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Science News for November 16, 2022


COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

University of Virginia engineering researchers strive to match artistry of biological tissues

University of Virginia engineers develop a Minecraft-like, voxelated approach to create complicated structures comparable to human tissues and organs. They use droplets as the basic building blocks, assembling them into 3D constructs with precise location, composition, and properties.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

AAAS awarded nearly $20M to establish three distinct initiatives supporting representation in STEMM fields

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded nearly $20 million to launch three initiatives aiming to increase representation in STEMM fields. A five-year research initiative will provide professional development support to scholarship recipients from low-income backgrounds, while another project aims to i...

Flight of birds can help provide predictions on turbulence, new study suggests

Researchers have discovered that the flight patterns of birds can be used to estimate fine-scale environmental conditions and turbulence levels. The team measured bird altitude and motion using GPS and data loggers attached to pigeons, finding a correlation between the birds' behavior and turbulence strength.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Cardiac antigen identified as mechanism for heart complication with immunotherapy-related myocarditis

Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified the cardiac antigen α-myosin as the mechanism for immunotherapy-related myocarditis, a rare but deadly complication affecting less than 1% of patients. The discovery sets the framework to identify biomarkers and develop strategies to tolerate immunotherapy in at-risk...

NIH researchers unlock pattern of gene activity for ADHD

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a pattern of gene activity in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), finding that genomic differences affect the expression of genes coding for neurotransmitters. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, provides new insights into the...

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Container ship accidents are a little understood but emerging threat to marine ecosystems, a new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study reveals that container ship accidents are a growing concern, with significant shortcomings in maritime cargo safeguards. The researchers found that existing regulations are inadequate, and the lack of data makes it difficult to adopt new regulations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Co-workers can influence healthy eating choices

A study by University of Cologne scientists found that colleagues' encouragement and own healthy behaviors positively correlate with employees' fruit and vegetable consumption. However, explicit encouragement has a positive effect on physical exercise, while colleagues' behavior does not typically influence others' physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Albert Einstein College of Medicine receives $6.6M in NIH grants to lead New York consortium for kidney, urological, and hematological research and training

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine a five-year, $6.6 million grant to train young scientists in kidney, urology, and hematology research. The New York Consortium for Interdisciplinary Training in Kidney, Urological, and Hematological Research will bring together experts from four medical s...

Synthetic biology meets medicine: ‘programmable molecular scissors’ could help fight COVID-19 infection

Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Space exploration goes underground

Wynne's work identifies key questions and answers needed to study Martian caves, which could hold secrets of life and provide insights into Earth's formation. Caves may also serve as radiation shielding for astronaut habitats on the Moon and Mars.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateNov 16, 2022

A changing sea floor

The Blob, an extreme marine heatwave that hit the Santa Barbara Channel from 2014–2016, has had a lasting impact on kelp forest communities. Six years later, researchers found that while some species have recovered, others have declined or been replaced by invasive bryozoans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 16, 2022

How scientist selected propulsion systems for deep-space exploration?

The article discusses the selection of propulsion systems for deep-space exploration, focusing on micropropulsion technology. Key findings include the analysis of various micropropulsion modules, including cold gas and chemical propulsion systems, as well as their applications in different missions such as lunar exploration and Tianqin...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateNov 16, 2022

Imaging the dynamic cellular zoo made easier

Osaka University researchers have synthesized a fluorescent protein with the shortest emission wavelength to date, enabling the simultaneous tracking of multiple processes in cells. The new protein, Sumire, exhibits improved brightness and stability compared to existing fluorophores.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeNews article·DateNov 16, 2022

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOL. HEALTH: Study suggests need for improved support for transgender and non-binary young people after hospitalization

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that hospitalised young people with a gender dysphoria diagnosis were four to five times more likely to experience self-harm or suicide attempts compared to those without the condition. This highlights the need for improved support and care for this vulnerable group.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Treatment guidelines for children hospitalized with COVID-19 were rapidly but not completely followed

A study of 18,364 children hospitalized with COVID-19 found that pediatricians prescribed medications in accordance with guidelines in only 55-82% of cases. The use of recommended medications quickly increased after national guidelines were released in 2020, but compliance remained lower than expected.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Weak evidence that interventions to boost housing affordability and stability promote better health

Research on interventions to mitigate housing insecurity found low-certainty evidence of positive health outcomes, primarily for emergency rent assistance and homeownership assistance. However, existing interventions may need to be paired with other efforts to address structural determinants of health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Ultrasound-guided surgery is quicker, less painful and more effective for treating early form of breast cancer

Researchers at Clinica Universidad de Navarra found that ultrasound-guided surgery (IOUS) is more effective and quicker than traditional wire-localisation methods for treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This technique reduces the risk of positive margins, a common cause of second operations.

A win, win, win for dairy production in East Africa

A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2022

Which weather characteristics affect agricultural and food trade the most?

A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.

