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Science News for October 4, 2022


Breaking the glass ceiling in science by looking at citations

Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute used AI to analyze citation patterns in scientific papers and found significant differences between male and female scientists. Women's networks were more tightly clustered, indicating a stronger support network, while men's networks were more diverse and widely connected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Novel, non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers

A team of scientists has discovered a novel non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The new approach analyzes genes in blood samples to determine the likelihood of cancer spread, allowing for early interventions to prevent relapse.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Grandparents who stopped caring for grandchildren during the pandemic had worse mental health

A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Your genes determine whether you get ADHD or autism

Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Time-restricted eating reduces cardiovascular health risks associated with shift work for firefighters

A randomized clinical trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) is safe and feasible for 24-hour shift workers, improving glucose levels and blood pressure in those with cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who followed a TRE pattern experienced improved quality of life and reduced bad cholesterol.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Method for detecting waves of COVID-19 infections can shape critical public health decisions during a pandemic

A method combining local health department data and hospital records identifies new COVID-19 outbreak waves, helping inform public health strategies. Researchers detected two large waves in Harris County, with the second taking longer to spread, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and community collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Harpoon heads, sweeping tails: How predatory mosquito larvae capture prey

Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Orthopedic surgery patients do fine without opioid painkillers

A McMaster University study found that switching to non-opioid painkillers after surgery can significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve patient outcomes. The six-week study enrolled 193 patients who received either standard opioid-based painkillers or a combination therapy of naproxen, acetaminophen, and pantoprazole.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Study: Decreased proteins, not amyloid plaques, tied to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Research brief: Identifying patients with sarcoidosis at risk for bad cardiac outcomes

Researchers have identified specific magnetic resonance imaging features that indicate cardiac sarcoidosis patients are at higher risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, including ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest that patients with certain cardiac MRI features may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Random defense: Cells play ‘molecular roulette’ to determine how body fights disease

Researchers discovered that B cells randomly allocate antibody classes to fight infections and diseases, leading to varying probabilities of developing conditions like asthma. This 'molecular roulette' process can be predicted using a formula, paving the way for understanding individual susceptibility.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Researchers’ flow platform advances water harvesting technology

Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Scientists chase down what motor proteins deliver to healthy cells to find what’s altered in neurological diseases

Researchers investigate how motor proteins transport vital proteins and RNAs to the right location within cells, where they can cause or prevent genetic neurological diseases. By understanding these highly regulated transport systems, scientists hope to develop new treatments for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Mari...

Children with food allergy-related anxiety can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy

A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly lessens food allergy-related anxiety for both children and parents. The treatment included proximity exposure sessions with the patient, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Study provides further evidence that immune cell dysregulation is a driver of COVID-19 severity

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that COVID-19 severity is associated with a shift in macrophage populations, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Restoring reparative lung resident macrophages may be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 and other inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 4, 2022

Federal surveys missing as many as 43 percent of individuals with disabilities, KU study finds

New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Scientists identify potential source of 'shock-darkened' meteorites, with implications for hazardous asteroid deflection

Researchers have identified a potential source of shock-darkened meteorites, which could explain discrepancies in how near-Earth asteroids are classified. The asteroid, 1998 OR2, is about 1.5 miles wide and shows characteristics that suggest it has undergone shock darkening.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Microscopic octopuses from a 3D printer

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed 3D printed microscopic octopuses with 'life-like' properties using smart polymers. These structures can be tuned on demand and have dynamic chemical bonds that allow them to grow and harden in a few hours, enabling complex micrometric structures.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2022

Transgender women’s heart-lung capacity and strength exceed those of cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy

A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Online fandom communities can facilitate state censorship, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that online fans in China engage in participatory censorship, self-censoring and policing others to strengthen the authoritarian regime's control over the internet. The study suggests that users create a social imaginary of censorship, speculating about the government's parameters and acting upon it.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Warmer stream temperatures in burned-over Oregon watershed didn’t result in fewer trout

A study by Oregon State University found that warmer stream temperatures in a burned-over watershed did not result in fewer trout. The researchers discovered that steelhead, cutthroat, and rainbow trout were resilient to the increased temperatures, which rose above 22 degrees Celsius during summer 2021. However, more research is needed...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Study gauges positive impacts of Medicare on low-income adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Medicare eligibility at age 65 is associated with significant improvements in health care access and financial strain for low-income adults. The study also found modest effects on higher-income adults, suggesting that lowering the age of Medicare eligibility could advance health equity ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

High risk/high reward federal grant funds effort to develop a smart drug delivery system to treat multiple Alzheimer’s pathologies all at once

Researchers have designed a smart cell-based delivery system to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting multiple pathologies, reducing the risk of side effects. The system uses bio-synthesizable drugs and immune cells to deliver combination therapy that addresses all pathologies in a targeted manner.

Learning on the edge

Researchers developed a new technique that enables on-device training using less than a quarter of a megabyte of memory, reducing the need for powerful computers and central servers. This approach preserves privacy by keeping data on the device, making deep learning more accessible for low-power edge devices.

Laughing gas in space could mean life

Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Study: Black prosecutors are more punitive toward Black and Latinx defendants than toward similarly situated white defendants

A recent study by Florida International University researchers found that Black prosecutors' decisions are more punitive towards Black and Latinx defendants, while being less punitive towards White and Asian defendants. The study aimed to understand the extent of racial disparities in prosecutorial decision-making.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 4, 2022

New genetic variation from old and exotic varieties for environmentally friendly wheat cultivation

Researchers discovered a new genetic variation in old wheat varieties that enhances yield potential and resistance to yellow rust, potentially replacing current elite varieties. The findings also reveal possible new gene variants for resistance to yellow rust infestation, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices.

Paris will host the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Microbiota dedicated to microbiota and microbiotal medicine: Where we are now and what’s next?

The event will cover various topics including microbiota dysbiosis, oral and vaginal microbiota, and their impact on diseases like depression, cancer, and respiratory infections. The meeting aims to accelerate Microbiota medicine applications through strategic discussions.

Optimal breeding group sizes differ by sex in cooperative animals

Research on ostriches found that optimal breeding group sizes vary depending on the balance of males and females within it. The study showed that males have a single optimal group size, while females have multiple optimal sizes due to cooperative care. Intermediate-sized groups were not optimal for reproductive success in either sex.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 4, 2022

New insights into tumor biology

A recent study reveals that cancer cells adopt a softer state to facilitate metastasis, forming a new mechanical state with rigid islands in a fluid environment. This state allows tumors to grow while providing room for soft, motile cells to break out and form metastases.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Mouse study explores Alzheimer’s link to the X chromosome

A mouse study found that female brains express higher levels of an X-linked enzyme called USP11, leading to greater accumulation of tau protein and increased vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that excessive activity of USP11 drives this increased susceptibility in females.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

On the fence: New research taps rancher expertise on living with carnivores

Researchers collaborated with livestock producers, natural resource managers, and university-based researchers to develop effective fencing designs that reduce wildlife conflicts and prioritize human safety. The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge and experience to inform fencing projects.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2022