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Science News for March 31, 2022


New Johns Hopkins study explores relationship between psychedelics and consciousness

A new Johns Hopkins study examines the link between psychedelics and consciousness, revealing a significant increase in attributing consciousness to various entities following a psychedelic experience. The study found that participants who reported belief-changing experiences showed substantial increases in attributing consciousness to...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 31, 2022

Researchers find patterns of handgun carrying among youth in rural areas, building foundation for injury prevention

A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022

Quantum ‘shock absorbers’ allow perovskite to exhibit superfluorescence at room temperature

Researchers at NC State University discovered that built-in thermal shock absorbers in perovskites protect dipoles from thermal interference, enabling room-temperature superfluorescence. The 'Quantum Analog of Vibration Isolation' mechanism creates a filter that allows synchronized emission of photons.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Under (blood) pressure

A study by Alisa Auer and Petra Wirtz found that men with essential hypertension are more likely to recognize angry expressions when looking at others' faces. This 'anger recognition bias' contributes to increased blood pressure over time if someone experiences high levels of anger.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMar 31, 2022

T. rex's short arms may have lowered risk of bites during feeding frenzies

Paleontologist Kevin Padian suggests that T. rex's short arms evolved to prevent accidental or intentional amputation during pack feeding, a behavior thought to be common among the species. This hypothesis proposes that the reduced forelimbs provided an adaptive advantage by reducing the risk of injury during intense feeding interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·TypeCase study·DateMar 31, 2022

How e-scooters can safely operate in a city

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Safety Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Simulation and retrieval for spaceborne aerosol and cloud high spectral resolution lidar of China

The study aims to investigate China's spaceborne Aerosol and Cloud High Spectral Resolution Lidar (ACHSRL) for its potential in retrieving aerosol and cloud data. The research reveals that the uncertainty of aerosol depolarization ratio and Poisson noise are significant error sources, but proposes correction schemes to improve accuracy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 31, 2022

Scientists develop environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have created a new family of environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings that can delay the formation of frost for extended hours. These coatings can be applied to various surfaces without preconditioning or expensive surface treatments, reducing pollution and ice-related problems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Ozone may be heating the planet more than we realise

Research reveals that ozone levels in the upper and lower atmosphere are weakening one of Earth's main cooling mechanisms, making it a significant greenhouse gas. The study found that increased ozone in the lower atmosphere caused 60% of the overall ozone-induced warming seen in Southern Ocean waters.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2022

New gene targets for treating adult blood cancer

Hokkaido University scientists have identified CDK6 as a promising target for treating adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with the drug palbociclib. The combination of palbociclib with everolimus also showed significant tumor growth reduction and minimal side effects in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

New virology data shows the investigational COVID antiviral drug molnupiravir eliminates actively infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus by day 3 of starting therapy

New data from the MOVe-OUT trial reveals that molnupiravir significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection within three days of treatment. In contrast, those receiving a placebo took up to five days to clear the virus. The study confirms molnupiravir's effectiveness in accelerating viral RNA decline and eliminating infectious virus.

Better crime scene testing

Researchers at Flinders University have developed more accurate special aerosol fluorescent dye 'marker' to find touch DNA, and found that some people shed more or less DNA on their thumbs. This new study helps understand the difference between high, intermediate and low skin 'shedders', which will aid in crime scene investigation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Scientists identify asymmetry in the pressure anomalies of the mid–high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere

Research reveals eight patterns of SAM events with distinct zonal asymmetries, including symmetric, split-center, West Antarctica, and tripole patterns. These patterns may help classify and discuss formation causes and climate impacts of different SAM events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 31, 2022

Structure of a bacterial “drug pump” reveals new way to counter hospital-borne infection

Researchers have designed a therapeutic that sabotages the bacterial 'drug pump', restoring antibiotic effectiveness against drug-resistant strains. The breakthrough uses antibodies to overcome structural challenges, revealing a potential new treatment against MRSA and other resistant pathogens.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

New study suggests increased flu vaccination among U.S. home healthcare workers could reduce patient illness and hospitalization

A new study suggests increasing flu vaccination among US home healthcare workers could significantly reduce flu-related illnesses and hospitalizations among elderly patients. The research highlights the association between HHC staff flu-vaccination rates and patient illness at a national level.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Burst of accumulated zinc shows how the mineral boosts immune function, suggesting ways to improve health

A new study reveals that zinc supports immunity by developing disease-fighting immune cells called T cells and regrowing the thymus, an immune organ. Zinc supplementation also promotes immune recovery after bone marrow transplant and works even better than the natural mineral in experimental compounds.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Positive top-line data from monotherapy arm of the ATHENA (GOG 3020/ENGOT-ov45) trial (ATHENA-MONO) significantly improves progression-free survival in first-line maintenance treatment in patients with ovarian cancer regardless of their biomarker status

The ATHENA-MONO trial shows significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with Rubraca as maintenance therapy. Benefit was observed across all patients, including those with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA mutant tumors.

