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Science News for September 15, 2022


Anesthetist who used nitrous oxide ‘cracking’ system while herself giving birth says technology is mostly easy to use, and describes positive feelings of reducing environmental impact

A consultant anaesthetist used a nitrous oxide cracking device to reduce her own exposure to the greenhouse gas during labour. The technology helps collect and break down nitrous oxide breathed out via a facemask, making it easier to use and reducing environmental harm.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia Reports·DateSep 15, 2022

Study suggests portable thermal imaging could help assess hand hygiene technique among healthcare professionals

A pilot study published in AJIC suggests that portable thermal imaging cameras can detect color changes reflecting drops in temperature after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The findings have promise for improving hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Infants, young children finally get relief from eczema’s terrible itch

A new biologic drug has been found to be highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and young children. The study showed that more than half of treated children experienced a 75% reduction in eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep and increased ability to lead normal lives.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2022

Researchers found novel topology-correlation interplay in toy-model system built from an iridate superlattice

Researchers have found a novel topology-correlation interplay in an iridate superlattice-based system, leading to anomalous Hall effects and giant magnon gaps. This discovery could provide valuable insights for investigating topology-related physics in other correlated materials.

Experimental test promises to predict side-effects and cancer’s return in patients treated with immunotherapy

A new study found that a single research test can predict which patients are likely to experience severe side effects or have their cancer recur after treatment with immunotherapies. The test uses autoantibody signatures to identify patients at risk of immune-related adverse effects.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

‘Digital mask’ could protect patients’ privacy in medical records

A team of scientists created a digital mask that can erase identifiable features from facial images while retaining disease-relevant information, allowing for precise diagnosis and reducing the risk of data breaches. The study found that patients are more willing to share their medical data if such a measure is implemented.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga reveal new data on the evolution of the hominid cranium

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga have found that humans uniquely combine increased brain size with a juvenile cranial shape. The analysis of four new hominid fossils and modern great ape samples shows changes in cranial development, including a negative growth of the neurocranium and a positive growth of the splanchnocranium.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

“Blanket-covered” single-molecules: a breakthrough in revealing the origin of life

Researchers at POSTECH have developed a method to observe single molecules at room temperature, revealing their structural dynamics and conformational heterogeneity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the origin of life, identifying causes of incurable diseases, and developing treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2022

High school students with disabilities achieve better outcomes in inclusive academic settings

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that high school students with disabilities who spend 80% of their time in general education classrooms score higher on state reading and math assessments. This is the second phase of a previous study that showed similar results for younger students with disabilities, highlighting ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Special Education·DateSep 15, 2022

Reverse-engineering the brain to decode input signals from output neuron firing

A team of researchers from Japan successfully reconstructed common brain input signals from the firing rates of neurons using a method called superposed recurrence plot. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and potential treatments for mental health disorders.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Pushing the boundaries of chemistry: Properties of heaviest element studied so far measured at GSI/FAIR

Researchers at GSI/FAIR have studied the chemical properties of flerovium, the heaviest element with known properties, and found it to be the most volatile metal in the periodic table. The new results show that flerovium is inert but capable of forming stronger chemical bonds than noble gases under suitable conditions.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination rates at NYC schools varied significantly by race/ethnicity and borough

A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates in NYC schools differed significantly by race and ethnicity, with majority Asian students having the highest rate at 66.2%. Vaccination rates also varied by borough, with Manhattan having the highest rate and Staten Island the lowest. The study suggests that understanding these diffe...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Fitness trackers reveal links between exercise, memory, and mental health

A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Popular sport fish are behaviorally impaired from exposure to crude oil, study finds

Researchers found that sublethal levels of crude oil exposure in popular sport fish like mahi-mahi leads to altered behavior, decreased survival and reduced spawning. The study also showed impacts on vision, olfaction and swimming performance in oil-exposed fish.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Byzantine solar eclipse records illuminate obscure history of Earth's rotation

Researchers in Japan analyzed Byzantine Empire texts to identify five total solar eclipses near Eastern Mediterranean. This study improves understanding of the Earth's rotation and sheds light on variations in day length over time. The new data refine models of global phenomena, such as sea-level and ice-volume variability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateSep 15, 2022

Chemical trends in the high thermoelectric performance proved in pyrite-type dichalcogenides

The study investigates three pyrite-type IIB-VIA2 dichalcogenides with promising thermoelectric performances. The researchers found that localized high-frequency optical phonons and soft phonon modes contribute to low thermal conductivities and excellent electrical transport properties, leading to enhanced thermoelectric performance.

