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Science News for March 28, 2022


Disinfectant use during pregnancy linked to childhood asthma and eczema

A population study found a significant link between mothers' exposure to disinfectants during pregnancy and their children's risk of developing asthma or eczema. The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfectants may exert an effect on allergies in offspring.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Personalized testing for safety and effectiveness of common medicines must be offered throughout the health service

A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.

SourceBritish Pharmacological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

Layover or nonstop? UCLA Health research says unique pattern of connectivity lets highly creative people’s brains take road less traveled to their destination

A study led by UCLA Health scientists finds that highly creative people's brains exhibit an atypical approach to connectivity, enabling them to bypass traditional hubs and form distant connections. This 'road less traveled' pattern is more efficient for creative thinking but may not be optimal in all situations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPsychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Lack of sleep increases unhealthy abdominal fat

A randomized controlled study found that lack of sufficient sleep increased calorie intake and visceral fat area by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that inadequate sleep is a previously unrecognized trigger for visceral fat deposition, potentially contributing to obesity and metabolic diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2022

Stanford engineers enable simple cameras to see in 3D

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new approach to enable standard image sensors to capture light in three dimensions. The system uses acoustic resonance and piezoelectric properties of lithium niobate to modulate light, allowing for high-performance lidar capabilities in compact devices.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Global diets are harming human and planetary health

Experts warn that a global diet rich in ultra-processed foods is damaging human health directly and causing environmental degradation. The dominance of these foods is leading to declining agrobiodiversity, with fewer than 200 crop species accounting for over 66% of global food production.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

The value of installing new technologies in supply chains: How current users are getting it wrong and how to change it

A Bayes Business School study found that supply chain professionals overestimate technology benefits and underestimate needs, leading to disappointment. The study offers a list of goals, constraints, and benefits to help managers better calibrate expectations.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalProduction and Operations Management·TypeSurvey·DateMar 28, 2022

Clot buster

A new test predicts sepsis soon after infection in mice, enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform for developing rapid clinical tests for early sepsis detection and intervention.

New oncogenic mechanisms in lymphoma via extracellular vesicles discovered

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of action for extracellular vesicles in the development and progression of lymphomas. sPLA2 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages degrades EV-derived phospholipids, enhancing EV function and inducing vital phenomena. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for cancer treatment.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Visualizing the invisible

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new model to aid interpretation of atomic resolution molecular images. The Z-correlated molecular model accurately fits imaging data and helps chemists analyze electron microscope images without theoretical calculations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

New computational model proposed for Alzheimer's disease

Mayo Clinic researchers propose a novel computational model that links Alzheimer's disease symptoms to brain anatomy, revealing a complex relationship between mental processing and brain function. The model uses machine learning to analyze patient brain imaging data and compresses complex brain anatomy into a conceptual framework.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Sound to touch

Researchers developed an automated auditory training program that enables marmoset monkeys to perform hearing tests in their familiar environment on a voluntary basis. The study demonstrates the animals' ability to abstract from learned sounds and suggests they are ideal model animals for hearing system research.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Inhibiting the thermal quenching of high-efficiency quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes

Researchers developed a passivation strategy to improve the performance of quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes by suppressing thermal-induced fluorescence quenching. The strategy, using alkyl phosphates as passivation functional groups, resulted in higher EQE peak values and improved device stability at high temperatures.

Einstein researchers find new strategy for preventing clogged arteries

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that increasing chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can prevent atherosclerosis by protecting macrophages and smooth muscle cells from damage. The study suggests that boosting CMA could be an effective strategy for curbing atherosclerosis and halting its progression, particular...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Invading hordes of crazy ants may have finally met their kryptonite

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found a natural fungus that can kill off local populations of tawny crazy ants, with 62% of infected populations disappearing entirely. The fungus is specific to crazy ants and has no effect on native species, making it a promising biocontrol agent for protecting sensitive habitats.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Flame-retardants and plasticizers found in the oceans

A new study finds that flame-retardants and plasticizers are present in the oceans, harming marine organisms and potentially affecting human health. The substances, which are widely used in everyday products, can be transported from inland sources to coastal environments through air masses and ocean currents.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 28, 2022

Longitudinal data from India reveals that low-birth-weight infants experience lower test scores compared with normal birth weight infants

A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEconomic Papers A journal of applied economics and policy·DateMar 28, 2022

Bonding through teamwork: A route to sustainable chemistry

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University develop a sustainable alternative to transition metal catalysts for producing diaryl ethers, which are crucial for pharmaceutical applications. The new method uses a readily available starting material and achieves significantly higher yields and selectivity than existing techniques.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

How cells control their borders

A team of biochemists at the University of Groningen discovered that membrane thickness, lipid phase, and sterol type are key factors in determining permeability. This knowledge can help companies optimize microbial production and improve drug design.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Antipsychotic drug exposure in pregnancy

A large birth cohort study of 3.4 million children found that prenatal antipsychotic exposure is not the primary cause of increased risk of neurodevelopment disorders. Maternal characteristics appear to be a contributing factor, suggesting that antipsychotic drugs may have more subtle effects on fetal development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2022

Researchers use skull CT scans to estimate assigned sex at birth

A new study proposes a 'population-inclusive' method for estimating assigned sex at birth from 3D volume-rendered computed tomography (CT) scans of skulls, without relying on ancestry or population affinity. This approach shows statistically similar results to existing methods and can be used in cases where population affinity is unknown.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Antidepressants linked to lower suicide risk among 75+ in residential care

A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Watch out, ion thieves working in the crowd!

