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Science News for September 28, 2022


The pros and cons of telemental health

A recent study found that telemental health can be effective in reducing treatment gaps and improving access to mental health care, especially for marginalized groups. However, it is crucial to consider individual preferences, circumstances, and technological access when implementing this approach.

SourceKing's College London·JournalInteractive Journal of Medical Research·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2022

Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA, are associated with increased attention scores in adolescents

A study of 332 adolescents found that higher levels of DHA were associated with better selective and sustained attention, while ALA was linked to lower impulsivity. The results suggest the importance of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain development.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

New York City coyotes do not need to rely on human food

Researchers analyzed DNA from coyote fecal samples to understand their diet in NYC. They found that coyotes eat a variety of native prey species, including raccoons and deer, as well as human-sourced food items. Urban coyotes consumed ~60% human food, while non-urban coyotes ate a wider range of natural food items.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Machine learning creates opportunity for new personalized therapies

Researchers developed a computational platform to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer genes, suggesting opportunities for targeted therapies. The study found that certain genetic alterations can create vulnerabilities in cancer cell metabolism, which can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Surface mapping a reliable diagnostic tool for gut health

Researchers at University of Auckland developed a non-invasive surface mapping tool to detect gastric slow wave activity, identifying two distinct disease subgroups in chronic nausea and vomiting syndromes. The technology has proven reliable for recording bio-electrical activity on the gut's surface and detecting changes in electromagn...

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Revealing the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals

Researchers reconstructed the genome organization of the earliest common ancestor of all mammals using high-quality genome sequences from 32 living species. The study reveals that the mammal ancestor had 19 autosomal chromosomes and conserved gene blocks across modern mammalian genomes.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville trial shows that a bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery method

A bionic pancreas, which automatically delivers insulin based on blood glucose levels, was more effective than standard care at maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The study, funded by NIDDK and conducted at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, found the device to require less user input and provide more automation.

SourceNemours·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2022

Researchers refute common sleep myths about adolescents held by parents and caregivers

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers surveyed parents and caregivers, finding that more than two-thirds believed in the top three most salient myths about sleep. The authors refute these myths, citing studies showing varying sleep schedules on weekends can worsen sleep, delayed school start times result in increased slee...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSleep Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

Scientists create 'non-psychedelic' compound with same anti-depressant effect

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, UC San Francisco, Yale, Duke, and Stanford have developed a new compound that targets the same brain cell receptor as psychedelic drugs but triggers long-lasting antidepressant action without psychedelic effects. The compound is patented by Yale, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UCSF and licensed to Onsero.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Brazilian soybean growers’ use of biofertilizer is highlighted by a leading science journal

Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2022

Immune function remodeled by mitochondrial shape

A new study led by Erika Pearce at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the shape and function of mitochondria in Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling their autoimmune activity. The researchers identified several molecules, including LKB1, that can influence this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic modifications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

Research Brief: Explanations behind possible link between increased risk of most common childhood cancer and people with obesity prior to pregnancy

Researchers investigated the possible connection between maternal obesity and an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Changes in fetal epigenetics, insulin-like growth factor profiles, and immune cell populations have been proposed as potential explanations for this association.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalLeukemia Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Machine learning helps scientists peer (a second) into the future

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new machine learning method called next-generation reservoir computing that can learn spatiotemporal chaotic systems in a fraction of the time. The algorithm is more accurate and uses less training data, making it easier to predict complex physical processes like Earth's weather.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

The process of waves carrying plasma heat is observed for the first time in the world

Researchers at National Institutes of Natural Sciences observe plasma heating due to electromagnetic waves for the first time. They used a new measurement system to capture ultrahigh-speed data, revealing that Landau damping transfers energy from high-energy particles to electromagnetic waves, which then heat the plasma.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Did the pandemic change our personalities?

