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Science News for March 23, 2022


Women who report significant antibiotic use in midlife are more likely to experience cognitive decline in later life, perhaps through gut microbiome changes, in study of almost 15,000 U.S. nurses

A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Online and offline victimization: Two sides of the same coin?

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 73.7% of university students have been victimized online, with a higher risk for those who were offline victims during childhood or intimate partner violence., Researchers identified three groups based on cybercrime risk: low-risk, financial cybervictimization, and high-risk groups ...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalSocial Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Obese pregnant women are more likely to experience stillbirth or neonatal death, and over 60 percent of this increased risk is associated with delivery occurring at an earlier gestational age

A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Novel therapeutic strategy shows promise against pancreatic cancer

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic strategy that uses bacteria to deliver tetanus toxin into pancreatic tumor cells, inducing an immune response and killing the cancer. The treatment has shown promise in reducing cancer metastases by 87% and increasing mouse lifespan by 40%.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Study finds complex relationships between bacteria and markers of lower airway infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis

Researchers identified unique metabolite biomarkers associated with increased inflammation and bacterial burden in cystic fibrosis lungs. The study found correlations between metabolites and bacterial communities, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of infection and inflammation in CF.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Decoding a material’s ‘memory’

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that disordered materials can retain a memory of external forces, allowing them to predict when and how they will flow. By analyzing individual particle distributions, scientists can determine a material's stability and response to stressors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Multifaceted approaches to engineer fluorescence in nanomaterials via a focused laser beam

Scientists review key influence of various laser techniques on fluorescence properties across a range of nanomaterials. Laser-induced control over nanomaterial composition and dimension enables tunability in fluorescence colors. The study also explores instances where lasers convert non-fluorescing precursors to fluorescent forms.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine announces Carly Peterson as the recipient of the 2022 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award

Carly Peterson, a genetic counseling graduate student, received the 2022 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award. Her platform presentation explored parenting stress in raising children with sex chromosome aneuploidies, using data from the eXtraordinarY Babies Study.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Presents Four Next Generation Fellowship Awards at the 2022 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.

Origins of diabetes may be different in men and women, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that different regions of fat tissue contribute to disease risk differently in men and women, with visceral fat in men and subcutaneous fat in women being linked to diabetes onset. The study suggests that understanding these sex-specific differences can inform better clinical approaches to treating the disease.

SourceConcordia University·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 23, 2022

Modern animal life could have origins in delta

The Chengjiang Biota, an ancient group of animal fossils, has been found to inhabit a shallow-marine, nutrient-rich delta environment. This discovery sheds new light on the possible causal factors for the Cambrian Explosion and how early animals adapted to stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Sex disparities in COVID-19 risk among people with opioid use disorder

Research found that Black females and male individuals of Other racial groups had higher odds of having a positive COVID-19 test than their White counterparts. Mortality rates were similar across sexes. Individuals with opioid use disorder presented with an opioid overdose more often than a positive COVID-19 test.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeCase study·DateMar 23, 2022

Combining Black racial groups hides health disparities in breastfeeding

A new study from George Mason University found that African Americans have lower breastfeeding rates (39.9%) compared to Black immigrants (69.6%), highlighting health disparities within the Black population. The research highlights the importance of nuanced data collection to address these disparities and improve breastfeeding outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Maternal socialization, not biology, shapes child brain activity

A new study finds that maternal feedback, not biological predisposition, influences reward-related brain activity in children of mothers with clinical depression. The research suggests that interventions coaching parents to encourage positive emotions may have a powerful impact on child development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Cantilever? New findings are far too sensitive for that!

Researchers have developed a new generation of microcantilever technology that enables precise hydrogen sensing with low humidity cross-sensitivity. The new design integrates a microcantilever beam into an optical fiber, resulting in smaller and cheaper devices with stronger signal processing capabilities.

American Indian communities are less likely to benefit from recent downward trends in air pollution exposures in the US

A new study reveals that American Indian communities are less likely to benefit from recent downward trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in the US. Average PM2.5 concentrations were higher in AI-populated counties compared to non-AI populated counties by 2018, contrary to previous declines.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 23, 2022

FDA approved new immunotherapy regimen for patients with melanoma based on Johns Hopkins Research

The FDA has approved a novel combination therapy of relatlimab and nivolumab for patients with metastatic or inoperable melanoma. The treatment significantly delayed cancer progression time compared to nivolumab alone. LAG-3 blockade reinvigorated T cell anti-tumor activity, establishing the pathway as the third immune checkpoint target.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2022

Don’t underestimate undulating graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new type of electronics using undulating graphene, which creates mini channels that produce detectable magnetic fields. This technology has the potential to facilitate nanoscale optical devices and valleytronics applications, such as converging lenses and collimators.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 23, 2022

Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, FAACR, recognized with 2022 Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research

Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg's pioneering work on IL-2 and its use in treating metastatic melanoma and other cancers led to the FDA approval of first U.S.-born cancer immunotherapy. His subsequent research on CAR T-cell therapy has resulted in promising clinical results for various types of cancer.

