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Science News for April 27, 2023


CityU establishes the first UNESCO Regional Training and Research Centre on coastal contaminant monitoring in Hong Kong for the Western Pacific region

The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been approved to establish the first UNESCO Regional Training and Research Centre on coastal contaminant monitoring in Hong Kong, focusing on the Western Pacific region. The centre aims to strengthen marine pollution monitoring, promote innovative technologies, and facilitate international r...

Multi-phase veteran engagement leads to first survey tailored to address employment barriers and strategies for injured veterans

Researchers have adapted a nationally representative survey to reflect the employment experiences of veterans with spinal cord injury, addressing chronic high unemployment. The KFNEDS-Veteran Survey aims to learn about how employers approach hiring, accommodating, and advancing these veterans.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2023

How spheres become worms

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns, OSU study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts for adolescents stuck in negative thought spirals. The study, led by Hannah Lawrence, suggests that mental imagery can help break up the thought spiral and seek help from a therapist or support system.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Researchers develop high-performance 2D pseudocapacitive multi-electron reaction lithium storage material

Researchers developed a high-performance 2D pseudocapacitive multi-electron reaction lithium storage material, exhibiting high capacity and ultrafast charging capabilities. The material showed improved electronic and ionic conductivity, reducing polarization and increasing overall energy density.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 2023

AI breakthrough in detecting leading cause of childhood blindness

A deep learning AI model has been developed to screen for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants at risk of blindness. The tool was trained on images of newborns and found to be as effective as senior paediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2023

Improving geriatric surgical quality is feasible for a wide range of hospitals

A national pilot program evaluated the implementation of geriatric surgery standards in eight hospitals with variable sizes and resources, finding high levels of compliance. The study highlights the scalability and feasibility of the program, which aims to optimize care for older adults in a wide range of hospital settings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 27, 2023

Novel biomarker score could help measure adherence to Mediterranean diet

Researchers developed a novel biomarker-based indicator of the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates levels of fatty acids and carotenoids in blood. The study found that those with higher scores had lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, suggesting a stronger link than self-reported diet adherence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023

Liverpool begins first human trial of new Zika vaccine

The University of Liverpool is conducting a Phase I trial of a new Zika virus vaccine designed for pregnant women, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The vaccine aims to generate highly protective and long-lasting immunity against the mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe foetal birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2023

Bold new therapy delivery method shows initial promise as treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A new therapy delivery method, using modified viruses engineered with fusogens Myomaker and Myomerger, shows promise as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The vector can deliver a vital gene needed for muscle function to cells, potentially providing a lifelong supply of the missing gene.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Hollings team IDs protein that helps cancer cells in cell division process

A research team from the Medical University of South Carolina identified a protein called TACC3 that enables cancer cells to successfully divide despite an abnormality that should lead to their death. This discovery offers new hope for developing targeted therapies to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 27, 2023

Better cryoprotection for red blood cells

Researchers have discovered ultra-thin metal-organic layers that prevent ice crystal formation in red blood cells during freezing and thawing. These nanolayers, made from metal-organic frameworks based on hafnium, show excellent cryoprotection at minimal concentrations, potentially leading to new and efficient cryoprotectants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

AI in the ICU

A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has developed an AI-based system to help clinicians make decisions quickly and precisely in the ICU. The system, called the AI Clinician Explorer, provides recommendations for treating sepsis based on data from over 18,000 patients.

In yeast, altering genetic circuitry that controls how an aging cell dies enhances longevity

Researchers engineered a synthetic gene oscillator in yeast cells, manipulating the expression of two transcriptional regulators to create sustained oscillations between cellular degeneration states. This delay enhances lifespan by 82%, offering a proof-of-concept for using synthetic biology to reprogram cellular aging. The findings ma...

