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Science News for May 27, 2022


Most doctors still believe in prescribing unnecessary antibiotics to treat asymptomatic infections, study suggests

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than 70% of primary care physicians reported prescribing antibiotics to treat asymptomatic bacteria in urine tests, defying medical guidelines. This practice can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Shared autonomous micro-mobility

Researchers at MIT City Science explore the impact of autonomy on shared micro-mobility systems, proposing it as a solution to mitigate challenges such as rebalancing and vehicle oversupply. An agent-based simulation tool assesses fleet performance and user experience, providing insights for informed decisions.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateMay 27, 2022

T cell warriors need their R & R

Researchers at Yale University discovered a critical protein pair that maintains T cell quiescence, keeping immune systems healthy. Without this resting state, T cells die, making hosts more susceptible to infections and cancer.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2022

Revisiting the history of CPT theorem

The CPT theorem, a fundamental concept in quantum field theory, has its roots in the early 20th century revolution of quantum mechanics and relativity. The new paper reveals how this theorem's significance evolved over time, from being initially overlooked to becoming a cornerstone of modern physics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMay 27, 2022

Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations

A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Novel sensors enable precise measurement of dopamine

Researchers have developed novel sensors that can precisely measure dopamine levels in nerve cells, providing new insights into the mechanisms of dopamine release. The sensors use modified carbon nanotubes to visualise individual dopamine release events along neuronal structures.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Follow-up data further support the superior efficacy of cabozantinib in patients with progressive differentiated thyroid cancer

Follow-up data from the COSMIC-311 study confirm cabozantinib's superiority over placebo in patients with progressive differentiated thyroid cancer, with significant improvements in progression-free survival across all tumor subtypes. The treatment also demonstrated manageable safety and efficacy in a diverse patient population.

Easy, flexible access to produce, resources boosts healthy eating for central Texas kids

A new study from researchers at Dell Medical School found that providing caregivers with four weeks of free tastings of produce and grocery gift cards can lead to improvements in kids' diets. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that children ate healthier foods two additional times per day compared to the control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 27, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

AI learns coral reef 'song'

A new AI method can distinguish between the overall sounds of healthy and unhealthy coral reefs, making it a valuable tool for monitoring reef health. The technique uses machine learning to analyze sound recordings and track the progress of reef restoration projects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Choking local funding prevents terrorism

New research by Nicola Limodio finds that terrorist attacks are sensitive to local funding availability, with more attacks occurring in cities with higher funding. Financial counter-terrorism can be effective in limiting the ability of terrorist organizations to access funds.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEconometrica·DateMay 27, 2022

Modelling the behavior and dynamics of microswimmers

Researchers studied microswimmers' dynamics under gravity, discovering how clusters form through a combination of gravity and hydrodynamic interactions. The team's simulations showed that two key ingredients – gravity and the strength of reorienting gravity torque – are sufficient for cluster formation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 27, 2022

Same symptom – different cause?

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify patients into disease subtypes based on molecular changes, enabling more targeted treatments. The tool has shown potential in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, identifying lipid biomarkers for disease progression.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022

Wine as scapegoat in trade disputes means consumers pay the price

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that wine tariffs imposed during trade disputes have substantial economic costs for producers and consumers. The study estimates that the U.S.-EU dispute cost $190 million in lost trade, while the China-Australia dispute cost $149 million annually.

Kyoto scientists discover ‘crack team’ of kidney cells that are key to disease recovery

Researchers at Kyoto University identify a distinct subpopulation of fibroblasts responsible for producing the hormone erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates red blood cell production. This discovery provides insight into renal anemia and may lead to novel treatment methods for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceKyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

On the way to smart hearing aids

The Collaborative Research Centre Hearing Acoustics is developing smart hearing aids that use artificial intelligence to adjust to different environments. The project, which aims to create more adaptable hearing devices, has received $8.1 million in funding for another four years.

New liver and kidney disease identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new inherited condition, TULP3-related ciliopathy, which causes kidney and liver failure in children and adults. The study identified the faulty gene responsible for increased fibrosis in the liver and kidney, leading to organ failure.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2022

Joint research revealed the importance of anthropogenic vapors on haze pollution over Hong Kong and Mainland China's megacities

A comprehensive study by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology revealed that anthropogenic low-volatility organic vapors play a critical role in forming secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and haze pollution in urban environments. The research found that oxidation of VOCs dominates OOMs formation, with nitrogen oxides significant...

Seeing how odor is processed in the brain

Researchers at University of Tokyo used machine learning-based analysis of scalp-recorded EEG to see when and where odors are processed in the brain. Unpleasant odors were found to be processed earlier than pleasant ones, suggesting potential early warning system against dangers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging shows brain inflammation in vivo for the first time

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize and quantify brain inflammation using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This breakthrough has significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

New cancer subtype may illuminate treatment strategy

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized form of hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer and found promising drug targets to treat it. The discovery opens the door to developing therapies that specifically target this disease, which accounts for approximately a quarter of castration-resistant prostate cancers.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2022

No photosynthetic improvement in ictB transformants in field-grown model crop

Researchers tested ictB transformants in field-grown tobacco and found no significant improvement in photosynthesis or biomass production. Despite previous studies suggesting potential benefits, the current study suggests that ictB overexpression may only be beneficial in controlled environments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

New insights into the complexity of the brain

A recent study out of the Complexity Science Hub Vienna developed a mathematical and computational framework for analysing neural activity in C. elegans, a tiny worm used to study neural activity. The study proposes a way to unmask the roles of neurons by using more natural perturbations.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2022

A cushy lab life has its evolutionary costs — when it comes to fish, that is

Researchers found that lab zebrafish have lost physiological plasticity, a characteristic that allows organisms to adjust to different environments, over time. This loss affects their ability to perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, highlighting the costs of domestication.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

When hurricanes strike, social media can save lives

A recent study found that social media is a powerful tool for cities to communicate and collect information during emergencies. The research analyzed data from 23 Florida counties and their use of social media during Hurricane Irma, finding that many counties struggled with managing multiple social media accounts and correcting bad inf...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalDisasters·TypeCase study·DateMay 27, 2022

Women resent compliments about communality at work

New Cornell University research finds that women experience more frustration when praised for collaborative qualities than men, who are expected to be assertive. The study suggests that positive gender stereotypes can backfire and have negative emotional consequences for women in the workplace.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 27, 2022

No 'echo chambers' in Reddit climate debate

A recent study on Reddit climate debates found little evidence of echo chambers, instead revealing a mix of polarized discussions and deliberate debate. The researchers analyzed over 18,000 posts and 267,000 comments from 93,850 users to examine topics, information sources, and community dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Foreseeing risk of a stock price crash

Research suggests that non-GAAP earnings reports can lead to a higher risk of stock price crashes due to information asymmetry and manipulation. Companies use non-GAAP earnings to present a more positive picture, but investors should be cautious when managers have an incentive to mislead them.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateMay 27, 2022

Animals may evolve faster than previously thought

A new study suggests that wild animal populations can adapt more rapidly than scientists previously thought, thanks to a higher genetic contribution to differences in individual survival and reproduction. This rapid adaptation could aid species' odds of survival, but may be hindered by habitat loss and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

New study finds public health messaging could benefit from an ‘autonomy-supportive’ approach

A recent study by Durham University and Illinois Institute of Technology found that controlling message approaches can have negative effects on attitudes towards social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, an autonomy-supportive approach was shown to lower feelings of defiance and increase positive motivation.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022