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Science News for May 12, 2022


Throwing drug resistance for a loop

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel class of therapeutics called feedback disruptors that target viral proteins' negative feedback loops. These drugs break the genetic feedback circuits, causing infected cells to self-destruct and stopping infection in its tracks.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2022

Physics and applications of Raman distributed optical fiber sensing

Raman distributed optical fiber sensing offers flexibility and effectiveness in distributed temperature measurement for various engineering applications. Researchers have developed high-performance systems with optimized performance indices, including accuracy, distance, resolution, and multi-parameter monitoring.

Can pickles increase the health benefits of sour cream?

Adding pickled cucumbers to sour cream significantly increases antioxidant activity and reduces cholesterol oxidation products. The addition also improves the bioaccessibility of antioxidants, making it a promising strategy for enhancing the health-promoting activities of sour cream.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Russian scientists create biomimetic algorithm to find epileptogenic areas of the brain

Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 12, 2022

Climate change increases risks of tree death

A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Review into pre-eclampsia care published

Pre-eclampsia affects up to 8% of women during their lifetime, causing high blood pressure and organ damage. The King's College London review provides a state-of-the-art summary of current knowledge and best practices for caring for women with pre-eclampsia.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 12, 2022

Seven out of ten patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease feel stigmatized

A study led by the University of Barcelona found that 69% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease perceive stigmatization in their daily lives, affecting stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation. The perceived stigma is associated with impaired quality of life and can lead to human and social rights issues.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Extreme storms could help protect beaches from sea level rise, new study finds

A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Prepare for the next supply chain disruption

Researchers at CSH create the first complete representation of Hungary's economy, mapping production networks and supply relationships. They find that only a few firms pose a substantial risk to the overall economy, with nearly 75% of systemic risk concentrated on just 100 high-risk companies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Jellyfish’s stinging cells hold clues to biodiversity

Researchers found that jellyfish's stinging cells evolved by repurposing a neuron inherited from a pre-cnidarian ancestor. This discovery provides insights into the emergence of new cell types and the evolution of biodiversity, suggesting that co-option of ancestral cell types was an important source for new cell functions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2022

Eruption’s echoes

Researchers characterized the Hunga volcano's atmospheric waves, providing exceptional resolution of the evolving wavefield compared to historic events. The data revealed Lamb waves, rare and low-frequency pressure waves associated with large eruptions and nuclear detonations.

Smaller female North Atlantic right whales have fewer calves: Declining body size may contribute to low birth rates

A new study reveals that smaller females of North Atlantic right whales have fewer offspring per reproductive year, likely contributing to the species' low birth rates. This decline in body size may be a result of human-caused stressors such as entanglements and vessel strikes, which could limit population growth if not addressed.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Astronomers snap first-ever image of supermassive black hole Sagitarrius A*

A team of astronomers, including those from MIT's Haystack Observatory, has captured the light around our own supermassive black hole, revealing for the first time an image of Sagitarrius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The resulting image reveals SgrA* in a glowing, donut-shaped ring of light.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 12, 2022

The deadly impact of urban streets that look like highways

Researchers analyzed over 240,000 Google Street View images to find that streets with more visible sky, roadway, and signs have 48% more crashes than residential areas. The study highlights the dangers of 'open road' segments in urban areas, which drivers often perceive as highways, despite being near pedestrians and human activity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

How we perceive crowds

A new study suggests that individuals perceive a space as congested when they can't walk at their desired speed. Age and gender also play a role, with older and female pedestrians reporting lower feelings of congestion. The researchers hope to apply this finding to design spaces that prioritize comfort and usability.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalTransportation Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Study finds nanomedicine targeting lymph nodes key to triple negative breast cancer treatment

Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Immune cell characteristics mapped across multiple tissues, from early life to adulthood

Two new papers from the Human Cell Atlas have created open-access atlases of immune cells in the human body, mapping their characteristics across nine organs during development and 16 adult tissues. The studies reveal new types of immune cells and provide a framework for predicting cell type identity and immunological memory.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

What grasshoppers feed on

A study by the University of Würzburg found that grasshoppers eat a wide range of plants in cold regions, but are more specialized in temperate habitats. The researchers suggest that this adaptation allows them to survive in extreme climatic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Chimps, dreams, and videotape

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

From cavefish to humans: Evolution of metabolism in cavefish may provide insight into treatments for a host of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

Researchers studied cavefish genome-wide map of liver tissue to understand metabolism evolution and its potential applications for humans. The study found striking similarities in metabolic adaptations among cavefish populations, raising questions about universal adaptation mechanisms that could be triggered in other species like humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Strange dreams might help your brain learn better, according to research by HBP scientists

A study by HBP scientists found that wakefulness, non-REM sleep, and REM sleep have complementary functions for learning: experiencing stimuli, solidifying experiences, and discovering semantic concepts. This research suggests that unusual dreams, simulated using Generative Adversarial Networks, can improve brain learning by introducin...

