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Science News for October 5, 2022


BU study: increasing mental health staffing may reduce suicides among veterans

A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that increasing mental health providers at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities likely reduced suicide-related events among veterans who recently returned from active service. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 veterans and found a significant reduction in su...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

How do female CEOs affect corporate environmental policies?

Researchers analyzed 351 Chinese firms from 2006 to 2019, finding that female CEOs were associated with environmentally sustainable policies. The presence of female directors on the board strengthened this relationship. These findings suggest women's leadership can promote social and environmental benefits for stakeholders.

SourceWiley·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·DateOct 5, 2022

How the smell of food can enable “time travel”

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 3D printed flavor-based cues can stimulate rich sensory accounts and strong emotional connections in older adults, recalling memories from their youth. This technology has potential applications for dementia care, allowing individuals to relive cherished moments through the power of smell.

SourceLancaster University·JournalHuman-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

As winters warm, nutrient pollution threatens 40% of US

As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Do attitudes and behaviors in response to stress impact the health of older people with diabetes?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who exhibit psychological resilience experience fewer hospitalizations, better physical functioning, and a lower likelihood of becoming frail. Psychological resilience also appears to mitigate aging-related concerns.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2022

Study links omega-3s to improved brain structure, cognition at midlife

A study published in Neurology found that eating omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline in midlife. The research, conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, suggests that even small amounts of omega-3s can have a significant impact on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Climate risks for Gulf of Mexico coral reefs spelled out in study

New research simulates climate warming and ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, finding that high emissions could lead to critically warm temperatures as early as 2050. Reducing emissions may delay this onset, giving coral conservation programs more time to adapt.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

Logging down the value chain raises future forest sustainability concerns

New research highlights how logging operations have shifted to lower-value components of forests over time, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and intergenerational access. The study suggests that policy interventions can influence management paradigms and shape the distribution of forest harvesting across the landscape.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2022

Mouthwashes may suppress SARS-CoV-2

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Petting dogs engages the social brain, according to neuroimaging

Researchers found that petting real dogs activates the prefrontal cortex more than stuffed animals, with increased brain activity each time interaction occurs. This effect persists after the dog is gone, suggesting a long-lasting impact of social bonding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

Multiple health benefits of b-type procyanidin-rich foods like chocolate and apples consumed in right amounts

Researchers found that B-type procyanidins induce hormesis in hemodynamic and metabolic responses, with optimal doses triggering improved cognitive functions and stress resistance. The study suggests a link between B-type procyanidin intake and CNS neurotransmitter receptor activation.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery methods

A new clinical trial found that the bionic pancreas device was more effective at maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range than standard-of-care management among people with type 1 diabetes. The device requires minimal user input and provides more automation, resulting in improved glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

RNA origami enables applications in synthetic biology

Researchers at Aarhus University use RNA origami sponges and CRISPR technology to regulate protein production levels and gene expression in bacteria and yeast. This approach generates stable, interactive molecules for synthetic biology-based regulation, enabling unique applications in industrial, diagnostic, and therapeutic fields.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Can paid parental leave help prevent newborn deaths?

A recent analysis published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that 6-week paid family leave in California saved 339 infant lives from 2004-2008. The study also revealed a significant reduction in post-neonatal mortality rates for infants with married mothers and boys.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 5, 2022

The "cellular" network

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

This new, more sustainable method for recycling lithium-ion batteries could help meet electric vehicle demand

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering use supercritical carbon dioxide to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process matches conventional extraction efficiency while using fewer chemicals and generating less secondary waste.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateOct 5, 2022

Promising medication for sleep apnoea

A new study from Flinders University has shown that reboxetine, previously used to treat depression, can reduce obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity. The study found that reboxetine alone reduces the number of sleep apnoea events per hour and improves oxygen levels.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

HKUMed finds 52% and 66% death reduction for molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir users among inpatients with COVID-19; supports early use of oral antivirals in this population of patients

A retrospective cohort study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 found significant reductions in all-cause mortality and disease progression among those receiving oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The study supports the use of these antivirals in this population.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

High-quality growth

Assistant Professor SUZUKI Hiroo and colleagues have developed a method to grow highly crystalline TMDCs, such as MoS2 and WS2, using chemical vapor deposition in a stacked substrate configuration. The technique produces samples with large domains and optimal photoluminescence characteristics.

SourceOkayama University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2022

Achieving photovoltaic power generation for over 1,000 continuous hours at an efficiency of more than 20%

Researchers developed a durable perovskite solar cell capable of generating electricity for over 1,000 continuous hours with an efficiency of more than 20%. The team improved durability by creating a water-repellent interface between the electron and hole transport layers.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Study: Glass microspheres won't save Arctic sea ice

Researchers found that placing layers of white hollow glass microspheres onto Arctic sea ice would darken its surface, accelerate the loss of sea ice, and further warm the climate. The study challenges a previous claim that spreading hollow glass microspheres on young Arctic sea ice could increase reflectivity and protect it from the sun.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalEarth s Future·DateOct 5, 2022

Fixed-duration strikes can revitalize labor

New research by Cornell University ILR School tracks the rise of militant leadership in California Nurses Association, adopting fixed-duration strikes to build a more militant membership and resist concessions. The fixed-duration strike proved highly effective in protecting worker interests, imposing financial costs on employers.