In a ‘rapid autopsy’ study, UCLA researchers identify lethal molecular alterations after present-day therapies fail patients with metastatic melanoma

Researchers analyzed genetic changes in organs of recently deceased patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma to understand how the disease spreads and evolves. They found that cancer cells take advantage of specific organ environments, pointing to the need for distinct treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Ant mounds are more important for biodiversity than previously thought

New research reveals that ant mounds on Danish heathlands are crucial for biodiversity. The heat and nutrients from these structures create a unique environment that allows certain plant species to thrive. This finding highlights the importance of preserving ant mounds as part of efforts to mitigate the biodiversity crisis.

SourceAarhus University·JournalArthropod-Plant Interactions·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023

Novel combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy may provide new treatment option in bone cancer

Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target and developed a unique delivery system to treat osteosarcoma, a bone cancer primarily affecting children and adolescents. The novel combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy may improve treatment outcomes and aid in the repair of damaged bones during chemotherapy.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2023

Higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in American children

A recent study found that American children are experiencing higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, with special education services increasing by 10.4%. Poor nutrition and heavy metal exposure, particularly in ultra-processed foods, are thought to be primary epigenetic factors contributing to the developme...

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Clinical Pediatrics·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2023

*Free* Zoonomia Project: Genomes from 240 mammalian species explain human disease risks, uncommon mammalian traits, and beyond

The Zoonomia Project has cataloged the diversity in the genomes of 240 mammalian species, providing insights into human health and disease. The research identifies regions of the human genome that have remained unchanged for millions of years and reveals genetic variants linked to rare and common diseases.

Comparing the genes of 240 species of mammals—and one famous dog—offers a powerful new approach for understanding biology and evolutionary history

Researchers have compared the genes of 240 species of mammals, including a famous sled dog named Balto, to gain insights into biological and evolutionary processes. The study identifies pinpointing genes that underlie complex traits like hibernation and brain size.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

How dormant bacteria come back to life

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Is the ocean a solution for ushering in the era of environmentally friendly energy?

Researchers at POSTECH developed seawater batteries with improved performance by incorporating chelating agents, overcoming limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The new design achieved high energy efficiency and capacity, making it a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateApr 27, 2023

Racism prevalent in US labor and delivery rooms

A recent study analyzing 46 million births across nearly three decades reveals a concerning pattern of maltreatment of non-white pregnant women, including disregarding their birthing wishes. The research suggests that medical induction of labor nearly tripled between 1990 and 2017 in the U.S., with no clear association with increased r...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

What makes “junk food” junk?

A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.

SourceNew York University·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateApr 27, 2023

Study unlocks potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment

Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Researchers from ISGlobal and LSHTM call for incorporating heat stress indices into communication of dangerous heat waves

Heat stress indices, such as humidex and apparent temperature, can provide a more accurate representation of health risks than expected temperatures alone. The study found that areas with critical conditions often differed from regions with the highest temperatures, emphasizing the need for improved communication of heat wave dangers.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 2023

Clean and green synthesis of isothioureas made possible via electrochemical three-component reaction

Researchers from China develop a clean and green synthesis of isothioureas via electrochemical three-component reaction using thiols, isocyanides, and amines. This method avoids heavy metal catalysis and stoichiometric oxidants, offering advantages in energy efficiency and waste minimization.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Synthesis and Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Why people include themselves in photos

Researchers found that first-person photos best represent physical experiences, while third-person photos depict deeper meanings. People intuitively choose perspective for self-representational goals, affecting photo satisfaction and personal motives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

School of Science researchers use AI to innovate insect discovery

A team of IUPUI researchers has developed an AI-powered approach to classify insect species, tackling the challenge of discovering new species. The method uses deep hierarchical Bayesian learning to distinguish between known and unknown species, providing insight into their taxonomy and ecosystem impacts.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2023

Fish’s growth is not reduced by spawning

A new article in Science challenges the notion that fish growth slows down when they spawn. Research by Dr. Pauly and Dr. Froese found that fish actually grow faster after reproducing, as their energy is redirected towards other activities. The study also notes that reproduction does not impact growth in mammals.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

Cryo-EM structures show how Trypanosomes escape the human innate immune response

Researchers at IOCB Prague have determined the first cryo-EM structures of a surface receptor of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in complex with human complement factor C3. This discovery sheds light on how the parasite avoids clearance from the human bloodstream and survives within the immune system.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease and left heart disease are not mutually exclusive

