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Science News for November 3, 2022


Seeing concentrations of toxins with the naked eye

Researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method to detect amphiphiles, a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds used in disease diagnosis and toxin detection. The new test uses rolling droplets on microstructured surfaces to detect levels of pathogenic endotoxins in water at ultralow concentrations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2022

Breast cancer survivorship doubles

A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that breast cancer survivorship has doubled among Canadian women, with 2.1% of adult females diagnosed with breast cancer and 86% surviving by 2022. The prevalence varies by age group, with senior women having a higher rate of survival.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Pilot study finds school-based prevention program shows promise educating young adolescents about avoiding child sexual abuse behaviors

A pilot study found that a school-based prevention program increased knowledge about child sexual abuse norms and laws, and students' intention to avoid or prevent child sexual abuse with younger children. The program showed promise in building a foundation for prevention.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalChild Maltreatment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 3, 2022

High levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in ‘tobacco-flavoured’ e-cig liquids

Research found high levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in 'tobacco-flavoured' e-cigarette liquids, particularly fruity and caramellic flavour chemicals. The study suggests manufacturers are getting around regulations by using these flavour chemicals in products marketed as 'tobacco-flavoured', raising concerns about their safety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

New model found for microsphere-enhanced interferometry

A team of scientists developed a new model to overcome optical measurement instruments' diffraction effects, enabling local improvement of lateral resolution and magnification enhancement. The model reliably reproduces measurement results and demonstrates the relative improvement of lateral resolution.

Deprivation may explain the link between early adversity and developmental outcomes in adolescence

Researchers found that experiences of early deprivation, such as parental neglect and financial difficulties, were more closely associated with cognitive and emotional functioning in adolescence. Deprivation was also linked to internalizing and externalizing problems, including lower performance on tests of intelligence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2022

Researchers encourage retailers to embrace AI to better service customers

A research team proposes an AI-powered store layout design framework that utilizes CCTV camera data to understand customer behavior and tailor store layouts to maximize sales. The framework, called Sense-Think-Act-Learn, aims to improve customer satisfaction and increase sales by analyzing facial expressions and behavioral patterns.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalArtificial Intelligence Review·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2022

CÚRAM publishes first-of-its-kind framework to characterise hydrogels for biomedical scientists and engineers

Researchers at CÚRAM developed an interdisciplinary framework to characterize ECM-based hydrogels, providing a concise guide for chemists, material scientists, and biologists. The review aims to bridge the gap between material science and biomedicine, facilitating further interdisciplinary work to create solutions for chronic illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalMatter·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

An animal model of West syndrome exhibits a progressive increase in epileptic spasms and learning and memory deficits

Researchers have developed an animal model of West syndrome, which exhibits a progressive increase in epileptic spasms and learning and memory deficits. The study, published in Epilepsia, establishes this as an ideal model to identify underlying molecular mechanisms and discover targeted therapies for the condition.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalEpilepsia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Semi-nonlinear etchless lithium niobate waveguide with bound states in the continuum

Researchers have developed a semi-nonlinear etchless lithium niobate waveguide that harnesses bound states in the continuum to achieve efficient second-harmonic generation. The device boasts low propagation losses and large nonlinear modal overlap, enabling high conversion efficiency.

Researchers review state-of-art progresses on 'Regime I' fires

Recent research on Regime I fires, also known as window-ejected fire plumes, has focused on understanding the physical processes and mechanisms of these events. The study's authors review various external boundary and ambient conditions that affect window-ejected fire plume dynamics and propose further areas of investigation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateNov 3, 2022

Research at Jacobs University: Coffee could offer protection from catching COVID-19

Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalFood & Function·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Adding stratification factors can reduce a small trial’s statistical power

A computational study found that adding more than two stratification factors to a phase 2 trial can significantly reduce its statistical power, making it harder to detect a positive result. For modestly sized trials with 84 participants, using four or six stratification factors resulted in power decreases of 13% and 25%, respectively.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2022

Can cosmic inflation be ruled out?

Astrophysicists have identified a potential test to rule out cosmic inflation, a theory explaining the universe's origins. The cosmic graviton background (CGB) could provide evidence against inflation if detected, and its impact on the early Universe's expansion rate could be measured by next-generation probes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2022

Researchers studied whether machine learning can predict knee injuries - the largest data set ever collected in the field

Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Platypus populations impacted by large river dams are more vulnerable to threats

A new study found that large river dams are significant barriers to platypus movements, leading to increased genetic differentiation and vulnerability to threats. This restriction of movement limits gene flow between groups, making separate populations more susceptible to inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Substance use disorders linked to poor health outcomes in wide range of physical health conditions

Researchers found that people with substance use disorders are more likely to die from or experience shorter life-expectancies when developing certain physical health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed patient records from Czech nationwide registers and suggests a link between substance use disorders an...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

IceCube neutrinos provide new view of active galaxy

A team of researchers has discovered a steady stream of neutrinos emitted by the active galaxy NGC 1068, using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. This detection provides valuable information about the extreme particle acceleration and production processes occurring within the galaxy's central region.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

Liquid crystal metasurface could enable multi-dimensional light field sensing

A team of scientists developed a near-infrared spectropolarimeter based on an electrically-tunable liquid crystal metasurface. The system simultaneously measures polarization and spectral information using a tunable metasurface with high-quality-factor guided-mode resonances combined with a computational reconstruction algorithm.

