Renters underrepresented in local, state and federal government
A recent study found that only 7% of elected officials are renters, with 93% being homeowners. This lack of representation puts renters at a disadvantage in policymaking.
Science News Archive November 2022
Page 17 of 39
What underpins exceptional longevity? Unprecedented superagers family study launches today
The SuperAgers Family Study aims to identify genetic and biological factors of healthy aging. The study will provide insights for decades to come, assisting researchers in developing new therapies.
Early warning signals for climate tipping should be taken very seriously
Scientists have found early warning signals for climate tipping in the Amazon Rainforest, West-Central Greenland ice sheet, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The study provides a clear mathematical understanding of increased variability, sensitivity, critical slowing down, and being close to a tipping point.
Personal sensing at work: tracking burnout, balancing privacy
A study found that resident physicians are open to using technology to enhance their well-being, but hesitant to share personal data without assurance of its use. Anonymity is a key concern, as it affects participation and the program's usefulness.
Rates of routine cancer screening, diagnosis before vs after pandemic
Population-based cancer screening rates declined during the pandemic, only to recover rapidly in initial stages; however, long-term follow-up reveals ongoing gaps in preventive care. The study suggests that prolonged disruptions in screening can have lasting effects on public health.
Researchers reveal mechanism by which transition metal modulates magnetic resonance imaging properties of iron oxide
The study reveals a new reference for developing efficient magnetic resonance contrast agents. Transition metal-doped iron oxide nanocrystals showed improved MRI contrast performance in an orthotopic prostate cancer model.
New discovery gives hope to fight metastatic cancer
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery about metastatic cancer, showing that cancer cells adapt their metabolism to the tissue in which they grow. This understanding opens new doors to develop more effective treatments by targeting metabolic inhibitors specifically.
Reducing bycatch with sensory deterrents
A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers uncover groundbreaking insights into the evolution of color patterns in frogs and toads
A large-scale analysis of over 2,700 species of anurans reveals that the vertebral stripe evolves repeatedly and is adaptive to the animal's habitat. The study identifies a key gene linked to the stripe pattern, which may allow species to adapt to environmental changes.
Novel PET agent effectively detects multiple cancers, identifies patients for targeted therapies
A new molecular imaging radiotracer, <sup> 68 </sup> Ga-PentixaFor, demonstrates high image contrast in various cancers, including hematologic malignancies and small cell lung cancer. This agent targets the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which is a predictor of poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Hippo signaling does not instruct normal organ growth
Researchers re-evaluated Hippo signaling's role in organ development and found it does not instruct normal organ growth, contradicting previous findings. However, the study identified several Hippo pathway genes required for overgrowth, suggesting its role in activating abnormal genetic programs.
Diabetic status modifies the impact of an NAFLD-associated SNP
Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with liver disease confers different levels of risk depending on a patient's diabetic status. In diabetic patients, the mutation predisposes them to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but in nondiabetic patients, it protects against liver disease.
Is your child in a center-based day care? Research shows no need for concerns about behavioral issues
A new study using longitudinal databases from five countries found almost no evidence that extensive time in early center-based child care causes behavior problems in young children. The results suggest that parents can participate in the workforce without worrying about harm to their children's behavioral development.
Cross-trait assortative mating may bias genetic correlations and pleiotropic effects
A new study suggests that cross-trait assortative mating may be the underlying cause of observed genetic correlations between human traits, rather than widespread pleiotropy. The findings have significant implications for understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and other complex conditions.
Electrolytes as diagnostic tool for early detection of eating disorders
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.
Mothers who have young or multiple children may engage in less intense physical activity
A new study found that mothers of young children and those with multiple children tend to engage in lower amounts of moderate or vigorous physical activity. However, these groups may still benefit from efforts to boost their opportunities for higher-intensity activity.
Arctic vegetation has a major impact on warming
A new study documents the central role of Arctic vegetation in warming for the first time. The researchers found that different types of vegetation have varying effects on surface energy conversion, with dry areas producing greater warming than wet areas.
Strength gain is associated with training volume in low responders, new study finds
A new study from Japan investigated the relationship between training volume and strength gain in young men. The researchers found that training volume was positively correlated with strength gain in participants who were classified as low responders.
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.
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.
Powerhouses of the cells: Mitochondria have a waste disposal mechanism to get rid of mutated mtDNA
Scientists have discovered how cells eliminate mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) using autophagy, a cellular waste disposal process. This mechanism prevents mitochondrial damage and preserves function.
Lung infections caused by soil fungi are a problem nationwide
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
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...
COVID-19 vaccination status among parents of hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Parental COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower risk of hospitalization in children under 5, supporting widespread vaccination recommendations for young children. The study's results reinforce the importance of parental immunization during high-risk periods.
Bias against older organ donors may be leading to smaller organ supply for transplants
A recent study found that American transplant centers and organ procurement organizations were 5% less likely to choose organs from 70-year-old donors compared to those who were 69. This bias, known as left digit bias, has significant implications for the availability of deceased donor organs
Seafloor sediments tell a 75-year history of marine microplastic pollution
Researchers analyzed seafloor sediment cores from Beppu Bay and found a significant increase in microplastics since the 1950s. Phytoplankton activity was linked to higher MP sedimentation rates, suggesting a correlation between biological activity and MP pollution.
Enzymes could be key to understanding how DNA mutates, quantum biologists find
Researchers used quantum chemical calculations to study DNA replication and found that enzyme helicase speeds up the process, stabilizing mutated forms of DNA. This discovery sheds new light on the role of quantum effects in genetic mutations.
