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Science News for April 13, 2023


Gentle method allows for eco-friendly recycling of solar cells

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new recycling method for solar cells that uses acidic solutions to separate precious metals. The process recovers up to 100% of the silver and 85% of the indium, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional methods.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Researchers discover tiny galaxy with big star power using James Webb telescope

Researchers have discovered a tiny galaxy with big star power using the James Webb Space Telescope, providing new insights into the universe's early stars. The galaxy is one of the smallest ever discovered at this distance—around 500 million years after the Big Bang—and generated new stars at an extremely high rate for its size.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

One of first studies to assess new bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine shows it is highly effective in reducing deaths and hospitalizations

A new study found that the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine reduced hospitalization and death risks by 72% and 68%, respectively, in adults aged 65 years and older. The study highlights the importance of bivalent booster vaccination in high-risk populations.

Stay CALM when the heart skips a beat

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a genetic mutation that causes lethal arrhythmia in humans. The study found that a novel variant of the CALM2 gene produces robust arrhythmogenicity in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty, a novel treatment for chronic blood clots in lung arteries, gives patients a new lease on life, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University study shows

A novel treatment approach called balloon pulmonary angioplasty has been shown to be effective in treating chronic blood clots in lung arteries. The procedure improves exercise capacity and quality of life, with some patients able to stop medications altogether. Refinements in technique have improved the procedure's safety and efficacy.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateApr 13, 2023

Dr. Debra Saliba to deliver the Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture at #AGS23, focusing on giving voice to frail older adults so that the care and services they receive are more targeted to their needs and goals

Dr. Debra Saliba will deliver the Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture at AGS23, focusing on improving care for frail older adults by targeting their needs and goals. Dr. Saliba has over 25 years of experience leading geriatrics research across the continuum of care.

East African grassy woodlands appeared 10 million years earlier than thought, influencing hominoid evolution

Scientists discovered that savannah grasses existed in East Africa over 21 million years ago, transforming the landscape and driving skeletal adaptations in early hominoids. This finding challenges a longstanding theory and supports the idea that C4 grasses led to open landscapes that promoted hominoid evolution.

First Nations populations at greater risk of severe flu, research finds

A new study by the Peter Doherty Institute found that First Nations populations are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and die from influenza compared to non-Indigenous populations. Influenza-associated hospitalization and mortality rates were consistently higher in First Nations communities globally.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

One brain, multiple and simultaneous alternative decision strategies

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the brain can compute multiple alternative decision strategies simultaneously, which may facilitate cognitive flexibility and learning. Researchers used a 'virtual reality' setup to study mice searching for water in a virtual world, finding that the brain activity patterns reflected...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Low-professionalism residents later draw higher patient complaints: Study

A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that early-career physicians who scored lower on professionalism and interpersonal communication skills during their residency are more likely to receive unsolicited patient complaints in their first year of employment. The study tracked 9,340 residents and found a strong ass...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 13, 2023

T-cell vaccine for COVID-19 may last longer than current vaccines

A new AI-generated vaccine targeting T-cells provides broad coverage against future COVID-19 variants, potentially lasting longer than current antibody-based vaccines. This innovation has the potential to be used for seasonal flu and other vaccines, offering a long-lasting solution to emerging viral diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 13, 2023

[EMBARGOED] The 2020 election saw fewer people clicking on misinformation websites, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford study found that nearly half of Americans visited unreliable websites during the 2020 U.S. election, a decline from 44.3% in 2016. The study suggests that education and mitigation efforts to identify misinformation are working. However, experts caution that exposure to misinformation can still have serious consequences.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

NUS researchers report potential new treatment for leaky gut using milk-derived extracellular vesicles

Scientists discover that milk-derived extracellular vesicles can repair damaged gut barriers and prevent bacterial toxins from leaking into the bloodstream. The study shows promising results in treating leaky gut syndrome and related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

UC Davis study finds tweets can amplify, disrupt, unite and divide

A UC Davis study analyzed millions of Twitter posts to find that social media can both amplify and disrupt individual issues, leading to both unifying and divisive outcomes. The research highlights the complex nature of social media's impact on public discourse, revealing an oscillation between integrated and segregated communication.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

Patients with IBD at higher risk of lymphoma

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma, particularly those with Crohn's disease. The risk is driven by both the disease activity and treatment, including immunomodulating drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

‘Typography as image’ gets results on trailside signs

A new study published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism found that a 'typography as image' approach was most effective for grabbing attention and conveying messages on trailside signs. The design strategy combines attention capture and elaboration to prompt users to provide more information.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

Implantable device shrinks pancreatic tumors

Researchers have developed an implantable nanofluidic device that delivers CD40 monoclonal antibodies to shrink pancreatic tumors, reducing treatment dosage by fourfold. The device's long-term controlled release avoids systemic side effects, offering a promising alternative for cancer patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Creating an artificial pathologist

A team of scientists at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a method to quickly and accurately diagnose cancer using artificial intelligence and real-time deformability cytometry. The method reduces analysis time from hours to under 30 minutes, enabling faster decision-making during surgery.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Study reveals how pollinators cope with plant toxins

A study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG found that pollinators produce a conserved family of cytochrome P450 enzymes to tackle alkaloid toxins in plants. These enzymes allow bees to safely consume nectar and pollen from toxic plants, shedding light on insect tolerance mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

New study demonstrates hospital safety climate and organizational characteristics predict healthcare-associated infections and occupational health outcomes

