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Science News for September 20, 2022


High-performance and high-reliability artificial synaptic semiconductor device regarding next-generation brain-mimicking computing

Researchers at KIST discovered critical variables to maximize the performance of artificial synaptic devices, leading to improved plasticity and information preservation. The developed device achieved approximately 50 times more efficiency and 63 times increased information retention compared to existing devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2022

Study finds significant increase in firearm assaults in states that relaxed conceal carry permit restrictions

A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing conceal carry permit restrictions led to a significant increase in firearm assaults, with an average rate of 12.75 per 100,000 people. States with shall issue laws and live-firearm training requirements did not see the same increases in gun violence.

Adolescents with severe obesity lost weight, kept it off, and erased comorbidities after bariatric surgery

A study by researchers from UTHealth Houston and the University of Miami found that adolescents with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery before age 22 lost significant weight and experienced complete remission of comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma, and elevated lipids. The study's results show that these young patients c...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Membranes help multiply microbial CO2 munching

Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 20, 2022

Can eyes on self-driving cars reduce accidents?

A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Did my computer say it best?

A study from the University of Georgia shows people who rely on algorithms for creative tasks don't improve their performance and are more likely to trust low-quality advice. Participants preferred algorithm-derived advice over human-based advice, even when confident in their answers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 20, 2022

High-fat diets trigger inflammatory immune cell generation in bone

A study found that high-fat diets fuel the creation of inflammatory immune cells in mouse bone marrow. These cells can later invade fat tissue, leading to insulin resistance and other complications associated with obesity. The bone marrow's sensitivity to environmental changes plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 20, 2022

Drug overdose deaths during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened racial disparities in drug overdose death rates in the United States, with Hispanic and American Indian populations bearing the greatest burden. Researchers analyzed data from 2020 to 2021 and found that these groups experienced significantly higher overdose death rates compared to non-Hispanic whites.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 20, 2022

Sensing pressure using paper

Researchers have developed a novel pressure sensor using paper as the medium, achieving high sensitivity and detecting a broad range of pressures. The sensor's structure and multilayering enable conductive properties, making it suitable for flexible and wearable electronic devices in healthcare and other industries.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 20, 2022

Embryo blood cells are stem cell-independent

Research at Kumamoto University reveals that fetal liver blood cells are stem cell-independent, contrary to the long-held view that HSCs are essential for their production. The study provides new insights into the origin of HSCs and suggests a reconsideration of their role in embryo formation.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Statin use not justified for healthy people with high cholesterol

A new study published in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity suggests that statin therapy is not justified for healthy individuals with high cholesterol. The research found a very weak association between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCurrent Opinion in Endocrinology Diabetes and Obesity·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 20, 2022

Cancer in adolescent and young adult women before pregnancy does not increase risk for stillborn births, according to UTHealth Houston research

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that cancer and chemotherapy do not appear to increase the risk of stillbirth among adolescent and young adult women who later become pregnant. The study included data from 11,696 deliveries to over 8,400 women diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2015.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Climate change may impact marine environments more than anything else

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and elsewhere are showing that climate change must be considered in marine planning. The ClimeMarine project has studied the effects of temperature and salt content changes on ecosystems and species, finding that they may impact more than other environmental factors combined.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Nurturing developing neurons: How microglia, the main immune cells of the brain contribute to brain development by interacting with newborn neurons

Researchers discovered specialized direct contact sites between microglial cells and developing neurons, regulating brain development. Inhibiting these interactions disrupts normal cerebral cortex structure, highlighting microglia's crucial regulatory role in brain development.

SourceInstitute of Experimental Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

How the brain develops: a new way to shed light on cognition

A new neurocomputational model introduces a three-level information processing framework to understand brain development and cognition. The model focuses on Hebbian learning and reinforcement learning, highlighting two fundamental mechanisms for multilevel cognitive ability development in biological neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2022

541-million-year-old 3D fossil algae reveal modern-looking ancestry of the plant kingdom

A new genus and species of algae called Protocodium sinense has been discovered in China, providing new insight into the early diversification of the plant kingdom. The fossils are remarkably modern-looking and suggest that green algae were already established in shallow waters as carbon dioxide recyclers and oxygen producers before th...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMC Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Despite frequent sightings: Red squirrel habitats in Berlin are small and fragmented

