Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 24, 2022


Curbing other climate pollutants, not just CO2, gives Earth a chance

A new study finds that reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants like methane and ozone can cut the rate of global warming in half by 2050. This approach offers a fighting chance to prevent catastrophic warming and improve our chances of remaining below the 1.5 degree centigrade mark.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

Why are male mice afraid of bananas?

Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Cystic fibrosis: Restoring airway integrity

Researchers discovered that hydrating the surface of airways in people with cystic fibrosis restores their protective barrier against bacterial infections. This breakthrough opens the way to new therapies based on mucus hydration, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCells·TypeNews article·DateMay 24, 2022

Continuity of primary care reduces hospitalizations in people with chronic kidney disease

A retrospective cohort study found that poor continuity of care is associated with increased health care use and sub-optimal prescribing of guideline-recommended medications in patients with CKD. Strengthening patient-provider relationships and guiding physicians on recommended prescribing can help mitigate these issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Human membrane proteins strike evolutionary balance

A recent study by Seoul National University researchers found that human membrane proteins have evolved to strike a balance between foldability and functionality. The folding pathway of a glucose transporter was elucidated using single-molecule magnetic tweezers, revealing the importance of domain stability in structure formation.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 24, 2022

Silk improves function of surgical masks

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a double layer of silk in combination with a surgical mask can enhance its ability to prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19. The study also showed that double masking with a silk face mask prolongs the life of surgical masks without impeding breathing comfort.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Dancing in the light

Scientists from Harvard and Pittsburgh develop liquid crystal elastomer material that can perform complex dance-like motions in response to UV light. The material's behavior is inspired by the interconnected structures of the human body, allowing it to seamlessly integrate dynamic processes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

The road to success when it comes to mitigating flood disasters

A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

City of Hope to expand best-in-class supportive care program for cancer patients, strengthen advocacy for the field with $10 million gift from The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation

The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation has donated $10 million to City of Hope to expand its supportive care programs for cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life. The partnership aims to establish supportive care as a standard practice in cancer care across the US.

SourceCity of Hope·TypeNews article·DateMay 24, 2022

Common diabetes drug not effective against early-stage breast cancer, landmark trial reveals

A landmark trial found that a widely used diabetes drug, metformin, is not effective against the most common forms of early-stage breast cancer. However, researchers discovered a potential benefit for individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer, which accounts for about 20% of all breast cancers.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2022

A titanic medical discovery

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncover the reason behind titanium implants' excellent biocompatibility, allowing patients to generate less immune response. This breakthrough may lead to safer and less expensive implants for hip replacements and dental procedures.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateMay 24, 2022

Toward new degradable polymers

Researchers have developed a new degradable polymer material with improved biodegradability, outperforming existing bioplastics like PLA or PCL. The material can degrade by over 70% in a week, making it suitable for applications such as thermosensitive nanoparticles for medicine administration.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Price and convenience can drive consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal, rather than legal, sources: Study

A study found that higher prices and inconvenience associated with legal sources drove consumers to purchase cannabis from illegal providers. The main reasons cited by respondents were legal sources being too expensive and inconvenient, with convenience being the second-highest factor.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 24, 2022

Scientists develop method for seasonal prediction of Western wildfires

Researchers developed a method to predict Western wildfire severity based on winter and spring climate conditions. The study found that April snowpack has a persistent influence on land and atmosphere during the summer, making it more conducive for fires.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

Highly efficient acousto-optic modulation using nonsuspended thin-film lithium niobate-chalcogenide hybrid waveguides

Scientists have developed a built-in push-pull acousto-optic modulator with high energy overlap, achieving comparable efficiency to suspended counterparts. The device overcomes issues with low modulation efficiency and exhibits excellent characteristics for on-chip microwave-to-optical conversion devices.

Reference genomes provide first insights into genetic roots of mustelid physiological and behavioural diversity

A study comparing whole genomes of several mustelids, including the tayra and wolverine, identifies multiple sources of genomic variation contributing to species-specific traits. The research sheds light on how these adaptations evolved in response to different ecological challenges.

