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Science News for November 30, 2022


New published data point to spike protein interactions with estrogen receptors as a cause for coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, signaling sex effects and a path to improved vaccines

Researchers discovered a novel interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and human Estrogen Receptor Alpha, which may contribute to severe coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that modulating ER signaling could mitigate rare vaccine side effects.

SourceDompe farmaceutici SpA·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Mysteriously bright flash is a black hole jet pointing straight toward Earth, astronomers say

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious bright flash emanating from a relativistic jet of matter streaking out from a supermassive black hole. The signal, AT 2022cmc, is the brightest TDE ever detected and originates from a black hole that suddenly began devouring a nearby star, releasing an enormous amount of energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 30, 2022

Undernutrition prior to and at treatment initiation for tuberculosis associated with unfavorable outcomes

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that severe undernutrition before and during TB treatment significantly increases the risk of death, treatment failure, and relapse. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine followed nearly 3,000 persons with TB disease for two years and recorded data on demograph...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Bolstering ecology by overcoming social–ecological landscapes of fear

A recent study highlights the importance of addressing negative human histories in shaping conservation practices. The authors propose a three-step approach to overcome social-ecological landscapes of fear, which constrain research and hinder ecological inquiry. By recognizing past injustices and engaging with local communities, scient...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2022

CHOP researchers identify potential genetic variants linked to increased cancer risk in children with birth defects

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk in children with non-chromosomal birth defects. The study found that these variants were more commonly found in genes related to birth defects and cancer, suggesting a potential basis for early detection.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBiomarker Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Female monkeys ‘actively reduce’ social network as they age

Researchers found that female rhesus macaques become increasingly selective in their social interactions as they get older, focusing on relatives and established friendships. This trend suggests that females play an active role in shaping their social networks, rather than being shunned by society.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

The incredible power of the ice that sculpted Europe’s landscape

The Eurasian Ice Sheet sculpted Europe's landscape through extreme erosion over the last 100,000 years, with climate and geology playing key roles. The study reveals vast networks of subglacial rivers, promoting faster ice flow and sediment transport, with significant implications for marine carbon sinks and coastal communities.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2022

Simulated driving program reduces crash risk for teens with ADHD in small study

A small study funded by NIH found that a simulated driving program can reduce crashes and near-crashes among teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by nearly 40%. The program, called FOCAL+, teaches teens to avoid long glances away from the roadway.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

New analysis of cellular ‘vehicles’ drives a deeper understanding of ALS, Alzheimer’s

A team of Oregon State University scientists used biophysical techniques to study the malfunctioning motor protein dynein, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. The study sheds light on how dynein's transport machinery fails in these disorders, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins.

SourceOregon State University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Three new biomarkers identified to detect consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoid

A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalClinical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Finding the answers hidden in our antibodies

A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 30, 2022

Connecting Spanish-speaking patients with Quitline improves quit rates

Researchers developed an approach to connect Spanish-speaking smokers with tobacco treatment delivered by state Quitlines, leading to improved treatment enrollment and smoking cessation outcomes. Patients who received treatment in Spanish completed more counseling calls and were more likely to report abstinence from smoking than those ...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

More control over plasma accelerators

Researchers have developed a hybrid plasma accelerator that combines two methods for electron acceleration, achieving better stability and higher particle density than single-accelerator systems. This innovation opens up new possibilities for precision X-ray generation and novel applications in fields like medical imaging and ultrafast...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review·DateNov 30, 2022

One of two widely used macular degeneration drugs outperforming other at weaning patients off treatment at one year, preliminary study shows

A pilot study found that nearly half of patients treated with aflibercept could safely stop eye injections without vision loss, while only 17% of those on bevacizumab were able to do so. The findings suggest that matching patients with the right therapy may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 2022

Buprenorphine, not methadone, may be safer treatment for opioid-use disorder during pregnancy

Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Small asteroids are probably young

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that small asteroids are probably young because of their loose internal structure and low cohesion. This finding has important implications for understanding the geological development of asteroids.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2022

Clouds less climate-sensitive than assumed

Researchers analyzed observational data from a major field campaign in 2020 and found that trade-wind clouds' contribution to climate warming has been overestimated. The study shows that the clouds are more resilient to global warming than previously thought, which can improve the accuracy of future climate projections.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

Reduced use of child sexual abuse material after online CBT

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternet Interventions·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Nanodiamonds can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can emit solvated electrons in water when exposed to visible light, a crucial step towards using them as photocatalysts. This discovery could lead to the development of inexpensive and metal-free processes for converting CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons or converting N2 into ammonia.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Tropic cyclones on the rise in low- and middle- income countries yet remain least studied of climate-related events