New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

Corporal punishment affects brain activity, anxiety, and depression

A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Is ayahuasca safe? New study tallies adverse events

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that 70% of ayahuasca users experienced physical health adverse effects, while 55% reported mental health concerns. Most adverse events were reported as mild and temporary, with only 2.3% requiring medical attention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 16, 2022

National quality improvement initiative led by the American College of Surgeons successfully helped address pandemic-related cancer screening deficits

A national quality improvement project led by the American College of Surgeons restored cancer screenings to pre-pandemic levels and increased additional screening tests. The initiative helped accredited programs increase screening rates by implementing evidence-based interventions and achieved a minimum of 10% growth in screening.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Drug discovery and development — in space

Carrying out scientific experiments in space enables faster drug discovery due to lower gravity, speeding up the development of complex medicines. Protein crystallization experiments have been instrumental in designing cancer drugs, while studying aging treatments could lead to breakthroughs in stem cell therapy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 16, 2022

Swedes with high incomes have more children

Researchers found that Swedes with higher incomes have more children, particularly men who accumulate higher incomes over time. For women, the pattern changes significantly over time, with those born in the 1940s and 1950s having lower incomes and more children.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPopulation Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Two new studies from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center show how bacteria could help tumors progress and resist treatment

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can infiltrate tumors, influencing their growth and response to treatment. The findings suggest a link between oral health and cancer, highlighting the potential for microbiome-based therapies to combat cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Rising housing cost to income ratio strongly linked to poor health, death, suicide

An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Take probiotics alongside your prescribed antibiotics to reduce damage to your gut microbiome, says the first review of the data

A systematic review of 29 studies found that combining probiotics with antibiotics can prevent or lessen some changes to the gut microbiome composition. Probiotics can also help protect species diversity and restore friendly bacteria populations, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 16, 2022

ADHD medication for amphetamine addiction linked to reduced risk of hospitalization and death

A large registry-based study found lisdexamfetamine to be associated with the lowest risk of hospitalisation and death in people with amphetamine addiction. The medication showed a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to substance use disorder and any cause or death, while benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were linked to po...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2022

Unlocking deep carbon’s fate

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered that CO2 in the deep Earth's dissolution in water may be more active than previously thought, influencing global climate over geologic time. Confining CO2 and water in suitable nanoporous minerals enhances underground carbon storage efficiency.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2022

Salt more important than cold polar temperatures in sea ice formation

A new study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that the salinity of surface water is crucial for sea ice formation at low temperatures. The study finds that warm water is prevented from rising to the surface due to its lower salinity, creating a 'lid' that allows cold polar temperatures to freeze continuously moving warmer water.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Misleading Surrogate Evidence for FDA’s Aduhelm Approval

The FDA approved Aduhelm for Alzheimer's treatment based on reduced amyloid levels in the brain, despite no significant clinical effect. The use of amyloid-PET scans is being questioned for its accuracy and reliability in measuring amyloid removal.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 16, 2022

Enzymatic synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary amines containing two stereocenters

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Synthesis have developed a biocatalytic method to synthesize primary, secondary, and tertiary amines containing two stereogenic centers. The method uses a one-pot enzyme cascade, achieving excellent stereoselectivity and high chemical purity.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Half of patients in telemedicine program for opioid use disorder current with medication a month later

A telemedicine program for opioid use disorder patients showed that 55% of patients continued with their medication 30 days after being prescribed buprenorphine. The program received 371 calls and provided 249 buprenorphine prescriptions, filling a significant gap in treatment for this population.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNEJM Catalyst·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Aging | IGF1 gene therapy in middle-aged female rats delays reproductive senescence through its effects on hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptin neurons

Researchers found that IGF1 gene therapy increases kisspeptin expression and GnRH release, and alters microglial cell numbers, suggesting a potential protective effect against reproductive decline. This could lead to new strategies for optimizing lifespan and combating age-related health problems in women.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Injectable biomaterial with enhanced mechanical and coagulative capabilities for treating aneurysms

A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Hydrogen bonding promotes photocatalytic alcohol coupling

Researchers found that adding water increases selectivity of 2,3-butanediol generation by 57%. Hydrogen bonding stabilizes radical intermediates, avoiding oxidation and promoting selective coupling. The study reveals non-chemical bonding interactions can steer reaction paths for selective photocatalysis.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 2022

Researchers at the technion have developed a new technology for growing printed tissues for transplantation

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a novel printing and growing technique for tissue, which suppresses the typical shrinkage of printed tissues prior to transplantation. The print-and-grow method uses an innovative microgel support material, preserving the size and shape of the tissue.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Genetic analysis of the most common type of bladder cancer in patients with metastatic disease yields guidance on treatment options

A comprehensive genomic analysis of over 200 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinomas identified potential treatment options for nearly 70% of patients. The study found that integrating clinical and molecular features could predict response to immunotherapies, offering hope for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2022

High-temperature superconductivity in lanthanum, yttrium, and cerium ternary hydrides

A team of researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has discovered thermodynamically stable phases in Y–Ce–H and La–Ce–H systems that exhibit high-temperature superconductivity. Calculations predicted Tc values of up to 173 K, paving the way for the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable societies.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateNov 16, 2022

Got the sniffles? Here's how to make the right decision around family gatherings

A new University of Colorado Boulder study shows that people tend to prioritize others' health and wellbeing when taking a moment to reflect on their behavior. When instructed to practice 'structured reflection,' participants were more likely to cancel gatherings and minimize public health risks, valuing others' health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2022