SourceThe GOG Foundation Inc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2022

Rising parental expectations linked to perfectionism in college students

Research finds that increased parental expectations and criticism are associated with higher levels of perfectionism among college students, which can lead to negative mental health consequences. Parents' anxious expectations can perpetuate a lifelong trait, with perfectionist parents raising perfectionist children.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

African network protects key turtle sites

The RAMPAO network in West Africa covers vital habitats for green turtles, with most key migration corridors falling outside protected areas. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2022

Coughing mice and the fight against pertussis

A team of researchers from Osaka University successfully established a mouse model that can reproduce the severe and persistent cough of pertussis. They found that pertussis toxin, Vag8, and lipooligosaccharide are key bacterial factors involved in inducing coughing, which ultimately leads to bradykinin and TRPV1 signaling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Risk of homelessness or incarceration among foster youth varies by type of disability

A new study from George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services researchers found that the likelihood of foster youth with disabilities experiencing homelessness or incarceration during transition to adulthood varies by type of disability. Youth with emotional disabilities are more likely to experience homelessness, whi...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Classification of 16 adult sleep patterns based on large-scale sleep analysis

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify 16 distinct adult sleep patterns based on arm acceleration data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants. These patterns can be used to diagnose insomnia and develop personalized treatment methods, offering new insights into human sleep behavior.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

GE research-led team treats diabetes using ultrasound

A GE Research-led team has demonstrated the ability to prevent or reverse diabetes in preclinical model systems using ultrasound-based bioelectronic medicine. The team's findings, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, represent a significant milestone in this field and pave the way for future clinical translation.

SourceGeneral Electric (United States)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2022

Five eminent female cancer researchers receive the Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers 2022 Meritorious Awards, in partnership with Pelotonia & AACR

The Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women's Cancers has awarded five female researchers for their groundbreaking work on breast and gynecologic cancers. The recipients will receive a $100,000 honorarium and be invited to participate in a broader women's cancers grant program.

Validation of home visual acuity tests for telehealth

Researchers validated at-home visual acuity tests to measure eye health in telehealth settings, improving accessibility and reducing reliance on in-office appointments. The study found that these home tests were comparable to in-office measurements, demonstrating their potential as a reliable tool for remote eye exams.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 2022

Researchers identify sustainable source of immunodeficiency virus-resistant immune cells

Researchers have successfully generated large numbers of virus-resistant immune cells from monkeys using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new treatment for HIV/AIDS by providing an alternative to current therapies that require lifelong medication and can cause side effects.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 31, 2022

‘We’re more alike than we might think’ – new study suggests autistic and non-autistic people share more in common

A landmark study found that autistic individuals think as quickly and rationally as non-autistic people, challenging the idea that autism is a mental processing disorder. The research suggests that certain fundamental processes are more similar between autistic and non-autistic individuals than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Microbiota medicine: towards clinical revolution

A recent report by the International Society of Microbiota confirms a bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and various organs, highlighting the crucial role of microbiota in disease pathogenesis. The report also explores therapeutic strategies for manipulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat disorders.

SourceMitochondria-Microbiota Task Force·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 31, 2022

New analysis of investigational COVID antiviral drug molnupiravir shows it appears to clear virus equally well in immunocompromised patients and those who are immunocompetent

A new analysis of data on molnupiravir shows the drug effectively clears active SARS-CoV-2 virus in both immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients. The study found similar reductions in viral replication and no infectious virus detected after treatment, indicating equal efficacy in both groups.

