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Science News for May 26, 2022


Judges reduce sentencing when nudged with full social and financial cost of incarceration

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that judges give significantly shorter sentences when provided with the full costs and benefits of incarceration. The research team from Georgia State University recruited 87 Minnesota state judges who were given a fictional case summary with additional details on the negative c...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Standing physician orders had limited impact on guideline adherence in prescriptions to prevent febrile neutropenia

The study found that standing orders significantly raised guideline adherence for patients on intermediate FN risk regimens but did not change the FN rate among patients on chemotherapy at any risk level. Prophylactic CSF use rates were substantially below guidelines for both high-risk and low-risk regimens.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 26, 2022

Where rivers jump course

A global dataset of river avulsions confirms the existence of three distinct regimes: fan avulsions that occur when a river transitions to flatter topography, backwater-scaled delta avulsions found in low-sloping deltas along major waterways, and extreme sediment load delta avulsions triggered by intense flooding and sediment transport.

Molecular profiling identifies new high-risk subtype of pediatric liver cancer

Pediatric pathologists have discovered a new, aggressive subtype of liver cancer in children, characterized by molecular features that don't fit existing classification models. The tumors are less responsive to chemotherapy and have poor outcomes, prompting the development of a diagnostic algorithm to guide specialized treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Study: Medicine for inflammatory bowel disease may protect against severe COVID-19

A recent study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that biologic drugs for inflammatory bowel disease may improve the T-cell immune response in patients vaccinated against COVID-19. This could potentially offer protection against severe disease. The study suggests that these treatments may be used to monitor vaccine and booster outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 26, 2022

New BU study assesses the current status of thyroid hormone replacement therapy counseling in pregnant women, women of reproductive age

A new study found that most currently and previously pregnant women with hypothyroidism received adequate counseling on thyroid hormone replacement therapy during pregnancy. However, approximately one-third of patients who had never been pregnant received counseling, indicating a gap in care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThyroid·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

Drug resistance molecule can spread though bacterial 'communities'

A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

The “fuel of evolution” is more abundant than previously thought in wild animals

A new study has discovered that the raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than previously believed. Researchers found that many populations of birds and mammals can evolve surprisingly fast, with their genetic difference in survival and reproduction being two to four times higher than previously thought.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Breathing to win: Scientists show importance of screening breathing patterns in athletic populations

A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Visual system brain development implicated in infants who develop autism

Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

New survey illustrates challenges associated with healthcare environmental hygiene in facilities worldwide

A global survey of 51 healthcare facilities from 35 countries found that 98% lacked key components of World Health Organization's multimodal improvement strategies for infection prevention and control. The study results will inform refinement of a self-assessment tool to enhance HEH practices globally, reducing healthcare-associated in...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

Reshaping global policies for circular economy

The circular economy faces challenges in implementing international policies due to spatiotemporal dimensions of environmental risk and variability of global policies. The article proposes ways forward for anthropogenic circularity, including controlling toxic releases, international flow of materials, and harmonization of internationa...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCircular Economy·DateMay 26, 2022

People must be 'heart' of climate action

The research highlights the importance of social science in engaging people and societies, ensuring a green transition that promotes wellbeing, equity, and fairness. The study suggests that both profound societal change and technical improvements are needed to meet climate goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 26, 2022

COVID-19: Small study suggests maternal psychological distress during the pandemic may be associated with altered fetal brain development

A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMay 26, 2022

Producers and consumers must share burden of global plastic packaging waste

The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Navigating the shallows

A team of researchers from the University of Tsukuba has developed a new approach for accurate underwater acoustic positioning in multipath environments. By using a database of signals and selectively removing reflected waves, they achieve centimeter-scale accuracy in object location, even in shallow waters.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateMay 26, 2022

Wealthiest homeowners most at risk of wildfire hazard

A recent study reveals that high-income homes are disproportionately exposed to wildfire hazards in the western United States. The research found that these communities also bear a disproportionate burden in terms of costs and impacts from wildfires.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Hummingbirds may struggle to go any further uphill