A novel study finds that hospitals with positive patient safety climates and high standard precaution adherence have lower rates of healthcare-associated infections and occupational injuries. The study suggests that improving these factors could lead to better patient and worker outcomes.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Model suggests lowering hormone doses in contraceptives

A new computational model suggests that reducing hormone doses in contraceptives could effectively suppress ovulation. The model found that hormone doses could be lowered by up to 92% in estrogen-only contraceptives and 43% in progesterone-only contraceptives, while still preventing ovulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

Channeling mechanical energy in a preferred direction

Researchers at RIKEN have created a composite material that can channel mechanical energy in one direction but not the other, allowing for efficient use of random vibrations. This property is essential for various biological functions and has potential applications in electronics, photonics, magnetism, and sound.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

In sync brainwaves predict learning, study shows

A new study by NYU researchers found that students' brainwaves in sync with their classmates and teacher are more likely to learn better. The study used EEG to track brain activity during lectures, finding that synchrony between brainwaves predicted higher post-lecture test scores.

SourceNew York University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Two-thirds of staff and residents of long-term care facilities in England were infected with COVID-19 during first 2 years of pandemic

A study found that two-thirds of staff and residents in long-term care facilities in England were infected with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022. The analysis, which included over 5,000 individuals, estimated that the true rate of infection was higher due to under-diagnosis during the pandemic.

How did the Andes Mountains get so huge? A new geological research method may hold the answer

Researchers used a novel method to study tectonic plate movement, finding two significant slowdowns in the South American plate over the past 15 million years. These events may have contributed to the widening of the Andes mountain range by causing unstable material to tear free and sink into the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2023

Coral-eating fish poo may act as ‘probiotics’ for reefs

Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Indigenous people in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are three to six times more likely to be hospitalized for influenza than non-Indigenous people, according to meta-analysis

A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 13, 2023

First-in-Canada clinical RNA sequencing platform may improve rare disease diagnostics in pediatrics

A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 13, 2023

Virtual fitting rooms can be a double-edged sword

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that virtual fitting rooms can have a negative impact on consumers with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to decreased self-esteem and lower product evaluations. However, the technology appears to enhance sales for shoppers with a low BMI, highlighting the need for marketing...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

M87 in 3D: New view of galaxy helps pin down mass of the black hole at its core

Astronomers have mapped the M87 galaxy's 3D structure and determined its supermassive black hole has a mass of 5.37 billion times that of the sun. The galaxy's asymmetrical shape allows for more precise measurements, including the rotation rate of 25 kilometers per second around an axis 40 degrees from the long axis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

Researchers find earlier intervention leads to greater improvements in young children on the autism spectrum

Researchers found that starting early intervention coaching at 18 months old led to greater gains in language, social communication, and daily living skills compared to waiting until 27 months. The study provided high-quality evidence for earlier intervention and highlights the importance of screening for autism at 18 months.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

Playing hide and seek with planets

An international team of astronomers has discovered an exoplanet using a combined approach of direct imaging and precision measurements of a star's motion on the sky. The newly found planet, HIP 99770 b, is 14-16 times more massive than Jupiter and orbits just over three times further from its star.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

Why orchid bees concoct their own fragrance

Researchers have solved the mystery of why orchid bees concoct their own fragrance. The bee fragrance serves as a sex attractant and increases the reproductive success of males. The study found that the females are attracted to the scent and that it triggers mating behavior in them.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2023

A rechargeable battery made from food

A team of researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia has developed a totally edible and rechargeable battery cell, utilizing riboflavin and quercetin as anode and cathode. The battery can provide current for small electronic devices and may have applications in health diagnostics, food quality monitoring, and edible soft robotics.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Researchers developed a simple sensor to monitor paracetamol levels in saliva in real-time, enabling personalized treatment and reducing toxic side effects. The device is low-cost, portable, and uses non-invasive collection methods, making it an attractive alternative for therapeutic drug monitoring.

*Free* JWST imaging and spectroscopy of compact galaxy at redshift 9.5 determine some of its physical properties

A recent study using JWST observations of a compact galaxy at redshift 9.5 has provided insights into its physical properties. The analysis reveals that the galaxy has a remarkably small radius of 16.2 parsecs, suggesting high density star formation and an abundance of oxygen and hydrogen.

Good news! Only a modest reduction in added sugars consumption is needed to achieve the Healthy People 2030 target

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that reducing added sugars consumption by an average of 14 to 57 calories per day is sufficient to meet the Healthy People 2030 target. This represents just less than half of a 12-ounce soft drink, and requires minimal changes to dietary habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Study casts doubt on causal link between cognitive ability and obesity

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

A sharper look at the M87 black hole

A machine learning technique called PRIMO has been used to reconstruct a sharper image of the M87 black hole using Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The new image reveals more detailed information about the bright accreting gas and a larger, darker central region.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 13, 2023

Research Brief: Genetic background, social rank identified as factors in aging and lifespan in animals

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that genetic background and social rank are critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in animal models. They discovered that low social status corresponds to a shorter lifespan, but with varying effects depending on the individual's genetic predisposition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

Decade-long project by Baylor researcher and collaborators pushes back the prehistoric timeline in Africa by more than 10 million years

Researchers found evidence of C4 grasses in eastern Africa dating back to around 15 million years ago, contradicting the long-held idea that open habitats proliferated later. The findings suggest that early apes lived in a variety of habitats and that C4 grasses played a significant role in shaping their evolution.

SourceBaylor University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023