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Science News for November 7, 2022


Learning science in a hurry

A University of Michigan study found that Americans who earned a college degree and took required science courses developed a general level of biological literacy, enabling them to make informed policy judgments about the COVID-19 pandemic. This education gap was particularly pronounced among those with limited scientific knowledge, in...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Lifelong Education·DateNov 7, 2022

Fast burst of infrared light opens a way for 3D processing inside semiconductor chips

Researchers from LP3 Laboratory developed a light-based technique for local material processing in three-dimensional space of semiconductor chips. They successfully fabricated embedded structures inside Si and GaAs materials, which cannot be 3D processed with conventional ultrafast lasers.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 7, 2022

Bypass surgery favorable for initial treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Researchers found that bypass surgery resulted in a 32% lower risk of major medical events related to CLTI, as well as significant reductions in repeat surgeries and amputations. Adults without optimal veins for the bypass had no significant differences in outcomes between open bypass and endovascular procedures.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2022

Specific modifier genes determine the effect of mutations that cause non-compaction cardiomyopathy

Researchers found that the presence of one Mindbomb1 mutation does not always lead to non-compaction cardiomyopathy, but depends on genetic context provided by other gene mutations. The study identified modifier genes contributing to disease severity and diversity in affected individuals.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Portland State study finds diet high in saturated fat can reprogram immune cells in mice

Researchers discovered that a ketogenic diet high in saturated fats can reprogram the mouse immune system, making it better at fighting off infections but more susceptible to systemic inflammatory conditions. The study also found that another type of fat, oleic acid, may be able to counteract the harmful effects of palmitic acid.

SourcePortland State University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Should maize farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa store or sell their grain?

A new University of Illinois study reveals that maize prices do not always rise after harvest in Sub-Saharan African markets, with prices falling 16.3% of the time. This uncertainty leads farmers to make decisions based on guesswork, considering storage expenses and risks of spoilage and loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

Type 1 diabetes: The increased prevalence of metabolic imbalances in children during the COVID-19 Pandemic points to an unsolved problem with the early diagnosis of diabetes

A global study found a significant increase in diabetic ketoacidosis cases among children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The observed prevalence was significantly higher than predicted, highlighting the need for better public awareness and screening programs.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Seeing clearly into a new realm – researchers prototype a new generation of quantum microscopy

A team of researchers has developed a prototype of a quantum microscope that can see electric currents, detect fluctuating magnetic fields, and even see single molecules on a surface. The microscope uses atomic impurities and van der Waals materials to achieve high resolution sensitivity and simultaneous imaging of magnetic fields and ...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut

New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut reveal dozens of peptides regulating appetite, bowel movement, and insulin secretion. By studying human intestinal organoids, researchers characterized potentially novel gut hormones, including glucagon, and explored its role in human physiology.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely, particularly if they have microscopic inflammation in their intestinal mucosa. This association was not seen for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

Von Fricken receives funding for study aimed at determining threat of detection-resistant malaria & arboviruses in Haiti

Michael E. von Fricken, an Associate Professor at George Mason University, has received $78,999 from the U.S. Department of the Navy for a project to determine the threat of detection-resistant malaria and arboviruses in Haiti. The study aims to develop sampling approaches, analyze findings, and generate reports documenting progress.

Willingness to use video telehealth increased during pandemic

The study found that the willingness to use video telehealth increased overall from 51% in February 2019 to 62% in March 2021. Subgroups with the lowest levels of willingness, such as Black adults and adults with less than a high school education, saw significant increases in their willingness to use video telehealth.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022

Our brains “time-stamp” sounds to process the words we hear

A new study by NYU researchers reveals that our brains use a 'time-stamp' mechanism to process the order of incoming sounds, allowing us to correctly recognize words being said. The brain achieves this feat by correlating different neural populations with specific speech sounds and time-stamping each sound with its relative order.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Fearful cats also express other problematic behaviour – Socialisation important already at early stages of life

A study found that fearful cats tend to display excessive grooming and aggression towards humans. Early socialization with humans is crucial in reducing fearfulness and related behavioral issues in cats. The research also discovered a correlation between litterbox issues and aggressive behavior in households with multiple cats.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournaliScience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022