Researchers found that hummingbirds experience a 37% drop in metabolic rate and become torpid for longer periods at high elevations, making it unlikely they can relocate to higher altitudes. The birds' physiological response suggests lower oxygen availability and low air pressure may be difficult challenges to overcome.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Large multi-hospital study: Adolescent females were especially vulnerable to mental health impact of pandemic-related school closings

A large retrospective study examines the impact of pandemic-related school closures on children's mental health, finding that adolescent females were disproportionately affected. The study reveals a substantial rise in hospitalizations for suicide, psychosis, and eating disorders after statewide school closure orders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 2022

Rate or tip first? This corporate decision can decrease or boost worker tips

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing finds that requesting customers to rate service professionals first can lead to smaller tips, whereas asking customers to tip first does not influence subsequent rating scores. This research has important implications for firms and managers, suggesting that they should consider asking c...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 26, 2022

Cars could get a ‘flashy’ upgrade

Researchers turn mixed plastic waste from F-150 trucks into graphene, then reuse it to create enhanced polyurethane foam with increased tensile strength and noise absorption. The circular recycling process has potential to reduce weight and increase fuel economy in the automotive industry.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Archaeology: First Pompeiian human genome sequenced

Scientists have successfully sequenced the first human genome from an individual who died in Pompeii, Italy, after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The study provides new insights into the genetic history and lives of the population, including evidence of high levels of genetic diversity across the Italian Peninsula.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2022

A unique catalyst paves the way for plastic upcycling

A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

New research questions previous link between diabetes drugs and bone fractures

A recent study published in CJASN found that SGLT-2 inhibitors were not associated with an increased risk of fractures in adults with chronic kidney disease, regardless of their kidney function. The study included over 38,000 new users of the medications and compared them to those prescribed a different diabetes medication.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 26, 2022

Cedars-Sinai May research highlights

Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai have shed light on the importance of a gene in embryo development and its potential link to physical abnormalities. Additionally, research has shown that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can strengthen immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The institution is also working on ne...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2022

Critical global water questions

A new study has identified 100 crucial global water questions facing the planet today, including water scarcity, sanitation, and climate dynamics. The research emphasizes the need for concerted efforts in interdisciplinary research and action to address the consequences of human governance failure on water resources.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOne Earth·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

All-optical computation of a group of transformations using a polarization-encoded diffractive network

A new optical architecture enables high-speed, low-power computation of multiple linear transformations using light diffraction. The design allows for scalable parallel processing and can perform complex tasks such as image classification and encryption with enhanced multifunctionality.

New class of substances detected in atmospheric chemistry

Researchers from TROPOS, University of Copenhagen, and Caltech have successfully detected hydrotrioxides (ROOOH) under atmospheric conditions. The formation of these compounds has been estimated to occur through the oxidation of isoprene and other hydrocarbons, with potential implications for health and environmental studies.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Not individual genes but the “mutational signatures” of many genes hold the key to better cancer therapies

Researchers have found that mutational signatures, which reflect a collection of mutations across the genome, can accurately predict drug response in cancer cells. The study suggests that these signatures may hold the key to better cancer therapies and could be used to predict treatment response.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022

Lew lab sheds new light on cell membranes

Researchers at the Lew lab have created a novel hardware and algorithm that enables visualization of cell membranes and molecular motions in six dimensions. This breakthrough allows for the observation of 3D structures with additional information on molecular orientation, providing new insights into biological systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022

Fishing for new source of proteoglycans, an important health food ingredient

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that bony fish head cartilage contains abundant proteoglycans, including aggrecan, with similar CS structures to salmon nasal cartilage. This finding reveals the potential of sturgeon as an alternative source of CSPGs for health food formulations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Cornell, US Navy raise bar for autonomous underwater imaging

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new algorithm for autonomous underwater sonar imaging that significantly improves speed and accuracy for identifying objects such as explosive mines and sunken ships. The new approach, called informative multi-view planning, integrates information about object locations with sonar proc...

SourceCornell University·JournalIEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering·DateMay 26, 2022

Tsunami threats underestimated in current models, new research shows

Current predictive models underestimate tsunami severity by as much as 100%, according to USC researchers who found a correlation between tsunami strength and outer wedge width. The study identifies high-risk subduction zones, including Iran and the Cascadia zone, which could experience massive tsunamis.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022