A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

How fish survive the extreme pressures of life in the oceans

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found a molecule called TMAO that helps marine organisms withstand high pressure in the deep oceans. The study used neutron scattering to analyze how TMAO strengthens and stabilizes the hydrogen bonding in water molecules, allowing them to resist extreme pressure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Dogs can smell when we’re stressed, study suggests

A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Study links cold water shock to catastrophic coral collapse in the Eastern Pacific

A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Evangelical Christians were less likely to get COVID-19 vaccine after conversations with faith leaders

A VCU-led study found that evangelical Christians who sought information from their religious leaders were less likely to get vaccinated, while those who spoke with a health care provider were more likely. The study highlights the influence of faith-based and healthcare providers on vaccine decision-making.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 28, 2022

Edward Chouchani, PhD (Dana-Farber) and Ömer Yilmaz, MD, PhD (MIT) receive 2022 Breakthroughs In Gerontology (BIG) Awards from The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR

Edward Chouchani, PhD, and Ömer Yilmaz, MD, PhD, will use the BIG Award to investigate redox active metabolites' role in longevity and age, and their impact on intestinal stem cells. Their research may lead to new therapeutics targeting human aging and healthspan.

Brain development of the preterm baby is improved by supporting emotional connection with the parent

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has found that supporting emotional connections between mothers and their premature infants can significantly improve brain development in these babies. The researchers measured the brain network functions of premature infants at term age after receiving either standard care or...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 28, 2022

Novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system developed by University of Rochester researchers could mean near-instant biopsy results

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system that can detect basal cell carcinoma with perfect accuracy and squamous cell carcinoma with high accuracy. The system shortens the biopsy process to two minutes, enabling immediate treatment decisions for patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Exposure to air pollution worsens COVID-19 outcomes, even among the fully vaccinated

Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Haze pollution levels exhibit short-term seesaw behavior over North China Plain

Researchers observed a short-term 'seesaw' phenomenon in haze pollution over the North China Plain, with periods of high pollution followed by low haze levels. The study suggests that sudden changes in atmospheric movement linked to abnormal sea surface temperatures are responsible for this behavior.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

Compostable bioleather offers sustainable solutions for the clothing industry and beyond

Researchers at Columbia Engineering created a compostable bioleather with superior flame-retardance and low environmental impact. The microbial nanocellulose (MC) bioleather has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than synthetic leather or cotton, making it an attractive alternative to traditional leather.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalEnvironmental Science Advances·DateSep 28, 2022

From droplet to discovery

Researchers found that proteins coalesce into a liquid droplet to process and relay information in stem cells, which could be a target for cancer therapies. The droplet's unique structure enables efficient processing of proteins, making it a crucial component in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2022

Are extreme heat waves happening more than expected? UCLA research says not yet

A new study by UCLA climate scientist Karen McKinnon found that the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave was roughly a once-in-10,000-years event. The research analyzed historical trends and climate model simulations, concluding that climate change is increasing heat waves and average summer temperatures at the same pace.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 28, 2022

Men's experiences of sexual racism differ in two online dating communities

A recent survey found that 99% of Black men in online dating reported encountering racialized sexual discrimination. Men who primarily used Grindr reported more frequent instances of white men rejecting them due to their skin color, while those who used Jack'd experienced greater prevalence of same-race physical objectification. These ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

A next-generation liquid biopsy detects nano-sized signs of breast cancer in early-stage patients, USC researchers find.

A USC-led team has found indications for an early breast cancer detection method using high-definition liquid biopsies. The test detected multiple cancer biomarkers, including 'oncosomes,' in the blood samples of most early-stage breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2022

Action must be taken to help retain older anesthetists to prevent staff shortage of 11,000 by 2040, preventing more than 8 million operations

The UK anaesthesia workforce is facing a large-scale staff shortage of 11,000 by 2040, primarily due to the retirement of experienced anaesthetists. The paper proposes solutions such as part-time working, standardized retire-and-return policies, and addressing health and educational needs of anaesthetists as they age.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateSep 28, 2022

Molecular engineering toward sustainable development of multiple-doped hierarchical porous carbons for superior zinc ion storage

Researchers developed a novel material fabrication strategy to create highly porous carbons with multiple heteroatoms doping, achieving outstanding storage capacities and performance. The strategy enables the design of carbon materials for different applications without compromising environmental issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateSep 28, 2022

Engineering robust and scalable molecular qubits

Molecular qubits are more stable in asymmetric environments, according to a study published in Physical Review X. This discovery opens new doors for potential applications of emerging technology. The asymmetric environment provides coherence protection, allowing the qubits to keep their quantum information even in chaotic places.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 28, 2022

Two birds one stone strategy to treat both joint pain and cognitive impairment in rheumatoid arthritis