Starved yeast poisons clones

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that yeast releases toxins to kill its own clones and surrounding microorganisms when starved of glucose, a phenomenon called latecomer killing. This behavior helps yeast survive mass starvation and aids in the selection of toxin-producing offspring.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

UCalgary study points to potential new treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at UCalgary have discovered a potential new treatment for fibrosis, a condition that causes thickening of the gut wall and life-threatening blockage in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests that drugs targeting specific sensors may prevent inflammation-associated gut blockage.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Automatic speaker recognition technology outperforms human listeners in the courtroom - new research

A comprehensive study compared the accuracy of human speaker identification with that of an automatic-speaker-recognition system. The forensic-voice-comparison system performed better than all tested listeners, including judges and jurors. This finding has significant implications for courtroom proceedings.

SourceAston University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

University of Colorado study investigates aggression toward caregivers in Parkinson’s disease patients

A University of Colorado study reveals aggressive behavior towards caregivers is a significant issue in Parkinson's disease, with factors including grief, loss of motor symptoms, and cognitive fluctuations identified as contributing to the problem. The research also highlights the impact on caregivers' mental health and relationships.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMovement Disorders·DateNov 7, 2022

Hazardous flame retardant OPEs detected at higher levels than BFRs at an informal end-of-life vehicle recycling site

Researchers found emerging organophosphate esters (OPEs) at higher concentrations than legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in settled dust from informal end-of-life vehicle recycling sites in Vietnam. Chlorinated OPEs were specifically identified as a major contaminant, possibly released from vehicle upholstery and fabrics.

SourceEhime University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 7, 2022

Psychological distress an important, easy-to-measure indicator of cardiovascular risk

A meta-analysis of over 600,000 patients found that psychological distress assessed with brief questionnaires was associated with nearly a 30% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The screening process can be easy and efficient for healthcare providers without significant psychology training.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

Are covid ‘comas’ signs of a protective hibernation state?

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute suggest that Covid-19 patients in comas may enter a protective hibernation state to shield cells from oxygen scarcity. This hypothesis is supported by observations of cardiac arrest patients treated with hypothermia and the painted turtle, which also enters a similar state during prolonged anoxia.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 7, 2022

Why some Latino communities fear the COVID-19 vaccine, and what can be done to help

A new study from Rice University found that Latino communities are hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 due to concerns over side effects and mistrust of health officials. The study, which focused on communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, found that 44% of community health workers reported patients believing vaccines can have ...

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022

Geobiologists shine new light on Earth’s first known mass extinction event 550 million years ago

A new study by Virginia Tech geobiologists reveals that a major loss of diversity occurred during the Ediacaran Period, resulting in an 80% extinction of animals. The researchers attribute this event to decreased global oxygen availability, suggesting that environmental controls played a role in shaping animal life on Earth.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of NAS RA Earth Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Sugar molecules as a target in cancer therapy

Researchers report a promising new approach that involves altering sugar molecules on the surface of cancer cells in mice, leading to a significant increase in anti-tumor immune response. The study focuses on sialic acid sugars, which are also present on healthy cells and play a role in cell-to-cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 7, 2022

Study: How piracy can unravel company profits in product bundling

A new study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers found that bundling zero-marginal-cost products can lead to increased piracy and loss of profits. In the presence of piracy, mixed bundling is not necessarily a better strategy, and manufacturers should reassess the efficacy of bundling in markets where piracy is a concern.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Management Information Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2022

New in Ethics & Human Research, November-December 2022 issue

A new study explores the ethics of disclosing Alzheimer's disease biomarker information to cognitively unimpaired research participants, highlighting conflicting norms and nuanced policy recommendations. The authors suggest policies for disclosure in various research settings, emphasizing the need to prioritize participant well-being a...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022

Molecular basis of resistance to one of the main treatments for multiple myeloma identified

Researchers at CNIO have identified epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, as a key mechanism behind resistance to proteasome inhibitor drugs in multiple myeloma. This finding suggests that methylation levels in the PSMD5 gene can predict treatment response and potentially reverse resistance.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Rethinking mountain water security