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

High-resolution genomes reveal nuanced origins of the first farmers

A new study suggests that the world's first farmers did not originate from a single group but from the mixing of two groups of hunter-gatherers. The research team used deep sequencing to analyze ancient DNA and found evidence of population divergence, expansions, and admixture dates, providing a more detailed understanding of the demog...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

COVID-19 and obesity disparities for Black communities

A new study provides recommendations for behavioral weight loss interventions to address the unmet needs of Black people with obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing recruitment and retention of Black men and women in behavioral weight loss intervention studies, as well as combining policy with behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 12, 2022

Interprofessional collaboration leads to significant and sustained reduction in hospital-onset c. difficile infections

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that interprofessional teams implementing evidence-based infection-prevention interventions can significantly reduce hospital-onset C. difficile infections. The team's selected interventions included diagnostic stewardship, enhanced environmental cleaning, and educati...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Pumping calcium for bigger bones

A Kyoto University study has discovered that c-type natriuretic peptide facilitates intracellular calcium signaling in chondrocytes to stimulate long bone growth. This finding may lead to the development of new bone growth-stimulating agents for treating developmental disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

First mutation-targeted bladder cancer drug may be under-used

A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Uneven distribution of emergency physician residency programs can impact workforce challenges, new analysis finds

A new analysis found that while the number of emergency physician residency programs is increasing, they are disproportionately located in urban areas, rather than rural communities. This can exacerbate workforce challenges and shortages in rural areas, with many states lacking emergency medicine residency programs.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 12, 2022

Illinois astronomers help capture first image of Milky Way's black hole

A team of University of Illinois researchers, led by Charles Gammie, has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The image reveals a dark central region surrounded by a bright ringlike structure, providing valuable clues about the workings of such giants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Study sheds light on what influences water supplied by snowmelt

A new study by University of Nevada, Reno and Desert Research Institute found that three factors – available winter snowfall, snow melt speed, and melting timing – impact critical water supplies. The research team developed a simple framework to help water managers predict timing and amount of streamflow as climate change accelerates.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Sophisticated fluid mechanics model is on a roll

The Rice-Waseda team created a computer simulation model that can accurately depict the complex aerodynamics around a moving car and its rolling tires. The model uses NURBS Surface-to-Volume Guided Mesh Generation method, which enables it to capture the deformation of tires as they roll on the road.

SourceRice University·JournalComputational Mechanics·DateMay 12, 2022

Forests’ ability to sequester carbon depends on more than just photosynthesis; may become more limited

A new study found that current forest carbon sequestration models may be overestimating the ability of forests to store atmospheric carbon. The findings highlight the importance of considering processes other than photosynthesis for estimating carbon sequestration, such as temperature, water, and nutrient availability.

Adopting low-carbon energy can reduce racial disparities in air pollution

Research published in Science of the Total Environment found that adopting low-carbon fuels could reduce racial disparities in exposure to fine and ultrafine particle pollution by 20-40% in California by 2050. This would lead to improved air quality, reduced deaths, and estimated annual public health benefits of $20 billion.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Establishment of the open innovation theory for delivery platform based on the analysis of delivery industries in South Korea, UK, and China

Researchers suggest open innovation framework to facilitate collaboration among delivery platforms, workers, and consumers. Key findings highlight differences in labor protections and regulations across countries, with the UK offering more robust protections for delivery workers.

Quantum systems and the flight of the bee

A team of scientists used a quantum simulator to study the behavior of a complex quantum system, finding that it exhibits characteristics similar to fluid dynamics. The research also showed that this phenomenon can be observed in the flights of bees, as well as in unusual stock market movements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

CSU study finds disparities in natural gas leak prevalence in U.S. urban areas

A Colorado State University-led study found greater natural gas leak densities in communities with low-income or majority non-white populations compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for improved equity in gas distribution systems to enhance health and safety outcomes.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

How shark teeth can decipher evolutionary processes

A study on tiger shark teeth reveals gradual and subtle changes in tooth shape during the shark's life, with younger sharks having simpler serrations. The study also describes the first comprehensive description of tiger shark embryos' teeth, which form in the womb without serrations and are swallowed before birth.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateMay 12, 2022