New study reveals pandemic-specific depression and anxiety among individuals with multiple sclerosis

A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

New tests and treatments developed in mice for pulmonary fibrosis

Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.

OLID-SDOM reveals fluorescence anisotropy of subcellular structures in live cells

Researchers create OLID-SDOM to map weak fluorescence anisotropy in live cells, achieving high-resolution images of subcellular structures at 100 frames per second. The method overcomes limitations of previous techniques, enabling the study of molecular arrangement and rotation in biological systems.

York U scholars call for Paris Accord-style global agreement to combat emergence of ‘superbugs’

A new paper in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that a Paris Accord-style global agreement is urgently needed to address antimicrobial resistance. The authors argue that six key lessons from the Paris Climate Agreement should form the basis of any multi-country agreement or action plan on AMR, with binding rules and unive...

SourceYork University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 23, 2022

Only 1 in 4 people needing treatment received medication for Opioid Use Disorder in past year

A study found that only 28% of individuals needing opioid use disorder treatment received medication, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight critical gaps in treatment engagement and access to effective medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.

A systems-based inpatient model for functional neurological disorder rehabilitation shows potential

A multidisciplinary clinical pathway for functional neurological disorder (FND) patients has been successfully implemented at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. The approach optimizes patient care through collaboration among healthcare professionals. This study aims to provide a roadmap for other institutions and encourage broader deve...

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

New research shows that surgical training tool significantly improves residents’ ability to practice essential skills

The GlobalSurgBox has been shown to significantly improve residents' ability to practice essential surgical skills, overcoming barriers such as lack of convenient access and time. The tool's adaptability and user-friendliness have made it a useful resource for medical students and residents around the world.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSurgery in Practice and Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Women left in the dark when faced with a breech birth

A recent study by Edith Cowan University highlights the lack of information available to women with a breech presenting baby. Women often feel pressured into having a caesarean section without being fully informed of all options, including vaginal birth and alternative techniques such as moxibustion.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Midwifery·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Health equity-informed public policies can help reduce existing inequities and ensure high quality primary care

A new article applies a health equity lens to the National Academies' recommendations for high-quality primary care. The authors propose strategies to operationalize these recommendations, aiming to eliminate existing health inequities and ensure equitable access to quality primary care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2022

Is diabetes being overtreated in nursing home residents?

A study found that many nursing home residents continue to receive insulin and other medications despite blood test results suggesting tight control. Only 27% of overtreated and 19% of potentially overtreated residents had their medications adjusted within 2 weeks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2022

Study: With masking and distancing in place, NFL stadium openings in 2020 had no impact on local Covid-19 infections

Researchers found that opening stadiums to fans with safety protocols in place did not lead to an increase in local Covid case counts. The study used synthetic control method to analyze data from 16 stadiums, which mirrored the trajectory of surrounding counties without stadiums.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers call for Federal and State policy changes to make naloxone widely available

Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers map the movement of white dwarfs of the Milky Way

A recent study from Lund University reveals new information about the movement patterns of white dwarfs in the Milky Way. The researchers mapped the three-dimensional velocity distribution for the largest catalogue of white dwarfs to date, providing a detailed picture of their velocity structure.

SourceLund University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2022

Wildlife survival after rehabilitation depends on many factors, study finds

A comprehensive study analyzing international literature on wildlife rehabilitation found that human activity is a significant factor influencing outcomes. The study identified five key categories of factors impacting survival outcomes for rescued wildlife, highlighting the need for rehabilitators to mitigate threats and address these ...

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

A new way to enter the cell using superchaotropic properties of boron clusters

A new class of membrane carriers, based on halogenated dodecaborate cluster anions, has been discovered to facilitate the cell entry of impermeable molecules. These superchaotropic boron clusters interact with hydrophilic cargos without encapsulating or forming aggregates, allowing for efficient transport across biological membranes.