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that high concentrations of crowding molecules can hinder DNA hybridization and complexation of sodium ions. The study used polyethylene glycol and other chain-like molecules to mimic the crowded cellular environment, revealing a 1000-fold decrease in favorable complexation.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2022

May the odds be in your favor: Relatedness and size interact in shaping cannibal aggression

In a study on cannibalism in poison frog tadpoles, researchers found that relatedness affects aggression levels. Large tadpoles were less aggressive towards their smaller siblings than non-siblings, suggesting they can discriminate between relatives and change behavior accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

NUS-Monash University collaboration produces universal flu vaccine candidate

Researchers from NUS and Monash University develop a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells, triggering long-lasting immune responses against multiple flu strains. The single-shot vaccine approach enhances protective immunity in pre-existing flu immunity populations.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2022

Identifying risk factors following ICH strokes

A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers analyzed outcome data from a large cohort of patients and found correlations between different risk factors, including age, hemorrhage size, location, and cognitive impairment, which were associated with poor outcomes. The results also showed that Black and Hispanic populations were m...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Growing quantum dots in a regular arrangement

Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum have improved the manufacturing process for quantum dots by creating a targeted arrangement on a wafer. The team discovered that the density of quantum dots was distributed concentrically due to the coating process, resulting in high-quality structures.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Paternal metformin use associated with major birth defects if used during period of sperm development

A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

Prediabetes among US youths

The study found that nearly 30% of US youth aged 12-19 now have prediabetes, up from 11.6% in 1999-2002. The increasing trend is attributed to growing obesity rates and poor diet habits among young people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 28, 2022

Quantum information theory: Quantum complexity grows linearly for an exponentially long time

Researchers proved a conjecture on quantum complexity growth, contradicting the Brown-Susskind intuition that complexity increases linearly for astronomically long times and then remains maximum. Instead, complexity grows linearly with time until it saturates at an exponential point related to system size.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Chaos to control: Scientists use a ‘butterfly attractor’ to control and change the weather

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Computational Science used computer simulations to show that extreme weather phenomena can be controlled by making small adjustments to variables in the weather system. The study's findings promise multiple applications, including preventing and mitigating extreme windstorms.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalNonlinear Processes in Geophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a low-cost hydrocarbon membrane that enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. The membrane's high stability and conductivity enabled the creation of an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery stack with high energy efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

Methane could be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth

Methane may be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth, according to a new study that establishes conditions for biological activity. The researchers found that atmospheric methane is more likely to be considered a strong indication of life if it co-exists with carbon dioxide and lacks carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2022

Dixon GRE technique outperforms clinical standard for unenhanced coronary MRA

A prospective study found that the 3-T Dixon gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence performed better than the current standard of 1.5-T SSFP for unenhanced coronary MRA, particularly in distal and branch segments. The technique demonstrated higher image quality, visible segments, sensitivity, and specificity for significant stenoses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Impact Journals at AACR Annual Meeting 2022

Impact Journals will participate as an exhibitor at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2022 annual meeting, showcasing their prominent journals Oncotarget and Aging (Aging-US). The conference focuses on Decoding Cancer Complexity | Integrating Science | Transforming Patient Outcomes.

Building new sea turtle populations in a biodiversity crisis

A study led by University of Barcelona experts confirms the success of a green turtle reintroduction program in the Cayman Islands, establishing new populations without affecting the fitness of wild turtles. The results highlight the potential of assisted colonisation as a conservation measure for species threatened by habitat degradat...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Metaphotonics gains intelligence

Recent advances in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized the field of metaphotonics. The integration of ML with photonics enables the creation of intelligent systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Self-adapting systems, such as cloaks that adjust themselves to changes in freque...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateMar 28, 2022

Chaos theory provides hints for controlling the weather

Researchers have used computer simulations to show that small adjustments to certain variables can modify weather systems, mimicking the 'butterfly attractor' phenomenon in chaos theory. This approach could lead to weather control technology and prevent extreme windstorms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNonlinear Processes in Geophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022

Here CRISPR Kitty?

Researchers at InBio have made progress in developing a hypoallergenic cat by targeting the Fel d 1 protein using CRISPR-Cas9. The study suggests that Fel d 1 is nonessential for cats, paving the way for further experiments exploring genetic therapy to reduce cat allergens.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·TypeCase study·DateMar 28, 2022

Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues offer new treatment protocol for advanced head and neck cancer

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a potential treatment combination for advanced head and neck cancer, which shows promise in pre-clinical models. The therapy involves blocking a specific signaling pathway and sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy, resulting in the disappearance of tumors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Digitalisation and sustainability: how do DAX companies measure up?

A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 28, 2022

Warmer nights may lead to more cardiovascular deaths among men

A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 28, 2022

Chen to receive NSF CAREER award

Xiang Chen at George Mason University is developing a modularized deep neural network generation and deployment framework for heterogeneous edge devices. The project aims to reduce edge AI design and optimization cost, with applications in connected autonomous driving systems.