How songbirds’ striking colors put them at risk

Researchers found that unique coloration makes songbirds more sought after as pets, threatening their populations and the aesthetic value of nature. The study identifies nearly 500 bird species at risk due to their colors, emphasizing the need for sustainable trade regulations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Second-hand smoke a possible asthma risk for future generations, study finds

Researchers found that children are more likely to develop asthma if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke as a child. The study also shows that the risk is higher for children whose fathers smoked themselves. Epigenetic changes may be responsible for passing on this increased risk through generations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

New mechanism extends life of immune system

Researchers discovered a telomere transfer reaction between immune cells that extends their lifespan and confers long-term protection. This 'anti-ageing' mechanism has potential clinical applications for diseases like cancer and dementia, and may enable people to live healthier and longer.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

The hemispheres are not equal: How the brain is not symmetrical

Research found that human brain hemispheres have distinct functional patterns, with regions on the left and right sides specialized for different tasks. Individual differences in these arrangements were heritable, suggesting genetic influence, while environmental factors also play a role. The study also compared humans to monkeys, find...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Electrically controlled exchange-bias effect discovered in magnetic van der Waals heterostructures

Researchers have discovered a way to electrically control the exchange bias effect in FePS3–Fe5GeTe2 van der Waals heterostructures. By introducing protons into the interface, they were able to switch the exchange bias effect on and off. The findings have significant implications for the development of spintronics devices.

NIH-funded team develops method to identify future SARS-CoV-2 mutations that could affect rapid antigen test performance

A NIH-funded team developed a method to evaluate how mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein affect recognition by antibodies used in rapid antigen tests. The study found that none of the major past and present variants of concern contain N protein mutations affecting diagnostic antibody performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Machine learning gives glimpse of how a dog's brain represents what it sees

Researchers at Emory University used machine learning and fMRI to analyze a dog's brain activity while watching videos. The results show that dogs are more attuned to actions in their environment than to who or what is performing the action. This study offers proof of concept for decoding canine visual perception.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Immunotherapy reduces lung and liver fibrosis in mice

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

T cells use force to destroy cancer cells

Researchers at UNSW Sydney discovered that T cells use mechanical forces to propel lytic granules towards cancer cell membranes. The study found that the shape of the target membrane plays a crucial role in T cell-mediated cancer cell killing, with a bias towards outwardly curved membranes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Catalytic membrane electrode with Co3O4 nanoarrays for simultaneous recovery of water and generation of hydrogen from wastewater

This study introduces a robust electrochemical strategy using Co3O4 nanoneedle arrays to simultaneously recover water and generate high-purity hydrogen from wastewater. The membrane electrode exhibits superior decontamination efficiency and stability, overcoming diffusion limitations of traditional plate electrodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateSep 15, 2022

Pediatric patients undergoing surgical stent removal report minimal amounts of postsurgical pain

Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers pave the way for large-scale, efficient organic solar cells with water treatment

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a method to control active layer morphology in organic solar cells using water treatment. This approach led to more uniform thin films and higher power conversion efficiencies compared to non-treated samples. The study paves the way for large-scale, efficient organi...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Her work helped her boss win the Nobel Prize. Now the spotlight is on her

Researchers Susanne Horn and Jonathan Aurnou have refined and expanded upon Elbert's original predictions about the generation of planetary magnetic fields. They predict different regimes of convective behavior when subject to both rotation and magnetic fields, making new predictions for planetary and stellar magnetic field generation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateSep 15, 2022

Small proteins play big role in cellular energy balance

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered the critical role of small microproteins in assembling larger protein complexes inside energy-generating cell components known as mitochondria. The study highlights how microproteins regulate energy supply and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, a feature underlying various diseases.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

When microbiomes collide

A team of EMBL researchers used data from over 300 human faecal microbiota transplants to investigate the ecological understanding of what happens when two gut microbiomes clash together. The study found that species richness and how different a recipient's gut microbiome is from a donor's are key factors in determining which microorga...

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 15, 2022

No labels? No problem!

Researchers developed an AI diagnostic tool called CheXzero that can detect diseases on chest X-rays from natural-language descriptions contained in accompanying clinical reports. The model performed on par with human radiologists and was trained without laborious human annotation of data, making it a major advance in clinical AI design.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Hotel smoking restrictions fail to fully protect guests from thirdhand smoke

A new study by San Diego State University analyzed 332,277 TripAdvisor guest reviews and found that designated smoking and non-smoking rooms are insufficient for protecting guests from thirdhand smoke. Hotels that adopted 100% smoke-free policies had significantly fewer complaints related to tobacco pollution.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalTobacco Use Insights·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Moral values explain differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates across US counties

A study from USC Dornsife reveals that moral values, including care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity, predict regional differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with residents prioritizing purity were less likely to be vaccinated, while those emphasizing loyalty and fairness had higher vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Repeated infections associated with increased risk of some neurodegenerative diseases

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with hospital-treated infections in early- and mid-life had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The research analyzed data on over 291,000 cases and matched controls to identify the association between infections and neurodegenerativ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2022

Stevens ACES Program that identifies and nurtures STEM talent in underserved communities is awarded $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Education

The Stevens ACES program has been awarded a $750,000 grant to expand its STEM education initiatives in underserved communities. The program provides full-tuition scholarships and academic support to high school students from these communities, with a remarkable success record for inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.

Egg powder suitable as a food supplement?

