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Science News for March 29, 2022


Treatment for substance use reduces depression for many adolescents and young adults with both problems

A significant proportion of youth with substance use and depression show early improvements in depression during treatment for substance use. Lower frequency of cannabis use at baseline is a predictor of early depression response. Both additional CBT or community treatment improved depression symptoms in those without an early response.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

UCI-led study links early life adversity, microglia dysfunction, to aberrant adult stress responses, mental illness

A UCI-led study has found that early life adversity can lead to microglia dysfunction, resulting in abnormal stress responses later in life. The researchers discovered that microglial pruning of excitatory synapses during brain development is crucial for refining functional circuits and preventing aberrant stress responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

An approach to treating a severe congenital myopathy

A new treatment approach has been proposed for children with congenital muscle disorders, using inhibitors to improve muscle function and movement in mice with mutations in the RYR1 gene. The therapy targets genetic material overload caused by excessive enzyme production, leading to reduced access of genes to cellular machinery.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Tonga eruption

UC Santa Barbara geologists Melissa Scruggs and Frank Spera led an international team in publishing the first holistic account of the Tonga eruption, which devastated the nation on January 15. The eruption triggered massive tsunamis and atmospheric waves globally, with an ash plume reaching over 58 kilometers into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEarthquake Research Advances·DateMar 29, 2022

Medical students demonstrate efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in multiple immunocompromised patient groups

A group of medical students from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised patients. They found that immunocompromised patients produced significantly lower antibodies after vaccination, with only a third achieving seroconversion after two doses.

Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says

Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 29, 2022

New study shows spiders use webs to extend their hearing

Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that orb-weaving spiders use their webs as extended auditory arrays to capture sounds, allowing them to detect prey and predators. The study found that the spiders can respond to sound levels as low as 68 decibels and localize sound sources with 100% accuracy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2022

Critical and underutilized: Fire and police responders associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates

A new study found that non-medical first responders, such as police and fire departments, are associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates. They initiated CPR in 31.8% of incidents and AED use in 6.1% of cases, leading to significantly improved chances of survival and hospital discharge.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalResuscitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2022

From lab to slab: Rubber concrete flexes into the residential market

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach to rubber recycling that repurposes end-of-life tyres into concrete for residential constructions. The study found that crumb rubber concrete is a safe, green alternative with higher impact resistance, toughness, and ductility compared to conventional conc...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalStructures·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

How do mobile siRNAs mediate transgressive methylation in grapevine plants?

Recent research reveals that mobile siRNAs play a crucial role in transgressive methylation in grapevine plants, influencing phenotypic changes in heterografts. The study demonstrates bi-directional small RNA transfers between graft partners, with preferential transfer of scion-derived smRNAs to the rootstock.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeNews article·DateMar 29, 2022

Integrating behavioral health in community-based primary care improves access and treatment for racially and ethnically diverse children

A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 29, 2022

Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning

Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

Job seekers face prison credential dilemma

A recent study found that formerly incarcerated men face a dilemma when deciding whether to use their prison credentials, which can signal redeemable qualities but also perpetuate negative stereotypes. Changing credential names or having them issued by external organizations may provide short-term solutions to overcome these issues.

SourceCornell University·JournalCriminology·DateMar 29, 2022

Elaine S. Jaffe, MD, to receive Inaugural AACR James S. Ewing-Thelma B. Dunn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pathology in Cancer Research

Dr. Elaine S. Jaffe is being recognized for her pioneering work in hematopathology, including the discovery of novel pathological entities and her development of standardized diagnostic criteria for lymphoma and leukemia. She has also made significant contributions to advancing cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Roundworms’ egg cells have a backup plan

A new study discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors, which could lead to new strategies for combatting infertility in humans. The study found that removing certain proteins allowed another motor protein to kick in as a backup, restoring the spindle structure and allowin...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Child abuse investigations may not prevent poor sexual health outcomes in girls

A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

Spanish scientists discover a new method for the early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis

A study identifies new biomarkers that predict the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, providing a non-invasive way to detect cardiovascular disease. The research team analyzed blood plasma samples and validated three proteins as biomarkers, improving the prediction of cardiovascular risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 29, 2022

