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Science News for November 1, 2022


New technique helps ID genes related to aging

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new method for identifying genes relevant to the aging process in the C. elegans roundworm model. By exposing thousands of worms to random genetic mutations, they can pinpoint which genes are associated with protein aggregation and reduced lifespan.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Four prospective, multicenter studies support use of drug-coated balloons over bare metal stents in treating femoropopliteal lesions

A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that drug-coated balloons outperformed bare metal stents in treating femoropopliteal lesions. The research showed improved 12-month patency and freedom from clinically driven reintervention and major adverse events with drug-coated balloons.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 1, 2022

Identifying the underlying causes of ovarian cancer

Two new discoveries led by Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators improve understanding of ovarian cancer's development and suggest personalized therapeutic approaches. They identified four new genetic regions linked to increased ovarian cancer risk and found that some tumors may develop resistance to chemotherapy from an early stage.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 1, 2022

Sites in the brain where RNA is edited could help to better understand neurodevelopment and disease, researchers have found

Mount Sinai researchers catalogued thousands of sites in the brain where RNA is modified throughout the human lifespan, increasing with age. This study provides a model depicting how A-to-I editing evolves over a lifetime, shedding light on its role in health and disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2022

Self-folding origami honeycombs pave the way to sustainable protective packaging

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

COVID-19 virus increases risk for other infections by disrupting normal mix of gut bacteria

A new study found that COVID-19 infection directly interferes with the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, further endangering patients. The research revealed that antibiotic-resistant species can escape into the bloodstream, putting patients at greater risk for life-threatening secondary infections.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Sleep Research Society position statement supports adoption of permanent standard time

The Sleep Research Society advocates for the elimination of daylight saving time and adoption of permanent standard time due to its association with acute sleep loss and chronic circadian misalignment. This can lead to stress, altered metabolism, and inflammation, ultimately resulting in adverse health consequences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2022

Tracking trust in human-robot work interactions

Researchers at Texas A&M University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor participant responses during human-robot collaborations. They found that faulty robot actions decreased operator trust and associated it with increased brain activity in the frontal, motor, and visual cortices.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateNov 1, 2022

Novel nanopore-based technology helps detect pathogens rapidly and precisely for cancer patients

Researchers developed a nanopore-based method to detect microbes in immunocompromised cancer patients with high sensitivity, identifying bacterial infections, fastidious pathogens, and co-infections. The method reduces turnaround time to approximately 17.5 hours, enabling prompt diagnosis and timely treatment.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 1, 2022

Introduction of fluoroethylene carbonate into a poly(1,3-dioxolane)-based polymer electrolyte to stabilize a sodium metal anode

The introduction of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) into a poly(1,3-dioxolane)-based polymer electrolyte improves the performance of sodium metal batteries. FEC forms a passivation layer that inhibits side reactions between DOL and the Na metal, reducing interfacial resistance and improving battery overall performance.

ASU launches new quantum research collaborative

The Arizona State University's Quantum Collaborative is a major initiative promoting understanding of advanced quantum technology and forging partnerships to advance it. The collaborative aims to develop a robust talent pipeline for a quantum-enabled economy through certifications, upskilling opportunities, and modified degree programs.

Model shows where women lost access to abortion after Dobbs

A recent study shows that a third of American women now face excessive travel times to obtain an abortion, with residents in the South facing the biggest jump. The share of women traveling over an hour for care has doubled, exceeding the US government benchmark for reasonable access to primary care. Black and indigenous women are dispr...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateNov 1, 2022

New international research reveals majority of gig economy workers feel under threat from review websites

A majority of gig economy workers report feeling threatened by online reviews, which can negatively impact their earnings. The study found that algorithms used to rank workers are opaque and volatile, leaving workers vulnerable to malicious customers. This 'reputational insecurity' is creating instability in the workforce, with some wo...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSociology·DateNov 1, 2022

Youngest girls who get pregnant have highest risk of poor outcomes, study finds

A new study by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that girls aged 13 or younger who get pregnant have significantly higher risks of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and ICU admission compared to older pregnant teens. These young girls experience increased health complications due to their age.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2022

Inequality linked to differences in kids’ brain connections

A large study of over 5,800 tween children found that growing up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged household can have lasting effects on brain development, with different patterns of connections between brain regions observed. Parental education emerged as the most significant factor associated with variations in brain connections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 1, 2022

Common sedative can increase risk of heart damage when used at night

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found that administering midazolam increases the risk of myocardial injury in non-cardiac surgery performed at night. The timing of drug administration can affect its efficacy and increase the risk of heart damage, suggesting a need to reevaluate treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2022

Solving the dopamine riddle: New study pinpoints genetic mechanism linking brain chemical to schizophrenia

Researchers at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development have found that neuronal cells are unable to precisely control levels of dopamine, leading to a genetic mechanism that controls dopamine flow. This study confirms that dopamine is a causative factor in schizophrenia, shedding light on a long-held hypothesis.

