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Science News for May 11, 2022


Healthy diet in pregnancy might not impact risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations, according to new meta-analysis

A new meta-analysis suggests that a healthy diet during pregnancy does not significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations. The study analyzed data from various ethnic groups and found no significant association between dietary habits and the incidence of gestational diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMay 11, 2022

Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation

A study published in Stroke journal found robot therapy to be as effective as traditional therapy in improving motor function and daily tasks for chronic stroke patients. The robotic device provided repetitive exercises and real-time analysis, leading to significant improvements in shoulder, elbow, and forearm use.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStroke·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2022

Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data

Researchers have developed a refined tool to identify potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors using epigenetic data. The new methodology improves the characterization of somatic copy number alterations up to 20% with high accuracy, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding

Researchers found glatiramer acetate to be compatible with breastfeeding, reducing the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The study's results indicate no negative effects on infant development, leading to updates in the drug's label and approval for treatment during the breastfeeding period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

How do genomes evolve between species? The key role of 3D structure in male germ cells

A study by UAB and University of Kent researchers found that the 3D structure of male germ cells plays a key role in determining genome evolution. Genome rearrangements were associated with DNA damage locations in spermatids, suggesting that males have a unique impact on genome evolution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022

Large study in Botswana finds daily micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy reduces complications at birth

A six-year study of nearly 100,000 women in Botswana found daily iron, folic acid, and vitamin supplementation can reduce birth complications, including low birthweight. The study also showed benefits for HIV-positive pregnant women, with rates of adverse outcomes significantly lower than those taking iron or folic acid alone.

Should you give your child opioids for post-operative pain management?

A new study found that most caregivers are unsure about giving their child opioids post-operatively due to concerns about addiction. The survey, which assessed demographic information and attitudes towards opioid use, revealed that caregivers who had taken opioids in the past were more likely to feel comfortable using them.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Opioid Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022

Laser bursts drive fastest-ever logic gates

Scientists at Rochester and Erlangen develop logic gates that operate at femtosecond timescales, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and information processing. The breakthrough involves harnessing and independently controlling real and virtual charge carriers in gold-graphene-gold junctions with laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022

Smoking-cessation program that targets cancer patients effective

A new smoking-cessation program that targets cancer patients has been shown to increase the percentage of patients receiving treatment from 2% to nearly 30%, as well as improve quit rates. The program's costs are also lower than previous methods, averaging $70 per patient.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase mortality from COVID-19 – especially among young and middle-aged people

A recent study found that obesity, impaired blood glucose metabolism, and high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young and middle-aged people. Researchers analyzed data from the European case registry LEOSS and found that patients with all three conditions had a similar increased risk of death as ...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining

A study exploring restaurant menu design found that adding carbon labels and setting default options to low-emission dishes encourages diners to choose more environmentally friendly options. The findings suggest a promising strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of dining, but further research is needed to inform such strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Underestimating people’s COVID concerns undermines cooperation

A Cornell-led study found that underestimating people's COVID concerns can have severe consequences, including undermining cooperation and trust. The researchers analyzed over 1 million responses from mid-2020 and discovered significant disparities in concern levels between different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic, Black, and Asian...

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMay 11, 2022

Effects of stress on adolescent brain’s “triple network”

A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

10-minute meditation could help reduce Brexit polarization

A new study found that a brief befriending-themed meditation can reduce affective polarization between Remain and Leave voters in the UK. The meditation increased perceived commonality between sides, suggesting a potential strategy to address polarization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Teaching underwater stingray robots to swim faster and with greater precision using machine learning

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new machine learning approach to model underwater robot dynamics, allowing for efficient swimming in complex environments. The approach, published in IEEE-RAL, uses deep neural networks to predict required flapping motions for a set of given propulsive force targets.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMay 11, 2022

Cooling speeds up electrons in bacterial nanowires

Researchers discovered that cooling environment around Geobacter nanowires increases conductivity 300-fold by restructuring hydrogen bonds and flattening heme proteins. This breakthrough could lead to development of living electrical circuits, new sources of electricity and bioremediation strategies.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2022

New research in JNCCN encourages harnessing health technology to help cancer patients quit smoking

A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN) found that incorporating the Electronic Health Record-Enabled Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment (ELEVATE) program into electronic health records can significantly improve smoking cessation rates among cancer patients. The research demonst...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Full adoption of existing mitigation strategies can help meet livestock methane reduction targets by 2030

A meta-analysis found that adopting existing mitigation strategies could reduce livestock methane emissions enough to help the sector limit its share of global warming to the 1.5°C target by 2030. The identified most effective strategies include increasing feed intake, grazing on less mature grass, and feeding concentrates.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington faculty member co-authors meta-analysis of data on red meat and diabetes

A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets containing red meat did not impact glycemic and insulinemic risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between red meat consumption and the development of type 2 diabetes.