Unravelling the mystery of parrot longevity

A study led by Max Planck researchers found that parrots with large relative brain sizes have longer lifespans, averaging up to 30 years. This suggests that increased cognitive ability may help parrots navigate threats and enjoy longer lives.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 29, 2022

Time to shift research focus from ‘bikini medicine’ to what is really ailing women

A new study found that women's health research is disproportionately focused on reproductive years, particularly pregnancy, leaving few articles on major causes of illness and death. Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, are poorly covered in women's health publications.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of Women s Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 29, 2022

Heat storage: Scientists develop material that is stable, efficient and eco-friendly

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg create a new shape-stabilized phase change material that can absorb significantly more heat and is made of harmless substances. The material, which can be used as large panels integrated into walls, can store up to 24 times more heat than conventional concrete or wallboard.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Introduction of tripotassium citrate monohydrate derived carbon nanosheets as a competent assistant to manganese dioxide with remarkable performance in the supercapacitor

Researchers have designed a manganese dioxide/carbon nanosheet composite material to address electrode morphology and size distribution issues. The composite exhibits superior electrochemical properties, including higher specific capacitance, better multiplicative performance, and lower internal resistance.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

National Institutes of Health funds LSU chemistry professor’s research aimed at developing a new class of molecules for treating biofilm infections

Chronic skin wounds and biofilm infections pose significant challenges in healthcare. A new NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel class of molecules targeting bacterial iron homeostasis to combat these infections. The researchers have identified proof-of-concept small molecules that can inhibit the BfrB-Bfd protein-protein interac...

The great and powerful Dr. Oz? Alternative health media consumption and vaccine views

A new study by researchers from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that exposure to alternative health media can affect beliefs about consequential health-care issues like vaccination. After Dr. Mehmet Oz endorsed the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine on a March 2019 episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” significantly more people in hi...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateMar 29, 2022

Insilico Medicine identifies potential dual-purpose therapeutic targets implicated in aging and age-associated diseases using Artificial Intelligence and hallmarks of aging framework

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have used AI to identify potential targets that are implicated in multiple age-related diseases and also play a role in the basic biology of aging. The study resulted in the identification of 69 high-confidence targets with potential high druggability.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalAging-US·DateMar 29, 2022

Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Getting an edge in today’s financial markets is possible, but it won’t last

Financial markets are highly efficient, making it challenging for investors to predict performance and achieve lasting profits. Research reveals that pockets of predictability are interspersed with periods of little to no evident predictability, self-extinguishing due to competitors emulating edges.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Finance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Planet-scale MRI

Seismologists have developed methods to take wave signals from seismometers and reverse engineer features of the medium they pass through, known as seismic tomography. A new full-waveform inversion model uses 3D wave simulations and data sensitivities at the global scale to improve the resolution of current seismic models.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalComputers & Geosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Rehabilitation psychologists: Specialists you may not yet know, but might one day need

A rehabilitation psychologist's role is to guide patients through the process of rehab and recovery, addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional barriers that hinder progress. These experts can help individuals adjust to a new diagnosis, stay motivated during recovery, and deal with the emotional aftermath of hospitalization.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 29, 2022

European earthworms reduce insect populations in North American forests

Research found that invasive earthworms significantly reduce the number of insects, biomass, and species richness above ground in Canadian forests. The study suggests that changes in soil conditions caused by earthworms may also affect vegetation, but no significant alteration was detected.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

Prior COVID-19 infection linked to robust, accelerated immune response after first vaccine dose, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University found that individuals with prior COVID-19 infection experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, but showed little increase after the second dose. This contrasts with those without a history of infection, who exhibited massive responses after the second dose.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 29, 2022

Better breeding tools for future-proofing potatoes

Researchers from around the world have developed new breeding tools to help potato breeders adapt their crops to a changing climate. The collaboration identified useful traits, such as local adaptability and climate flexibility, in wild varieties of potatoes, which can be used to cut down on the time and cost of developing new cultivars.

Scientists find racial and ethnic disparities in use of pediatric acute asthma care

A large NIH-funded study found significant disparities in acute asthma care utilization among Black, Latino, and white children. Black children accessed community health centers less frequently than white children, while Latino children were more likely to visit CHCs for comprehensive care.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Scientists have developed a new approach to expand the target range of CRISPR/Cas systems, allowing for slight variations in target DNA while maintaining local specificity. This technology could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis, particularly for diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022