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Science News for April 10, 2023


Tai Chi Chuan may be effective against cognitive decline, study suggests

Researchers found Tai Chi Chuan improved global cognition and physical markers in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. After 36 weeks, the Tai Chi Chuan group showed a significant average improvement of 3.29 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score compared to the baseline.

SourceFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2023

Brain-inspired intelligent robotics: Theoretical analysis and systematic application

A brain-inspired intelligent robotic system is constructed to deal with current limitations, introducing core neural mechanisms and corresponding algorithms. The simulation platform integrates brain-inspired algorithms in vision, decision-making, and movement control, providing efficient tools for researchers.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateApr 10, 2023

Those who avoided COVID-19 precautions early in the pandemic are more likely to buy firearms

A Rutgers study finds that individuals who avoid COVID-19 precautions are more likely to buy firearms, especially those with liberal or moderate political views. These groups also tend to trust less scientific information and have concerns about physical attacks, leading them to prioritize firearm ownership as a means of self-protection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

A new primary care model proves effective for patients with severe mental illness

A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2023

This elephant’s self-taught banana peeling offers glimpse of elephants’ broader abilities

Researchers discovered an Asian elephant named Pang Pha's exceptional banana-peeling ability, which suggests that elephants have impressive cognitive and manipulative skills. The study found that Pha learned to peel bananas through observational learning from humans, challenging the idea that such complex behaviors are unique to humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023

New Study Suggests Cold Imagery Creates Perception of Newness in Advertisements

Researchers from Japan found that cold imagery can positively influence consumer behavior and perception about a product, increasing perceived ambiguity and newness. This study suggests using background images related to coldness in advertisements may be an effective way for marketers to communicate product newness without altering the...

SourceSophia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists advocate for integration of biogeography and behavioral ecology to rapidly respond to biodiversity loss

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma advocates for integrating biogeography and behavioral ecology to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to leverage existing biodiversity knowledge into predictive frameworks for addressing biodiversity loss. The authors argue that combining these two fie...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2023

Teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction, MU study finds

A new study found that teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction compared to those who manage their pressure effectively. The research highlights the importance of identifying and adopting healthy coping mechanisms to prevent teacher burnout, which contributes to many teachers leaving the profession.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychology in the Schools·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

View interpolation networks for reproducing the material appearance of specular objects

Researchers developed view interpolation networks to reproduce material appearances of specular objects using images from intermediate viewpoints of four cameras on a sphere. The networks outperformed traditional methods, but future studies are needed to address complex materials and increased degrees of freedom.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateApr 10, 2023

Do all fungi matter? Yes, new study argues

A recent study found large groups of fungi that don't form fruiting bodies and can't be grown in labs, highlighting their ecological importance. The authors suggest modifying nomenclature rules to describe these 'dark fungi', which could prove to be the dominant lifestyle in the fungal kingdom.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.

Scientists show how we can anticipate rather than react to extinction in mammals

Researchers developed a model that predicts which species are at risk of becoming threatened or extinct based on climate change, human population growth, and land use patterns. The study aims to shift conservation efforts from reactive to proactive, enabling the protection of species before they reach threatened status.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023

Stow­aways in the genome

Researchers found over 30,000 unknown viruses integrated into the DNA of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, including algae and human parasites. These 'virophages' may protect their hosts from giant virus infections by reprogramming them to build virophages.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2023

Study shows families making choices that perpetuate segregation in city with school choice policy

Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalUrban Education·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 10, 2023

Study shows involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness may cause significant spikes in mortality, overdoses and hospitalizations

A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023

Swimming pools of the rich make cities thirsty

Research reveals that social inequalities are driving urban water crises in cities worldwide, with affluent individuals consuming a disproportionate share of water for leisure activities. The study suggests that addressing unsustainable water consumption among the wealthy is crucial to reducing these crises.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023

Breaking inert bonds: Multicomponent catalysts pave the way for green chemistry and green carbon science

Researchers explored multicomponent electrocatalysts for activating and converting inert bonds in CO2 and N2. Three models were developed: Type I, II, and III, offering advantages in stability, activity, and reaction processes. Future directions involve scaling up and integrating these processes into industrial applications.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2023

How cancer evades immune system detection and spreads

Research discovers how cancer cells evade immune system detection and metastasize in the body. Pre-metastatic cells and exhausted CD8+ cells are identified as key players in this process. The study explores ways to target these pathways and activate immune responses to block metastasis.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2023

Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment

The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 10, 2023

Giant, swimming mouths: Oral dimensions of extant sharks do not accurately predict body size in Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira)

A new study challenges previous estimates of Dunkleosteus' size, finding that mouth dimensions of extant sharks do not reliably estimate body size. The research suggests arthrodires have larger mouths relative to their body length than sharks, leading to biologically illogical body shapes and likely suffocation due to small gills.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 10, 2023

Rooting out how plants control nitrogen use

Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 2023

Prior treatments influence immunotherapy response in advanced melanoma

A study published in Cancer Cell found that prior treatments, such as CTLA-4 blockade, modify the response to anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapy. The research analyzed data from over 500 patients and identified key factors associated with treatment response. This finding may help scientists create more precise future treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Combination therapy overcomes BET inhibitor resistance

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a novel combination therapy approach that uses both BET and GSK3 inhibitors against KMT2A mutated leukemia, overcoming drug resistance without increasing toxicity. The approach was confirmed in cell lines and xenograft mouse models, and holds promise for further development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Study unravels pathophysiological role of Dectin-1 in promoting colorectal cancer

A study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identified Dectin-1's role in promoting colorectal cancer by enhancing PGE2 production and suppressing IL-22BP expression. The study used mouse models and clinical samples to validate the findings, which have immediate clinical implications for CRC patients.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Penn Medicine study reveals new insights on brain development sequence through adolescence

A Penn Medicine study identified a developmental sequence in brain maturation during adolescence, revealing regions supporting cognitive and social functions remain malleable until late adolescence. The study found that socioeconomic environments have a significant impact on brain development in these regions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 10, 2023