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Science News for April 19, 2023


‘Antibiotic culture’ permeates US hospital ICUs

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found a significant 'antibiotic culture' in US hospital ICUs, with up to 70% of patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics. The preference for antibiotics is driven by urgency, hierarchy, and uncertainty, leading to increased use despite antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

A myth no more: Cranberry products can prevent urinary tract infections for women

A global study published in Cochrane Reviews found that consuming cranberry products reduces the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter. The review also showed benefits for children and people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions, with minimal side effects reported.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023

Dr. Dae Kim to be honored with the 2023 Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation Award at #AGS23

Dae Kim, MD, MPH, ScD, will receive the 2023 Thomas and Catherine Yoshikawa Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Clinical Investigation Award for his work on frailty research. His contributions have significantly impacted clinical care, particularly in primary care groups using the claims-based frailty index to risk stratify patients.

Study shows human tendency to help others is universal

A new study found that people of diverse cultures, including those from England, Italy, Poland, and Russia, tend to help others in everyday life. The researchers analyzed video recordings of social interactions in 350 individuals from eight languages and cultures and found that the human tendency to help others is a universal principle.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Human rights a thing of the past? Google says: No

Researchers analyzed Google Trends data to understand interest in human rights globally, finding steady demand across the globe. Key findings suggest that people in countries like Uganda and Guatemala frequently search for information on human rights, with relative rates surpassing those of other important concepts like malaria.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateApr 19, 2023

THE LANCET: Minimum unit pricing for alcohol associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Fish and bottlenose dolphins react differently to life in noisy shipping corridor of Charleston Harbor Estuary, with fish calls and choruses decreasing with anthropogenic noise, and dolphins ramping up vocalizations

Researchers found fish and bottlenose dolphins react differently to life in noisy shipping corridor of Charleston Harbor Estuary. Fish calls and choruses decreased with increasing anthropogenic noise, while dolphins ramped up their vocalizations. This study highlights the impact of human activities on marine wildlife.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 19, 2023

Online tool found to be effective at assessing dementia risk

A new online tool, CogDrisk, has been found to be effective in assessing dementia risk, providing a personalized report for patients and GPs. The tool uses a combination of statistical methods and modifiable risk factors to predict dementia risk, including physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023

Childhood abuse and biological sex linked to epigenetic changes in functional neurological disorder

A study by Brigham researchers reveals that childhood trauma and biological sex are associated with epigenetic changes in functional movement/conversion disorder. Female patients and those with an history of childhood trauma show distinct profiles of epigenetic changes linked to this condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateApr 19, 2023

Income inequality may not be reliable predictor when it comes to population health outcomes, new URI study shows

A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of Health Population and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Mind-body connection is built into brain, study suggests

A recent study published in Nature has identified specific brain areas that integrate planning, purpose, physiology, behavior, and movement. Researchers found that stimulating certain areas of the brain can calm both the body and mind, providing new insights into the mind-body connection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

A study by Ohio State University researchers found Steenstrup Glacier in Greenland is retreating at an unprecedented rate, with a 5-mile retreat and quadrupled velocity between 2018 and 2021. The glacier's rapid change reveals that even long-term stable glaciers are susceptible to sudden and rapid retreat due to warming waters.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with vascular disease have worse symptoms, bypass outcomes

A study of over 7,000 patients found that Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with vascular disease have more severe symptoms before bypass surgery and are at greater risk for amputation and other complications after the procedure. Advanced disease accounted for up to half the effect of race on odds for amputation after ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Climate change may keep India from achieving its sustainable development goals

A recent study suggests that India's recurrent heatwaves have a significant socioeconomic impact on the country, weakening its progress toward achieving sustainable development goals. The study found that nearly 90% of the country is in danger zone from heatwave impact and around 20% is highly vulnerable to climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 19, 2023

Scientists identify 2022 sea urchin killer

Researchers identified a single-celled organism called a scuticociliate as the cause of a massive die-off event among long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean and along Florida's east coast. The team used genomic techniques and lab experiments to confirm the source of the die-off, replicating what was observed in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

UVA-developed artificial pancreas benefits both kids and adults with diabetes, new analysis finds

A recent analysis of three clinical trials found that the UVA-developed artificial pancreas improved blood sugar control by 13 percentage points and decreased hemoglobin A1c levels. The device spent an average of 2.8 more hours per day in target blood sugar range, benefiting both kids and adults with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2023