A recent study led by Veronika Somoza found that egg powder is a valuable source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and indispensable amino acids. The researchers discovered that the drying process did not lead to contamination with heavy metals and that egg powder can provide up to 61% of a child's daily requirement for selenium.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Peng Hailin Group reports an ultrathin single-crystalline dielectric for two-dimensional electronics

Peng Hailin's group reports a novel dielectric material, β-Bi2SeO5, with excellent insulativity and high dielectric constant. The ultrathin single-crystalline dielectric can be scaled down to an EOT of 0.41 nm in two-dimensional field-effect transistors, meeting the requirements of the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

A team of MIT, Harvard and Stanford scientists finds “weaker ties” are more beneficial for job seekers on LinkedIn

A large-scale experimental study by Harvard, Stanford, and MIT researchers found that weaker social connections on LinkedIn have a greater beneficial effect on job mobility than stronger ties. Weaker ties increased the likelihood of job mobility the most, while strongest ties had the least impact.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

MBE-CQEC: A new scheme to correct quantum errors

Researchers have developed a new error correction technique called MBE-CQEC, which uses continuous measurement to detect and correct quantum errors. This approach is potentially powerful for quantum computers, but still requires experimental validation and has limitations as the number of qubits increases.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) helps high-precision measurements of atmospheric CO2 column

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a new method using a semiconductor optical amplifier to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and improve the precision of atmospheric CO2 column measurements. The novel approach, published in Optics Letter, has great potential for remote sensing of atmospheric greenhouse gases.

Study shows potential of Southern cattail for phytoremediation of areas contaminated by mine tailings

Researchers found that the Southern cattail plant can scavenge up to 34 times more manganese from contaminated soil than other plants. The study suggests its potential for sustainable rehabilitation of areas affected by iron mine tailings, demonstrating its high efficiency in phytoremediation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 15, 2022

Strawberries were smaller when bees ingested pesticides

A new study from Lund University found that solitary bees ingesting the pesticide clothianidin resulted in slower bees and smaller strawberries. The research team also discovered that the substance impaired the bees' ability to pollinate strawberry flowers, highlighting the complex effects of pesticides on bee behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2022

Study: Astronomers risk misinterpreting planetary signals in James Webb data

A new MIT study suggests that current opacity models used by astronomers may not be accurate enough to interpret the precise light-based signals from the James Webb Space Telescope. The researchers predict that properties of planetary atmospheres, such as temperature and elemental composition, could be off by an order of magnitude if e...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 15, 2022

Talk with your hands? You might think with them too!

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University's Professor Shogo Makioka and colleagues investigates embodied cognition mechanisms in the brain. The researchers found that when participants' hands were restrained, brain activity related to semantic processing of words decreased, and verbal responses became slower. These findings support the ...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Physicists demo method for designing topological metals

Researchers from Rice University and partners identified three promising candidate materials using a new framework that cross-references information in a database of known materials with theoretical calculations. The method could help explore strongly correlated topological matter, a large and largely uninvestigated landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Different stromal cell subsets exhibit different functions, study says

Researchers identified two distinct stromal cell subsets in mouse lymph nodes, CD41+ Lyve1+ and CD41+ Lyve1-, with different functions. The CD41+ Lyve1- subset provides a microenvironment for immune cell interaction, while the CD41+ Lyve1+ subset is recycled throughout the body to replenish the subset in the lymph nodes.

Identifying research priorities for security and safety threats in the Arctic and the North-Atlantic

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have adapted a PICK chart and mathematical goal-seeking technique to prioritize maritime safety and security needs in the ANA region. The new method aims to ensure that pressing research and innovation are undertaken among governments, industry, and security organizations.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2022

Aging | Extracellular microRNA and cognitive function in a prospective cohort of older men: The veterans affairs normative aging study

A new study has found associations between plasma miRNAs and cognitive function among cognitively normal men, including those with higher MMSE scores and slower rates of cognitive decline. These findings suggest that extracellular microRNAs may play a role in the early stages of cognitive decline.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2022

Beyond AlphaFold: A.I. excels at creating new proteins

Researchers developed a new software tool called ProteinMPNN to create protein molecules more accurately and quickly than before. The team used machine learning algorithms, including AlphaFold, to generate new protein shapes and sequences, paving the way for novel vaccines, treatments, and sustainable biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Toshiba’s double-transmon coupler will realize faster, more accurate superconducting quantum computers

Researchers at Toshiba Corporation achieved a breakthrough in quantum computer architecture with the development of a double-transmon coupler. This technology enables high-speed quantum computations with strong coupling and completely turns off residual coupling, improving accuracy and processing time.

SourceToshiba Corporation·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Study: Communities of color at greatest risk of pesticide exposure in Ventura County, Calif.

A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Agricultural organic amendments may hold the key to conserve soil productivity while alleviate non-point source pollution of intensified hillslope cropping

Crop residue and pig manure slow down nitrogen release compared to synthetic fertilizer, reducing nitrogen loss through synchronized nutrient release and crop demand. Substituting up to 40% synthetic nitrogen with organic amendments can maintain high crop yield and significantly reduce nitrogen loss from sloping cropland.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

NIH launches $8 million prize competition to reduce maternal deaths in regions that lack maternity care

The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.