Research highlights the need for high-quality studies on tropical cyclones in low- and middle-income countries to understand long-term consequences. The public health impact extends beyond injuries and cardiovascular diseases, affecting neuropsychiatric conditions and infectious diseases.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 30, 2022

Stabilizing lithium-ion batteries with microbially synthesized electrolyte additive

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a sustainable, eco-friendly compound to stabilize high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. The microbially synthesized pyrazine diamine compound significantly improves battery performance, reducing degradation and increasing operating potential.

Around a third of genes for allergic and autoimmune diseases are important for human adaptation

A new study found that around a third of genetic variants associated with autoimmune and allergic disorders were under natural selection, indicating their importance for human adaptation. The research suggests that these genes may have been selected to combat pathogens but now contribute to disease pathology.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Grape consumption helps counter UV damage to skin

A recent human study published in Antioxidants found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. The study showed increased resistance to sunburn and unique microbiomic and metabolomic profiles in subjects who consumed whole grape powder, suggesting a correlation between the gut and skin.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalAntioxidants·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Pulses driven by artificial intelligence tame quantum systems

Researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed a machine learning-based method to discover non-intuitive pulse sequences that can cool mechanical objects to ultracold temperatures faster than traditional methods. This breakthrough showcases the utility of artificial intelligence in quantum technologies.

A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis

A new gene therapy approach has been developed to boost the expression of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor in heart cells, improving mitochondrial function and preventing or reversing heart failure in a mouse model of aortic stenosis. This could potentially provide new therapeutic options for patients with this condition.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

November/December 2022 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of opportunity to discuss next steps with a medical provider, and assumptions about personal risk are common reasons patients don't follow up after a positive at-home test. Researchers also developed two simple risk measurement tools to predict COVID-19 mortality rates, which could he...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 30, 2022

Are Americans eating enough whole grains? It depends on who you ask

A new study finds that different definitions of whole-grain foods yield varying results on American consumers' intake, highlighting the need for a standardized consensus. While overall consumption has increased, it remains below recommended levels, with discrepancies among racial/ethnic groups and across institutions.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 30, 2022

New clues about how carbon dioxide affects bumble bee reproduction

A recent study found that carbon dioxide changes the way macronutrients are stored and reallocated in the body of bumblebee queens. The researchers discovered that carbon dioxide induces a change in metabolism, which then triggers secondary effects on reproduction, contrary to previous hypotheses.

SourcePenn State·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateNov 30, 2022

The junction is the key

A team of researchers has discovered how pore space geometry affects the transport of substances through complex porous media. By studying microchips with varying obstruction geometries, they found that branching and junctions play a crucial role in controlling the direction and speed of fluid flow.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2022

Who's really driving conversations on social media?

A new study from Brigham Young University found that most people on social media self-censor their comments to avoid conflict, while those on the margins fuel online dialogue. The study suggests a shift towards polarized conversations and encourages users to focus on solutions rather than defending identities.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Media + Society·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2022

Landslide risk remains long after an earthquake

The study found that earthquake-accelerated landslides (EALs) can maintain accelerated motion for a long time after the earthquake, causing particularly serious human casualties in seismically active areas. Satellite radar observations detected and investigated EALs in Central Italy, leading to the first ever complete EAL inventory.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Clover’s vaccine candidate reduced household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases

A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Smallest mobile lifeform created

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully created the smallest mobile lifeform, a synthetic bacterium named syn3, capable of swimming. By introducing seven proteins, they were able to reconstitute a minimal motility system based on Spiroplasma swimming, revealing that only two proteins were necessary for movement.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

PET technology more effective than angiogram at determining need for coronary stents, bypass surgery

A new PET imaging method is more effective than angiograms in determining the need for coronary stents or bypass surgery, according to UTHealth Houston researchers. The study confirms that PET threshold of severity at which stents and bypass surgery improve survival compared to medical treatment alone.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2022

Researchers identify the role of an Alzheimer’s disease risk gene in the brain

Researchers identify INPP5D as a key player in the inflammation process contributing to Alzheimer's disease, which may offer new potential targets for therapies. The study found that mice with inactivated INPP5D gene had more plaques covered by microglia, suggesting unexpected results when modulating inflammation genes.

