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Science News for April 3, 2023


Freshwater turtles found basking in the moonlight

Researchers from La Trobe University observed freshwater turtles exhibiting nocturnal basking habits in various locations around the world. The study found that this behavior is widespread among several turtle species and occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, where water temperatures remain warm at night.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Use of monoclonal antibodies reduces death, hospitalization risk by more than one-third after COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

How two different types of immune cells help two billion people keep tuberculosis in check

Scientists discovered that B cells play a crucial role in controlling tuberculosis (TB) infections by directing helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells, to granuloma tissue in the lungs where they can activate macrophages. This finding holds promise for developing better treatments and vaccines for TB.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Who let the dingo out?

A team led by Bill Ballard has published a new study in GigaScience to propose Cooinda, an Alpine dingo, as the model specimen to represent a typical dingo. The study presents genomic and brain imaging data that sheds light on the evolutionary history of dingoes and their domestication process.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Generosity is left-wing

Research analyzing over 46,000 participants in 68 countries reveals that left-wing individuals are more likely to donate globally and show universalistic generosity, whereas right-leaning people focus on donating to their own country. The study also found that the quality of governance plays a significant role in shaping these behaviors.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Hidden ice melt in Himalaya: Study

A new study reveals that lake-terminating glaciers in the Himalaya have been significantly underestimated, leading to revised estimates of glacier mass loss. The research found a 6.5% underestimation, with some regions experiencing even greater discrepancies, highlighting critical implications for regional water resources.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 3, 2023

Calcium sensor helps us to see the stars

Researchers from PSI deciphered the structure of an ion channel found in the eye while interacting with calmodulin, a protein that enables cell response to calcium fluctuations. This interaction is believed to be responsible for achieving remarkable sensitivity to dim light.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Keeping COVID-19 in check likely to require periodic boosters

New research from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that updated booster shots targeting specific COVID-19 variants can elicit a broad antibody response capable of neutralizing new variants. Periodic boosters may be necessary to maintain population immunity as the virus continues to evolve.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Limiting warming to 2°C may avoid 80% of heat-related deaths in Middle East and North Africa

A new study models current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the MENA region, predicting a significant increase in deaths under high-emissions scenarios. Limiting warming to 2°C may prevent over 80% of these predicted deaths, highlighting the urgent need for better adaptation policies and renewable technologies.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateApr 3, 2023

A video-based decision support tool may aid decision-making for Black individuals considering ICD implantation

A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

Medicaid reimbursement for mental health varies widely across states

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a significant variance in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services across US states. The study found that Nebraska, Alaska, and Arkansas reimburse at the highest rates, while Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maine reimburse the least for the same set of services.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

People living with HIV at substantially higher risk of depression and suicide, especially in first 2 years after diagnosis

A nationwide study in Denmark found that people living with HIV are at double the risk of depression and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy compared to controls. Siblings of PLWH also face an increased risk of depression, use of antidepressants, and suicide, but lower than for PLWH.

Jet lag’s harmful health impacts found to be caused by biological clock misalignment

Research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that circadian disruption from jet lag can harm adult neurogenesis, which supports learning and memory. The study found that the Cryptochrome 1 gene regulates this process and that misalignment can lead to adverse health effects such as dementia and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Patients with schizophrenia have favorable surgical risk, opening the door for ethical consideration of neurosurgical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation

A study published in Frontiers in Surgery finds that patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have lower postsurgical mortality than those with Parkinson's disease, suggesting DBS as an ethical option for treatment-refractory cases. Comprehensive consideration of factors is done on a case-by-case basis for successful DBS.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Surgery·DateApr 3, 2023

Researchers reviewed recent progress of organic room-temperature phosphorescent materials towards application

Researchers summarize recent progress of organic RTP materials with long lifetime, large Stokes shift, stimuli-responsiveness and potential applications in display, environmental detection and bioimaging. Challenges to overcome include achieving high quantum yield, short lifetime and rich luminous colors.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 3, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans LA Tumor Registry releases 6th Census Tract Cancer Incidence Report

The LSU Health New Orleans Louisiana Tumor Registry released the sixth report of statewide cancer incidence rates by census tract, finding that 81% of tracts met criteria for all cancers combined. Census tracts with statistically higher incidence rates were found in parishes including Orleans, Lafourche, and St. Bernard.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

International research team analyzes February 2023 Ohio train derailment

An international research team examined the environmental risks and management of a February 2023 Ohio train derailment that burned vinyl chloride. The team suggests both underestimation and overestimation of environmental risk are unscientific, and proper risk assessment requires comprehensive monitoring data.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeNews article·DateApr 3, 2023

Galaxy clusters yield new evidence for standard model of cosmology

Researchers found consistent results between observations and theory, showing that clusters have become more centrally concentrated over time. The study provides strong support for the Lambda-CDM paradigm by demonstrating agreement between the observed and simulated concentration-mass relation of galaxy clusters.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 3, 2023

Researchers announce findings from landmark clinical trial for pediatric Crohn’s disease

Researchers from the University of North Carolina Health Care announce that patients receiving anti-TNF biologic treatments combined with methotrexate had better outcomes than those treated with adalimumab alone. The study, published in Gastroenterology, provides clear results that can immediately impact patient care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