A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2023

NRG Oncology trial does not improve overall survival, but shows improvements in several clinical outcomes for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer

The study found that dose-escalated radiotherapy with short-term androgen deprivation therapy improved rates of biochemical failure, distant metastases, and prostate cancer-specific mortality. However, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint of improving overall survival for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 27, 2023

Patient-reported outcomes from an NRG Oncology study of androgen deprivation therapy with dose-escalated radiotherapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer show no clinically meaningful differences in scores at one year post-treatment

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that dose-escalated radiotherapy with short-term androgen deprivation therapy showed no significant impact on urinary or bowel quality of life for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. However, the treatment did significantly decrease hormone and sexual quality of lif...

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 27, 2023

Mandatory vs recommendation: Norway assessed mobility during times of mandatory and non-mandatory COVID-19 measures

Researchers found that non-mandatory measures had a greater impact on reducing travel distances and times, while mandatory measures only slightly affected these metrics. In contrast, strict metre rules and reopening of gyms increased distance travelled.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

UMD criminologist, Ph.D. alumnus find link between rising sea surface temps and piracy

A new study by UMD criminologist Gary LaFree and former graduate student Bo Jiang found a link between rising sea surface temps and piracy. Rising temps caused an increase in piracy attacks in East Africa, while decreasing temps led to decreases in piracy attacks in the South China Sea due to changes in fish production.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalWeather Climate and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

The future is foggy for Arctic shipping

A new study finds that Arctic shipping is plagued by increasing fog, which reduces visibility and causes costly delays. Ships crossing the Northwest Passage are more likely to encounter fog than those in the Northern Sea Route, leading to increased sailing times and costs.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 27, 2023

Selfies and other third-person photos help us capture the meaning of moments

New research suggests that people take different types of photos depending on their goal, with first-person photos capturing physical experiences and third-person photos revealing the bigger meaning. Researchers found that taking and posting pictures can help people reconnect to past experiences and build self-narratives.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Former EPA and NIEHS directors urge overhaul of WHO’s draft PFAS drinking water guidance

The World Health Organization's draft guidelines for PFAS in drinking water exceed recommended levels, ignoring decades of human health studies linking PFAS to cancer, liver damage, and immune system harm. Experts call for a complete overhaul or withdrawal of the guidance due to its 'arbitrary' technological basis.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 27, 2023

Study identifies risk factors associated with negative outcomes following lower extremity soft-tissue reconstruction after trauma

A multicenter study found diabetes to be associated with post-reconstruction limb loss and racial disparities in wound infection rates. The study also revealed that vascular interventions prior to reconstruction correlated with higher complication rates, as did free flap types, which led to longer hospital stays.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

Music therapy could help children with brain injuries

A new pilot study suggests rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve walking speed and quality of movement in children with severe acquired brain injuries. The technique, tested for the first time in this population, has been shown to facilitate smoother and more coordinated walking patterns.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Mason researchers explore techniques to successfully reintroduce captive birds into the wild

George Mason University researchers have identified key methods for successfully reintroducing captive birds into the wild, including exposing animals to wild food and providing supplemental feeding after release. Their study provides evidence-based support for exploring the use of behavior and its management as an influential tool in ...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

Climate change could drive more Zika and dengue epidemics and longer transmission seasons in Brazil, with a new model predicting Zika's R0 increasing up to 2.7

A new model predicts that climate change will lead to longer transmission seasons for Zika and dengue diseases in Brazil. The study found that warming temperatures could increase the basic reproduction number (R0) of Zika by up to 2.7, leading to more frequent epidemics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 27, 2023

Study: Sinking ground in parts of Chesapeake Bay area will worsen flooding from rising sea levels and storm surges

New research reveals that sections of the Chesapeake Bay are sinking at rates of nearly a quarter inch per year, exacerbating flooding risks from rising sea levels and storm surges. The study estimates that 454 to 600 square kilometers face a risk of flooding by 2100, highlighting the need for updated flood maps.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 27, 2023

Sounds from nature: A soothing remedy for gambling addiction

A study by Chiba University researchers found that nature sounds significantly reduced stress levels and improved mood in participants with pathological gambling. Exposure to digital nature sounds of insects lowered oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the prefrontal cortex, indicating physiological relaxation.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

How can we fight blood cancer more effectively?

