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Science News for April 28, 2023


Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Scientists identify antivirals that could combat emerging infectious diseases

Scientists have discovered potential broad-spectrum antivirals that target multiple families of RNA viruses, which pose a significant threat to future pandemics. The new agents showed promise in preventing and mitigating viral arthritis caused by Chikungunya virus and rescuing cells from harmful effects of other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Bentley University study shows NIH investment in new drug approvals is comparable to investment by pharmaceutical industry

A Bentley University study shows that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invests similarly to the pharmaceutical industry in bringing new drugs to market. The NIH spent $187 billion on research related to FDA-approved drugs between 2010-2019, with an average investment per approved drug of $1.7 billion.

SourceBentley University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 28, 2023

Crystal phase-dependent activity of MnGaOx observed in direct syngas to light olefins

Researchers observed strong crystal phase-dependent activity of MnGaOx in direct syngas conversion. The HCP oxide remained unchanged after reduction, while the FCC solid solution oxide transformed into a spinel structure with improved catalytic performance.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2023

Scientists from IOCB Prague move closer to developing a drug not only against monkeypox

Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.

Fallow land promotes bird diversity

A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2023

Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

New study looks at role of sleep disruption in dogs with dementia

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateApr 28, 2023

Pioneering MRI imaging method captures brain glucose metabolism without the need for administration of radioactive substances

A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 28, 2023

El Niño–Southern Oscillation correlates well with following-summer cloud-to-ground lightning in China

New research reveals a strong correlation between El Niño-Southern Oscillation and cloud-to-ground lightning in China. The study found that ENSO events, particularly La Niña, lead to enhanced cloud-to-ground lightning activity in North China and Northeast China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 28, 2023

First comprehensive care plan to prevent preeclampsia published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.

SourceMirvie·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2023

A sweet solution to a cracking problem: Scientists design new bio-inspired molecules to promote bone regeneration

Scientists developed novel sugar-based molecules that can enhance bone regeneration and outperformed standard biomaterials, indicating their potential for treating bone fractures and conditions. The new molecules were designed using computer simulations and tested in mice, showing a significant improvement in bone healing.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 28, 2023

Researchers monitor real-time single-breath exhaled hydrogen cyanide profiles

A new method has been developed to detect hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in exhaled breath, which is associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients. The flow-assisted photoionization mass spectrometry method enables real-time tracking of HCN concentrations, allowing for early screening and diagnosis.

Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production

Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Study finds ChatGTP outperforms physicians in providing high-quality, empathetic advice to patient questions

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that ChatGPT's responses were preferred by a panel of licensed healthcare professionals 79% of the time. The AI model was also rated higher in terms of quality and empathy, with good or very good quality responses being 3.6 times higher for ChatGPT than physicians.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

An artificial intelligence method for rapid plant phenotyping under complex conditions

Researchers developed an AI-based method to predict Fv/Fm ratios from chlorophyll a fluorescence without dark adaptation, improving plant phenotyping speed and accuracy. The LSSVM model showed excellent performance with high correlation coefficients and low root mean square errors.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2023

Ohio University professor Nancy Stevens helps uncover ecosystem evolution in Africa in paper published in Science

Researchers found evidence of abundant C4 grasses and habitat heterogeneity in eastern Africa, challenging previous reconstructions of early Miocene ecosystems. The study pushes back the oldest evidence of C4 grass-dominated habitats by over 10 million years, with implications for primate evolution and tropical ecosystem origins.

SourceOhio University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2023

Older drivers drinking or using drugs up to four times likelier to be at fault during a car crash

A new study found that older drivers who use substances are up to four times more likely to be at fault in a car crash. The research team suggests implementing risk awareness campaigns tailored for older adults and other measures such as improved road visibility, automatic safety features and licensing requirements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2023

New bean genome unveils potential to boost food security and resilience in drought-prone regions

African-led research sequenced the genome of a drought-resistant bean, paving the way for genetic improvements to promote widespread cultivation. The lablab bean offers nutritional and economic benefits, as well as improved soil fertility, making it an important crop for diversified food systems.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

6% of nations provide for citizens in just, sustainable manner

Researchers at Ohio State University found that only 6% of countries provide for all citizens in an ecologically sustainable way. The study measured the ecological and social impact of water and carbon use, finding that while 67% operate safely and sustainably in water use, only 9% do in carbon sequestration. The US is among the majori...

SourceOhio State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 28, 2023

Are the least social animals the most innovative?

A study by the University of Barcelona found that individuals less integrated in groups and more afraid of new objects were best at solving challenges. Dromedaries and goats were among the most skilled animals, with success rates of 86% and 69%, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Treatment of children with ADHD

A recent study reveals that many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not receiving adequate treatment. The findings highlight the need for improved communication and access to outpatient mental health care for children with ADHD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2023