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Science News for May 10, 2022


Exposing liars by distraction

A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that investigators who asked suspects to multi-task during interviews were more likely to detect lies. Lie tellers struggled with secondary tasks, particularly those deemed important.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology & Behavior Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases

The new ASTRO guideline provides guidance on radiation therapy for brain metastases, including evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary planning and delivery of advanced techniques to manage intact and resected brain tumors. The guideline aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 10, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Mental health and substance use among adolescents experiencing homelessness in the United States

A recent study found that homeless US adolescents experience significantly worse mental health and more substance use than their housed peers. The burden of homelessness disproportionately affects black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to address structural injustices.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Study points to ways of involving visually impaired people in environmental disaster prevention

A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·DateMay 10, 2022

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Stress may be associated with fertility issues in women

A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMay 10, 2022

What benefits nutrition in Africa the most

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improving market access has a positive impact on nutritional status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, increasing crop diversity had little effect on children's growth and nutrition. Diversifying animal production, however, showed positive effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Study finds psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Seeing members of minority groups everywhere? It's an illusion

A study by Hebrew University researchers reveals that individuals overestimate the presence of minority groups in social settings. This 'diversity illusion' can hinder policies promoting diversity and leads to less support for related initiatives. The research team suggests that awareness and education are key to addressing this bias.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

The double-edged sword of clinical texting: Study explores improving patient care via more effective clinician communication

A new study from the Regenstrief Institute examines the effects of clinical texting on hospitalist and nurse communication, highlighting both benefits and challenges. The study suggests that clinical texting can improve communication, but also raises concerns about user buy-in and shared understanding.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateMay 10, 2022

Micro- and nanoplastic from the atmosphere is polluting the ocean

Researchers estimate that by 2040, up to 80 million metric tons of plastic will be annually released into the ocean. The study reveals that wind transport contributes significantly to plastic particle distribution in remote regions. Integrating microplastic into air pollution measurements is crucial for better understanding its effects.

Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Researchers use computational detective work to verify the existence of a 3D quantum spin liquid in cerium zirconium pyrochlore, overcoming decades-long challenge. The material exhibits fractionalized spin excitations, where electrons do not arrange their spins in relation to neighbors.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Involving patients with Parkinson’s disease in research benefits everyone

The authors of a Call to Action emphasize the value of incorporating patient perspectives in clinical Parkinson's disease studies and recommend how to include patient researchers effectively. Patient involvement can help design better studies, ensure tolerable protocols, and improve research outcomes. However, specific challenges must ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 10, 2022

Diets high in fiber associated with less antibiotic resistance in gut bacteria

A study published in mBio found that healthy adults with diets rich in soluble fiber and lower animal protein consumption had fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts. This suggests that modifying the diet through increased fiber intake may help reduce antimicrobial resistance by shaping the gut microbiome.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Gametophytes are ready for their close up: Methods used to study obscure sexual portion of plant life cycle focus of Applications in Plant Sciences special issue

A new special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences explores techniques for studying gametophytes, essential for understanding biodiversity and conservation. The study reveals the complexity of gametophyte biology, including their limited size and invisibility in some plants.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMay 10, 2022

Frozen testicular tissue still viable after two decades

Researchers found that frozen testicular tissue from rats can be reimplanted and produce viable sperm after over 20 years, but with reduced fertility. The study has important implications for treatment of boys with cancer and may provide a method to recover lost fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

4D composite printing can improve the wings of drones, according to new Concordia research

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a method to manufacture adaptive compliant trailing edge morphing wings using 4D printing of composites. This technology can make UAV wings cheaper to manufacture and more efficient in flight, supporting good amounts of load for small or medium-sized vehicles.

SourceConcordia University·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Common gene variant in three seemingly unrelated gynecologic disorders suggests new options for personalized screening and surveillance for cardiovascular disease and cancers

Researchers found a common genetic variant that may protect women with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome from future heart disease. The variant also appears to lower the risk of breast and other cancers in women who experience preeclampsia.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

A new approach to medical guidelines, taking inspiration from Wikipedia

Researchers developed a novel 'Wikiguideline' approach to establish medical guidelines, leveraging online collaboration and high-quality data. The method was tested using osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, and found sufficient data for only two recommendations: increasing oral antibiotic therapy and limiting therapy duration.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 10, 2022

New study describes multi-agent systems for optimization and decision-making through games

Researchers used game theory to create models of cooperative and competitive behaviors in multi-agent systems, focusing on distributed online optimization, federated optimization, and static/dynamic games. The findings have potential applications in smart cities, market competition, information security, and drug development.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 10, 2022

What makes some more afraid of change than others?

Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Blocking spike captors to counter COVID

A team of researchers at Université catholique de Louvain has discovered a way to block the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing infection and offering potential long-term protection against COVID. The breakthrough involves using multivalent glycoclusters that bind strongly to the virus's surface, effectively 'locking' it out of cells.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

AI predicts infant age, gender based on temperament

A new study uses machine learning to analyze temperament data from 4,438 babies to classify their age and gender. While algorithms struggle to distinguish between infants under 48 weeks old, accuracy improves as they age, suggesting that gender differences in infancy become more apparent around this time.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Children grow faster during school year than during summer holidays

A new study reveals that children experience faster growth in height over the school year compared to the summer, resulting in a higher BMI. This seasonality in growth affects the probability of becoming overweight or obese during the summer, highlighting the need for obesity prevention efforts throughout the year.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Artificial intelligence model can predict whether Crohn disease will recur after surgery

An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Medication that lowers risk of overdose underused

Less than half of Americans with opioid use disorder received a potentially lifesaving medication over a five-year period. Buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risk, was prescribed even less often for those with polysubstance use disorder, highlighting the underutilization of this effective treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

At home, do-it-yourself fluid mechanics

Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2022

Study identifies potential target for treating childhood blood cancer

Researchers have pinpointed a possible new target for treating patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a highly aggressive blood cancer. Treatment using anti-inflammatories showed promise in rescuing JMML-like symptoms in zebrafish, suggesting a potential new approach to combating the disease.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022