A 21st-century remedy for missed meds

Researchers at Rice University have created a new technology called PULSED that can deliver time-released drugs and vaccines for extended periods. The technology uses high-resolution 3D printing and soft lithography to produce microcylinders made of biodegradable polymers, which can be loaded with drugs and release them over time.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Innovative method predicts the effects of climate change on cold-blooded animals

A Penn State-led research team developed a statistical method to predict the effects of climate change on cold-blooded animals. The Physiologically Guided Abundance Model (PGA Model) combines field and laboratory data to forecast species geographical distributions and abundance in response to warming temperatures.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2023

Cells refine palm fat into olive oil

Scientists have found that cells break down and reassemble fatty acids to create more beneficial variants, such as oleic acid. This process, called triglyceride cycling, refines poorly usable fatty acids into higher-quality forms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2023

Keeping competitors away drives colonization success in the plant microbiota

A study reveals that a bacterium produces two molecules to keep microbial competitors at bay, giving it an advantage in colonizing and dominating the root niche. This finding has implications for developing biologicals in agriculture and understanding the inner workings of the plant microbiota.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

April issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover genetic underpinnings of common disorders, a digital intervention for depression and anxiety in youth, and more

The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry features studies on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, autism, and stress-related disorders. A special issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy honors the work of Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 3, 2023

Public reporting has not improved German hospital quality

A study published in Health Affairs found that German hospitals with high quality ratings were more likely to decrease their quality levels, while those with low ratings improved. The authors recommend increasing public access to hospital quality information and promoting its use among referring physicians to drive quality improvement.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 3, 2023

Molecules precursors to life discovered in the Perseus Cloud

Scientists have detected various prebiotic molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and fullerenes, in the Perseus Molecular Cloud. The presence of these molecules near forming planets could contribute to the formation of complex organic molecules, potentially supplying ancient micro-organisms with the genetic code.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 3, 2023

Early menopause, later start to hormone therapy may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Nasal vaccine to prevent COVID-19 passes first tests

A new live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered through the nose has shown better immunity than injected vaccines in hamster models, reducing transmissibility. The vaccine stimulates local immunity by activating antibody immunoglobulin A and memory T cells, providing early protection against COVID-19.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells in young and aged individuals

Researchers found that lipid nanoparticles stimulate innate immune cells more efficiently in younger individuals, but less so in older adults. The study suggests that understanding the immune response to LNPs can help develop strategies to improve vaccine responses in the aged population.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

RAPID imaging provides numerous opportunities with deep learning

Researchers developed a new reconstruction method for 3D imaging using integrated circuits, enabling non-destructive nanoscale imaging. The approach uses X-ray ptychographic tomography and deep learning to reduce acquisition time and improve fidelity, with potential applications in IC imaging, biology, and material science.

New research could spur broader use of 2D materials

Researchers have overcome a significant barrier to using 2D materials by designing covalent organic frameworks that retain their mechanical properties even when stacked into multiple layers. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including filtration and battery technology.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

Remember me? Gender, race may make you forgettable

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out in memory, but also increases the likelihood of confusion when others share similar attributes. The findings suggest that biases in memory may contribute to discrimination and have significant implications for career adv...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateApr 3, 2023

Good physical fitness does not protect children from obesity-related low-grade inflammation

A recent study by the University of Jyväskylä found that good physical fitness in children does not reduce low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in childhood obesity. Higher body fat percentage and waist circumference were strongly associated with higher low-grade inflammation levels.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 3, 2023

Cognitive impairment in people living with HIV not made worse by COVID-19 in those who are vaccinated, US study suggests

A recent US study found that people living with HIV performed worse on cognitive tests after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those without HIV, but these differences were attributable to HIV rather than COVID-19. However, vaccinated individuals experienced declines in processing speed following COVID-19.

New study reveals thousands of prenatal supplements fail to provide adequate nutrition for pregnant women and babies

A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 3, 2023

Warming Arctic draws marine predators northwards

Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2023

Cold is beneficial for healthy aging

Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Smart watches could predict higher risk of heart failure

A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Fast light pulse triggers charge transfer into water

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have observed a sudden change in pH value after a proton is released from pyranine molecules excited by light. The study used new technology to capture the process in real-time, revealing an oscillation that subsides over time and promotes excited-state proton transfer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Older adults perceive artificial intelligence as more human-like than younger adults do

A recent Baycrest study found that older adults are less able to distinguish between computer-generated and human speech compared to younger counterparts. This diminished ability could be related to older adults' reduced capacity to recognize emotions in speech, highlighting the need for AI-related training programs.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalInternational Journal of Speech Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Rising temperatures alter ‘missing link’ of microbial processes, putting northern peatlands at risk

Climate change is expected to impact northern peatlands, a key carbon storage ecosystem. A recent study found that rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels can disrupt the delicate balance between nitrogen fixation and methane oxidation, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length clarified

A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Spike protein implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, Brazilian study finds

A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.

Privately sponsored refugees likely to receive better prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Canada

A new study published in CMAJ found that privately sponsored refugees were more likely to receive adequate prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Ontario. The study analyzed data from over 5000 pregnant women and found a significant difference in the use of prenatal care services between the two groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Src heterodimerically activates Lyn or Fyn to serve as targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosis and treatment

The study found that Ponatinib inhibits Src-mediated ESCC malignancy with no toxic effect on normal cells. Src interacts with Fyn or Lyn to form heterodimers, which play a key role in ESCC development. Overactivation of specific tyrosine residues can be used as biomarkers for ESCC prognosis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023