A new study reveals huge gaps in data on how communities use mountain water sources, complicating efforts to model future scenarios. The researchers emphasize the need for improved data and process understanding to guide effective climate change adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

Want to fire up the dance floor? Play low-frequency bass

A study published in Current Biology found that undetectable very low frequency sound increases dancing at a live concert, with participants moving 12% more when the speakers were on. The researchers speculate that this is due to physical processes affecting the motor system and brain mechanisms involved.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Adding sensory integration to autism assessments may yield more individualized treatment

Research from Thomas Jefferson University shows adding sensory integration assessments can help guide therapeutic activities for individuals with autism. The assessments provide new information on deficits in multiple and varied categories of sensory integration, which are not recognized by current diagnostic tests.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 7, 2022

Telehealth brings big advantages for older adults, but new ‘guard rails’ could significantly bolster care

Researchers from West Health push for elevating telehealth standards to ensure remote care meets the needs of older adults, including person-centered and equitable access. The authors propose a framework with guard rails to prevent low-value care and health inequities, while improving access to high-quality, timely, and convenient care.

SourceWest Health Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 7, 2022

Study finds automated texts decrease odds of rehospitalization

Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

Oncotarget | The serine protease matriptase inhibits migration and proliferation in multiple myeloma cells

Researchers found that overexpressing matriptase reduced myeloma cell proliferation and inhibited migration. Matriptase also blocked Src kinase activation, supporting its potential as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma. The study provides new insights into the role of matriptase in hematological malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Exercise science researchers pinpoint method to 'prescribe' aerobic exercise like medicine

A new system to create personalized workouts and 'prescribed' exercises has been unveiled, with results showing greater improvement in endurance and long-term benefits. The approach, based on 'critical power,' aims to provide predictable results for each individual's exercise, helping people achieve their fitness goals.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

National study suggests it’s time to rethink how we treat atrial fibrillation

A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that early intervention with catheter cryoablation can halt disease progression and reduce serious health risks. Cryoablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of persistent AF, hospitalization, and adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

Early planetary migration can explain missing planets

A new model accounts for the interplay of forces acting on newborn planets, explaining two puzzling observations: the radius valley and peas in a pod. The research suggests that giant impacts, like the one that formed our moon, are probably a generic outcome of planet formation.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2022

Artificial intelligence deciphers detector "clouds" to accelerate materials research

Researchers used AI to automate the process of analyzing X-ray snapshots of materials, accelerating the technique by ten times on its own and 100 times with improved hardware. The new method can extract information from a range of previously inaccessible materials, including high-temperature superconductors and quantum spin liquids.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Ultraprocessed foods linked to premature deaths

A new study found that ultraprocessed foods contributed to 57,000 premature deaths in Brazil in 2019. The study estimated the impact of reducing UPF intake and suggested that limiting consumption could prevent approximately 5,900 to 29,300 premature deaths annually.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2022

Lianas more likely to infest smaller trees in Southeast Asian forests, transforming knowledge in understudied area

Research finds that lianas more frequently infest smaller trees in Southeast Asian forests, hindering their growth. This study transforms understanding of tropical forests and their role in the global carbon cycle. Lianas' impact on climate change is significant due to their ability to reduce carbon uptake and storage.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Repeated psychological stress is linked with irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) induced mice showed higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviors, similar to IBS. The study suggests that prolonged psychological stress can cause IBS-like symptoms in mice without intestinal lesions.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Promising results from psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression

Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

New approach to fabricating ion conducting ceramic membranes for stable hydrogen production

Researchers developed a new approach to fabricate multilayered ceramic membranes with ceria-based thin-film for stable hydrogen production. The interface-reaction-induced reassembly method resulted in highly dense and adherent layers with reduced ionic transport resistance, enabling long durability (>1000 hours) in practical conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 7, 2022

Experiment unveils Berry curvature mechanism for linear positive magnetoresistance

Scientists have established a physical model of Berry-curvature-dominated linear positive magnetoresistance (LPMR) in topological materials, providing experimental evidence for the mechanism. The study used cobalt disulfide as a material candidate and proposed temperature-dependent equations that fit previously reported data.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022