Warm-up time corrects creativity power imbalance

Researchers at Cornell University found that employees who are not in positions of power can become more creative when given time to warm up to a task by engaging in it multiple times. This challenges the idea that power boosts creativity and suggests a simple intervention to empower all employees.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 19, 2023

Drones over Texas reveal agricultural damage caused by wild pigs

Researchers used drones to capture images of corn fields damaged by wild pigs in Texas, finding an average loss of 3,416 kg of corn per hectare and a direct cost to producers of up to $48.24 per hectare. The damage occurred mainly in later growth stages, when corn ears were maturing.

SourceWiley·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateApr 19, 2023

Wellbeing-related factors linked with EU economic growth

A new study reveals that certain wellbeing-related factors, such as household income, internet access, and air pollution levels, are associated with economic growth in European Union countries. Western Europe's strong link to economic growth is attributed to disposable household income, inter-regional mobility, and housing, whereas Cen...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Novel oxychloride shows high stability and oxide-ion conduction through interstitial oxygen site

A new Bi-containing compound, LaBi1.9Te0.1O4.05Cl, exhibits high chemical and electrical stability and a high oxide-ion conductivity superior to other materials at low temperatures. The unique mechanism underlying the high conductivity is explained by an interstitialcy migration of oxide ions through the lattice and interstitial sites.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Study links “stuck” stem cells to hair turning gray

Researchers found that melanocyte stem cells, responsible for hair color, lose their ability to mature and maintain hair color as people age due to getting stuck in the skin. The study showed that these 'stuck' cells cease regenerative behavior when they're no longer exposed to WNT signaling, leading to graying and loss of hair color.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

X-ray analysis sheds new light on prehistoric predator’s last meal

Researchers at ANU and AMRI used micro-CT scans to study a fossilized plesiosaur's stomach contents, finding 17 previously undiscovered fish vertebrae. This study provides insights into the evolutionary history of extinct organisms and helps predict how modern marine life may respond to climate change.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Eco-computing

A study at Kyoto University has demonstrated the computational power of ecological networks, providing a new direction for rapidly developing AI technologies. The researchers developed two types of ecological reservoir computing that efficiently process information and can be utilized as a computational resource.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 19, 2023

Tribal water rights underutilized in U.S. West

A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Applying AI to crack the problem of safer, better petroleum processing

Artificial intelligence is being used to improve the fluidic catalytic cracking process, a key step in making heavy crude oil into gasoline and other products. The method uses neural networks to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that can signal potential issues or opportunities, leading to better safety, efficiency, a...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalBig Data Mining and Analytics·DateApr 19, 2023

Why this bird flu is different: scientists say new avian influenza requires urgent coordinated response

A highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, is spreading rapidly in the US, decimating wild birds and impacting poultry, with egg prices soaring. The study's findings highlight the need for unprecedented coordination to manage the spread of the disease, which may become endemic, posing risks to food security and the economy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

Low temperatures increase the risk of sickness absence, especially for women, young people and third sector professionals

A study in Barcelona found that low temperatures increase sickness absence risk due to infectious and respiratory diseases. Women, young people, and those working in services sectors with non-manual tasks in indoor spaces are most affected. Sickness absences can last from two to six days after exposure to cold weather.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalFrontiers·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Does taking traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects?

A multicentre prospective cohort study found that women using traditional Chinese medicine before and during pregnancy had a 2.1-times higher risk of congenital malformations compared to those without exposure. The study identified significant associations with early pregnant use and the use of two or more types of products.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateApr 19, 2023

How does a millipede get its legs?

New research reveals that millipede segments contain tiny bundles of legs, which appear as transparent protrusions before molting. This discovery could help understand how not only millipedes but also other arthropods grow and develop.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Study suggests strong sense of purpose in life promotes cognitive resilience among middle-aged adults

A strong sense of purpose in life promotes greater connectivity within the brain's Default Mode Network, which may help protect against cognitive decline. Middle-aged adults with a higher purpose in life show lower levels of brain burden and better cognitive performance.

Research shows how organizations evaluate whether to imitate or differentiate when a competitor adopts new technology

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal found that organizations serving more difficult customer needs tend to defer investment, while those addressing easier problems accelerate adoption of the same technology. The researchers emphasized the importance of letting customers drive strategy around adopting a technology, reg...

