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Science News for November 9, 2022


Long-term memory in temperature series: the “forgetfulness” of state-of-the-art climate models in equatorial and coastal regions

Researchers found significant biases in climate models' simulation of long-term memory in temperature series, especially in equatorial and coastal regions. This may be due to imperfectly simulated coupled processes between oceans and atmosphere, leading to uncertainty in regional climate change predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 9, 2022

World-first technology to suppress invasive mice

Researchers developed a world-first proof of concept for t-CRISPR technology to control invasive mice. The technology induces female infertility in the target population, eradicating an island population of 200,000 mice in around 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Efficient mRNA delivery by branched lipids

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel branched ionizable lipid that significantly increases the efficiency of mRNA delivery by LNPs. The new lipid, CL4F 8-6, was found to enhance protein expression in mice and achieve stable formulations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

The X chromosome is silenced in some male cancers

Researchers discovered that X chromosome is actively silenced in about 4% of male cancer samples, a phenomenon previously seen only in female cells. This finding could lead to new insights into the development and treatment of various types of cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Mass General Brigham remote healthcare delivery program improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels

The Mass General Brigham remote healthcare delivery program lowered blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol significantly in a study of over 10,000 participants. The program provided convenient care from home using digital solutions, improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved populations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 9, 2022

Monoclonal antibodies preserve stem cells in mouse brains, bring promise for future studies

Researchers used monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system in mice, tracking human neural stem cell survival using luciferase. The study reveals that monoclonal antibody-mediated immunosuppression enabled long-term survival of transplanted human neural stem cells in mouse brains for at least six to eight months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Severe obesity in youth a risk factor for early atrial fibrillation

A University of Gothenburg study found that severe obesity at age 18 is associated with a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in younger middle age. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million men in Sweden and found that higher BMI was linked to mortality risk, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Researchers examine rates of skin conditions among urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries

Urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries are disproportionately affected by atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections, which can lead to serious complications. This systematic review highlights the need for co-designed research with Indigenous communities to address these health inequities.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateNov 9, 2022

Severely stressful events worsen symptoms of long COVID

A recent study by NYU Langone Health found that adult patients with severe stressors, such as death of a loved one or financial insecurity, are more likely to experience depression, brain fog, fatigue, and other long-term COVID-19 symptoms. These stressors were also strong predictors of worse functional status, sleep quality, and reduc...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

CHOP researchers find COVID-19 vaccination leads to higher antibody levels than natural infection in both pregnant people and their babies

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 9, 2022

Aging | Lamin A to Z in normal aging

A new study suggests that prelamin A, a precursor of lamin A, accumulates with age and may drive normal aging. Researchers propose this protein as a target for intervention strategies to extend healthspan and lifespan.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 9, 2022

Scientists cite need for more research on leadership development in adolescence

The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2022

U.S. political partisanship affects first impressions of faces

An experimental study found that U.S. political partisanship strongly influences first impressions of strangers' faces, affecting their perceived likability and competence. Disclosure of partisan affiliation had a greater impact on impressions than non-disclosure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Creating efficient building energy management systems from room-level big data

A new study proposes a scalable, bottom-up approach to developing energy-saving initiatives at the individual level by analyzing real-time energy usage data. The research team developed an energy calculator that can be scaled up to the building- and community-level, enabling more accurate occupant-level measurements.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 9, 2022

In study of almost 20,000 sub-Saharan adolescents, loneliness, hunger, anxiety and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation, while having peer and parental support were associated with a decreased likelihood

A study of nearly 20,000 sub-Saharan adolescents found that loneliness, hunger, anxiety, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. In contrast, those with peer and parental support had a decreased likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2022

Silicon nanochip could treat traumatic muscle loss

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine developed a minimally invasive nanochip device that can reprogram tissue function by delivering specific genes. The technology has shown promise as a treatment for traumatic muscle loss, with improved muscle function observed in rats following volumetric muscle loss.