SourceCornell University·JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations·DateOct 5, 2022

Pitt-developed genetic test for pancreatic cancer outperforms current guidelines

A new genetic test called PancreaSeq accurately classifies pancreatic cysts as potentially cancerous or benign, improving the accuracy of diagnoses compared to current guidelines. The test distinguishes between different types of cysts with higher accuracy than traditional forms of surveillance and current pancreatic cyst guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Free, but at what cost?

Researchers found a 'zero-price effect' in Japan's child healthcare system, where zero cost increases demand for health services. However, this can lead to poor allocation of resources and overuse of antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalApplied Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Triassic specimen found to be early relative of pterosaurs a century after its discovery

A new study identifies Scleromochlus taylori as an early relative of pterosaurs, shedding light on the evolution of flying reptiles. The discovery uses CT scans to provide detailed reconstructions of the fossil, confirming its link to lagerpetids and supporting the hypothesis that flying reptiles evolved from small, bipedal ancestors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Study shows challenge of promoting citizen science to help prevent disasters caused by flooding

A workshop on flood risk governance in Brazil and the UK identified research gaps, including local data, integration systems, and visualization tools. Innovative initiatives are being developed using tools such as an app that empowers citizens to input data and improve disaster prevention.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateOct 5, 2022

Fishing for sharks: Hot or not?

New research reveals that shark fishing can cause rapid temperature spikes in caught and released sharks, with one blue shark experiencing a 2.7°C increase in just minutes. The study found that it took up to 40 minutes for the sharks to cool down after release.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalConservation Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Exercise and obesity have opposite impact on muscle, fat tissues, researchers demonstrate

A new study reveals that exercise training has opposite effects on muscle and fat tissues compared to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Exercise is found to down-regulate extracellular matrix-related pathways, while obesity up-regulates them. Conversely, exercise up-regulates circadian rhythm pathways, which are reversed by obesity. This ...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Improvements for Man and Machine in Scientific Publishing

The use of Frictionless Data enhances both machine readability and human engagement with scientific outputs, turning articles into dynamic entities. Interactive figures enable readers to directly interact with data points, making the publication process more efficient and reproducible.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

Should developing countries invest more in agriculture or education?

A study published in the Review of Development Economics found that investments in high-quality education for rural farm people are crucial to breaking the cycle of low soil health and human capital development. Annual returns to schooling in Malawi were 3-4% after correcting for various factors.

SourceWiley·JournalReview of Development Economics·DateOct 5, 2022

How does Airbnb contribute to projecting the image of tourist destinations?

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya reveals how Airbnb creates and projects the image of tourist destinations, reproducing stereotyped forms of tourism and contributing to overcrowding. The platform's user-generated guides aim to convince tourists to visit a city as if they were residents, but ignore the needs of local communities.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Voice screening App delivers rapid results for Parkinson’s and severe COVID

A new screening test App can produce accurate results using just people's voice recordings, improving the management of Parkinson's disease and severe COVID-19. The smartphone App takes just 10 seconds to reveal whether a person may have Parkinson’s disease and should be referred to a neurologist.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Particle radioactivity linked to pollution-associated heart attack and stroke death

Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 5, 2022

EURISCO – a pillar for documenting and making available the world's crop diversity

EURISCO is an international aggregated database documenting over 2 million plant genetic resources across 6,737 genera and 45,175 species. The catalogue provides a central entry point for information on crop diversity, facilitating access to data on crop improvement programmes.

Wild, edible, and nutritious! Research and recipes reveal the benefits of regional Turkish plants

Researchers identified 39 wild edible plant species in Türkiye with high mineral content, particularly iron, zinc, and calcium. These findings highlight the link between local biodiversity and food and nutrition security, informing policy platforms and promoting youth engagement in foraging traditions.

Care gap: Hospital readmission rate for younger women is higher than for younger men after a heart attack

A new study found that younger women hospitalized with heart attacks had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and comorbidities compared to younger men. This led to higher rehospitalization rates and all-cause readmission rates, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve prevention strategies.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Second stem cell type discovered in mouse brain

Scientists at Heidelberg University have identified a second stem cell population in the mouse brain, which is primarily involved in producing new neurons in the olfactory bulb. This discovery refutes the single stem cell type theory and suggests that both apical and basal stem cells are responsible for adult neurogenesis.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 5, 2022

BU study: removing GRE requirement does not undermine student success

A recent Boston University School of Public Health analysis reveals that eliminating the Graduate Record Examination as an admissions requirement increased applicant diversity, with notable increases in African American and Hispanic applicants. Student performance remained unchanged, with no declines in academic quality or graduate emp...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 5, 2022

Expanding LDCT eligibility guidelines would increase number of women and blacks who benefit from screening

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that expanding low-dose CT screening eligibility criteria can increase access to screening for women and Black persons. The research found that widening eligibility guidelines reduced smoking exposure criteria increased lung cancer diagnoses among these groups.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 5, 2022