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Science News for May 25, 2022


New nutrient profiling tools confirm starchy vegetables deliver comparable nutritional value as non-starchy vegetables and whole fruit

A new study challenges the separation of starchy vegetables from non-starchy counterparts in nutrition research. Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, were found to meet the definitions for high-quality carbohydrates using five separate indices, with some even scoring closer to fruits and non-starchy vegetables than sweets.

Error-free quantum computing gets real

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully implemented a universal set of gates on encoded logical quantum bits, enabling fault-tolerant quantum computing. The demonstration showcases two essential gates: CNOT and T-gates, which are crucial for programming all algorithms.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

New research reveals how the heart repairs after a heart attack

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered that macrophages play a crucial role in cardiac repair after a heart attack by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and promoting healing. This finding offers new hope for developing novel therapeutic approaches to preserve heart function.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 25, 2022

Sarcopenic obesity linked to dementia in elderly patients, say scientists

A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal has established a strong link between sarcopenic obesity and dementia in elderly patients. The research found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity were more likely to experience cognitive impairment and dementia compared to those without muscle loss or obesity.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Treatment for Myelodysplastic syndrome by hypomethylating agents (HMA) may activate an oncogene

Research found that hypomethylating agents (HMAs) activated the oncofetal protein SALL4 in up to 40% of patients with MDS, resulting in poor patient survival. This activation is linked to demethylation and upregulation of oncogenes, suggesting a need for additional combination therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Killing cancers with Z-DNA: A new approach to treating therapy resistant tumors that targets a very-specific cell-death pathway

Scientists have discovered a small molecule that bypasses ADAR1 suppression and directly activates tumor cell death by ZBP1, inducing highly immunogenic cell death and destroying fibroblasts supporting tumor growth. This approach has the potential to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating therapy-resistant tumors.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

New insights into antibiotic resistance

A study by Flinders University researchers reveals how hospital bacteria adapt and resist antimicrobial medications, including colistin. The findings provide potential new therapies for treating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, highlighting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMicroorganisms·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Genetic roots of 3 mitochondrial diseases ID’d via new approach

Researchers have identified the genetic causes of three mitochondrial diseases and proposed 20 additional possibilities for further investigation using a new approach. The study provides a platform to better understand how mitochondria's hundreds of proteins work together, which could lead to improved diagnoses and treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

How do smallholders transform to sustainable production in North China?

A study in Hebei Province found low emergy sustainability index and high greenhouse gas emissions from maize production. The research suggests optimizing yield and nitrogen use efficiency gaps and promoting transition towards sustainable agriculture practices, such as adopting technologies like 4R technology and digital agriculture.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Snake, lizard T cell mystery

A study discovered that snakes and lizards have lost a major type of T cell, γδ T cells, which has raised questions about their immune system. The loss is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation, prompting research into how these animals compensate for the missing T cells.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

Women are making strides in artificial intelligence but are still underrepresented, according to new Concordia research

A Concordia study analyzed gender patterns in AI over two decades, finding women are making strides despite underrepresentation. Notably, female-male collaboration has increased, while core positions held by women remain scarce, tied to factors like family obligations and male-dominated environments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Informetrics·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

Firearm suicides fell worldwide since 1990, but rose in 31 countries

A global analysis of firearm suicide data found that deaths from self-inflicted shootings decreased worldwide between 1990 and 2019. However, an increase in firearm suicides was observed in 31 countries, particularly in developing nations, suggesting a need for targeted public health efforts to reduce these deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Finding superconductivity in nickelates

A team of researchers led by Arizona State University's Antia Botana discovered a new high-temperature superconductor in nickelates, a material that could pave the way to room temperature superconductivity. The discovery was made possible by combining theoretical models with experimental results using supercomputers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

UNM researchers find climatic backdrop shows Pueblo cultural development was coeval with drier conditions

New research from a stalagmite reveals that the Pueblo cultural development coincided with drier climatic conditions in the southwestern US. The study suggests that climate change played a significant role in shaping the region's cultural history, challenging previous assumptions about the impact of megadroughts on civilizations.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

Common prostate cancer medications may be less safe than previously thought

Research found that men taking abiraterone or enzalutamide plus hormone therapy had a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular issues than those undergoing hormone therapy alone. This increased risk was observed in patients with Medicare health insurance, who were significantly older than those in clinical trials.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 25, 2022

Digital rice selection technology

Researchers are utilizing UAVs to capture real-time images of rice crops, extract crop phenotypic traits from the images, and analyze that information to discover superior, high-yielding rice genotypes. The team aims to develop automated algorithms to identify key traits and select best-performing rice genotypes.

