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Science News for May 3, 2022


Combination of drugs for obesity and Type 2 diabetes may be more effective than a single therapy

Canadian and German researchers have identified personalized prescriptions that combine drugs to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The combination therapy shows higher effectiveness in some patients and fewer side effects compared to single drugs. Studies are now needed to understand why individuals respond differently to the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateMay 3, 2022

A diet rich in protein, zinc and niacin and low in saturated fat makes blood vessels more flexible, Israeli research suggests

A new study suggests that a diet high in protein, zinc, and niacin, and low in saturated fat, can improve blood vessel flexibility. The study found improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health, including reductions in calorie and saturated fat intake, increases in zinc and niacin, and improvements in blood vessel function.

Brazil’s Northeast region probably dried up during Earth’s last minimum axial tilt thousands of years ago

A recent study suggests that tree density in the Cerrado biome has been controlled mainly by the length of the dry season over the past 45,000 years. The research found a link between changes in the dry season and variations in Earth's axial tilt, which may lead to similar trends in the late 21st century.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateMay 3, 2022

Student debt can impair your cardiovascular health into middle age

Adults with student loan debt face a higher risk of cardiovascular illness and may experience undermined health benefits from post-secondary education. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and found that those who took on new debt or consistently had debt had higher CVD risk scores.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Changes in blood fats and other markers of heart health and diabetes detectable from age of six in children with overweight, Danish study finds

A Danish study of over 1,000 children found that changes in blood fats and markers of heart health and diabetes can be detected as early as age six in those with overweight. Routine dental check-ups provide a good opportunity to measure BMI.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateMay 3, 2022

21 scientific codes selected for new high-performance software improvement program

The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) has selected 21 scientific codes and 'grand challenge'-class science problems that will receive funding through the Characteristic Science Applications program. The program aims to improve scientific software, generate benchmarks for the Leadership-Class Computing Facility, and demonstrate the...

Resistance induction, a potential strategy to control olive verticilosis

A team of scientists found that two beneficial microorganisms (Aureobasidium pullulans and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and a copper phosphite fertilizer can reduce Verticillium Wilt in olive trees by up to 70%. The study suggests that these compounds induce resistance in plants through different metabolic pathways, offering a non-speci...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Brain metastasis looking back in the mirror

Researchers created patient-derived models of brain metastases that recapitulate human disseminated disease, reflecting clinical manifestations and biological characteristics. These models can be used to test therapeutic value of different treatments and explore new approaches tailored to each patient.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

For stroke survivors, modified cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the chances of death by 76%

A modified cardiac rehabilitation program has been shown to reduce mortality rates among stroke survivors by 76%. The program, which includes medically supervised exercise and therapy, improves functional capacity, mobility, self-care, and cognition. This finding has the potential to change the future of stroke care.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2022

Children without diapers sleep poorly

A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2022

Seashell-inspired Sandia shield protects materials in hostile environments

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a seashell-inspired coating that can protect materials from mechanical, shock, and thermal insults. The coating is made from thin layers of confectioners' sugar, silica, and carbon black, and has been shown to be lightweight, mechanically strong, and thermally stable.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalMRS Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

New articles for Geosphere posted online in April

Scientists investigate garnet in ultrahigh-pressure metapelites at Lago di Cignana, Italy, and the Longshou Shan in western North China craton, revealing lithium concentrations and isotope compositions that provide insight into prograde reaction history and fluid-rock interactions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the ...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateMay 3, 2022

CityU scientists reveal new neurocircuitry essential for animals to sense environmental cues of imminent danger

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong discovered a new neural mechanism that enables animals to perceive and integrate environmental cues, such as air puffs and sounds, to initiate defensive behavior. This finding has implications for understanding schizophrenia patients' auditory hallucinations.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Study preserves memory in mice, offering promising new basis for active immunization against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a promising new basis for active immunization against Alzheimer's disease. By injecting a recombinant methionine-rich protein into mice with the disease, they were able to improve short-term memory and learning abilities by up to 50%. The treatment also showed potential in reducin...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAntioxidants·DateMay 3, 2022

Advancing beyond 5G in wireless communications

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are a promising technology for next-generation wireless networks, offering improved flexibility and energy efficiency. Researchers explored RISs as a potential solution for 6G, which is expected to require more radical communication paradigms.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 3, 2022

A better understanding of HIV-1 latency

A new study by Université Libre de Bruxelles researchers reveals that inhibiting the cellular protein UHRF1 can reactivate latent HIV-1 viruses in reservoir cells. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that force the virus to leave its dormant state, marking a significant step forward in AIDS research.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 3, 2022

Green roofs are worth the cost for urban residents

A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.

Studying wealth inequality in animals can reveal clues about how their societies evolved

A new framework for understanding animal societies emerges from a review of wealth inequality research in humans and animals. Wealth is found to be distributed equally or unequally across species, with material goods, individual attributes, and social connections being critical sources.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

European survey finds over three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year, but most have been unsuccessful

A European survey found that over three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year. Most respondents used diet or exercise strategies, but only 25% achieved clinically meaningful weight loss. The study highlights the need for increased support and solutions for weight management.

Shuffling the deck

Researchers found that adopting another metabolism can have major competitive consequences, impacting a species' ability to compete in different environments. The study demonstrates the importance of considering acquired metabolisms in understanding community dynamics and ecosystem interactions.

A Concordia-made tool assessing indoor COVID-19 transmission risks expands across North America

CityRPI, a web-based tool developed by Leon Wang, calculates the probability of COVID-19 infection through aerosol transmission in indoor spaces. The tool can be expanded to project this likelihood in cities across North America using customizable assessments based on building type and mitigation measures.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2022

Acute sleep loss may alter the way we see others

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that sleep deprivation affects the way humans evaluate facial expressions, particularly those conveying negative emotions. Young adults who were sleep-deprived rated angry faces as less trustworthy and healthy-looking, while neutral and fearful faces appeared less attractive.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

New study challenges stereotypes surrounding mental illness

Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Coronaviruses on Glass: Commercial detergents and manual glass washers effectively remove viruses from glass

A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) study published in Food Microbiology found that coronaviruses on glass are stable but can be inactivated through conventional rinsing processes. Commercial dish washing detergents and manual glass washers were shown to effectively remove coronaviruses from drinking glasses.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMay 3, 2022

How solving Central Asia's water-energy conflict can also boost renewable energy generation

Researchers propose a dual water and energy storage scheme to resolve the temporal mismatch between resources, reducing CO2 emissions while guaranteeing water supply. The scheme utilizes seasonal pumped hydroelectric systems to store water for irrigation during summer and hydropower generation in winter.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateMay 3, 2022

Prepare for the foreseeable future of 6G

A team of Chinese and UK researchers propose a reconfigurable intelligent surface technique to address the high energy consumption issue in THz communication for future 6G technology development. The study reveals that this approach achieves more energy-efficient beamforming than traditional phased array techniques.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 3, 2022

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may impair bone health in male teens

A new study published by The Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates may impair bone health in male teenagers. Researchers analyzed urine and blood samples from over 800 adolescents, finding an association between certain PFAS and phthalates and reduced bone mineral density.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Albert Einstein College of Medicine receives $11.3 million NIH grant to expand the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a $11.3 million NIH grant to expand its efforts in preventing, treating and curing HIV infection. The center will support research initiatives identifying more effective approaches to expand PrEP uptake and increase ART adherence among marginalized populations.