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Science News for April 5, 2023


Hundreds of very shallow earthquakes detected in California’s Long Beach and Seal Beach

Seismic arrays in California's Long Beach and Seal Beach detected over 1,200 shallow earthquakes, showing the Newport-Inglewood fault splays widely at shallow depths. This suggests that a rupture to propagate to the surface may have multiple paths, implications for earthquake hazard planning.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

New 'smart layer' could enhance durability and efficiency of solid-state batteries

Researchers developed a new technique to make solid-state electrolytes safer and more efficient for solid-state batteries, addressing the dendrite growth problem. The new approach creates a barrier layer that slows down dendrite growth and promotes their quick elimination, making the battery safer and more reliable.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Black, Latino and other minoritized youth need better early psychosis care, SMU anthropologist learns

A recent study by SMU anthropologist Neely Myers found that ethnoracially minoritized youth are less likely to utilize early intervention programs and more likely to drop out once they begin. Culturally sensitive care can help, but family culture and language play a significant role in healthcare disparities.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers correlate Arctic warming to extreme winter weather in midlatitude and its future

A study by GIST researchers found that Arctic warming is correlated with severe winters in East Asia and North America. The 'Warm Arctic-Cold Continent' phenomenon will persist but become more difficult to predict under warmer climates.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Lifesaving drug for severe bleeding after childbirth could be made accessible for all, study suggests

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that intramuscular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is safe and quickly reaches therapeutic concentrations in pregnant women. Oral TXA was also well-tolerated but took an hour to reach therapeutic blood concentrations.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2023

Exposure therapy to feared foods may help kids with eating disorders

A new study suggests that exposure therapy can be an effective treatment for adolescents with eating disorders, particularly in reducing anxiety towards food. The study found that exposing patients to feared foods, such as candy bars and pizza, helped decrease their anxiety levels and improved their relationships with food.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateApr 5, 2023

Modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet may benefit adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by modifying biological pathways linked to the disease. The diet showed robust changes in gut microbiome and reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer's.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2023

Benin Bronzes are made of German brass

Researchers analyzed manillas and found a strong similarity between the metal composition of Benin Bronzes and Portuguese trade prior to the 18th Century. The consistency in metal composition suggests that African metalsmiths were selective about what metal they used, with German brass being the principle source.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

Air pollution is linked to lower COVID-19 vaccine responses

A study led by ISGlobal found that exposure to air pollution before the pandemic was associated with lower antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in uninfected individuals. The study measured IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies in participants exposed to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

Physician letters of recommendation are a key barrier to diversity at osteopathic medical schools

Research reveals that requiring a physician letter of recommendation acts as a barrier to admission, particularly for applicants from racial and ethnic groups. The study found that such schools had fewer applications and matriculants from all races and ethnicities, with significant underrepresentation of minority groups.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

A closer look at how environment influences physical activity

A systematic review of literature on physical activity found that the built environment and social factors have a significant influence on physical activity levels. The study identified gaps in research, particularly in understanding how social and built environments interact across communities and affect health disparities. Researcher...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateApr 5, 2023

Civil engineers use public satellite images to study why the Jagersfontein dam failed

A study by civil engineers at Wits University found that the Jagersfontein dam deviated from best engineering practice, with mine waste deposition on one side and significant erosion gullies. The study uses public satellite images to investigate the history of the dam and provides insights for preventing future failures

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Climate change: improved prediction of heatwaves thanks to AI

Researchers developed AI predicting heatwaves using 'deep learning' and statistical models, providing a probabilistic approach up to a month before arrival. The technology is trained on 8,000 years of weather data and combines with rare event simulation algorithms for improved forecasts

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023

Disruption from war in Ukraine pushes highly contagious infectious diseases to alarming levels

New research reveals a worrying picture of rising infectious disease cases in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, with shigellosis and viral meningitis incidence significantly higher than the national average. Childhood vaccination coverage has also plummeted, putting vulnerable populations at increased risk of severe illness and death.

Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia

The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateApr 5, 2023

Texas Children’s and Baylor College researchers use innovative dual-target deep brain stimulation approach to treat patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette Syndrome

A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a new dual-target DBS approach targeting two distinct brain regions to simultaneously treat OCD and TS. This approach allowed for optimal and sustained improvement in severe symptoms, providing hope for treatment-resistant patients.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2023

Job candidates with typo-laden resumes are up to 18.5 percentage points less likely to make it to interview, in part because they are judged by recruiters as having lower mental abilities, conscientiousness and interpersonal skills

Job candidates with typos on their resumes are less likely to get an interview due to being perceived as having lower mental abilities, conscientiousness, and interpersonal skills. This study found that a typo-laden resume can result in a 18.5 percentage point decrease in getting an interview invitation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2023

Pain out of control

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum's Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy found altered brain activity in patients with fibromyalgia, which may contribute to the disorder's characteristic inability to control pain. The research provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage Clinical·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

How were amino acids, one of the key building blocks of life, formed before the origin of life on Earth? Tiny particles from the near Earth asteroid Ryugu can help answer this profound question

Scientists measured and compared amino acid abundances with rocky components of Ryugu particles, demonstrating water's role in their formation. The results suggest more ice was present in the precursor of one particle than the other, which may have contributed to the high abundance of a specific amino acid.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Levies on Renewable Energy Profits could serve as a barrier to achieving Net Zero Targets in the UK

The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Law Review·DateApr 5, 2023

New study shows the potential of machine learning in the early identification of people with inflammatory arthritis

A Swansea University study reveals the potential of machine learning in identifying Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients, reducing diagnosis delays from eight years to earlier. The research uses a national data repository to develop a predictive model for AS detection, empowering GPs to refer patients more efficiently.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Teens who trust online information find it less stressful

