temperature shifts inside the body, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging and therapy. The noninvasive probe uses radiofrequency waves to read out temperature signals from the body.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

The deadly cost of pandemic politics

A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that people in Republican counties were more likely to die from COVID-19, with nearly 73 more deaths per 100,000 people compared to Democratic counties. The disparity was due to structural and policy differences in the more conservative counties.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Unlocking the mysteries of cell migration

Researchers led by Atsuo Sasaki aim to identify mechanisms behind cell movement and energy allocation in cancer cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment. They will use scanning ion-conductance microscopy and machine learning technology to study the role of GTP in cellular migration.

Study proposes mathematical tool to help understand fractal structure of quark-gluon plasma

A new study proposes a mathematical tool to understand the fractal structure of quark-gluon plasma, which is formed in high-energy collisions. The fractal structure explains some phenomena seen in these collisions, including particle momentum distributions that follow Tsallis statistics.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 6, 2022

Researchers propose new method for large-scale data integration and biomarker identification

A team of researchers has developed a new algorithm to efficiently integrate large-scale microbiome data and identify disease-associated biomarkers. The NetMoss algorithm uses microbial interaction networks to remove batch effects and quantify topological differences, revealing biomarkers linked to multiple diseases.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJun 6, 2022

Analysis finds additional clinical benefits of molnupiravir for nonhospitalized participants with COVID-19

A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2022

Hubble Space Telescope captures largest near-infrared image to find universe’s rarest galaxies

The Hubble Space Telescope has released the largest near-infrared image ever taken, allowing researchers to map star-forming regions and understand how the earliest galaxies originated. This high-resolution survey will enable the identification of rare objects such as massive galaxies, highly active black holes, and colliding galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 6, 2022

Transgender, sexual minority teens at high risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts

A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Bentley University research sheds light on relationship between political affiliations and interpretations of COVID-19 graphs

A recent study published in Big Data & Society found that Democrats and Republicans in the US surveyed agree on the mathematical features of COVID-19 graphs, such as line slopes, but differ in their subjective interpretations. The researchers suggest that political affiliations may moderate how people interpret data, highlighting the i...

SourceBentley University·JournalBig Data & Society·TypeSurvey·DateJun 6, 2022

Cosmological gravitational waves: A new approach to reach back to the Big Bang

A new study by the POLARBEAR collaboration provides a new correction algorithm that allows for almost double the amount of reliable data on Cosmological Gravitational Waves (CGWs), produced during Inflation in the early Universe. This enhances our understanding of the signal and brings us closer to observing CGWs.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

​​​​​​​Vocal non-native songbird could change Britain’s dawn chorus as we know it

A new study warns that the Red-billed Leiothrix, a loud and brightly coloured bird from subtropical Asia, could become established in Britain, altering the country's dawn chorus. The species has already been spotted in several parts of Europe and is kept as a cage bird, potentially leading to its escape into the wild.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalIbis·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

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

ERX-41 effectively kills various cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer, by exploiting a previously unexploited vulnerability. The compound targets endoplasmic reticulum stress and increases protein folding errors, leading to cancer cell death, offering new hope for treating these aggressive cancers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Cancer·DateJun 6, 2022

NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Xiamen University researchers use nanotechnology to destroy and prevent relapse of solid tumour cancers

Researchers at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Xiamen University have developed a novel nanovaccine that achieves complete clearance of solid tumors and induces long-lasting immune memory. The vaccine stimulates anti-tumor immunity by presenting antigens in a way that traditional vaccines cannot.

Antagonistic interactions of plant defense compounds

Researchers found that tobacco hornworms can convert two plant defense substances, chlorogenic acid and HGL-DTGs, into less effective forms after ingestion. Plants adapt to their environment by selectively producing essential compounds and suppressing others, potentially avoiding mutual detoxification.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

‘Not just the EPA anymore’: New Office of Environmental Justice within U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services is establishing an Office of Environmental Justice to tackle environmental injustice and promote health equity. The new office will focus on improving wellbeing in underserved communities disproportionately affected by pollution and industrial development.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Warning labels could help customers identify hidden sugar in restaurant menus

A new study suggests that added-sugar warnings with icons and text can effectively inform consumers about high-sugar menu items. The researchers found that 80% of participants supported the use of these labels on restaurant menus, indicating a potential solution to address excessive sugar in food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2022

Color-changing mouse model allows researchers to non-invasively study deep tissues

Scientists create genetically engineered mouse model that changes color in response to light, allowing them to isolate background noise from blood flow and enhance imaging techniques. This breakthrough enables researchers to observe internal physiology with unprecedented accuracy, paving the way for new treatments and therapies.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

New study deepens understanding of how animals see, and what colors

Researchers gathered vision data on hundreds of vertebrates and invertebrates, determining that land animals can see a wider range of colors. The study found that evolutionary history influences which colors a species sees, with invertebrates better suited to detecting short wavelengths of light.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2022

"Bridge therapy” may benefit some children with high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers found that a bridge therapy approach prior to consolidation therapy can improve event-free survival in patients with stable metastatic cancer after induction therapy. Patients who received this treatment had significantly better outcomes compared to those who underwent direct consolidation or post-induction therapy alone.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2022

Researchers find epigenetic changes during pregnancy may contribute to the development of asthma

A study found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, suggesting impaired immune responses and potential new therapies for this subtype of asthma. The research was conducted in a diverse population and replicated in independent children's cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2022

An edible QR code takes a shot at fake whiskey

Researchers at Purdue University have developed edible fluorescent silk tags with QR codes to verify whiskey authenticity, which can be activated with a smartphone scan. The technology has the potential to combat fake medications and address counterfeiting issues worldwide.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Central Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Salt may be the key to life on Earth and beyond

Researchers at Purdue University found that the presence of salt in seawater can impact a planet's habitability, with saltier oceans tending to result in warmer climates. This discovery may allow life beyond our solar system to exist further from its host star than previously thought.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2022

Physical mechanisms explaining DNA and RNA twist changes

Researchers developed a simple physical model to explain DNA deformations caused by ions and temperature changes. The model reveals that salt-induced twist changes are driven by electrostatic interactions, while temperature-induced changes are related to DNA diameter variation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mec...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

A novel all-optical switching method makes optical computing and communication systems more power-efficient

A novel all-optical switching method has been developed to make optical computing and communication systems more power-efficient. The method utilizes the quantum optical phenomenon of Enhancement of Index of Refraction (EIR) to achieve ultrafast switching times, ultralow threshold control power, and high switching efficiency.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

Studies reveal new insights into gut microbiome impact on immunotherapy response in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with immunotherapy response in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The study identified a link between gut microbiome signatures and immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma, NSCLC, and sarcoma.

Researchers find epigenetic changes during pregnancy may contribute to the development of asthma

A new study by University of Chicago researchers found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, contributing to the development of severe asthma. The findings suggest that impaired immune responses may be an underlying cause of lack of therapeutic response to corticosteroids.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn

Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.