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Science News for November 10, 2022


Even in states with strong stock albuterol laws, school administrators fear liability

Despite Illinois' strong stock inhaler laws, school administrators cite difficulty obtaining prescriptions and liability concerns as barriers to implementation. A study found that 35% of stakeholders cited prescription issues and liability fears, highlighting the need for enhanced education and verbiage to alleviate these concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 10, 2022

Video surveillance, now for viruses

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method called 3D Tracking and Imaging Microscopy (3D-TrIm) to capture real-time 3D footage of viruses approaching cells. This technique combines two microscopes in one, allowing scientists to study the early moments before infection begins and how viruses navigate complex barriers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Death of a star reveals midsize black hole lurking in a dwarf galaxy

Astronomers used the Young Supernova Experiment to detect an intermediate-mass black hole in a dwarf galaxy, revealing its mass and providing insight into supermassive black hole growth. The study aims to improve understanding of black hole-galaxy relationships and inform theories on supermassive black hole formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

PET/MRI machine learning model can eliminate sentinel lymph node biopsy in majority of breast cancer patients

A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that a PET/MRI machine learning model can reliably distinguish between patients with and without lymph node metastases. This breakthrough technology has the potential to eliminate sentinel lymph node biopsy, a common procedure for breast cancer treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 10, 2022

Previously unseen processes reveal path to better rechargeable battery performance

Engineers and chemists at the University of Illinois have combined electron microscopy and data mining to visualize chemical and physical alteration within ion batteries. The study reveals patterns of nucleation, growth, and coalescence that can inform the development of better rechargeable battery performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

A dual boost for optical delay scanning

Researchers at ETH Zurich introduce a novel single-cavity architecture for a dual-comb laser, enabling fast and precise scanning of optical delays. The system achieves high precision (2-fs) and stability (up to 500 Hz) for an optical delay of 12.5 ns, opening up new possibilities for practical applications.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

The resilience of blackbucks

A new study from the Indian Institute of Science sheds light on blackbucks' genetic diversity and survival strategies. Despite human activities restricting their habitats, male blackbucks disperse more than expected, contributing to geneflow, while females stay within native population ranges.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalConservation Genetics·DateNov 10, 2022

Deforestation and grassland conversion are the biggest causes of biodiversity loss

A recent study found that deforestation and grassland conversion are the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, while climate change ranks fourth in global biodiversity change. The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to tackle both climate change and biodiversity loss.

UTHealth Houston researchers analyze cancer discrepancies among young Black men in the South

Researchers found a significant increase in Kaposi's sarcoma incidence among young Black men in the South, with rates jumping by 3.3% per year. The study suggests that HIV infection and social determinants like poverty and lack of access to medical care contribute to this disparity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

The world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit. But peak warming can be curbed

New research suggests that the world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, but peak warming can be minimized by adopting more ambitious climate pledges and decarbonizing faster. The study models scenarios to explore what degree of warming would likely follow different courses of action, highlig...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 10, 2022

Researchers reveal the structure of the IFT-B complex, which is essential for formation of the cilium organelle

The study reveals the structure of the 15-subunit IFT-B complex, a crucial component in cilia formation and maintenance. The complex's elongated and flexible nature is consistent with previous low-resolution reconstructions, and two configurations are identified that may drive bi-directional movement.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Urgent need for increase in visa cap for international doctors

The NHS faces exceptional workforce issues due to Brexit and junior doctors' contract disputes, leading to a need for more international medical graduates. A proposed scheme to increase the cap on Tier 5 visas could help address these shortages and bring valuable expertise from countries like India and Nigeria.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2022

Copper a clue in the fight against cancer

Researchers discovered that the Memo1 protein binds copper ions, blocking toxic redox reactions that damage or kill cancer cells. The protein's interaction with copper also protects against metastasis formation in breast cancer cells. This finding opens up potential new treatments for cancer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Linking mass extinctions to the expansion and radiation of land plants

During the Devonian Period, six significant marine extinctions occurred, coinciding with the rapid evolution and spread of complex land plants. Elevated phosphorus levels in ancient lake deposits suggest a massive increase in terrestrial nutrient export, potentially leading to eutrophication and catastrophic ocean oxygen depletion.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 10, 2022

Study shows 86.4% of infants with anaphylaxis appropriately received epinephrine

A new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that most infants with anaphylaxis were treated appropriately with a single dose of epinephrine. The study reviewed charts for 169 patients under 2 years old who presented with anaphylaxis symptoms in various systems.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 10, 2022

Planting and management of improved grass in tropical savannas can increase soil carbon by 15 percent, new paper finds

A new study found that planting and managing improved grass in tropical savannas can increase soil carbon stocks by 15% compared to degraded pasture. The use of Koronivia grass also reduced nitrous oxide emissions from grazing cattle by a factor of 10.

Increasing racism experienced by minority children in the USA

According to a new study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, parental reporting of racism experienced by children in minority groups in the USA increased from 6.7% in 2016 to 9.3% in 2020. Indigenous and Black children were particularly affected, with rates ranging from 10.8% to 15.7% and 9.69% to 15.04%, respectively.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 10, 2022

Handheld diagnostic lab offers point-of-care solution for future pandemics

A handheld diagnostic lab developed by UCLA researchers can fully automate pooled testing and detect multiple diseases, reducing costs and usage of scarce supplies. The technology can be easily manufactured, deployed, and performed at a doctor's office or mass testing sites, helping authorities prepare for future pandemics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Go home safe: fall prevention for older hospital patients after discharge

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that teaching fall prevention using home floor plans reduced falls in older hospital patients by 97% compared to a control group. The intervention group had no falls within two months of discharge, while the control group experienced 7.7% falls.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2022

Is weakness the new smoking? Muscle strength tied to biological age, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

Global distributive justice and systemic transformations key to planetary stability, study finds

A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...