Delays in surgery for advanced esophageal cancer result in significantly worse survival than early surgery

Patients with stage II/III esophageal cancer who received delayed surgery had a relative survival rate that was almost half that of patients who underwent early surgery. Early-stage cancer patients did not experience significant differences in survival rates between those who received immediate versus delayed surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 12, 2022

Artificial intelligence technology accelerates super-resolution localization photoacoustic imaging of blood vessels

A new AI-based localization technique enhances photoacoustic imaging speed and spatial resolution, reducing laser exposure and imaging time. The technology offers a solution for preclinical and clinical applications requiring fast and fine spatial resolution.

Dementia: Combination of “feelings” and measurements suggest Alzheimer’s in the early stage

Researchers discovered a strong link between subjective cognitive impairments and elevated beta-amyloid protein levels, indicating early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that combining these two factors can help identify individuals at risk for developing dementia.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

The future of desalination?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a fast and efficient method for purifying saltwater using fluorine-based nanostructures. The new technology outperforms existing desalination methods, requiring less pressure, energy, and time to produce clean water.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Data-driven robotic experiments accelerate discovery of multi-component electrolyte

Researchers developed a data-driven robotic experiment system to identify electrolyte materials with desirable properties. They discovered a multi-component electrolyte that enhances the cycle life of lithium–air batteries, accelerating the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Skipping tiny stones into a quantum whirlpool

Scientists confirm observations of quantized vortices in superfluid helium by simulating quantum vortex dynamics with silicon nanoparticles, revealing new possibilities for optical research. The study enables visualization of quantized vortex reconnection, a key feature of superfluid helium at macroscopic scales.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

A metasurface-based light-to-microwave transmitter for hybrid wireless communications

Researchers have created a light-to-microwave transmitter using an optically programmed time-varying metasurface, enabling direct conversion of light signals to microwave signals. The system can transmit two different videos simultaneously over a single platform, paving the way for low-cost and low-complexity hybrid communication systems.

Peaks identified in time of year, day of week for assault-related injury visits to emergency departments

Researchers identified peaks in assault-related injury visits to emergency departments, with Saturday and Sunday being the most common days of the week. The study found higher rates of injuries during spring and winter months, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies and resource planning.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalChronobiology International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Cardiac progenitor cells generate healthy tissue after a heart attack

A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Presenting the most comprehensive, cross-tissue cell atlases to date: New findings from the Human Cell Atlas consortium

The Human Cell Atlas consortium has created the most comprehensive cross-tissue cell atlases to date, mapping over 1 million individual cells across 33 organs. These detailed maps hold therapeutic implications for understanding common and rare diseases, vaccine development, anti-tumor immunology, and regenerative medicine.

Microbial juggling

Researchers discovered a soil microbe's enzyme that converts CO2 into carbon compounds 20 times faster than plant enzymes during photosynthesis. The enzyme uses pairs of molecules working in sync like jugglers, with a spot of molecular glue and twisting motion facilitating the reaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

First image of the beastly black hole at the heart of our galaxy

The Event Horizon Telescope captured the first image of Sagittarius A*, a hot and dense black hole surrounded by superheated gas, improving our understanding of black holes. The Frontera supercomputer supported this achievement through innovative data-driven astronomy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Unique binding of Delta variant may explain high transmissibility

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can attach to copies of itself, forming larger clumps of viral particles. This unique binding property may have contributed to its rapid spread. The study found that the Delta spike protein enables the virus to bind to cells and form aggregations, increasing the chances of infection.

Study finds realism a key factor in driving engagement with virtual reality videos

A recent study at North Carolina State University found that realism is a key factor in determining viewer engagement with virtual reality (VR) videos. The researchers discovered that viewers who enjoyed their VR experiences were more likely to want to watch additional VR videos in the future.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Understanding the biology and possible biological treatments of cartilage for osteoarthritis of the knee, using computational modelling

Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2022

A gene in tuberculosis bacteria is found essential for siderophore secretion and virulence

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a gene essential for siderophore secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key process for acquiring iron. The discovery validates siderophore secretion as a drug target for tuberculosis treatment and reveals a new mechanism for putative drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Sugar aversion hampers cockroach coupling

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that female German cockroaches averse to glucose reject male offers of body secretions containing sugars and fats. The study shows that glucose-averse females sense a bitter taste when mixing their saliva with the male secretions, ending the courtship ritual.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022