Parental discord may be an indicator of children’s genetic risk for future alcohol misuse

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that parental discord and divorce may be indicators of children's genetic risk for future alcohol misuse. Researchers found that exposure to parents' relationship discord or divorce is associated with increased risk of alcohol use disorder symptoms in adulthood.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

Study finds that patients with cancer and a suppressed immune system are at high risk for severe COVID if treated with systemic drug therapies

A new study by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who receive immunotherapies are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. The study also found that patients treated with other systemic treatments have milder symptoms, but still face increased risk of complications.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Study: Public more likely to support climate action if other countries commit as well

A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateNov 3, 2022

Artificial intelligence makes enzyme engineering easy

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Tailored online personal health record cancer tool increases survivor adherence to national guidelines

A new online personal health record tool has significantly increased adherence by colorectal cancer survivors to national guidelines. The tool, developed by the Regenstrief Institute and other researchers, provides a patient-centered platform for tracking follow-up care, managing symptoms, and connecting with healthcare providers.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJMIR Cancer·DateNov 3, 2022

Flexible thermochromic fabrics enabling dynamic colored display

Researchers developed flexible thermochromic fibers that can change color and pattern in response to environmental signals. The fibers were used to create a dynamic colored display fabric with QR code, which was successfully recognized, enabling applications in social contact, information security, and wearable human-computer interaction.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Making extreme precipitation projections more reliable using observational constraint

A joint study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics and the Met Office reduces projection uncertainty in extreme precipitation by 20-40% in mid-to-high latitudes. The emergent relationship between present-day precipitation variability and climate model projections provides a new constraint for more reliable projections.

Common path principle improves shape metrology of complex precision optics

A new common path interferometer combining Fizeau and Twyman-Green principles has been developed to measure complex precision optics with improved accuracy. The Tilted Wave Interferometer overcomes reference wave problems, enhancing flexibility and reducing measurement time.

Alzheimer's or Lewy body dementia? How patients draw can determine the type of dementia

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that analyzing patients' drawing tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) and distinguish it from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The researchers discovered that DLB patients showed differences in speed-, pressure-, and pause-related features, whereas AD patients sh...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateNov 3, 2022

Illinois report says native fish overlooked as invaders in U.S. waters

A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.

Polarized X-rays reveal shape, orientation of extremely hot matter around black hole

Researchers use polarized X-ray measurements to refine models of black holes swallowing matter. The new data from Cygnus X-1 reveals a pencil-shaped plasma outflow and supports the hypothesis that processes near the black hole launch jets. This insight improves understanding of gravity's effects on space-time around black holes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Perturbing the Bernoulli shift map in binary systems

A recent study by Tokyo University of Science researchers provides theoretical foundations for effective parameter tuning in the Bernoulli shift map. They used modular arithmetic to determine optimal parameter values for preserving chaos, with implications for other chaotic maps like the tent and logistic maps.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2022

IceCube neutrinos give us first glimpse into the inner depths of an active galaxy

Researchers have found evidence of high-energy neutrino emission from NGC 1068, an active galaxy in the constellation Cetus. The detection was made at the National Science Foundation-supported IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which reported its first observation of a high-energy astrophysical neutrino source in 2018.

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

A major clinical trial shows how to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding occasionally caused by regular aspirin use

A major clinical trial found that a short course of antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of stomach bleeding caused by regular aspirin use, potentially improving its safety. The study involved 30,166 patients taking aspirin and showed rapid protection from hospital admissions for ulcer bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 3, 2022

Speaking your mind: patients' speech can reveal type of dementia

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring found that analyzing patients' speech can distinguish between different types of dementia. The research team developed a machine learning model using speech features to identify Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateNov 3, 2022

Cutting-edge combination shows promise in patients with chemotherapy-resistant urothelial cancer

A combination of pembrolizumab and nanoparticle-bound paclitaxel has shown a high response rate of 50% in patients with platinum-refractory or ineligible urothelial cancers. The treatment has also been associated with improved median duration of response and overall survival time, providing an urgently needed new treatment option.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 3, 2022

In organizations, group dynamics influence individuals’ likelihood of blowing the whistle on wrongdoing

A new study at Carnegie Mellon University found that group cohesion reduces whistleblowing tendencies within an organization but increases them outside of the group. This challenges prevailing views on whistleblowing and highlights the importance of considering relational dynamics in organizational interventions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalOrganization Science·DateNov 3, 2022

How much impact do boycotts and buycotts actually have on brand sales?

A study by Cornell University and Northwestern University found that boycotts have a limited impact on brand sales, while buycotts have a short-lived effect in increasing sales. The researchers analyzed sales data over time and by market, as well as social media activity, to determine the net effect of boycotts and buycotts on sales.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022