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

UCR team creates “quantum composites” for various electrical and optical innovations

Researchers at UCR created quantum composites that exhibit functionality at a wide range of temperatures, offering potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and reflective coatings. The materials showed an unusually high ability to store electricity, with increased dielectric constant values.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Does weight loss surgery harm adolescents’ bones?

A study found that sleeve gastrectomy decreases bone mineral density and strength in adolescents and young adults. Participants who underwent weight loss surgery lost significant amounts of weight and experienced reductions in abdominal fat tissue and muscle mass.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 19, 2023

Study finds that child victims of violence face long-term psychological effects

A study found that young adults who experienced gunshot, stab, or assault wounds as children have significantly higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. Ten respondents screened positive for probable PTSD, and nearly 17% reported persistent symptoms related to their injury.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

How opioid drugs get into our cells

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateApr 19, 2023

Eating walnuts on a regular basis could benefit adolescents' cognitive development and contribute to their psychological maturation

A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine found that eating walnuts on a regular basis can improve attention functions, fluid intelligence, and behavior in adolescents with ADHD. The research, led by the IISPV, suggests that following a healthy diet is crucial for cognitive development during adolescence.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2023

New viruses related to both giant viruses and herpesviruses

A new group of DNA viruses, mirusviruses, has been discovered in marine plankton, linking them to both giant viruses and herpesviruses. The discovery reveals that the ancestors of herpes viruses once infected single-cell organisms, while the majority of mirusvirus genes share similarities with those of giant viruses.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2023

Sugar-sweetened beverages linked with increased risk of premature death for people with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Nagoya University researchers in Japan develop a new ultra-high-density sulfonic acid polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells

Nagoya University researchers have developed a poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-based PEM with an ultrahigh density of sulfonic acid groups, exceeding five times that of typical commercially available membranes. The new membrane exhibits a proton conductivity of 0.93 S/cm at 80°C under 90%RH, six times higher than Nafion or Selemion under th...

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateApr 19, 2023

Researchers cultivate microalgae for biofuel production

The study analyzed the growth and productivity of Botryococcus terribilis under different cultivation systems. Stress increased the production of lipids and hydrocarbons by 49% and 29%, respectively, while proteins decreased. The microalgae's metabolites have potential applications in biofuel synthesis, cosmetics, and food.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomass Conversion and Biorefinery·DateApr 19, 2023

Clinical trial improves neurocognitive outcomes for childhood craniopharyngioma

A phase 2 clinical trial found improved neurocognitive outcomes and comparable survival rates for children with craniopharyngioma treated with proton therapy compared to photon therapy. The study highlights the therapeutic advantage of proton therapy in sparing normal brain tissue and reducing collateral effects.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2023

Heat highway

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo have found that phonons in isotopically pure carbon can behave like a fluid, allowing for faster heat conduction. This phenomenon, known as phonon Poiseuille flow, has implications for cooling sensitive computer processors and improving efficiency in electron...

Plate tectonic processes in the Pacific and Atlantic during the Cretaceous period have shaped the Caribbean region to this day

Researchers used computer simulations to understand the formation of new subduction zones and the development of the Caribbean large igneous province. The study found that simultaneous subduction of two plates led to a major mantle flow, triggering the formation of a plume and extensive magmatic activity.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2023

Killer heatwaves endanger India’s development

A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge found that deadly heatwaves fueled by climate change made almost 90 percent of Indians more vulnerable to public health issues, food shortages, and increased risks of death. The study suggests that India's national Climate Vulnerability Indicator underestimates the main risks ...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Climate·DateApr 19, 2023

Fluorescent aromatic nanobelts with unique size-dependent properties

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized methylene-bridged [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]MCPPs) with varying ring sizes, exhibiting unique properties such as fluorescence and paratropic belt currents. The discovery has significant implications for studying magnetic properties of aromatic nanobelts.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Can a healthy diet prevent prostate cancer?

A study of 15,296 men found that a healthy Mediterranean or Prudent diet had no impact on prostate cancer risk, while an unhealthy Western diet may increase the risk of aggressive tumors. The findings suggest avoiding Western-style diet products and adopting Mediterranean diet habits could help prevent aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 19, 2023