SourceLieber Institute for Brain Development·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 1, 2022

Digital twin intelligent system for industrial internet of things-based big data management and analysis in cloud environments

A novel cloud-based framework is proposed to manage and analyze industrial IoT data in cloud environments, optimizing energy consumption through reinforcement learning. The system aims to provide an energy-efficient and secure environment for industries such as healthcare and education.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality·DateNov 1, 2022

Harvard Public Health/Political ideology and COVID-19 health outcomes

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to political conservatism is associated with higher COVID-19 mortality rates and increased stress on hospital intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. The study examined data from all 435 U.S. Congressional districts between April 2021 and March 2022.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2022

Protein kinase CK2 has key role in killer T cells during infection by Listeria monocytogenes

The study found that protein kinase CK2 plays a key role in regulating CD8+ T cell activation, metabolic reprogramming and differentiation during infection by the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. In mouse models, deletion of the CK2α catalytic subunit impaired CD8+ T cell function.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Bats protect young trees from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs

A new study found that bats play a crucial role in protecting young tree seedlings from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs and five times more defoliation when bats are absent. The research reveals a mutually beneficial relationship between bats and oak trees, with bats serving as a key predator for insects that harm the trees.

Dartmouth study offers new insights into genetic mutations in autism disorders and points to possible treatments

A Dartmouth study reveals that disruptions in the mTORC1 pathway can rescue neuronal overgrowth and synapse function dysregulated by Pten loss, potentially offering new treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The research team also found that administering Rapamycin to children showed some benefit to symptoms of autism.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Physics of disaster: How mudslides move

A team led by Douglas Jerolmack and Paulo Arratia used laboratory experiments to understand how mudslide failure and flow behavior relates to soil material properties. They found a clear signal in 'dirty' samples using high-tech rheometers, shedding light on the tipping point for slope liquefaction.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

High adopters of AI-enabled screening tool are more likely to diagnose left ventricular dysfunction than low adopters, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that clinicians who were high adopters of an AI-enabled clinical decision support tool were twice as likely to diagnose low left ventricular ejection fraction as those who were low adopters. The tool's accuracy was critical in detecting serious health conditions before symptoms appeared.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 1, 2022

Quantum dots form ordered material

Researchers have successfully created a highly conductive metamaterial using self-organized quantum dots, maintaining their optical properties while displaying the highest electron mobility reported for quantum dot assemblies. This breakthrough paves the way for new generation of opto-electronic applications.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Getting to the heart of COVID-19 vaccination and its cardiovascular risks

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2022

How gut bacteria influence the effects of cocaine in mice

Research reveals that common gut bacteria enhance cocaine effects in mice by consuming glycine, leading to behavior abnormalities. Supplementing glycine or using a genetically modified bacteria reduces response to cocaine, demonstrating its role as an addiction mediator.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Ancient DNA analysis sheds light on the early peopling of South America

Researchers used DNA from two ancient human individuals to unravel the deep demographic history of South America, providing new genetic evidence supporting existing archaeological data. They also discovered migrations along the Atlantic coast for the first time and found evidence of Neanderthal ancestry within ancient genomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2022

Aston University researchers ‘feed’ leftover coffee grounds to microalgae to produce low emission biodiesel

Researchers at Aston University have developed a method to produce high-quality biodiesel from spent coffee grounds by growing microalgae on the grounds. This innovative approach reduces competition with food crops and decreases greenhouse gas emissions from palm tree cultivation.

SourceAston University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

New study shows power of invasive Asian mosquito to ‘alter the landscape’ of malaria in Africa with surge of urban outbreaks

A new study has linked the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito to an unprecedented dry season wave of infections in Ethiopian city Dire Dawa, causing a 10-fold spike in malaria cases. The mosquito's ability to thrive in urban environments and resist insecticides poses a significant threat to Africa's efforts to eliminate malaria.

How scientist developed an intelligent fuzzy logical control to stabilize solar sail?

Researchers developed an intelligent FLC designer to create stable solar sail attitude control without a priori knowledge or excessive manual workload. The IFLCD uses neural network modelling and automatic design method to solve the black-box and time-varying control problem, making it suitable for unmanned and complicated systems.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateNov 1, 2022

CSU researchers design model that predicts which buildings will survive wildfire

A team of CSU researchers has designed a model that can predict which buildings will survive a wildfire, allowing for more effective fire mitigation strategies. By analyzing community networks and incorporating graph theory, the model achieves accuracy rates of up to 86% in predicting building survival.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2022

Study: More than one way to build a black bird

A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that the black plumage trait in Solomon Islands flycatchers evolved through at least two distinct genetic pathways, with the third mutation appearing on a distant island. The research highlights the complex evolution of bird species on small islands.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Singapore scientists crack the genome of Singapore's national flower

The genome of Singapore's National Flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, has been decoded by a collaboration between A*STAR and SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine. The study reveals the presence of natural products with antioxidant properties, flavonols, and anthocyanins, which could be used for healthcare purposes.

Half of the data deficient species may be threatened with extinction

A recent study predicts that over half of lesser-known species are in danger of disappearing. The researchers used machine learning to calculate the risk of extinction for thousands of data-deficient species, finding that as many as 85% of amphibians and around half of mammals and reptiles face an uphill battle.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2022

Iron induces chronic heart failure in half of heart attack survivors, according to landmark study led by IU researcher

A recent study published in Nature Communications identified a root cause of chronic heart failure following a heart attack, revealing that iron drives the formation of fatty tissue in the heart. This discovery has the potential to prevent heart failure in nearly half a million people in the US and millions more worldwide.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2022