Pusan National University researchers introduce an energy-efficient method to enhance thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new, energy-efficient process to control the orientation of filler particles in thermally conductive polymer composites. This allows for improved heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, reducing energy costs and extending device lifespan.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Lost medieval chapel sheds light on royal burials at Westminster Abbey, finds new study featuring 15th-century reconstruction

A new study has shed light on the lost medieval chapel of St Erasmus at Westminster Abbey, revealing its role as a royal burial site and its connection to the cult of a disembowelled saint. The chapel, demolished in 1502, is believed to have held relics, including a single tooth, and featured gruesome images of the saint's martyrdom.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·DateNov 30, 2022

Soft robots make virtual reality gloves feel more real

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a new electrostatically controlled clutch that enables soft robotic hands to hold 4 pounds, 40 times more than before. The clutch uses a fracture-mechanics-based model to achieve this feat while requiring only 125 volts of electricity.

Controversial Alzheimer's drug approval sparks surprising impact

A survey by UCI MIND found that media coverage of the FDA's decision made people less willing to volunteer for Alzheimer's pharmaceutical trials. The study highlights the powerful influence of media coverage on scientific research and emphasizes the need for diverse populations in clinical trials.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Fear of professional backlash may keep women from speaking up at academic conferences

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that women are less likely to participate in Q&A sessions at academic conferences due to anxiety about receiving professional backlash. Despite this, men were also found to hold back questions, but for different reasons, highlighting the need for structural changes to create a mor...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

CHOP researchers discover genetic variant associated with earlier onset childhood epilepsy

CHOP researchers identified a gain-of-function variant in SCN1A that leads to an earlier onset of epilepsy, with clinical features distinct from other epilepsies. The study found that patients with this recurrent variant responded favorably to oxcarbazepine, a readily available anti-seizure medication.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalEpilepsia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Going green in operating rooms reduces cost and improves environmental impact

A comprehensive analysis of quality improvement initiatives in operating rooms reveals that sustainability interventions can significantly reduce costs and decrease carbon footprint. The study identified effective strategies such as powering down lights and equipment, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 30, 2022

Empires and entrepreneurs

Researchers analyzed metal ingots from a 14th century B.C. shipwreck to understand the origins of copper and tin used in bronze production. The study found that two-thirds of the tin came from Turkey, contradicting previous assumptions about its source.

SourceJuniata College·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Novel 3D printing method to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures

Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technique to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures with arbitrarily complex shapes. The process, called MM-DLP3DP, allows for the creation of precise metal patterns and high-quality metal coatings, enabling the development of highly integrated and customizable microelectronics.

SourceWaseda University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Earthquake lab experiments produce aftershock-like behavior

A team of researchers from Cornell University has developed a method to study delayed earthquake triggering in laboratory settings. They found that the speed and strength of 'creep fronts' are sensitive to fault stress levels from previous earthquakes, which could potentially serve as local stress meters for predicting seismic events.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2022

Finding genes to help fruit adapt to droughts

A study by researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute has identified genes that can help plant breeders develop fruit crops that can adapt to drought conditions. The research found that water stress triggers physiological disorders and fruit loss, but also has positive effects such as increasing lycopene levels in ripe fruit.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

New AI method for public health analysis shows trends in substance use among high schoolers

A new AI method has analyzed substance use trends among Canadian high schoolers, identifying factors such as large weekly allowances and low physical activity that increase the risk of transitioning to multiple substance use. The study found that once students start using substances, it is rare for them to stop, highlighting the need f...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateNov 30, 2022

Acoziborole: Investigational single-dose oral treatment raises hope for elimination of sleeping sickness in Africa

The Phase II/III study found that acoziborole has an 18-month treatment success rate of 95% for late-stage patients and 100% for early-stage patients, with no significant safety concerns reported. This breakthrough could lead to the elimination of sleeping sickness through a simplified 'screen-and-treat' approach.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Non-hormonal gel proves effective at helping mucus block sperm, with low risk of side effects

A new non-hormonal gel blocks sperm by reinforcing cervical mucus barrier, demonstrating high effectiveness in reducing uterine sperm numbers. The gel has shown a 98% average decrease in sperm numbers compared to untreated control animals, making it a promising alternative to existing contraceptives.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

Heightened activity of specific brain cells following traumatic social experience blocks social reward and promotes sustained social avoidance

Chronic social defeat stress impairs brain reward function, leading to severe social avoidance. A subset of susceptible mice exhibit heightened activity of lateral septum neurotensin neurons, which inhibit centers encoding social rewards.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022