Artificial cilia could someday power diagnostic devices

Cornell researchers have designed a micro-sized artificial cilial system using platinum-based components that can control the movement of fluids at a scale similar to biological cilia. The technology could enable low-cost diagnostic devices for testing blood samples, manipulating cells or assisting in microfabrication processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2022

Some monkeys might pull a poker face

Researchers developed a tool to analyze facial movements in common marmosets, finding they have more facial expressions than previously thought. The study suggests that facial expressions may be more ancient and prevalent among social animals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Regrow, not reuse: How restoring abandoned farms can mitigate climate change

A Princeton study shows that environmental benefits from restored croplands are lost when they are recultivated, and most land is left abandoned for only about 14 years. The researchers found that significant environmental benefits will be lost within 30 years, highlighting the need for policy incentives to restore habitats.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

AI can diagnose osteoporosis on hip X-ray

A new AI approach can diagnose osteoporosis from hip X-rays with superior diagnostic performance than traditional methods. This could lead to faster treatment and reduced risk of fractures. Researchers developed a deep-radiomics model using image processing and analysis to identify patterns associated with disease.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology Artificial Intelligence·DateMay 25, 2022

Long COVID poses risks to vaccinated people, too

A new study found that vaccinated people with mild breakthrough COVID-19 infections can experience debilitating long COVID symptoms. Vaccination reduced the risk of death by 34% and long COVID by 15%, but not all manifestations were prevented. Researchers emphasize the need for additional layers of protection to mitigate risks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

When male buddies become less important than female mating partners

In a study of 30 males and 400 individuals, researchers found that males with many friends spent less time with them when females entered the picture. The study suggests that male friendships may not be crucial for attracting females or maintaining reproductive success.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Newly discovered ancient Amazonian cities reveal how urban landscapes were built without harming nature

Researchers uncovered intricate settlements in Bolivia's Llanos de Mojos savannah-forest, featuring elaborate structures and a vast network of reservoirs. The cities were built alongside nature, employing successful sustainable subsistence strategies that promoted conservationism and maintained rich biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Regenstrief and Indiana University study explores eating, drinking, and physical activity among middle aged women living with obesity and urban poverty

Researchers analyzed mobile app data to gain insight into behaviors of middle-aged women living with severe obesity in urban poverty. The study found associations between anxiety and weight loss or gain, as well as correlations between location, timing, and eating/drinking frequency.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateMay 25, 2022

Bat brains organized for echolocation and flight

Researchers at UC Davis and UC Berkeley have mapped the full motor cortex of Egyptian fruit bats, showing that brain areas represent common synergies of muscles rather than individual muscles. This study highlights the unique motor control abilities of these bats, which use their tongue to echolocate and aim sonar beams.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Researchers discover the mechanism responsible for information transfer between different regions of the brain

A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers reveals that synchronized brain activity is crucial for information transfer between brain regions. Increasing synchronization improves transmission and processing of information, while decreasing it impairs cognitive function. This finding may contribute to the development of treatments f...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 25, 2022

New study: Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding has protective effect on childhood asthma

A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding are associated with lower odds of current asthma. The study analyzed over 2,000 mother-child pairs and discovered a 'dose-response' effect depending on how long the mother breastfed.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Building bridges after crime and self-punishment

Research found that self-punishment can garner sympathy for offenders by signaling their commitment to shared social norms. The study suggests that prolonged social exclusion and self-harm can be destructive, highlighting the need for support in making amends to society.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2022

Obesity-related fertility issues may be improved by correcting blood sugar levels

A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Forecast of food cyber attacks

Researchers warn that the increasing use of digital agriculture could lead to serious cyber-attacks, compromising food supply and production. Complex modeling studies have identified vulnerabilities in ag-tech applications, including side-channel attacks that can exploit physical access to devices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSensors·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Researchers identify biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes in early pregnancy

A study published in PLOS ONE identified a biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy, potentially reducing its impact on mother and baby. Researchers found distinct expression of microRNA genes in extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood samples taken during the first trim...

Early urbanism found in the Amazon

Archaeologists have discovered two remarkably large sites of 147 hectares and 315 hectares in a dense four-tiered settlement system using LIDAR technology. The largest site is as large as Bonn was in the 17th century, with modifications indicating a reasonable increase in population.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2022

Scientists build subcellular map of entire brain networks

Researchers have developed an imaging technique to capture information about brain tissue at the subcellular level, combining seven methods to visualize neural networks and individual cells. This approach allows for a complete picture of brain structure and function, overcoming challenges of imaging tissues at different scales.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Addressing racial gaps in NIH grant funding

Racial gaps in NIH grant funding are attributed to the subjective review process and lack of diversity among reviewers. The NIH has proposed initiatives to address these disparities, including appointing diversity officers and allocating funding for research on health equity and health disparities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 25, 2022

Breastfeeding duration associated with cognition

A new study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores in children up to age 14. After adjusting for socioeconomic position and maternal cognitive ability, the researchers discovered that longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher cognitive scores.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Optical cavities could provide new technological possibilities

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a method for describing molecules in optical cavities, which could lead to breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The study uses molecular orbital theory to predict how molecules will react inside optical cavities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

HKU Conservation Forensics Lab develops novel environmental DNA monitoring method for identifying rare and endangered fish species sold in Hong Kong wet markets

Researchers at HKU's Conservation Forensics Lab have developed a powerful new tool for monitoring the trade of rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong wet markets. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, they were able to identify over 100 species of fish that had passed through the market.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 25, 2022

Chemists’ HAT trick for greener chemical synthesis

Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022