SourceIndiana University·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Experimental data validates new theory for molecular diffusion in polymer matrices

Researchers have validated a new theory for molecular diffusion in polymer matrices, explaining how molecules move through complex media. The study found that temperature and molecule size significantly impact transport rates, enabling the design of more selective polymer membranes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2022

Hypertension is associated with 22% higher odds of severe COVID-19, in UK Biobank study of over 16,000 infected people - though successfully reducing blood pressure through medication is linked with a corresponding reduction in risk

A UK Biobank study found that people with hypertension have a 22% higher chance of developing severe COVID-19. Successfully managing blood pressure through medication can significantly lower this risk. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 infected individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2022

Latest neural signals recorded with ABILITY brain-computer interface and new details of the system presented at Society for Neuroscience meeting

The Wyss Center's ABILITY system, a fully implantable brain-computer interface, records neural activity in sheep with high accuracy, decoding fine movement intention from small brain areas. The device is designed to improve quality of life and independence for people with severe paralysis.

Material separates water from … water

A Kyoto University research group has developed a material that effectively separates heavy water from normal water at room temperature. The discovery uses an adsorption-separation method based on copper-based porous coordination polymers, which utilize the flipping action of linkers to separate molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2022

A new air purification strategy might reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in classrooms and other indoor spaces by as much as tenfold

A new study by USC researchers demonstrates that high-efficiency air filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. Operating such systems with portable HEPA air purifiers can maximize the removal of tiny airborne particles, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk by up to tenfold.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Are new antiseptics safer than their antimicrobial predecessors?

A new study assesses the environmental safety of three topical antiseptic compounds, finding high margins of safety for two of them. Researchers conclude that these substances are unlikely to cause ecological harm, providing a sound basis for interpreting future environmental data.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateNov 9, 2022

Study shows heart failure treatment with dapagliflozin consistently benefited both men and women

A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dapagliflozin consistently improved outcomes for both men and women with heart failure, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated in both sexes, suggesting a lack of sex-specific indications for this class of HF therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 9, 2022

Why eye contact is different in autism

Researchers at Yale University used innovative technology to study brain activity during social interactions between individuals with and without autism. They found that people with ASD had reduced activity in the dorsal parietal cortex during eye contact, which was associated with ADOS scores.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2022

Ambition to succeed despite adversity motivates people from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers, study shows

A new study suggests that a desire to succeed despite adversity is a key motivator for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers. The research, based on 650 UK tweets, found that financial support and positive careers advice are crucial in overcoming barriers to entry into the legal profession.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalResearch in Post-Compulsory Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2022

How does a skeleton move?

Researchers have developed a videography-based method to track skeletal kinematics in freely moving rodents, providing insights into animal behavior and brain function. The approach uses an anatomically grounded skeleton model and can be applied to multiple furry species.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Combined effect of bacteria and iron levels on the progression of colorectal cancer

Researchers found that excessive iron accumulation accelerates tumor growth in F. nucleatum-positive colorectal cancer by enhancing inflammatory responses in immune cells, promoting interpatient prognostic variability. Iron levels also modulate macrophage expression profiles, transforming them into pro-tumor cells expressing CCL8.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

How squid and octopus get their big brains

Researchers discovered that cephalopods develop their large nervous systems using similar mechanisms as vertebrates, with a focus on the retina. This study provides insight into the developmental process of these intelligent creatures and could lead to new discoveries about human brain development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

The allocation of COVID-19 vaccinations in 29 countries at the beginning of 2021

Researchers mapped out variations in vaccine distribution policies among 29 countries, highlighting differing priorities such as age, comorbidities, and occupation. The study suggests that vaccination schedules differ from resource allocation strategies in healthcare, reflecting diverse moral judgments underlying each approach.

SourceInterdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University in Kraków·JournalJournal of Law and the Biosciences·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Nazi propaganda from 1927–1945 reveals role of dehumanization of Jews in the Holocaust

A linguistic analysis of Nazi propaganda shows that dehumanization of Jews shifted over time, with earlier propaganda focusing on disengaging moral concern and later propaganda portraying Jews as having a greater capacity for agency. This study suggests that dehumanization can motivate violence by reducing moral concern for victim groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2022

Growing pure nanotubes is a stretch, but possible

Materials theorists Boris Yakobson and Ksenia Bets propose a method to control the growth of carbon nanotubes by constraining the carbon feedstock in a furnace. This approach allows for the production of batches with single desired chirality, which is essential for highly conductive applications. The researchers suggest etching away lo...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Does racial resentment motivate confidence in false beliefs?

