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Science News for May 2, 2022


New study “exonerates” urban pests like rats as one-of-a-kind disease reservoirs

A recent study led by Georgetown University researchers found that city wildlife may not be a significant threat for future pandemics. Urban-adapted animals host roughly ten times as many diseases, but after adjusting for sampling bias, the risk of human-infective viruses is no greater than in rural areas.

SourceGeorgetown University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2022

Scientists create viable, reproducing yeast-cyanobacterial hybrids

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully engineered artificial photosynthetic life-forms through endosymbiosis between cyanobacteria and yeast. The engineered chimera can survive and reproduce under optimal conditions, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Depression detection has never been more important: PHQ-9 enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression with combined physical and emotion symptoms score

A large international study found that PHQ-9 accurately indicates the presence and severity of depression, regardless of sex, age, or language. The tool enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression by measuring both physical and emotional symptoms.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateMay 2, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Consensus approach proposed to protect human health from intentional and wild forest fires

Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2022

YVO₄: Nd³⁺-based nanotheranostic agent for imaging and therapy of orthotopic gliomas

Researchers developed a core-shell structured nanotheranostic agent (YVO₄:Nd³⁺-HMME@MnO₂-LF) for orthotopic glioma imaging and therapy. The YVO₄ core exhibits NIR-II fluorescence properties, while the MnO₂ shell releases Mn²⁺ ions for T₁-weight MRI and provides O₂ in tumor microenvironments to enhance sonodynamic therapy.

Using sound to control enzymatic reactions

A team of scientists successfully controlled multistep enzyme reactions using audible sound, creating a new method for spatiotemporal regulation. The researchers used standing waves generated by sound to separate and compartmentalize solutions, allowing for the precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Technology generates indications that automatically guide students and teaching staff

Researchers developed an AI system that identifies at-risk students and provides personalized guidance to improve their academic performance. The system sends relevant information and notifications to help students set goals, plan their learning process, and stay engaged in online courses.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalThe International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning·DateMay 2, 2022

Researchers develop smartphone-powered microchip for at-home medical diagnostic testing

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a new microfluidic chip that can diagnose diseases wirelessly using a smartphone. The innovation makes at-home diagnosis faster and more affordable, with potential applications for detecting viruses, pathogens, bacteria, and other biomarkers in liquid samples.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

New research finds augmented reality devices in the workplace boost short-term productivity, risk long-term innovation and efficiency

A new study published in INFORMS Journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that augmented reality devices increase worker productivity by 44% compared to traditional paper instructions. However, this technology also hinders long-term innovation and efficiency in the workplace.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2022

Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids

Scientists at Osaka University created 3D human stem cell-derived lacrimal gland organoids that mimic the human tear duct. The organoids exhibited organization and branching patterns characteristic of the human lacrimal gland, demonstrating potential as a platform for regenerative therapies for dry eye syndrome.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Chasing the blue whale

The article examines blue whale whaling records from the North Atlantic, revealing a sharp decline in populations during large-scale exploitation. However, after regulation and moratoriums, the species has recovered due to protection measures.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Youths of color use photographs to highlight health-care inequities throughout COVID-19 pandemic

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine explores how youths of color conceptualize health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research uses Photovoice methodology to identify themes related to individual and community health, including inequitable access to resources and mistrust in healthcare. The findings emphasize the need...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2022

Self-eliminating genes tested on mosquitoes

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a mechanism to make temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes that self-delete over time. This technology has the potential to help manage mosquito populations and prevent vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus without permanently altering wild populations' genetic makeup.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022

Physics provides new perspective on cellular function and evolution

Researchers at Stockholm University mapped physicochemical properties of proteins in 20,000 organisms, revealing a universal problem that has shaped the proteins of all cellular organisms. This balance between repulsive and attractive forces ensures functional control and is carefully tuned to an organism's environment and lifestyle.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Gravity telescope to image exoplanets

Astronomers at Stanford University propose a new method to manipulate solar gravitational lensing to create advanced imaging capabilities for detecting and studying exoplanets. The technique, developed by Alexander Madurowicz, uses the sun's gravity as a natural telescope to capture fine details on planet surfaces.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 2, 2022

Public participation in environmental planning suffered during COVID-19 crisis in Ontario

A statistical analysis by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that public comments on changes to environment-related laws and policies declined during the pandemic. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) by the provincial government, which bypass public participation.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Environmental Policy·DateMay 2, 2022

One step synthesis of efficient red emissive carbon dots and their bovine serum albumin composites with enhanced multi-photon fluorescence for in vivo bioimaging

Researchers developed efficient red emissive carbon dots (CDs) through a facile one-step solvothermal synthesis, enabling high-quality imaging in the red to NIR range. The CDs exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yield and enhanced multi-photon fluorescence when combined with bovine serum albumin.

May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, climate change and mental health, and tools to address children’s mental health

The May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore the cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, the intersection of climate change and mental health, and tools to address children's mental health. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research reports on these topics.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2022

Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater

Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Supplement: Life course intervention research optimizes health development and children’s well-being

A new supplement in Pediatrics suggests that early life interventions can improve later health outcomes and address pressing concerns around youth mental health. The Life Course Intervention Research Network calls for a major focus on supporting children's positive health development and sense of well-being.