SourceIndiana University School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 11, 2022

Underwater map-making robot aces first real-world trials in crowded marina

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an underwater robot capable of mapping its environment, tracking its location, and planning safe routes in complex marine environments. The breakthrough enabled the robot to accurately map a busy harbor in real-time using active SLAM algorithms.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Traveling to the centre of planet Uranus: Materials synthesis research and study in terapascal range for the first time

A research team from the University of Bayreuth has successfully generated and analyzed materials under compression pressures of over 1 terapascal, a breakthrough that could deepen our understanding of matter. The study reveals the synthesis and structural analysis of novel rhenium compounds in the terapascal range.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2022

Designer neurons offer new hope for treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have developed a process to convert non-neuronal cells into functioning neurons that can take up residence in the brain and restore capacities undermined by Parkinson's destruction of dopaminergic cells. In a proof-of-concept study, one group of experimentally engineered cells performs optimally in terms of survival, growth...

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Menus for climate-friendly food choices

Scientists found that colour-coded CO2 labels and changed default options on restaurant menus nudged guests to more climate-friendly dish choices, resulting in an average of 300g less CO2 per meal. Participants chose veggie burgers more often when presented as standard options.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022

Study finds link between dropping permit requirement for carrying concealed weapons and increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 11, 2022

Obesity in pregnancy increases risk of lifelong cardiovascular disease in offspring

A study found that maternal obesity impairs heart health and function of the fetus, altering gene expression and increasing risk of cardiac problems in later life. Sex differences were observed, with females experiencing impaired cardiac function that worsened with age, while males showed impairments from birth.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Oncoscience: Altos Labs and the quest for immortality - Dr. Blagosklonny’s perspective

Dr. Blagosklonny discusses the potential of combining rapamycin with other modalities to live long enough to benefit from future discoveries in cellular reprogramming. He emphasizes that Altos Labs needs to develop rapamycin-based drug combinations to achieve additional decades of life extension, potentially within 3-5 years.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 11, 2022

Study points to need for substantial improvement in heart attack outcomes across high-income nations

A new study published by Harvard Medical School and The University of Texas Medical Branch found that despite international consensus on treating acute myocardial infarctions, there are substantial variations in treatment and outcomes across six high-income nations. The U.S. stands out for its high risk of death within a year of hospit...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Copying others to dare

Researchers found that social learning can counteract risk aversion by promoting riskier options with higher rewards. By observing others' choices, participants made smarter decisions and became more explorative in trying out risky options. This process perpetuated itself as individual risk aversion was reduced.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournaleLife·DateMay 11, 2022

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Two years after infection, half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom, follow-up study suggests

A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Taking ownership of your health

A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Novel supramolecular CRISPR–Cas9 carrier enables more efficient genome editing

A team of researchers from Kumamoto University has developed a transformable polyrotaxane carrier that can facilitate genome editing using Cas9RNP with high efficiency. The carrier, called amino-PRX, is multi-step transformable and has low cytotoxicity, making it an enormously promising candidate for safe and efficient delivery.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Neoliberal policies, institutions have prompted preference for greater inequality, new study finds

A new study by NYU researchers found that neoliberal policies and institutions are associated with a preference for greater income inequality across over 160 countries. The analysis, which spanned 25 years (1995-2019), suggests that economic systems can shape human psychology to favor higher levels of income inequality.

SourceNew York University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets

Researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine, including DKK1 and PDGFB, which inhibit Wnt signalling pathways. Lower levels of antioxidant proteins FARS2, GSTA4, and CHIC2 also contribute to inflammation linked to migraine. Therapies targeting increased DKK1 levels may represent novel tools for treatment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Hope for Europe’s 23 million acne sufferers as dermatologists identify possible link between key nutrient and skin condition / Akne Patienten zeigen erniedrigte Omega-3 Fettsäure Spiegel

Dermatologists identify a possible link between acne and omega-3 fatty acids, finding that 94% of patients had below-recommended levels in their blood. A healthy diet rich in legumes and avoiding sunflower oil may help manage the condition. The study suggests that omega-3 supplements could be beneficial for treating acne.

SourceSay Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Exploring the ocean's thin skin

Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.

Low-energy protons from strong-field breaking of hydrogen

A joint research team investigated the generation of low-energy protons in dissociative ionization of H2 using time-energy-resolved spectroscopy. They found that low-energy protons are produced via dipole-transition at large bond lengths, contrary to the expected bond-softening scenario.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Springing people from the poverty trap

A field experiment in Bangladesh shows that the poor lack opportunities to gain wealth, but a one-time boost can make a major difference. The study suggests that poverty is not principally due to people's capabilities or attitudes, but rather an initial lack of resources prevents them from improving their circumstances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMay 11, 2022