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method called pharmacoscopy to test treatment options for multiple myeloma patients. This high-throughput screening platform analyzes the reactions of cancer cells to various treatments, offering personalized therapeutic strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2023

Infectious-diseases response initiative reduced staff burnout and helped prevent HAI increases at VA health care system during covid-19 pandemic

A serious infectious threat response initiative implemented by the Infection Prevention and Control team at Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System positively impacted IPC staff burnout and helped prevent an increase in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided support and servic...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeCase study·DateApr 27, 2023

Android-based application for photoacoustic tomography image reconstruction

A mobile application utilizing Python and a single-element ultrasound transducer has been developed for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) image reconstruction. The application successfully reconstructs high-quality images with signal-to-noise ratio values above 30 decibels, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource se...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 27, 2023

Genomes from 240 mammal species explain human disease risks

A large-scale genomic study of 240 mammal species reveals previously uncharacterized regulatory elements in the human genome, linked to disease risks and distinctive traits. The research provides insights into the evolutionary development of mammalian genomes and their potential applications in medical research.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Discovering hidden order in disordered crystals

A new material analysis method combines resonant X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR to reveal the chemical order of Mo atoms in disordered Ba7Nb4MoO20. The study provides valuable insights into how a material's properties, such as ion conduction, are influenced by its hidden chemical order.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

At least one in three family members of those with serious mental illness feel stigmatized

A new study by York University researchers reveals that one in three family members of those with serious mental illness experience stigma, feeling blame, failure, and loneliness. The study highlights the need to reach out to this marginalized group, who have been overlooked in previous research.

SourceYork University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 27, 2023

Elephant ecosystems in decline

More than 3 million sq km of Asian elephant habitat has been lost in 300 years, with suitable habitats cut by nearly two-thirds. The study suggests that the remaining elephant populations may not have adequate habitat areas, setting up a high potential for conflicts with people living in those areas.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

Researchers solve ancient mystery of Maya calendar

Ancient Mayans used an 819-day calendar that covered a much larger timeframe than previously thought. By increasing the calendar length to 20 cycles of 819 days, researchers found a pattern emerges in which the synodic periods of all visible planets align with station points in the larger calendar.

SourceTulane University·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

An innovative strategy for efficient wastewater treatment—— cross-stacked super-aligned carbon nanotube membrane

A new type of membrane separation technology is proposed for efficient wastewater treatment, which uses a nonpolar super-aligned carbon nanotube membrane to eliminate covalent-bonding-induced fouling. The membrane exhibits high selectivity and comparable permeability while achieving improved cleaning efficiency and oil/water separation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

NRG Oncology study results confirm conventional external beam radiotherapy should remain standard of care in treating localized vertebral metastases of the spine

The NRG Oncology study found that stereotactic radiosurgery was not superior to conventional external beam radiotherapy in terms of pain response, and even showed worse pain response at 3 months. Conventional radiotherapy remained effective with a 50-60% pain relief rate, but only lasting four months.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 27, 2023

The intestinal ecosystem directly affects anorexia

An international team of scientists discovered that a severe imbalance in the intestinal microbes and gut microbiome-produced metabolites may directly affect the development and retention of anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria produce less vitamin B1, leading to loss of appetite and various symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

The world’s first wood transistor

The team developed a working wood transistor that can regulate electric current without deteriorating, paving the way for wood-based electronics. The technology could potentially lead to applications such as regulating electronic plants, which is another strong research area at Linköping University.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2023

Maynooth University study finds the metabolic regulator MYC is defective in obesity

A Maynooth University study published in Science Signaling has found that the MYC protein is essential for MAIT cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and function. The researchers also discovered that MYC is defective in people with obesity, providing a mechanism to explain why MAIT cells are impaired in this condition.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023