SourceFuture Earth·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

New study suggests evolutionary forces are behind collective discrimination

A new study published in Collective Intelligence journal suggests that evolutionary forces may be fueling collective tendencies to discriminate. The research recommends fostering environments where desired behavior emerges naturally through evolutionary dynamics rather than regulating against undesired outcomes.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalCollective Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2022

Immune system reboot in MS patients

Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered why a stem cell transplant is effective in treating multiple sclerosis. The study found that memory T cells reappear immediately after the transplant and do not trigger an autoimmune reaction due to pre-damage caused by chemotherapy. This knowledge enables the body to gradually ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

CAR T-Cell therapy outcomes similar across different socioeconomic levels among pediatric patients with ALL

A new study finds no significant difference in overall survival or complete remission rates between children and young adults with different levels of poverty exposure, regardless of their neighborhood opportunity. CAR T-cell therapy is equally effective for those from disadvantaged households as it is for those from more socioeconomic...

New study describes how employee opinion impacts CEO dismissal

A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal suggests that employees' opinions of a CEO can influence the board's decision on CEO dismissal. The researchers found that higher employee approval lowers the chances of CEO dismissal by the board, particularly when firm performance is strong and analyst recommendations are posi...

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeCase study·DateNov 10, 2022

Chronic jet lag discovered in people living with HIV

Researchers found that people living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock, consistent with the symptoms of jet lag. This disruption may contribute to increased health problems experienced by those with HIV. The study suggests a strong need for further research on younger people living with HIV in other countries.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2022

Light physical activity linked to milder symptoms from intracerebral hemorrhage

A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Multiple stressors contributed to physician burnout during first wave of COVID-19 in the U.S.

A new study by Mara Buchbinder and colleagues found that physician burnout during the first wave of COVID-19 was influenced by individual, institutional, professional, and societal factors. Interventions to reduce stress and burnout should focus on systems-level changes, including organizational culture and team dynamics.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 10, 2022

Healthy plant-based diets better for the environment than less healthy plant-based diets

A new study found that healthier plant-based dietary patterns had lower cardiovascular disease risk and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to less healthy plant-based diets. Diets high in refined grains, sugary drinks, and processed meat required more cropland, fertilizer, and irrigation water.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

No sign of decrease in global CO2 emissions

Global carbon emissions have reached a record high, with no indication of a decline to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The Global Carbon Project projects total global CO2 emissions of 40.6 billion tonnes in 2022, fueled by fossil CO2 emissions that are projected to rise 1.0% compared to 2021.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Smoking & drinking means higher surgery risks, but health coaching before surgery could help

A new study of 200,000 patients found that those who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. However, talking to a health coach about drinking-related risks before surgery can help patients cut their alcohol use in half and reduce the likelihood of surgical issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Heat or eat? Prepayment users consume less fruit and vegetables, study finds

A new study reveals that households using prepayment meters consume significantly fewer portions of fruit and vegetables compared to those on alternative payment methods. The researchers found a strong link between higher energy bills and lower consumption of essential nutrients, highlighting the 'heat-or-eat' dilemma.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

New MIT Sloan research on identity cues in social media shows it’s not just what is said but who says it that matters

The study found that identity cues accounted for up to 61% of the variation in voting, causing viewers to evaluate content faster. Positive feedback enhanced reputations, while negative cues led to down-votes. Reputations influenced how viewers perceived and engaged with online content.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Economic interests cloud hazardous chemicals reductions

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology found that economic factors significantly influence the regulation of hazardous chemicals in Europe. Regulators tend to prioritize chemicals with secondary importance, leading to reduced hazard reductions. The study suggests that current production or ...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Helping patients with addiction tackle their health needs

A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 10, 2022

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022

Penn study illuminates why cancers caused by BRCA mutations recur

A new study found that BRCA1/2 mutation-associated cancers have specific features that contribute to their high risk of recurrence, including changes in the BRCA2 protein's messenger-RNA molecule. The researchers identified multiple novel markers of therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of tumor profiling at treatment time.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2022

Making melanoma immortal: Pitt scientists discover key genetic step in cancer’s race to live forever

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a genetic link between melanoma tumors and telomere maintenance, which could lead to new treatments for the disease. The study found that mutations in the TPP1 gene stimulate telomerase activity, promoting long telomeres that enable cancer cells to divide in...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2022

Maintaining masking requirements at Boston Public Schools protected students, staff

A new study found that maintaining universal masking policies in schools significantly reduced COVID-19 cases among students and staff. The study showed that lifting masking requirements led to a substantial increase in cases, highlighting the importance of universal masking in reducing transmission.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

Hundred-year-old riddle in botany reveals key plant adaptation to dry land

Researchers have found that plants maintain drought-resistant vascular arrangements by restricting tissue width, revealing a long-standing riddle in botany. The discovery provides insights into how plants evolved to colonize dry land and has potential applications in securing drought resistance in crop breeding programs.

SourceBotanicky ustav Akademie ved Ceske republiky·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2022

A new way of fabricating high-efficiency diffraction gratings for astronomical spectroscopy

Researchers develop a new way to manufacture high-efficiency diffraction gratings using reactive ion-plasma etching, achieving near-theoretical unpolarized diffraction efficiency of 94.3%. The process enables robust and durable gratings suitable for harsh environments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Astronomical Telescopes Instruments and Systems·DateNov 10, 2022