Hospital readmission rates for patients with symptoms of depression decrease with post-discharge support, but program implementation barriers must be resolved

A randomized trial found that enhanced post-discharge telehealth programs reduced 30-day readmission rates among patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. However, implementation barriers, such as perceived counseling needs, limited the intervention's impact.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Capturing cortical connectivity close-up

Researchers propose a new method to study neural networks using intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI), which provides detailed maps of brain activity in living subjects. The study shows that ISOI can reveal cortical architecture at columnar resolution, offering a more accurate picture of brain network activity than existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProgress in Neurobiology·DateMay 24, 2022

Scavengers can be picky eaters

Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Webs·DateMay 24, 2022

The chaotic early phase of the solar system

Researchers analyzed iron samples from asteroid cores to determine the timing of asteroid core cooling and collisions. The study suggests that violent collisions occurred within a 7.8-11.7 million year window after solar system formation, indicating a chaotic early phase.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 24, 2022

While the fetal clock develops, mom’s behavior tells the time

Researchers discovered that genes in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei respond to rhythmic behavior in the mother before the biological clock starts ticking on its own. This finding may have implications for premature babies and highlights the importance of a healthy maternal circadian system during pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Online assessment tool helps predict ICU need following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery analyzes data from almost 35,000 surgical patients to evaluate the accuracy of a risk assessment system called SURPAS. The researchers found that the eight-variable SURPAS model accurately predicted post-operative ICU use across nine surgical specialties.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

Researchers discovered a mechanism shared by mutations in different genes associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions

A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychology Brain Behavior and Society·DateMay 24, 2022

Deaf children with learning delays benefit from cochlear implants more than hearing aids

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC found that cochlear implants improve deaf children's cognitive, adaptive behavior, language, and auditory skills, regardless of developmental impairments. The study suggests that deaf children with learning delays should receive cochlear implants to reach their full potential.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2022

Air pollution associated with more severe COVID-19

Long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and O3 increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including ICU admissions and deaths. The study analyzed data from over 151,000 people in Ontario, Canada, and found a significant association between chronic air pollution exposure and more severe COVID-19 severity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2022

Emory researchers urge for a World Health Assembly resolution on universal mandatory folic acid fortification to prevent disabilities and deaths in infants worldwide

Despite over 30 years of research evidence, only 60 countries have made folic acid fortification mandatory. Experts call for immediate action to pass a resolution to accelerate prevention globally and reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on child mortality and health equity.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMay 24, 2022

Canadian eConsult services provided much-needed COVID-19 information, specialty consults for primary care doctors

Researchers in Ontario, Canada assessed the impact of utilizing an electronic consultation service to provide timely access to COVID-19 specialist advice for primary care practitioners. The study found that eConsults resulted in rapid access to specialist care, with 24% of cases avoiding face-to-face referrals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Climate change threatens people's health dramatically but solutions are within reach, say the world’s academies in a new report

A new report from the InterAcademy Partnership highlights the severe impacts of climate change on human health, including increased risk of heat-related illnesses and food insecurity. The report calls for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen disease surveillance systems to mitigate these effects.

SourceThe InterAcademy Partnership (IAP)·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 24, 2022

Promising anticancer molecule identified

A Kanazawa University team has identified a DNA aptamer-based molecule that inhibits the CYP24 enzyme, leading to significant antiproliferative activity in cancer cells. This finding suggests that Apt-7 could be a promising lead candidate for anticancer therapy.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 24, 2022

Scientists make plastic more degradable under UV light

Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

The gut microbiota compound that could become a drug for prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis

Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.

People in rural communities face cultural, structural and individual barriers to health care

A systematic review of qualitative studies found that rural patients experience significant challenges in accessing health care services for chronic conditions. Cultural, structural, and individual factors influence these experiences, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve access to care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

New study from IU researchers finds strong association between the race of fellowship directors and the racial demographics of their programs

A recent study published in JACC: Advances has discovered a significant correlation between the racial demographics of cardiovascular disease fellowship programs and the race of their program directors. The study, led by Indiana University researcher Ankur Kalra, found that fellows from diverse backgrounds are more likely to be accepte...