Researchers used computer models to link red squirrel sightings to environmental parameters, identifying areas with missing ecological corridors. The study aims to improve urban planning by understanding the challenges faced by urban squirrels due to habitat fragmentation and climate change.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2022

Stowers scientists use zebrafish to understand the connection between the immune system and regeneration

Stowers scientists investigate macrophage activation states in zebrafish sensory organ, discovering three distinct anti-inflammatory pathways that may inform human regenerative immunotherapies. The study provides valuable insights into the timing and genetic programs of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, in repair and regeneration.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

New MSU research: How nature handles Earth's nitrogen

Researchers at Michigan State University have made significant contributions to our understanding of the nitrogen cycle, a complex process that underlies the balance of nitrogen in the environment. The team, led by Timothy Warren, has uncovered new pathways and reactions involved in the conversion of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2022

How fear memories get stuck in some brains

Researchers at Linköping University discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength of fear memories stored in the brain. This finding provides new knowledge on the mechanisms behind anxiety-related disorders and identifies shared mechanisms with alcohol dependence.

SourceLinköping University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Don’t look at me like that!

A new study has decoded information about how we process gazes and facial expressions, revealing that emotional expressions of faces significantly impact our attention. The results show that faces showing joy or anger attract attention when looking directly at the observer, while disgusted faces with an averted gaze do the opposite.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

New University of Ottawa research provides theory on why women stopped menstruating upon arrival at Nazi death camps

A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal review elucidates potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new Chinese Medical Journal review article elucidates the potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, highlighting the role of bile acid and sphingolipid biology. Researchers summarize current understanding of NAFLD, its progression, and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2022

How cells take out the garbage

A team of researchers at Osaka University has identified a specific enzyme complex that initiates the removal of damaged lysosomes from cells. The complex, composed of CUL4A, DDB1, and WDFY1 proteins, acts preferentially during lysophagy to facilitate the degradation process.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Protein restriction can be effective in combating obesity and diabetes, study suggests

A randomized clinical trial found that protein restriction diets can lead to weight loss, improved blood sugar and lipid levels, and controlled blood pressure. The study involved 21 patients with metabolic syndrome, who were given either a calorie or protein restriction diet for 27 days.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers use artificial intelligence to uncover the cellular origins of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders

The study used a weakly supervised deep learning algorithm to analyze human brain autopsy tissues and predict the presence or absence of cognitive impairment. The model identified a signal associated with decreasing myelin staining, which was linked to cognitive impairment in the white matter.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateSep 20, 2022

In Israel, COVID vaccines have been offered to five-to 11-year-olds for nearly a year, so why are so few vaccinated?

A study of Israeli parents found that only 20% of children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Parents prioritize returning to school and everyday life over protecting their children from the virus, with many expressing concerns about vaccine safety rather than COVID-19's severity.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·DateSep 20, 2022

Scientists identify unique breast cancer cells that control their ability to proliferate and colonize the lungs

Researchers discovered a type of triple-negative breast cancer cell that can trigger dormancy, evading therapies and allowing for efficient survival in distant organs. This finding highlights the need for more selective therapeutic strategies targeting both dividing and invasive dormant cells.

Malaria spike linked to amphibian die-off

A study from the University of California, Davis found a clear connection between an amphibian die-off and a spike in malaria cases in Costa Rica and Panama. The research suggests that stable ecosystems are crucial for disease prevention and health, and massive ecosystem disruptions can have significant consequences for human well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Molecular changes in the brain in the aftermath of a traumatic event may help explain long-term susceptibility or resilience

Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited decreased neuron excitability in the dorsal hippocampus, which may drive social avoidance, while resilient mice showed increased excitability. This difference was linked to changes in stress hormone receptors and HCN1 protein expression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 20, 2022

HKU initiates Global Ant Census

A recent study by the University of Hong Kong estimates that there are between 20 x 10^15 and 2 x 10^17 individuals on Earth, weighing more than all wild birds and mammals combined. The study also found that ants are unevenly distributed over the global land surface, with tropical regions harbouring more ants than non-tropical regions.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2022

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022

University of Maryland School of Medicine and UMBC receive NIH FIRST grant to recruit new underrepresented faculty

The University of Maryland School of Medicine and UMBC have been awarded a 5-year, $13.7 million NIH grant to enhance efforts in recruiting and training junior faculty from underrepresented groups in biomedical science. The grant aims to build self-reinforcing communities of scientists committed to diversity and inclusive excellence.