Cornell University researchers found that teens' trust in COVID-19 news on social media is key to their well-being. Higher levels of trust are linked to a positive sense of social well-being and lower levels can lead to stress. News literacy programs are crucial for young people to discern fact-based sources from misinformation.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2023

Not all itches are the same, according to the brain

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that mechanical and chemical itch sensations are encoded by different brain pathways, which act together to drive chronic itch. The study reveals key molecules regulating these pathways and opens avenues for new therapies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Survey of allergists/immunologists reveals management of hereditary angioedema differs by region

A survey of allergists and immunologists reveals that diagnosing and treating hereditary angioedema can be challenging, particularly for patients in rural areas. Patients living in rural areas are more likely to face barriers to care, including longer travel times to reach medical facilities.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 5, 2023

Looking at magnets in the right light

A team of researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a novel method for X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy using a laser-driven plasma source. This breakthrough enables precise determination of magnetic moments in buried layers without damaging samples, and can monitor ultrafast magnetization processes.

Survival is a disgusting matter

A recent study published in Journal of Animal Ecology has identified disease avoidance strategies in various animal species, including humans. The research provides insights into how emotions like disgust help protect against diseases and has implications for human health and conservation efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

In bilingual readers, the visual cortex processes Latin and Chinese characters differently

A study found that bilingual readers process Latin and Chinese characters in different ways due to the formation of specialized cortical areas within the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA). In English-Chinese bilinguals, areas were only stimulated by recognition of Chinese logograms, while English-French bilinguals showed equal activation fo...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

AI cuts CT turnaround, wait times for positive pulmonary embolus

A new AI-powered worklist reprioritization tool has been shown to significantly reduce both report turnaround time and wait time for pulmonary embolus-positive CT pulmonary angiography examinations. The study found a reduction of 47.6 minutes in report turnaround time and 21.4 minutes in wait time, with no significant difference in rea...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

Vaccination against chickenpox is estimated to significantly reduce varicella cases and deaths in both children and adults and would be cost-effective, per a modelling study in Denmark, informing policymakers around routine immunization

A modelling study in Denmark found that universal varicella vaccination significantly reduces chickenpox-related cases and deaths in both children and adults. The study also showed cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, informing policymakers about routine immunization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 5, 2023

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries: Neutrons unveil sluggish charge transport

Researchers observed lithium ions wandering within composite cathodes, revealing limitations in ion delivery that affect battery performance. The findings suggest a previously overlooked development bottleneck for solid-state battery development, highlighting the need to enhance ion transport within cathode composites.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

A new type of photonic time crystal gives light a boost

A new type of photonic time crystal has been developed, showing that these artificial materials can amplify electromagnetic waves. This could lead to more efficient wireless communications and improved lasers., The creation of two-dimensional photonic time crystals makes them easier to fabricate and experiment with.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2023

Ultrasound activates anticancer agent

Researchers developed a complex that accumulates in tumour tissue and is activated by ultrasound waves, triggering the release of a toxic compound and eradicating tumours. This method could make cancer treatment less invasive and more effective for large and deep-seated tumours.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Creating a blueprint for optimized ear tubes and other implantable fluid-transporting devices

Researchers have developed a new ear tube design that combines liquid-infused materials with optimized geometry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ear infections. The design enables better performance and reduces complications such as impaired hearing and scarring of the eardrum.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

When SEC is challenged, CEOs notice

Research shows that SEC challenges can influence how CEOs and CFOs communicate with investors and analysts in private meetings. A study found that the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement depends on perception of the SEC's ability to enforce regulations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Study finds no association between diversification of U.S. police departments and clearance rates of crimes against minorities

A new study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee found that diversifying US police departments has no significant impact on clearing aggravated assaults against minorities. The study analyzed data from over 350 agencies and nearly 44,000 incidents, but found no association between diversity measures and clearance rates.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateApr 5, 2023

USC study: Disruptions in exports of grains from Ukraine and Russia cost the world’s economy more than $1.6 billion during the first year of war

A USC study finds that the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global grain markets, resulting in food insecurity and economic losses for the world's economy. The study estimates a $1.6 billion loss during the first year of the war.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Challenges and opportunities

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 5, 2023

A pioneering study led by UPF reveals the cerebral basis of non-verbal deductive reasoning

Researchers at UPF explored brain activation during deductive reasoning triggered by watching visual scenes, providing insight into thought format and structure. The study found similarities in brain regions activated for verbal and non-verbal tasks, highlighting the vital role of prefrontal and parietal networks.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023

Opening a new frontier: PdMo intermetallic catalyst for promoting CO2 utilization

Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Among untreated patients with COVID-19, combined symptom and viral rebound is rare

Researchers found that symptom and viral rebound are rare in untreated COVID-19 patients, with 26% experiencing symptom rebound and 31% experiencing viral rebound. However, short-term rebounds were common, and only a small percentage of participants experienced both symptom and high-level viral rebound.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

CABI Distribution Database contributes to synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks

The CABI Distribution Database contributed to a synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks in 2021, identifying 15 new pathogens reported in Asia, Europe, the USA, and other parts of the Americas. The study highlights the time lag between first reports of a pathogen being made and major disease outbreaks being observed.

SourceCABI·JournalPhytopathology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 5, 2023

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

A novel database, CycPeptMPDB, has been created to facilitate the development of drugs based on cyclic peptides. The database contains information on thousands of cyclic peptides and their membrane permeability values, enabling researchers to select candidate peptides that can penetrate human cell membranes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023