A study found that aberrant expression of MAO-B causes both peripheral and neuroinflammation in RA patients, leading to joint pain and cognitive impairment. Administering an MAO-B inhibitor called KDS2010 improved both joint inflammation and cognitive function in a RA animal model.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists could help close the gender gap in STEM

Research suggests that encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists can increase their persistence in science activities, counteracting negative gender stereotypes. By pretending to be a scientist, girls may psychologically distance themselves from biases and feel more engaged in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Engineers discover new process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots that grow like plants

Researchers developed a plant-inspired extrusion process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots to create new material and navigate obstacles. This technology has applications in remote areas and biomedical fields, potentially reducing the need for expensive machinery.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Chinese researchers reveal SERCA2a as a molecular link between insulin resistance and the early pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

A recent study published in Life Metabolism found that impaired phosphorylation of SERCA2a plays a bidirectional role in myocardial insulin resistance, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, and the early stages of DCM. This mechanism involves the regulation of protein stability and insulin receptor maturation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Lunar glass shows Moon asteroid impacts mirrored on Earth

A Curtin-led research team found asteroid impacts on the Moon millions of years ago coincide with large meteorite impacts on Earth, such as the one that wiped out dinosaurs. The study also reveals that major impact events on Earth were accompanied by smaller impacts, providing new insights into asteroid dynamics.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

New 3D printing method designed by Stanford engineers promises faster printing with multiple materials

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a new 3D printing method called injection CLIP (iCLIP) that is 5-10 times faster than the quickest high-resolution printer currently available. This technology allows for the use of multiple types of resin in a single object, enabling the creation of complex objects with varying properti...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 28, 2022

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

A new 3D printing technique allows for the mass production of customized electronic machines, enabling advanced applications in robotics, medical devices, and others. This breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing by providing a cost-effective solution for producing sensors in smaller volumes.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Kidney resident macrophages have distinct subpopulations and occupy distinct microenvironments

Researchers identified seven distinct subpopulations of kidney resident macrophages, each with unique transcriptomic signatures and functions. These subpopulations are associated with different portions of the nephron and have distinct roles in protecting the kidney from infection and maintaining tissue health.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Focusing on complex waves

A team from Kyoto University has demonstrated that deep-water wave groups can propagate independently, regardless of interference. This finding challenges existing understanding of ocean waves and has implications for fields like offshore engineering and plasma physics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

An emergency department-based ICU improves survival without raising costs, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that the Emergency Critical Care Center within an emergency department improved patient survival rates without increasing costs. The ED-ICU model reduced total direct cost per encounter by 22.1% for critically ill patients, likely due to early, coordinated critical care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

In a study recently published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at Juntendo University unravel a biomolecule that mitigates eczema in mice

A team of researchers at Juntendo University has identified a biomolecule called human-β-defensin-3 (hBD-3) that can mitigate eczema in mice by regulating autophagy and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway. This discovery provides new insights into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and potential therapeutic solutions.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

DryEyeRhythm: A reliable, valid, and non-invasive app to assess dry eye disease

A new smartphone application, DryEyeRhythm, uses cameras to measure blink characteristics and administer questionnaires for diagnosing dry eye disease. The app has been validated in a study, showing high reliability and validity in assessing DED, with promising implications for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalThe Ocular Surface·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022

Optical magic: New flat glass enables optimal visual quality for augmented reality goggles

Researchers at Columbia University have invented a flat lens that exclusively focuses light of a selected color, appearing transparent until illuminated with the correct wavelength. The device overcomes challenges in conventional AR glasses, enabling unattenuated and undistorted vision of both real-world scenes and contextual information.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 28, 2022

CHOP's food allergy bravery clinic helps kids with food allergies overcome anxiety

A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateSep 28, 2022

Arrayed chirality

A team of researchers from Osaka University used computer simulations to model the optical radiation force distribution induced by an interference pattern, enabling the fabrication of nano-sized structures with chiral properties. This technology has the potential to create new optical devices, such as chirality sensors.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Active matter, curved spaces: Mini robots learn to ‘swim’ on stretchy surfaces

Researchers used small wheeled robots to study indirect mechanical interactions on deformable surfaces, finding that active matter can interact through non-contact forces. They created a model to control collective behavior by modifying robot design, mirroring celestial bodies' paths in Einstein's General Relativity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022