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Science News for November 21, 2022


Liver cancer: How liver cells go astray

Comprehensive metabolic changes convert mature liver cells into immature progenitor cells that proliferate rapidly and develop tumors. The main causes of liver cancer are metabolic disorders and infections with hepatitis C virus and high alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 21, 2022

Building green energy facilities may produce substantial carbon emissions, says study

A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Intense femtosecond light pulses in the mid-infrared for spectroscopic and technical applications

Researchers from the Max Born Institute report on a new light source generating ultrashort infrared pulses beyond 10 µm wavelength, exhibiting high potential for vibrational spectroscopy and optical materials processing. The system demonstrates excellent beam quality and stability, with output power and repetition rate scalable.

Observation of mechanical bound states in the continuum in an optomechanical microresonator

Scientists have demonstrated mechanical bound states in the continuum (BICs) in an individual optomechanical microresonator, reducing energy dissipation and enhancing performance. BICs exist for a wide range of supporting structure geometries, enabling versatile applications in micro/nanoelectromechanical systems.

SWOG researchers to present 10 abstracts at 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network presented several abstracts at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Two trials found that adding one year of everolimus to adjuvant endocrine therapy did not improve IDFS or OS for HR+, HER2- breast cancer patients, but premenopausal patients showed statistically significant lo...

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2022

Dust transport in the upper levels of the atmosphere

A new study by researchers from the University of Oldenburg found that particles from central South America were the primary source of iron in the South Pacific during the last two glacial periods. The team's theory suggests that jet stream circulation picked up fine mineral particles on the east side of the Andes and transported them ...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

New study provides a unique resource for understanding how environmental exposures in early life affect our health

Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Internal medicine physicians call for improved access and quality in health care for incarcerated patients

The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Local alcohol availability related to child maltreatment

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Intestinal microorganisms influence white blood cell levels in blood

A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Poor diet damages our blood vessels

Researchers found that metabolic disease affects blood vessels in different organs, leading to vascular dysfunction and increased risk of diseases. A healthy diet can partially reverse this damage, but some blood vessels may retain the disease signature, making it difficult to fully reverse.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Mapping Lyme disease out west

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 21, 2022

Blood pressure highly likely to cause neurotic personality trait

Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Genes and languages not always together

A global analysis of matches and mismatches between human genetic and linguistic histories found that populations often shift to neighboring languages despite genetic differences. This suggests that giving up one's language isn't difficult, but preserving original linguistic identity is rare despite genetic assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Study challenges “good” cholesterol’s role in universally predicting heart disease risk

A study found that lower levels of HDL cholesterol increased the risk of heart attacks in white but not Black adults. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol did not provide protective benefits for either group. The research tested long-held assumptions about the role of HDL in cardiovascular health.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 21, 2022

Brain cancer research draws support

Kevin McHugh, a Rice bioengineer, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from The Sontag Foundation for his work on gene editing to defeat glioblastoma multiforme. His approach involves delivering gene therapy agents directly to tumor cells, aiming to improve survival and reduce side effects.

What shapes the composition of microbes in a warbler’s gut?

A team of researchers from Penn State found that the microbiomes of warblers are influenced more by evolution than diet, contrary to a recently proposed hypothesis. The study's results suggest that evolutionary history plays a larger role in determining the diversity of bacteria within birds' gut microbiomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 21, 2022

Tell UK government to raise legal at-home drinking age from 5 for kids, doctors urged

Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeNews article·DateNov 21, 2022

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

BU study: Neuroimmune proteins may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that specific immune-related proteins, such as CCL21, FLT3L, and IL-13, can differentiate between neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, AD, PSP, CBD, and AGD. The study's results highlight the importance of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases and provide novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Monitoring “frothy” magma gases could help evade disaster

A team at the University of Tokyo has discovered that analyzing the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 in magma gases can indicate the risk of different types of eruption. By monitoring these gas ratios, scientists hope to develop a portable equipment for real-time, on-site measurements, enabling early warning systems and potentially saving...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Adaptive language-learning software helps stroke survivors regain critical communication skills

A new Baycrest study found that using adaptive language-learning software is extremely beneficial in helping stroke survivors regain their language skills. The researchers used an online program to practice identifying images, and participants showed significant improvement after just two weeks.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Keep your cats inside for the sake of their health and the surrounding environment

A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Satellites cast critical eye on coastal dead zones

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 21, 2022

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 2022

Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish

A team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Kotaro Sasaki coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland. The researchers developed an organoid culture system to direct iPSCs to transition into adrenocortical progenitor-like cells, resulting in cells producing steroid hormones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

IPK researchers identify last remaining steps in the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids from Coca

Researchers elucidated the coca-derived tropane pathway, identifying a specific enzyme responsible for the carbomethoxy group, a key contributor to cocaine's euphoric properties. The study also reveals that tropane biosynthesis has independently evolved at least twice in flowering plants.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

CPR mannikins used in instructive social media posts lack diversity, influencing patient outcomes and disparities in training and care

A study found that CPR mannikins depicted in public social media accounts are predominantly white, lean men, lacking representation of diverse groups. The lack of diversity in these models may influence disparities in training and care for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

Shining a new light on the importance of a critical photosynthesis pathway in plants

Scientists have discovered that the ferredoxin/thioredoxin pathway is essential for light-dependent activation reactions in chloroplasts, crucial for normal plant growth and efficient photosynthesis. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mutated plant specimen with a defective Fd/Trx pathway.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

1,700-year-old spider monkey remains discovered in Teotihuacán, Mexico

Researchers found the skeletal remains of a 5-8 year old spider monkey in Teotihuacán, Mexico, which provides the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation. The discovery also reveals gift diplomacy between Teotihuacán and Mayan elite, challenging previous beliefs about Maya presence in the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

A quantum of an angle

Researchers at TU Wien have directly measured the fine structure constant using a thin film that rotates light polarisation, revealing an astonishing quantum jump related to this fundamental constant. This measurement provides new insights into the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022