Commercial interests hamper climate work in shipping

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that shipping companies prioritize economic interests over energy efficiency when planning routes, which hampers efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The study highlights the importance of collaboration and decision-makers' choices in achieving sustainable shipping.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Fruit flies adapt activity to “white nights”

Research team at University of Münster finds that a specific gene variant allows fruit flies to synchronize their circadian rhythm with temperature cycles under constant light. This adaptation enables better mating opportunities and increases the allele's evolutionary success.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Accelerating write/erase cycles in all-optical magnetization switching

Scientists have discovered a way to accelerate write/erase cycles in all-optical magnetization switching using rare-earth transition metal alloys. By optimizing heat transfer rates and exchange interactions, they achieved terahertz repetition rates for magnetic bits, paving the way for faster data storage technology.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Increased heat and drought stunt tropical trees, a major carbon sink

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has found that tropical trees' trunk growth is reduced in years with drier and warmer conditions. The researchers also discovered that the effect of climatic fluctuations is more dramatic in arid or warm regions, suggesting climate change may increase the sensitivity of tropical trees.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

SCAI issues best practices for clinical proctoring of new technologies and techniques

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released a position statement on best practices for clinical proctoring, aiming to reduce the potential risks involved with medical proctoring. The document highlights the importance of effective communication, preparation, and oversight in proctoring experiences.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateMar 31, 2022

Cool way to keep streets green

Researchers at Flinders University discovered that stormwater interception and infiltration using the TREENET Inlet enhances white cedar tree growth, with saplings growing 65% more in height and 60% more in diameter. The study found increased water uptake and photosynthesis rates for trees receiving harvested stormwater.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2022

Graphene gets enhanced by flashing

Rice University researchers have developed a customizing method for producing doped graphene with tailored structures and electronic states. The doping process adds elements to the 2D carbon matrix, making it suitable for use in nanodevices such as fuel cells and batteries.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Scientific consortium established by national institutes of health provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2022

Repeats are key to understanding humanity's genome

Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Study explores social media’s influence on crowdfunding campaigns

A study found that crowdfunding campaigns are most successful when promoted on social media during the first 10 days. The researchers analyzed data from GoFundMe and found that donation patterns follow three phases, with a surge in donations as the goal is approached. However, they also discovered that slacktivism can occur when people...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows

Researchers found that T. domingensis absorbed more iron than H. tiliaceus, making it a promising phytoremediation technique for rehabilitating contaminated water and soil. The study's findings could help mitigate the environmental damage caused by the 2015 iron mine tailings dam disaster in Brazil.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateMar 31, 2022

MARATHON measures mirror nuclei

The MARATHON experiment has accessed new details about the particles that build our universe by comparing mirror nuclei helium-3 and tritium. The results provided a precise determination of the ratio of proton/neutron structure function ratios, offering new insights into the internal structures of protons and neutrons.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

How is haze formed?

Researchers have discovered a new source of haze-building hydroxyl radicals in soot particles, which can lead to accelerated haze formation. This discovery offers new possibilities for air purification and the development of environmentally friendly catalysts using light radiation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

A scaffold with a twist: Cryo-EM reveals the building blocks of poxvirus

The study reveals the structure of D13 and its role in assembling into a protein scaffold, which is critical for virus replication. The researchers discovered two ways the proteins interact to form a spherical honeycomb lattice, with a small helix structure playing a key role in assembly.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Some hard-to-crack genome areas carry genes that make us distinctly humans

The completed human genome assembly has revealed new insights into human evolution and diseases. Researchers found that highly repetitive regions, including segmental duplications, contain genes critical for brain development and function. These findings shed light on the genetic factors that make humans distinct from other primates.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Pandemic lockdowns had severe mental health consequences for women in the developing world

Lockdowns during COVID-19 led to significant increases in depression, anxiety, and exhaustion among women in India, particularly those with vulnerable social positions. The study suggests that policymakers should consider supportive measures to limit economic devastation and target aid to vulnerable households and women.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022

Physiological signals could be the key to “Emotionally Intelligent” AI, scientists say

Researchers integrated biological signals with gold-standard machine learning methods to create emotionally intelligent speech dialog systems. The study found that combining language information with biological signal information improved the AI's performance, making it comparable to human-like emotional recognition.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateMar 31, 2022

Wireless pain management for drug-resistant conditions offers promising alternative to surgery, study finds

A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 31, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

People born in the 80s not likely to marry their first cohabiting partner

A UK study of three birth cohorts found that people born in the 1980s are more likely to move in with a partner later in life and less likely to get married. The study also found that education levels can affect partnership stability, with highly educated individuals being more likely to cohabitate but experiencing shorter relationships.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateMar 31, 2022