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Science News for October 3, 2022


Scientists crack upcycling plastics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advancing a recent Science study

Researchers develop breakthrough process to transform polyethylene into polypropylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by scalable and rapidly implementable method. The process could potentially save 3 million cars' worth of GHG emissions if 20% of global PE waste is recovered.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2022

Uncovering the secrets of materials degradation in lithium-ion battery

Researchers at KIST have successfully observed the expansion and deterioration of anode materials due to lithium ion migration, revealing a new understanding of the process. The study suggests that appropriately distributing micro- and nano-sized pores can alleviate volume expansion and improve safety in high-capacity anode materials.

Lack of naloxone led to increased overdose deaths in rural Pa., study finds

Researchers found that individuals who received naloxone were nine times more likely to survive an overdose, but access to the drug varied greatly across counties. The study suggests that increasing distribution of naloxone, training emergency responders, and expanding take-home programs could help combat the opioid epidemic.

SourcePenn State·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Satellites capture massive drainage of proglacial lake in remote Patagonia

Researchers from Hokkaido University used satellite images to observe the sudden drainage of proglacial lake Lago Greve in Chilean Patagonia, resulting in a 18-meter drop in water level and a loss of 3.7 cubic kilometers of water. The study suggests that the cause was the collapse of a sediment bump at the lake's outlet, highlighting t...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Slurping up groundwater

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that intense pumping of aquifers pushes young, recently replenished groundwater to greater depths, possibly carrying pollutants. This phenomenon, known as 'pumping-induced downwelling,' suggests that groundwater is less safe from surface contaminants than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2022

Study suggests La Niña winters could keep on coming

A new study suggests that climate change is favoring La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that temperature patterns at the ocean's surface have changed, with the Pacific off South America cooling and the western Pacific warming more than elsewhere. This has led to a strengthened temperature difference between the ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

Easy-to-use tool predicts complications in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease

Researchers have developed an easy-to-use online prediction tool to estimate complication risks for patients undergoing laparoscopic and open hysterectomies. The study found that women of Asian background are at higher risk of major complications after abdominal hysterectomy, with adhesions being the most significant risk factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2022

Disruption of MTSS2 function causes a new syndromic intellectual disability

A study led by Dr. Hugo Bellen has identified a new syndromic intellectual disability caused by a spontaneous mutation in the MTSS2 gene. The research used fruit fly models to investigate the genetic alteration, which resulted in a functionally-altered MTSS2 protein leading to symptoms similar to those seen in patients with the condition.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

National Institutes of Health awards $15.75M to research team led by Case Western Reserve University and Duke University to map vagus nerve—body’s ‘super highway’ for controlling major organ functions

The researchers will conduct multimodal imaging of 100 human vagus nerves using high-resolution technologies, providing unprecedented data on the vagus nerve's organization. This work aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of existing vagus nerve therapies, offering potential for novel neuromodulation therapies.

A high-performance catalyst that dissolves polyester and realizes chemical recycling

A Japan Science and Technology Agency research group developed high-performance catalysts for efficient synthesis of value-added chemicals from polyester and vegetable oil. These catalysts enable nearly 100% selectivity in converting polyester into raw materials, offering a promising solution to chemical recycling.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers mechanisms of reactive oxygen species in stem cell function and inflammation prevention

The study found that a combination of NOX1, loss of function, and TNF leads to an abnormal increase in microfold cells, driving increased recruitment of immune cells. Reversing the defect with reactive oxygen species restored healthy gut balance. Further studies on reactive oxygen species-stem cell modulation therapy are proposed.

Social media use linked to developing depression regardless of personality social media use linked to developing depression regardless of personality

Researchers found strong and linear associations between social media use and depression across all personality traits. Young adults who used more social media were 49% less likely to become depressed if they had high agreeableness compared to those with low agreeableness.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2022

Risk of suicide after dementia diagnosis

A nationally representative study of 594,000 persons in England found an increased risk of suicide associated with dementia diagnosis before age 65. The study identified younger patients diagnosed within the 3-month post-diagnostic period as high-risk groups for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 3, 2022

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover opioid and cannabis use disorders, suicide prevention, treatment in prison and more

The October issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry focus on diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder. Psychiatric Services features research reports on issues related to mental health services for people with serious mental illness.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2022

Lake sediments show decades of coal ash contamination

A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

Artificial enzyme splits water

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed an artificial enzyme that can split water into oxygen and hydrogen with high efficiency. The enzyme-like catalyst was designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, and its development is a significant step towards sustainable hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Newly discovered sexual reproduction process to further understanding of plant and algae evolution

Researchers have discovered a novel sexual reproduction process in Galdieria microalgae, which has significant implications for biotechnology applications. The discovery could lead to the development of new industrial uses for microalgae, including wastewater treatment and food ingredient production.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022

How to improve landscape visual aesthetic effects of street pedestrian spaces in China’s mountainous cities

A study assesses and optimizes the landscape visual aesthetic quality of street pedestrian spaces in Jinan, China's historic downtown, using panoramic images and deep learning methods. The research finds that urban streets with high aesthetic quality serve as corridors among mountains and natural landscapes, improving city image.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateOct 3, 2022

Study links prenatal phthalate exposure to reduced childhood lung function

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found a strong association between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced lung function in children. The researchers analyzed data from 641 mother-child pairs and discovered that gestational phthalate exposure was associated with decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expirat...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 3, 2022

Newly developed air filter showcases excellent performance and endurance in harsh environments

A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.

SourceParticuology·JournalParticuology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Hot summer nights bad for health

Researchers found that warmer nighttime temperatures increase sleep disturbance, comparable to the impact of heatstroke, in Japan's residents. The study suggests that measures like air conditioner use or reducing outdoor temperatures may help mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalSleep and Biological Rhythms·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2022

Study shows how math, science identity in students affects college, career outcomes

A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Obesity prevalence varies significantly for Asian American subgroups

A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Video games offer the potential of “experiential medicine”

Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022

Coronavirus formation is successfully modeled

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalViruses·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2022

Unlocking the power of our emotional memory

Researchers at Boston University have found a way to manipulate emotional memories using optogenetics, allowing them to rewrite and reduce the potency of negative memories. The study reveals that positive and negative memories are stored in distinct regions of the brain and communicate through different pathways.

SourceBoston University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Weighted blanket increases melatonin

A new study from Uppsala University found that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin production by about 30 percent. The researchers also discovered that the weight of the blanket (12% of participant's body weight) reduced stress system activity, but had no effect on oxytocin and cortisol levels.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

ASU scientists discover dual-function messenger RNA

Researchers have discovered a new pathway for producing telomerase RNA from protein-coding messenger RNA, offering potential innovations in mRNA vaccines and understanding of telomere biology. This finding has implications for reversing cellular aging and extending human lifespan.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Referral centers offer high success, low adversity for complex inferior vena cava filter retrievals

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that large specialized referral centers for complex IVC filter retrievals achieved a 100% success rate and low adverse event rates. Prolonged filter dwell time was identified as an independent predictor of adverse events.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Jurassic ichthyosaurs divided food resources to co-exist, researchers find

Early Jurassic ichthyosaur juveniles showed predatory specializations, with physical differences in their snouts indicating distinct diets. The study used CT scans and biomechanical testing to confirm that the slender-snouted ichthyosaurs had a quick but weak bite, while the broad-snouted ichthyosaurs had a slow but powerful bite.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2022