New insights into mitochondrial nucleoid dynamics
ATAD3A is crucial for the movement of genetic material inside mitochondria, affecting energy production. The correct distribution of mtDNA nucleoids activates expression of respiratory chain complexes.
Deaths among mothers almost four times higher in Slovakia and UK than in Norway and Denmark
A study analyzing data from eight European countries found that younger and older mothers, as well as those born abroad or from minority ethnic backgrounds, are at particular risk. The maternal mortality rate is significantly higher in Slovakia and the UK compared to Norway and Denmark, with a fourfold difference.
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.
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...
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.
Fundamental aspects in CO2 electroreduction reaction tackled by vibrational spectroscopies
Researchers used in-situ vibrational spectroscopy to study CO2 electroreduction reaction mechanisms and intermediates, revealing key insights into catalyst structure and electrolyte effects. The review highlights recent advances and future directions for this field.
An on-chip time-lens generates ultrafast pulses
Harvard scientists create a high-performance on-chip femtosecond pulse source using a time lens, enabling broadband, high-intensity pulse sources. The device is highly tunable, integrated onto a small chip and requires reduced power compared to traditional table-top systems.
Association between loneliness, postoperative mortality among Medicare patients
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that self-reported loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days post-surgery among Medicare patients. The research suggests that loneliness may be a significant social determinant affecting postoperative outcomes, particularly for non-elective care.
UCI-led study discovers pre-treatment cognitive impairment in younger cancer patients
A UCI-led study found that adolescent and young adult cancer patients experience significant cognitive decline before treatment due to inflammation and other physiological changes. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and managing cognitive performance at diagnosis to prevent further deterioration.
Smart, cheap ‘Joey’ bot could soon help clear blockages in critical pipes underground
Researchers have developed a new miniature robot called Joey that can explore real pipe networks completely on its own, weighing just 70g. The robots are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and are equipped with energy-efficient sensors to navigate through narrow sections and obstacles.
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...
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.
Increasing IPO performance by revealing innovation potential and outlining future plans: How firms can mitigate the negative effect of insider selling
Researchers found that firms with higher innovation potential have lower sales of insider shares, resulting in a relatively lower stock price penalty. Firms with generic mentions of future innovation in their IPO prospectus also show improved IPO performance.
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...
Earth can regulate its own temperature over millennia, new study finds
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a 'stabilizing feedback' mechanism that regulates Earth's temperature over hundreds of thousands of years. Silicate weathering is believed to be the likely cause, drawing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and into ocean sediments.
A navigation system with 10 centimeter accuracy
Researchers have created a more robust and accurate positioning system that surpasses GPS, particularly in urban settings. The new mobile network infrastructure achieved an accuracy of 10 centimeters, making it suitable for applications such as automated vehicles and quantum communication.
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.
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.
HKUST researchers design iron-based cathode to achieve record performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells
Researchers at HKUST designed an innovative iron-based cathode material to achieve record performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells. The new material, Ba0.875Fe0.875Zr0.125O3-δ, has exceptional electrochemical activity and excellent operational stability.
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.
Researchers at Purdue unlock light-matter interactions on sub-nanometer scales, leading to ‘picophotonics’
Researchers have discovered new waves with picometer-scale spatial variations of electromagnetic fields that can propagate in semiconductors like silicon. This finding enables the emergence of 'picophotonics,' which may lead to the design of new optical devices and applications in quantum technologies.
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...
Where humans live, microplastics end up in rivers, SLU research finds
Researchers from SLU found that human proximity is the best indicator of microplastic presence in rivers, suggesting a significant impact of human activity on freshwater ecosystems. The study suggests reducing plastic consumption as a crucial step in mitigating microplastic pollution.
Cannabis users had worse bypass outcomes, increased amputation and opioid use, study shows
Researchers found cannabis users had decreased patency and were 1.25 times more likely to require amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery. Cannabis use was also associated with a higher risk of opioid use after discharge.
Chinese scientists show how fentanyl and morphine act on μ opioid receptor
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered the molecular mechanisms by which opioids like fentanyl and morphine bind to the μ opioid receptor. The study reveals that fentanyl binds to an extra pocket outside the receptor, leading to its higher potency compared to morphine.
How is puberty onset developmentally programmed?
Research reveals TBX3 as a fate determinant controlling hypothalamic KNDy neuron development and puberty onset. Multiple TBX3 mutants fail to form phase-separated condensates, leading to delayed puberty in UMS patients.
Racial bias in white children linked to beliefs about the causes of inequality, new study finds
Research finds that White children who believe racial inequalities are caused by intrinsic differences show more racial bias against Black children. In contrast, those who see external factors as causes of inequality are less likely to exhibit biases.
Review of more than 1,000 articles seeks to understand how nanomaterials affect plants
The study analyzed experimental parameters, nanomaterial types, and plant exposure duration. It found that many studies lacked positive controls and had short durations compared to crop lifecycles.
University students’ experiences of remote teaching and learning during the pandemic differ
A Finnish study found that university students' experiences of remote learning differ significantly, with motivated students performing better and feeling less strain. The research highlights the importance of identifying individual differences in teaching to support student well-being.
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.
Scientists land $3 million NSF grant to empower local coral reef monitoring efforts
An interdisciplinary team will uncover complex biological systems and develop tools to globally document coral reef health changes. The research aims to understand how herbivory rate at the ecosystem scale emerges and shapes the ecosystem, ultimately informing management of ecosystems.
Stanford research ushers in a ‘new frontier’ in tackling global poverty
A new Stanford study finds that communities with access to electricity experience improvements in their economic livelihoods roughly double those of regions without power. The research uses a pioneering technique combining satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to measure poverty in ways previously not possible.