Many heart-related emergencies are due to uncontrolled blood pressure

A recent study by the American Heart Association highlights that poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular emergencies in the US. The study analyzed over 20 million emergency department visits and found that 13% were for essential hypertension, which led to hospital admission less than 3% of the time.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 20, 2022

Role of overconfidence and perceived ability in preferences for income equality

A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that overconfidence in one's ability can lead to a desire for income equality, but with nuances. Participants who experienced a gap between their income and self-evaluated ability were more likely to support reducing income inequality, particularly among left-wing individuals.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2022

As health problems stack up, so do serious financial woes, study shows

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Mathematics enable scientists to understand organization within a cell’s nucleus

Researchers developed a new mathematical technique to analyze cell nucleus organization, revealing self-sustaining transcription clusters that play a key role in maintaining cell identity. This understanding may expose vulnerabilities for targeting cancer cells and reprogramming them to stop uncontrollable cell division.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

New study finds that natural gas leaked from interstate pipelines contains hazardous air pollutants and carcinogens

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that natural gas transported by interstate pipelines contains hazardous air pollutants and known human carcinogens. The study analyzed industry-reported data and found surprising levels of harmful air pollutants, including benzene, mercury, radon, and hydrogen sulfide.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Researchers discover dozens of genetic defects important for immune defence - relevant for patients with rare diseases

Two studies identify 22 previously unreported NFKB1 variants linked to immune system dysfunction, including reduced expression of the protein and altered gene expression. The findings suggest targeted inhibition of NFkB signaling pathway components as an attractive therapeutic approach for treating these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 20, 2022

Neurologic complications of smallpox, monkeypox

This review examines the known neurologic complications of smallpox and monkeypox, including their complications from vaccination. The study highlights the importance of understanding these neurological effects to improve treatment and prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 20, 2022

Plant breeding: Using “invisible” chromosomes to pass on packages of positive traits

Researchers at KIT have developed a method to suppress nine-tenths of a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas molecular scissors, preventing genetic exchange and allowing positive traits to be passed on together. This technique can improve the efficiency of crop breeding by combining favorable traits in one plant.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Home ownership leads to less happiness than expected

A study by University of Basel economists found that homeownership leads to increased happiness, but not as long as predicted. Status-oriented individuals overestimated the benefits of home ownership, while intrinsically-oriented individuals were more accurate in their expectations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

UF researchers find new sugar substitutes in citrus that could change food and beverage industry

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified eight new sweetener compounds in 11 citrus cultivars, providing a potential solution to reduce sugar content in processed foods while maintaining sweetness. This breakthrough could lead to the development of natural, non-caloric sweeteners for the food industry.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2022

Researchers decipher the mechanism that enables skin cancer to metastasize to the brain - and inhibited its spread by 80%

Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 20, 2022

Updated climate models clouded by scientific biases, researchers find

A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences identifies compensating errors in widely used climate model protocols, known as CMIP6. The researchers analyzed five CMIP6 models and found large uncertainties in cloud microphysical properties, including cloud fraction, liquid water path, and droplet effective radius.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 20, 2022

Treating aneurysms with injectable toothpaste-like biomaterials

Researchers have developed an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel that exhibits enhanced cohesive strength, resisting fragmentation even under pulsating liquid flows. The gel, similar to toothpaste, retains its structure when force is removed, making it a potential breakthrough in treating critical vascular conditions.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

New study explains link between diabetes and UTIs

Research at Karolinska Institutet shows that people with diabetes have lower levels of psoriasin, a key peptide that weakens the bladder's protective barrier function. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Oestrogen therapy may help regulate the immune response to UTIs in patients with diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Life imitates mica

Helen Hansma proposes that primitive life emerged from precursors corralled between layers of mica, offering a stable environment for molecules to grow and processes to develop. The presence of potassium ions in micaceous clay supports this hypothesis, as cells have high intracellular concentrations of potassium.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 20, 2022