Highly valuable Asian rosewood trees face a host of threats to survival

The study maps the extent of threats to highly valuable Asian rosewood species in the Greater Mekong Subregion, proposing conservation actions. Three key species - Siamese rosewood, Burma blackwood, and Burmese rosewood - face significant risks from overexploitation, fire, habitat conversion, and climate change.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2022

‘Extreme’ plants grow faster in the face of stress

Researchers at Stanford University discovered that extremophytes, such as Schrenkiella parvula, can thrive and even grow faster under dry, salty, or cold conditions. This unique response is attributed to the activation of different genetic pathways in these plants, allowing them to bypass conventional stress responses.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 2, 2022

Sensor makes strides in detecting infection indicators

A wearable sensor designed by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers can detect two key biomarkers of infection in human sweat, enabling early warnings of infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. The sensor uses passive sweat technology and has been shown to identify interferon-gamma-inducible protein (IP-10) and tumor necrosis f...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Bacteria make a beeline to escape tight spaces

Researchers observed that bacteria change their swimming behavior to avoid getting stuck in confined spaces. In open areas, bacteria meander without discernible pattern, but upon entry into tight spaces, they straighten their paths to escape, suggesting physical features like walls and corners serve as crucial cues.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Carbon, climate change and ocean anoxia in an ancient icehouse world

A new study describes a period of rapid global warming in an ice-capped world 304 million years ago, resulting in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels doubling and oceans becoming anoxic. Biodiversity dropped on land and at sea, with about 23% of the seafloor worldwide becoming anoxic dead zones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

The policy dominance of Universal Health Coverage

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to be the dominant approach in low- and middle-income countries' health systems, which may not guarantee equal access to services. The study highlights the need for critical examination of UHC's history, definition, and who's involved in its pursuit.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

One-sport high school athletes prone to injury, burnout

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 2, 2022

Affirmative action bans had ‘devastating impact’ on diversity in medical schools, UCLA-led study finds

A new UCLA-led study finds that affirmative action bans in states led to a decline of 37% in the proportion of underrepresented students in public medical schools. This decrease had a devastating impact on the diversity of the physician workforce, which is crucial for providing equitable healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Researchers bridge the gap between disciplines to better understand chemical reactions

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered a deep connection between two previously distinct fields of physics, stochastic thermodynamics and transition-path theory, allowing for a framework to quantify reaction information. This framework enables researchers to separate signal from noise in massive datasets, facilitating b...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2022

Nanotechnology enables visualization of RNA structures at near-atomic resolution

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Dopamine involved in recognizing emotions

Research suggests dopamine is involved in emotion recognition, particularly in low-dose individuals. Dopamine levels influence emotional perception, with lower levels improving emotional recognition while higher levels impairing it. This finding has implications for understanding social cognition impairments in neurological disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Untrained disaster responders are more prone to suicide years after World Trade Center attack

A Rutgers study found that nontraditional 9/11 emergency workers are more than five times as likely to have considered suicide, with 12.5% expressing suicidal ideation compared to 2.2% of traditional first responders. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate training and financial hardship.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Aging and fake news: It's not the story you think it is

A new study found that older adults are no more likely to fall for fake news than younger adults, except for those aged 70 and above. Analytical reasoning skills and positive affect impact detection ability, with 'shallow' information processing increasing vulnerability to deception.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Photonic slide rule:Simultaneous resolving of wavelength and polarization state

A team of scientists has proposed a versatile photonic slide rule that enables simultaneous resolution of wavelength and polarization state. The device uses an all-silicon metasurface to achieve angle-resolved focusing spots, allowing for easy retrieval of the wavelength and polarization information.

Researchers find a gene on the Y chromosome that may explain lower risk of pulmonary hypertension in men

Researchers at UCLA have identified a gene on the Y chromosome that protects against pulmonary hypertension in men by reducing proinflammatory chemokines. The study suggests that targeting inflammation may be a promising new avenue for therapy, and could lead to effective treatments for this fatal disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Automated synthesis allows for discovery of unexpected charge transport behavior in organic molecules

A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Illinois used automated synthesis to discover a new mechanism for high conductance in organic electronics applications. The technology rapidly scanned through a library of molecules and uncovered unexpectedly high conductance, dependent on concentration and surface adsorption.

Dinosaur extinction changed plant evolution

Research revealed that the absence of megaherbivores led to denser vegetations with larger seeds and fruits, as smaller animals could disperse these through their excretions. Defense traits like spines and thorns decreased during this gap but returned when new megaherbivores evolved.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Researchers develop powerful strategy for creating new-to-nature enzymes

A team of researchers developed a simple yet powerful strategy for creating new enzymes with novel reactivity that can produce valuable chemical compounds. They used photobiocatalysis to repurpose naturally occurring enzymes and achieved an enantioselective biocatalytic reaction.

How creative arts therapy helps young cancer patients through their treatment journey

A study by University of Colorado Cancer Center member Jennifer Raybin found that creative arts therapy significantly improves quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer. The therapy, conducted by a trained clinician, helps patients express and process emotions through activities like dance, yoga, and art-making.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing·DateMay 2, 2022

Compact Light Source based on the movement of atoms

Researchers demonstrate atomic scale memristors capable of emitting photons during resistive switching, providing a compact and CMOS-compatible light source. The 'Atomic Photon Source' consists of a planar Ag/amorphous SiOx/Pt junction with optical antennas, emitting light during electrical connection formation.

Neighborhoods most affected by racism, inequities and COVID-19 pandemic stressors at a greater risk for preterm births, study finds

A cohort study of nearly 1,000 pregnant persons in NYC found that neighborhoods most affected by racism and economic inequality had higher rates of COVID-19 infection and preterm births. The researchers linked structural racism and community unemployment to increased risk of preterm birth.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·DateMay 2, 2022

Scientists map living corals for the first time before and after marine heat wave: Winners and losers discovered

Researchers mapped living corals in Hawaii before and after a mass bleaching event, discovering 'winners' that thrive in cleaner waters with less coastal development. The study found coral reefs near heavily developed coasts are more susceptible to mortality during heat waves, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2022

Story tips: Fueling up on savings, COVID’s behavior effect, cosmic collisions, seismic and sound, and space-to-ground comms

Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022