Researchers find humans have given wild animals their diseases nearly 100 times

A study by Georgetown University researchers found that humans have transmitted diseases to wild animals nearly 100 times, with most cases occurring in captive settings like zoos. The study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and better understanding of wildlife disease to mitigate risks for human health and conservation.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 23, 2022

Firefighters’ risk of irregular heartbeat linked to number of on-the-job fire exposures

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found a direct and significant relationship between the number of fires fought by firefighters and the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, specifically atrial fibrillation. The analysis revealed that for every additional 5 fires fought annually, the r...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 23, 2022

New paper reveals impact of first lockdown on depression and anxiety diagnosis

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Psychology·DateMar 23, 2022

Globins - on the hunt to protect your liver

Researchers at Osaka City University found that globin family members can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The proteins' antioxidant capacity was greater than glutathione and vitamin C, suggesting a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Road traffic in european cities exposes 60 million people to noise levels harmful to health

A study of 749 European cities found nearly 60 million adults subjected to unhealthy vehicle-generated noise, with compliance to WHO guidelines potentially preventing 3,600 annual deaths from ischaemic heart disease. Over 11 million adults were highly annoyed by road traffic noise, leading to increased stress and health problems.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Predatory bacteria

Researchers have identified Velamenicoccus archaeovorus, an ultramicrobacterium that devours Methanosaeta cells in sewage treatment plants, leading to a new understanding of biomass conversion and recycling in deep sediments. The giant protein encoded by the gene enables it to dissolve cells.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Older wildfire smoke plumes can affect climate

A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that aerosols carried in older wildfire smoke plumes can still affect climate. The research, led by Qi Zhang, discovered that particulate matter concentrations were low but oxidized organic aerosols from burning biomass were detected throughout the samples.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Restricted internet access could be key to academic gains, says study

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that giving Malawi high school students limited internet access to quality online sources improved their English and biology scores. The intervention provided smartphones with restricted online access to Wikipedia, leading to significant gains among lower-achieving students.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater

Researchers found that Spinosaurus and its close relative Baryonyx had dense bones that would have allowed them to submerge underwater to hunt. In contrast, Suchomimus had lighter bones that made swimming difficult, leading the team to conclude that these dinosaurs likely waded instead.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

Only 1 in 4 people needing treatment received medication for opioid use disorder in past year

Medication for opioid use disorder was lowest among adolescents and adults ages 50 or older, with only 13% of adults in this age group receiving treatment. The study highlights substantial gaps in access to medication treatment, particularly among people of color and those with at least some college education.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Quantum sensors: Measuring even more precisely

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a programmable quantum sensor that can measure with even greater precision, using tailored entanglement to optimize performance. The sensor autonomously finds its optimal settings through free parameters, promising a significant advantage over classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

How does COVID-19 affect people’s ability to smell

Researchers found a nearly 16-fold higher prevalence of olfactory cleft abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction compared to controls. The blockages are expected to resolve with time, but nerve damage may be more difficult to recover from.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateMar 23, 2022

A stretchy display for shapable electronics

Scientists at Stanford University have created a stretchy display that can change shape in response to user interaction. The display uses elastic light-emitting polymers and has a maximum brightness two times that of a typical cellphone, allowing it to be stretched up to twice its original length without tearing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

Near-chirp-free pulses in normal-dispersion fiber lasers: birefringence-managed solitons

Scientists report a new class of chirp-free pulse in normal-dispersion fiber lasers containing a section of polarization-maintaining fiber. Simulation results reproduce experimental observations, demonstrating the formation mechanism and unique vector soliton property of birefringence-managed solitons.

Menstrual equity and the pandemic: Study shows it’s time to take the gendered experience into account

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 23, 2022

Avoiding commoditisation trap: Lithuanian researchers' insights into companies’ success

Modern manufacturing companies can avoid commoditisation by complementing products with services that offer additional value. Digitalisation enables companies to develop intelligence, connection, and analytic capabilities, making it time for customer support service innovation. By doing so, companies like ADAX have successfully differe...

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Business and Industrial Marketing·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Teen internet usage associated with stress and suicidal ideation

A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

In-vitro fertilization clinics offering money-back guarantees achieve better outcomes with less aggressive treatments

Research found that IVF clinics offering money-back guarantees have a higher live-birth success rate and lower multiple birth risks compared to those without MBGs. The study suggests that these programs serve as signals of high-quality care in the field of IVF and other healthcare services.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 23, 2022

3D printing technology could change the optical fiber industry

Researchers successfully fabricated centimeter-scale optical fiber preforms using DLP 3D printing technology, enabling the creation of single-mode and multi-mode fibers. The team also explored doping elements to enhance luminescence properties, reducing fiber loss by controlling temperature and pressure during fabrication.

Recognition for Liggins Institute research into newborns with low blood sugars

Two papers from the Liggins Institute have been published in JAMA, providing important new data on managing babies at risk of low blood sugar levels. The research found that regular screening and treatment can help achieve similar outcomes for children affected by hypoglycaemia compared to those not exposed.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2022