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2022

How eating eggs can boost heart health

A recent study published in eLife found that eating up to one egg per day may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers identified 24 metabolites associated with self-reported levels of egg consumption and found that individuals who ate eggs regularly had higher levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A1.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 24, 2022

Polymersomes efficiently deliver siRNA to treat breast cancers in preclinical model

Researchers have developed biodegradable nanovesicles that efficiently encapsulate and deliver PARP1 siRNA to breast cancer tumors in mice, inhibiting oncogene expression and extending survival. The polymersomes, assembled from three biodegradable block copolymers, have strong potential for precision-targeted therapeutic carriers.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Electronic consultations improve primary care physicians’ access to subspecialty advice and reduce costly, inconvenient patient referrals

A new study evaluates the Ontario eConsult service over two years, finding increased usage and reduced need for in-person visits. The research team analyzed 60,474 eConsult records, resulting in a median subspecialist response time of one day and a cost of $50 per case.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

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

Researchers discovered that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite lower rates of other health conditions, lean patients with NAFLD exhibited increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Species thrive through social connections

A Kyoto University study shows that even though biodiversity increases with more interactions, mean interaction strength decreases. The interaction capacity hypothesis proposes that this weakening of interspecific interactions may be due to increased community diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Light-based therapies achieve good results in rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID complications

Researchers have found that light-based therapies such as photobiomodulation and photodynamics can effectively treat a range of post-COVID complications, including muscle and joint damage. The studies, conducted in Brazil, utilized laser irradiation, negative pressure, and other technologies to improve symptoms and promote healing.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission, shedding according to vaccination status

A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2022

Virtual community of practice bolsters doctor-patient sharing but fails to improve patient empowerment and perception that doctors care

A virtual community of practice intervention improved clinicians' attitudes towards health literacy and self-management support, but had no impact on patient-centeredness or self-activation. The study suggests that more comprehensive approaches are needed to promote patient empowerment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Type 2 diabetes accelerates brain aging and cognitive decline

A study published in eLife found that type 2 diabetes speeds up the normal process of brain aging, with longer duration of diabetes linked to increased neurodegeneration. The analysis showed that people with diabetes had a further 13.1% decrease in executive function and processing speed compared to healthy individuals.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 24, 2022

Australia touts success of dedicated general practice respiratory clinics during COVID-19 pandemic

The Australian General Practice Respiratory Clinic program effectively scaled up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing rapid infection control measures and anonymized patient data for surveillance reports. By September 2020, 150 clinics had opened across the country, demonstrating their integration with other health services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Startups near state lines gravitate toward side with lower property tax

Researchers at Iowa State University found that startups near state lines are more likely to set up shop in states with lower property taxes. The study, published in Small Business Economics, showed a significant distortion in tax rates between Iowa and its neighboring states, particularly South Dakota. Property taxes were found to hav...

SourceIowa State University·JournalSmall Business Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

High social vulnerability predicts worse long-term outcomes after traumatic injury

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that individuals living in areas with high social vulnerability experience worse mental and physical health outcomes after a traumatic injury. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used as a tool to inform decision-making about post-injury support services.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2022

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Study reports first use of antivirals in monkeypox patients, highlighting challenges in understanding and treating this rare disease

A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

World-first discovery of cornea T cells protecting eyes from viral infections

A groundbreaking study has discovered that the cornea produces a delicate immune response to fight viral infections without damaging vision. Long-living memory T cells have been found patrolling and fighting viral infections in the cornea, upending previous thought on T cell presence in healthy corneas.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

New research finds computer assisted colonoscopy identify more precancerous polyps compared to traditional colonoscopy

A new study published in Gastroenterology found that using computer-aided detection during colonoscopies can significantly increase the detection of adenoma, or cancerous and precancerous polyps. The research, led by Dr. Aasma Shaukat, showed a 27% increase in the overall rate of detection in average-risk patients. This technology has ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2022

The birth of twins is not linked to women's fertility

A new analysis of over 100,000 births reveals that women with a high chance of having twins generally have reduced fertility. The study found that twin survival and increased pregnancies can compensate for reproductive aging, leading to higher total child numbers.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2022