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Science News for May 13, 2022


Great progress thanks to mini organs

Researchers have developed mini organs that replicate the cervical tissue, allowing for the study of normal physiology, disease development, and infectious processes. The creation of these mini organs, known as organoids, offers new opportunities for personalized medicine, finding new active substances, and modeling diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Development for novel large-scale manufacturing technology of sulfide solid electrolytes

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a novel large-scale manufacturing technology for sulfide solid electrolytes, specifically Li7P3S11, which exhibits high ionic conductivity. This breakthrough enables the low-cost and scalable production of highly ion conductive solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batte...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Our cells take their ease in the curves

A UNIGE team discovered that cells in curved tissues swell by 50% before returning to normal, opening avenues for in vitro organ culture. This active phenomenon can be harnessed to control spontaneous growth of organoids and develop new materials with volume increase upon folding.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeNews article·DateMay 13, 2022

Blood adenosine levels as a potential biomarker of white matter disease in a selected population of very low birth weight premature infants

A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pediatric Reviews·DateMay 13, 2022

Going gentle on mechanical quantum systems

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully demonstrated a protocol for gentle, controlled measurement of mechanical quantum states in hybrid qubit-resonator devices. This breakthrough enables applications such as quantum error correction and more, paving the way for advanced technological innovations.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Vertical matrix X-ray detector for multi-energy discrimination

Researchers have developed a vertical matrix X-ray detector that can distinguish between substances of different densities, enhancing imaging contrast and identifying soft substances. The device uses a novel design to restore the X-ray spectrum in detail, enabling effective multi-energy discrimination under a single exposure.

NTU Singapore scientists create renewable biocement entirely out of waste material

The NTU team has developed a process using industrial carbide sludge and urea to create biocement, which can strengthen soil, reduce water seepage, and even repair rock carvings. The biocement-making process generates fewer carbon emissions and requires less energy compared to traditional cement production methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Study finds soil composition isn’t key to southeast Raleigh flooding

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that soils in the Walnut Creek watershed can absorb over 99% of precipitation events, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that urban planners address flooding problems by considering the amount and location of paved surfaces rather than soil composition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

‘Friendly’ gut bacteria may eliminate pathogens by competing for energy resources

A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that friendly bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can compete with harmful bacteria like Salmonella for energy resources like nitrate. This competition allows the probiotic to occupy both niches and protect against infection.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Federal subsidies kept COVID-strapped hospitals financially stable in 2020, first year of pandemic

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal subsidies offset losses for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research revealed that hospitals serving socioeconomically disadvantaged patients and those with higher uninsured patient populations were particularly affected by financial losses.

Mercury removal made easy

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a novel sorbent made from waste materials that can absorb almost all mercury in polluted water in minutes. The material, coated with poly(S-r-limonene), is fast-acting and selective, capturing only mercury without other metal contaminants.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2022

More cardiovascular disease found in lean people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in those who are overweight with the same condition

A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors have shorter life span compared to those who have never had cancer

Research by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors have shorter life spans than those without cancer. The study found inferior long-term mortality outcomes persist even decades after treatment, impacting quality of life and overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateMay 13, 2022

Adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors face higher mortality rates than the general population for decades after diagnosis

Adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors experience lower long-term survival compared to the general population, with age and sex influencing outcomes. Long-term mortality risks persist for up to 30 years after diagnosis, primarily due to late side effects from treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateMay 13, 2022

How sleep helps to process emotions

Researchers at the University of Bern have identified how the brain processes emotions during dream sleep. During REM sleep, the brain favors the discrimination of safety versus danger in the dendrites, but blocks the over-reaction to emotion, particularly danger. This decoupling is essential for optimizing survival and stability.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2022

Paper or plastic?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

University of Colorado surgery faculty member contributes to study on traumatic injuries caused by exploding e-cigarettes

A study published in the Journal of Surgical Research found that e-cigarette explosions caused 15 traumatic injuries in children between 2016 and 2019. The devices' use of inferior quality batteries prone to explosion puts users at risk of severe injuries, including burn wounds, jaw fractures, and eye damage.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateMay 13, 2022

Criminal justice and mental health, disability

A study published in the Australian Journal of Psychology found that people with certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and depression, may display behaviors that are commonly associated with deception. These behaviors, including gaze aversion and flat affect, can lead to unfair judgments in the criminal justice system...