A new study found that racial resentment significantly motivates Americans to express confidence in misinformed beliefs about policy issues associated with race, such as human-caused climate change and COVID-19 origins. In contrast, this effect was not observed for less racially charged topics like childhood vaccine safety.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateNov 9, 2022

Sex role flexibility is key to the evolution of homosexual partnerships in termites

A new study published in PNAS found that female and male Japanese termites can flip sex roles to form stable same-sex pairs. The researchers discovered that this 'sex role flexibility' allows same-sex pairings to evolve, enabling termites to survive and thrive.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Toxic cooking fumes cause life-threatening complications in pregnant women with high blood pressure

A study by King's College London found a significant correlation between deaths due to indoor household pollution and eclampsia rates. The researchers evaluated over 2,690 cases of eclampsia in eight low- and middle-income countries and discovered that indoor cooking with solid fuels increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Evolution of tree roots may have driven mass extinctions

A study led by Gabriel Filippelli suggests that the evolution of tree roots during the Devonian Period caused massive algae growth, depleting ocean oxygen and triggering mass extinctions. The researchers found that tree roots released excess nutrients into the oceans during times of decay, leading to catastrophic events.

SourceIndiana University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

The theory of micro-hairs

Researchers have developed a continuum theory of micro-hairs, allowing for the study of collective movements and fluid flows. The theory reveals that even random movement is unstable and leads to synchronisation, while perfect unison is also unstable, resulting in specific patterns of movement.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Magnetism or no magnetism? The influence of substrates on electronic interactions

Researchers at Monash University found that electric fields and applied strain can turn magnetism on and off in two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks. This discovery could lead to applications in magnetic memory, spintronics, and quantum computing.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Contactless screening tool could revolutionise chronic wound treatment

Researchers at RMIT University have developed an AI-powered system to predict how leg ulcers will heal based on thermal images from the first assessment. This innovation enables nurses to identify chronic wounds during the first visit, allowing for specialized treatment up to four weeks earlier than the current gold standard.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 9, 2022

Charting the human brain with new tools

Researchers are developing a comprehensive cell atlas for the human brain, which would cover billions of cells and provide a holistic description of its properties. Advanced visualization techniques have been developed to catalog brain regions and cell types, enabling better resolution and accuracy in studying neural circuits.

Failing IT infrastructure is undermining safe healthcare in the NHS

Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateNov 9, 2022

What is free food worth? Study estimates the value of food pantry services

A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimates that access to food pantries provides a value of $600-$1,000 per client household annually. The collective value of food pantry access among pantry client households may be between $19 billion and $28 billion dollars annually.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 9, 2022

World needs ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040

Leading global plastics experts call for an ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040 to tackle plastic pollution and climate change. The University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Centre recommends a coordinated global strategy, clear metrics, and harmonized national policies to achieve this goal.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 9, 2022

Intermittent fasting may not be as safe as once believed

A new study found that intermittent fasting is associated with disordered eating behaviors, including binge-eating and compensatory behaviors like vomiting and compulsive exercise. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 adolescents and young adults and found that 47% of women, 38% of men, and 52% transgender or gender non-conforming i...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating Behaviors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Electrons zip along quantum highways in new material

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new material, MnBi6Te10, that can be used to create quantum highways along which electrons can move. The material acts as a 'magnetic topological insulator,' shuttingtling electrons around its perimeter while maintaining their energy and quantum properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 9, 2022

Myocardial strain parameters on MRI in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

A multicenter study found that left ventricular global longitudinal strain is a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality and/or heart-failure hospitalization in patients with ischemic or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The study used cardiac MRI feature tracking to calculate six myocardial strain parameters.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2022