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2022

Malaria parasites form vortices

Researchers at Heidelberg University discovered that malaria parasites form rotating vortices in infected salivary glands, showcasing emergent behavior and fluctuating size. The study's findings have implications for understanding the physics of collectives and potentially disrupting sporozoite movement.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 13, 2022

COVID-19 and hospital financial viability

Despite significant operating margin reductions in 2020, hospitals' overall profit margins remained similar to prior years, thanks to the COVID-19 relief fund. Government and rural hospitals saw higher profit margins during this time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 13, 2022

The role of variability: From playing tennis to learning language

The study found that variability in input leads to better generalization of learned concepts, with relevance being key. Researchers also discovered four types of variability affecting learning, including set size and scheduling, with the 'Mr. Miyagi principle' suggesting unrelated skills can benefit from practice.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Understanding the genomic modifications in transgenic papaya

A new study has identified genomic modifications in the transgenic papaya 'SunUp', which was developed to resist the papaya ringspot virus. The researchers used advanced sequencing technologies to read long stretches of DNA and found that the insertion did not cause any change in gene expression.

Terahertz near-field microscopy based on an air-plasma dynamic aperture

Researchers have developed a novel terahertz imaging technique that enables sub-wavelength resolution without approaching the sample, overcoming sample damage and distance limitations. The new method uses an air-plasma dynamic aperture to modulate THz beam intensity on a sample surface.

Demographics, not bias, best predict traffic stops

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that counties with a higher proportion of white residents have stronger anti-Black/pro-white attitudes, leading to larger disparities in traffic stops. The study suggests that racial demographics are a more reliable predictor of traffic stop discrepancies than racial biases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2022

COVID-19 and hospital financial viability

The COVID-19 relief fund effectively offset financial losses for hospitals during the pandemic, with overall profit margins remaining similar to previous years. Government and rural hospitals generated higher profit margins in 2020 compared to prior years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 13, 2022

New study of train travel pre- and during Covid-19 suggests three ways to make commuting less stressful

A new study by Dr. Marin Marinov at Aston University proposes three solutions to make train commuting less stressful: purchasing tickets on smartphones, removing ticket gates and installing sensors, and implementing one-way flow systems in station concourses. These changes could reduce queuing times and promote social distancing.

SourceAston University·JournalUrban Rail Transit·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2022

Seasonal variations of methane (CH4) consuming and methane producing microbial communities contribute to CH4 emissions in wetlands

Researchers investigated the impact of seasonal variations in methanogenic and methanotrophic communities on CH4 emissions in wetlands. They identified a keystone species that plays a pivotal role in mediating CH4 fluxes, providing substantial evidence for understanding microbial driving mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 13, 2022

Microbes help orchestrate how the gut uses its genes

Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.

SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

New advances in brain region targeting may support future research in treating visual hallucinations in psychiatric patients

Recent advances in neuroimaging technology show promise in helping tES to effectively treat visual hallucinations (VH) in psychiatric disorders. These advances, combined with individualized modeling techniques and advanced electrical field modeling, may provide a sound foundation for subsequent research on using VH.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2022

Asking for ideas boosts collective action

New research found that seeking ideas and perspectives from fellow group members can boost collective action among racial and ethnic minorities. Positive everyday experiences with fellow minority group members are a key driver of collective action, contrary to the focus on unjust treatment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMay 13, 2022

An optoelectronic thermometer based on microscale infrared-to-visible conversion devices

A team of scientists has developed an optoelectronic NIR-to-visible upconversion device with a linear response, fast dynamics, and low excitation power. The device exhibits intensity-temperature sensitivity and spectrum-temperature sensitivity, enabling spatially resolved thermal sensing and applications in biomedical diagnostics.

"Growing end" of inflammation discovered

Researchers find NLRP3 protein forms filament that grows in one direction, allowing for targeted treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The discovery could potentially stop inflammation at the 'growing end', bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022